Calorie debate

W

winsomehill

Cathlete
I have found these two opposing viewpoints on how much is the right amount of calories.
It seems there are all these people who depending on your size would have you eat between 1000 - 1500 calories. And then others who say that's way too low and it' more like 2000 - 2300.
Which is it?
What do you all think?
If you want to lose weight, be healthy, and have fitness gains.
Heather
 
If you are trying to lose fat, go lower (but not lower than 1200...ever!) Once you go under 1200, your body isn't getting enough and goes into "starvation mode" where it hoards fat and makes it harder to lose.

If you are trying to gain muscle, you can go higher. To get bigger muscles, you need more protein, etc.

-Becky
 
I have heard 1500 is the new low for ladies who workout several times a week. On other forums I have read that most ladies stick with around 1800 calories a day and lose. Other ladies can eat 2000+ and lose. I guess it depends on the intensity of your workouts and muscle mass.

I belong to the Self Diet Club it is free to subscribers of Self mag. It says for me to lose 2lbs a week I should consume 1700 calories a day.

Different websites have calorie calculators you could try. Or you could keep a journal and trying eating different calorie counts to see what works for you. Good luck. Counting calories stinks.x(

Jenn
 
I agree with Jenn, it depends on how much you are working out. I can tell when I go to low because I am too tired and have no energy. I don't count calories, but have a general idea of what each meal is. Melissa
 
I've found it's really a matter of experimentation. Every body is different, which is why I believe the calculators are all so different. I, myself, have calculated my TDEE to be anywhere from 2000-2300 calories. That's a BIG difference! I have found, though, that even though I've heard 1400 is a bare minimum for those who workout, it's too low for my body. It goes into starvation mode that low. I've been gradually increasing the # of calories I eat 'til I get to a level that suits my body. I'm currently doing 1600 this week. It also makes a big difference if those are "clean" calories or not. If I eat clean, I'm much fuller and feel great. Even eating the same # of calories, but not all clean, I sometimes gain weight (probably water weight from the processed food and sodium). I definitely wouldn't go too low, but pick something you think you can live with and experiment 'til you find that perfect combo for your body :) HTH!

Carol
 
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