> Incidentally, I
> think women have to use a lower rule -- something like 12-13 cal/lb. to
> break even -- because of different body composition.  Obviously,
> activity patterns also throw the rule off.

I dunno, Todd --- I think it's more complicated than this.  According to
the above  formula, I would be gaining weight if I consumed more than
1400-1500 calories a day.  Now, I'm no expert at calorie-counting, but I
think I'm eating eat a *heck* of a lot more food than that (and always
have): three full meals a day plus an afternoon snack, and I never skimp
on the fat --- nuts, avocadoes, all the fat with my meat or fish, lots
of eggs (fried in lots of butter), gobs of homemade mayonnaise, salads
drenched in olive oil, etc.  I think we're looking at quite a few
calories here, and my weight is very stable at 115 pounds.

And I don't work out or run marathons or any of that stuff --- who has
time <bg>?  I'm just a busy mom/organic farmer --- keeping up with three
young kids and running a farm is all the fitness program I need!

Pat