I researched those calorie calculators and they say that I should have at least 2100 calories per day based on my weight, height and activity level if I want to lose 2 pounds a week. Currently, I consume 1500 a day except on the weekends when I consume about 3000. My question is why is the weight coming off so slowly? I know if I consumed 2100 per day then I would gain weight. My appetite has weened since I started moderating my food intake. I don't think I could eat 2100 per day.
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H&R Moderators: streaM Freak
Eating more calories question
- Thread starter drdmike
- Start date
I'll throw a few things out there real quick. I know I'm a "Greenlighter" here but I am a certified trainer and sports nutritionist.
Take those calorie counters with a grain of salt. Everyone is different. Also, what and when you eat matters, the IIFYM strategy doesn't always work well for weight loss. Spread out your meals evenly. Don't eat too much before bed. Exercise every day, especially cardio. Keep up with the nutrition and be patient! Slow progress is what will get you where you want. Your weight has a 'set point' that takes time to be adjusted. Slow and steady wins the race.
Take those calorie counters with a grain of salt. Everyone is different. Also, what and when you eat matters, the IIFYM strategy doesn't always work well for weight loss. Spread out your meals evenly. Don't eat too much before bed. Exercise every day, especially cardio. Keep up with the nutrition and be patient! Slow progress is what will get you where you want. Your weight has a 'set point' that takes time to be adjusted. Slow and steady wins the race.
Foreigner
Bluelight Crew
Using calories to judge weight loss is a confusing method.
You're not trying to lose weight, you're trying to increase density. Muscle weighs more than fat so a lean looking person might not weigh a whole lot less than someone who is in the "overweight" category. What you're actually trying to do is go from low density to high density, not more weight to less weight.
If you starve yourself, you're likely going to suffer a rebound reaction when you go back to normal calorie levels. Starvation increases cortisol, which alters your body's metabolism to store more calories. I don't think it's cut and dry though... like, you can eliminate SOME calories, but 1500/day is not that much for a big, grown man. There's also the problem of calorie restriction causing deficiency in the bodily organs, which slows metabolism, which leads to more weight gain later.
You need to focus on exercise, moderating calories, and most importantly eating a nutrient rich diet. The more high quality nutrition your body absorbs, the more efficient your metabolism will become. Weight loss is like 30% exercise and 70% diet. For exercise, building more muscle will densify the tissues, and muscle will burn more fat. Cardio will keep circulation primed, and aerobic metabolism burning some of the fat.
Just don't starve yourself. It's pointless.
You're not trying to lose weight, you're trying to increase density. Muscle weighs more than fat so a lean looking person might not weigh a whole lot less than someone who is in the "overweight" category. What you're actually trying to do is go from low density to high density, not more weight to less weight.
If you starve yourself, you're likely going to suffer a rebound reaction when you go back to normal calorie levels. Starvation increases cortisol, which alters your body's metabolism to store more calories. I don't think it's cut and dry though... like, you can eliminate SOME calories, but 1500/day is not that much for a big, grown man. There's also the problem of calorie restriction causing deficiency in the bodily organs, which slows metabolism, which leads to more weight gain later.
You need to focus on exercise, moderating calories, and most importantly eating a nutrient rich diet. The more high quality nutrition your body absorbs, the more efficient your metabolism will become. Weight loss is like 30% exercise and 70% diet. For exercise, building more muscle will densify the tissues, and muscle will burn more fat. Cardio will keep circulation primed, and aerobic metabolism burning some of the fat.
Just don't starve yourself. It's pointless.
ilikestims
Bluelighter
drdma said:
Because change is a threat to your body. Your body's response to your sudden starvation is to hoard what little intake you have.