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traineo Community / Diet & Nutrition Tips / How many calories should I consume?
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Matt Richards
traineo Regular
Posts: 49
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 # Posted: 28 Sep 2007 15:09


I have been to many different websites to try and figure out my ideal caloric intake for the day. I am amazed at how many of them are suggesting that I should eat more than 2500 or sometimes more than 3000 calories a day if I want to lose weight. I think that seems like an awful lot. In fact, since I've started eating right and getting in shape, I have been consuming roughly 1500-1700 calories a day and I feel completely satisfied by that. Are those large figures off, or am I undereating? Has anyone else noticed this? Thanks in advance!

(btw, I'm a 22 yr old male, 5'10", 206 lbs)
Dean Grimshawe
Fitness Guru
Posts: 1182
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 # Posted: 28 Sep 2007 15:35


Anyone who has heard my spiel before will know how little I believe in counting calories.

However, if you really want a textbook answer, your metabolic rate is around about your bodyweight in lbs multiplied by 13, which I make to be 2678 Cal. This implies the amount of energy you need to eat to stay the same weight. To lose weight you should subtract 500 (2178 Cal) or to gain weight you should add 500 (3178 Cal).

Like I said, I don't personally support this approach as calorie counting is a bit like reading your star sign. There may be some substance to the idea of it, but the general approach is not enough to satisfy your individual situation.
Matt Richards
traineo Regular
Posts: 49
Post History
 # Posted: 28 Sep 2007 15:44 - Edited by: cepster


Thanks for the reply. Its good to hear somebody say that about counting calories because I was starting to get a little down on the idea myself. Its also good to know that I'm not supposed to be eating 3000 calories a day (that's a ridiculously high amount!). I think my goal is to journal my food intake to keep my diet in check, but not live or die solely by the caloric content. Thanks again for the input!
Dean Grimshawe
Fitness Guru
Posts: 1182
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 # Posted: 28 Sep 2007 16:05


I gave a quick response about 'set points' and the such like on a recent Overtraining post. Check that out if you want a rough idea about my idea of calorie counting.

If you want me to further explain myself, I am always available to message direct.

Take care pal

Dean
Jeff West
Fitness Guru
Posts: 237
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 # Posted: 28 Sep 2007 17:11


I'm sure the USDA and National Cattlemen's Beef Association would be pleased if you consumed 3000 calories per day.

In addition to metabolism, there's activity level. Are you sitting behind a desk all day or laying bricks? Also, with intake that low, watch them empty calories. You’re near the low safe end (something around 1400 calories for men) with regards to getting sufficient nutrients.

Cheers.
Apollo Lee
traineo Regular
Posts: 52
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 # Posted: 29 Sep 2007 19:52


You're fine at that intake level, if you exercise moderately and eat the right stuff. 1500 - 1700 calories a day is about what I eat.

In the last eight weeks, doing lots of low intensity walking slow burns, as well as high intensity ass kicking CrossFit workouts and other bodyweight stuff, I've gone from 196 pounds on July 27 to 175.5 today. That's probably as fast as you'd ever want to lose weight.

My goal is 165, but it might get adjusted downward, before I try to bulk up.

Also, remember that all this stuff is like sailing. You're not always on course 100% of the time. But, once in a while, you take your position, the wind, and your destination, and continually adjust your course to get you where your headed. And when a storm comes along, you don't furl your mainsail and give up. You plot your course to suit the conditions. Onward!
Cindy N
Fitness Guru
Posts: 733
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 # Posted: 29 Sep 2007 20:13


Nice analogy, Apollo!
Ian Sawlor
traineo Regular
Posts: 63
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 # Posted: 2 Oct 2007 13:55


wow, according to that calculation my caloric intake should be around 3500. . . having just spent about 4 months at < 1000 per day(very stupid I know), I find it tough to even meet 2500 without feeling like I'm going to explode!
Splint Chesthair
Fitness Guru
Posts: 471
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 # Posted: 2 Oct 2007 14:31


Quoting: apollo
In the last eight weeks, doing lots of low intensity walking slow burns, as well as high intensity ass kicking CrossFit workouts and other bodyweight stuff, I've gone from 196 pounds on July 27 to 175.5 today. That's probably as fast as you'd ever want to lose weight.


Lol, I started incorporating the high intensity Crossfit workouts and bodyweight stuff as well (100 Burpee Challenge ) I've seen pretty similar results myself. I started in July around 205 with 28% BF, today I'm 181 with 18.5% BF. That's a huge amount of fat loss compared to a measly 3 pounds of lean body mass, most of which would have been used lugging that extra 25 pounds of fat around.
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