calories per day
01-12-2011, 12:51 AM
#1
FitDay Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 3
calories per day
I started with this site just last week and was amazed at how many calories I took in on a normal basis so I immediately started to cut back. Now I am paying attention to everything I put in my mouth. The bad thing is that after a few days I am finding myself getting by on 900-1000 calories a day. I am not hungry and I don't feel deprieved so is this a bad thing. I filled my fridge with lots of good food that had plenty of protein and fiber. At this point I would find it hard to increase my calories. I have lost 3 pounds in a week. This seems reasonable. I need opinions?
01-12-2011, 01:31 AM
#2
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,083
Hi there! I'm glad to hear that logging your food was so helpful. It really is an eye-opener, isn't it?!
My thoughts on your questions: generally, doctors say that a 1-2 pound loss per week is the safest and most likely to last. However, if you are just starting, or if your weight is pretty significant to begin with, your weekly losses will naturally be bigger.
About the calories, everyone is different. Some say that under 1200 or so, your body starts to slow down the metabolism to conserve, making it harder to lose. Others say that is not true. There are people on this site who are examples of both, so it is not an absolute. If it works for you, do it, as long as your nutrition is okay. I will say, though, that the fewer calories you take in, the harder it may be to sustain. You want to look at this as a lifestyle change, not a diet to go on and off, and whatever you change to should be something you can keep up forever.
And a big thumbs up on the protein and fiber!!!!!!!!
My thoughts on your questions: generally, doctors say that a 1-2 pound loss per week is the safest and most likely to last. However, if you are just starting, or if your weight is pretty significant to begin with, your weekly losses will naturally be bigger.
About the calories, everyone is different. Some say that under 1200 or so, your body starts to slow down the metabolism to conserve, making it harder to lose. Others say that is not true. There are people on this site who are examples of both, so it is not an absolute. If it works for you, do it, as long as your nutrition is okay. I will say, though, that the fewer calories you take in, the harder it may be to sustain. You want to look at this as a lifestyle change, not a diet to go on and off, and whatever you change to should be something you can keep up forever.
And a big thumbs up on the protein and fiber!!!!!!!!
01-13-2011, 04:55 AM
#3
FitDay Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 48
Hello,
I agree that the changes you make should be something you can maintain for the long haul; considering it a lifestyle change and not just a "diet". That being said. I have lost about 10 lbs since Nov. 29 (137 to 126.6) by drastically reducing my caloric intake. Mostly it's because I am eating lots of fruits and vegetables, taking care of my protein thru milk, yogurt and lentels. I am am by an large a vegetarian who, unfortunately, relied on bread and pasta too much. Now, I am going for helpings of fruits and veggies before other items on the menu and find that I am feeling fine. My caloric intake is about 1000 a day right now. I found that after 3 weeks, my weight began to plateau and I knew I would not really lose more weight without getting some cardio to help my slow metabolism. Although I it has only been a short time, I feel like I have shifted my attitude to where I do not feel "deprived" by the meal plan I currently have.
So, I would agree that if it is working for you, and you are making sure you are not neglecting your nutritional needs, don't sweat the calorie number. But do ask your self, is this something I could do for the long haul?
Good luck!
I agree that the changes you make should be something you can maintain for the long haul; considering it a lifestyle change and not just a "diet". That being said. I have lost about 10 lbs since Nov. 29 (137 to 126.6) by drastically reducing my caloric intake. Mostly it's because I am eating lots of fruits and vegetables, taking care of my protein thru milk, yogurt and lentels. I am am by an large a vegetarian who, unfortunately, relied on bread and pasta too much. Now, I am going for helpings of fruits and veggies before other items on the menu and find that I am feeling fine. My caloric intake is about 1000 a day right now. I found that after 3 weeks, my weight began to plateau and I knew I would not really lose more weight without getting some cardio to help my slow metabolism. Although I it has only been a short time, I feel like I have shifted my attitude to where I do not feel "deprived" by the meal plan I currently have.
So, I would agree that if it is working for you, and you are making sure you are not neglecting your nutritional needs, don't sweat the calorie number. But do ask your self, is this something I could do for the long haul?
Good luck!
