The need for various amounts and types of food according to a person’s use of energy. It is calculated that an average healthy man (154 lb or 70 kg) performing light to moderate muscular work requires 2700 kcal/day, while an average healthy woman (128 lb or 58 kg) requires 2000 kcal/day. These needs are met through the intake of carbohydrate, protein, and fat. An estimation of the protein requirement for the average adult is 1 g of protein per day for each kilogram of their ideal weight. Generally, a woman requires fewer calories per day than a comparably active man because of her smaller build. Sedentary individuals generally require fewer calories. On a body weight basis, children and pregnant women require more calories than predicted to support growth and development. Febrile patients have an increased basal energy expenditure of about 12% for each degree centigrade of fever. It is generally agreed that a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains and has adequate minerals (including calcium) and vitamins is superior to diets that are rich in fats and sugars.