Subtracting 500 calories from what you're already eating? Lose weight?!
Question: Hi everyone!
I have a question about losing weight. Right now, I'm in pretty good shape, but would really like to shed a couple extra pounds. I have been working very hard in the gym (5-6 days a week), and choosing healthier foods. I read that in order to lose weight, you're supposed to subtract 500 calories from what you're already eating. The problem with that is that I wasn't eating a ton of calories to begin with (probably 1600-1700). If I subtract 500 calories from what I was already eating, I would be down to a calorie intake that could put me into starvation mode. So what do I do now?
Answers: Hi everyone!
I have a question about losing weight. Right now, I'm in pretty good shape, but would really like to shed a couple extra pounds. I have been working very hard in the gym (5-6 days a week), and choosing healthier foods. I read that in order to lose weight, you're supposed to subtract 500 calories from what you're already eating. The problem with that is that I wasn't eating a ton of calories to begin with (probably 1600-1700). If I subtract 500 calories from what I was already eating, I would be down to a calorie intake that could put me into starvation mode. So what do I do now?
If you are working out that much (5-6 x a week) I wouldn't worry about eating any less!! You need those calories for energy! You would be starving your body, and it will begin to 'store' everything it can. You may feel lethargic, tired, nauseous, and get headaches. I would just continue on the way you are going now! It sounds like a good plan you have, so I wouldn't worry about eating less!
I really enjoy what finally got me off the sweets and eating less and exercising more. Part of what I do is the beachbody.com P90X dvd workout...fabulous... The other thing I do is the subconscious motivational recordings from www.independentachievement.com The one for eating half portions sounds like a way for you to cut 500 calories very easily. Both have gotten me to where I wanted to be weight and fitness wise.