For every pound of muscle, how many additional daily calories are recommended?

• A. 10-15 calories
• B. 25-30 calories
• C. 40-50 calories
• D. 60-70 calories

Answer: (B)

Muscle tissue is metabolically active, so adding muscle raises your daily energy expenditure even at rest. A practical guideline is about 25-30 extra calories per day for every pound of muscle you've gained. This range accounts for the maintenance costs of new tissue, including protein turnover and glycogen storage, helping you support growth without gaining excessive fat. Individual factors like age, sex, hormones, training intensity, and total activity can shift the exact number, but 25-30 calories per pound is a widely used starting point for lean-mass goals. If progress slows or fat gains appear, you can adjust upward or downward based on how your body responds.