Daily Calorie Totals

_tierachanel

I'm 23 years old, 5'9, and 211 pounds.

I have my calorie daily total set at 1,600 calories but I'm lucky if I even hit 1,000 some days. Am I doing more harm than good but eating that low an amount of calories??

melaniecheeks

Over a prolonged period of time - yes. Your body will struggle to get all the nutrition it needs on less than 1200.

galgenstrick

Yes, I try to hit with 100 of my goal. If you're under 1200 you're likely to lose more lean body mass.

leggup

You're going to lose more muscle than you would if you ate in the 1,200-1,600 calorie range. Muscle helps you look good. It's better to lose the weight slowly and retain as much muscle as possible.

You're also probably missing out on vital vitamins and minerals if you're eating under 1,000 calories.

jkwolly

britishbroccoli wrote: »

You're going to lose more muscle than you would if you ate in the 1,200-1,600 calorie range. Muscle helps you look good. It's better to lose the weight slowly and retain as much muscle as possible.

You're also probably missing out on vital vitamins and minerals if you're eating under 1,000 calories.

This and this

Eat calorie dense foods if you're not hungry, you'll get up to 1600 no problem.

_tierachanel

Thanks everyone. I'm not trying to eat 1,000 or less. It just happens sometimes. I've been trying to eat veggies and lean meats and for breakfast i'll have a smoothie made with fruits and veggies. Watching my portions. Sometimes I'm just not that hungry.

SueInAz

jkwolly wrote: »

britishbroccoli wrote: »

You're going to lose more muscle than you would if you ate in the 1,200-1,600 calorie range. Muscle helps you look good. It's better to lose the weight slowly and retain as much muscle as possible.

You're also probably missing out on vital vitamins and minerals if you're eating under 1,000 calories.

This and this

Eat calorie dense foods if you're not hungry, you'll get up to 1600 no problem.

+1

If you're having trouble meeting your calorie goals add more healthy fats into your diet. It's the easiest way to add calories without bulk. For example, avocado is great to add to salads and other foods.

malibu927

Add in some calorie dense items to bring your calories up. Nuts, nut butters, dairy, avocados, oils, and the list goes on...

macgurlnet

Are you weighing foods with a scale? If not, I definitely recommend you pick one up and start doing so - that will allow you to get an accurate look at how much you're eating.

If you're still under 1000 calories, you need to make sure you're eating at least 1200. Calorie dense foods (like nuts and nut butters!) are good ways to up your calorie intake a little if need be

~Lyssa

_tierachanel

Thanks again. I do have a scale and I weigh everything. It's just with my crazy work schedule it's difficult to find time to eat sometimes. I think ill start taking pre-portioned bags of almonds into work. Get my calories in that way.