Calorie Dilema!

[clmoser]

Ok...so here is the nitty gritty outline of my workouts. I hit the gym every morning (expect Sunday) at about 6:00 am. I spend 30 minutes doing intense weight lifting then, immediately following that, I do 30 minutes of cardio...usually 15 minutes on the Elliptical or Stair Climber, followed by 15 minutes of HIIT on the Treadmill.

Here is my problem, I have been keeping track of what I eat online (at http://caloriecount.about.com/) for about 2 weeks now. My goal was to get about 1275 Cals a day, and long term goal was to lose 20 lbs. Here is my challenge, I eat 6 small meals a day and consistenly don't take in 1275...on average I am taking in about 1098. Are the 200 calories that I am missing a big deal?

In the last two weeks I have lost 4 lbs...good start, but I don't want to experience a plateau or, even worse, gain it back!

Let me know what you think...any comments would be appreciated.

[clmoser]

On average I eat about 96 grams of carbs, 127 grams of protein, and 37 grams of fat per day.

Thanks!

[chiseled1]

That's a pretty low calorie count--Diets that low tend to be drastic measures used in community weight loss for obese individuals. Can I ask why you want to lose so much? You look pretty jacked in your pic.

[clmoser]

Well, while I was growing up, my weight was always at about 130. When I hit 27...I think the metabolism brakes went right to the floor. I gained about 20 lbs in 9 months. I was really surprised and a little dissappointed in myself.

I like the idea of being back at 130. It was the weight I was in high school and through out most of my time in the military.

[MAK060]

u r crazy, my little sister eats more than 1000cals. ur body`s growing u cant just go back to 130lbs which u were at high-school, it will be unhealthy...

[chiseled1]

That is an unhealthy calorie level bud, even for an inactive individual. Look how active you are! Did you ever think that that weight you put on was muscle? Don't worry about your caloric intake and keep training hard and you will be golden. You gotta get those calories up though, or your going to lose all your muscle you've worked for.

[xMichaelx]

This page (http://www.leehayward.com/calorie_calculator.htm) will tell you how many calories you need for maintenance (use the Harris Benedict formula).

Subtract 300-500 cals from that, and that's what you want to eat everyday to lose weight in a healthy way.

I guarantee it will be A LOT more than 1200 calories!!

Good luck!

[mcdbb]

There is no way that is enough. Ballpark you should be between 1800-2200 at that activity level.

1,000 calories puts you at 50%.

Do you find yourself getting sleepy, not having enough energy?

[matthor]

double all your macros and you'll have a much better diet (tho protein could be sacrificed after 180g for carbs)

[clmoser]

Thanks everybody! I knew I wasn't taking in enough. I think I get overzealous at times.

You guys are awesome! I'm actually taking a look at that leehayward.com calorie calculator right now. Thanks for the great info!