How Many Calories Should I Eat for Breakfast?

Find out how many calories to eat for breakfast based on your goals. Science-backed ranges for weight loss, maintenance, and active lifestyles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 500 calories too much for breakfast?
Not necessarily. For moderately active adults on a 2,000-calorie diet, 500 calories is the upper end of the recommended range. Active individuals or those eating 2,500 or more calories per day may need 500 to 600 calories at breakfast to fuel their morning properly.
How should I split my calories between meals?
A common and research-supported split is 25 to 30 percent of daily calories at breakfast, 35 to 40 percent at lunch, and 25 to 30 percent at dinner. On a 2,000-calorie diet, that means roughly 400 to 600 calories for breakfast.
Can eating a bigger breakfast help with weight loss?
Research suggests yes. A 2013 study in Obesity found that women who ate a larger breakfast and smaller dinner lost significantly more weight and had better metabolic markers than those who did the reverse, even at the same total calorie intake.
How many calories should breakfast be on a 1,500-calorie diet?
On a 1,500-calorie diet, breakfast should be roughly 375 to 450 calories, which represents 25 to 30 percent of your daily intake. Focus on protein and fiber to maximize satiety within that calorie budget.
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