Thermic Effect of Feeding Calculator

This calculator estimates the number of calories your body burns after eating food due to the Thermic Effect of Feeding (TEF). TEF is the increase in metabolic rate after ingestion of a meal.

Input Parameters

Calculation Results

Calculation Formula

TEF = Calories Consumed × TEF Percentage

Where:
TEF (Thermic Effect of Feeding) is typically around 10-15% of the calories consumed.
For more accurate results, adjust the TEF percentage based on macronutrient composition of the meal.

Calories Burned from TEF

Percentage of BMR

Thermic Effect of Feeding Calculator Calculator Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Thermic Effect of Feeding Calculator and its working principles

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the number of calories you consumed in the meal.
  2. Input your body weight in kilograms (kg).
  3. Provide your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) in calories per day.
  4. Click the "Calculate" button to see the estimated calories burned due to the Thermic Effect of Feeding.

Understanding Thermic Effect of Feeding (TEF)

TEF is the increase in metabolic rate after ingestion of a meal. It represents the energy required for digestion, absorption, and assimilation of nutrients. On average, TEF accounts for 10-15% of the calories consumed, but this can vary based on macronutrient composition:

  • Proteins have the highest TEF (20-30%)
  • Fats have the lowest TEF (0-3%)
  • Carbohydrates fall in between (5-10%)

Why is TEF Important?

Understanding TEF can help in managing weight loss and gain goals. Since your body burns more calories digesting protein-rich foods, incorporating adequate protein in your diet may help increase overall calorie expenditure.

Limitations

This calculator uses an average TEF of 12%. For more accurate results, consider adjusting based on the specific macronutrient composition of your meal. TEF can vary based on individual factors such as age, sex, body composition, and meal frequency.