Getting started again - last 10 lbs

jubial
jubial Posts: 5 Member
in Getting Started
Hey guys!

I am starting up my diet again and need some advice. In high school I use to weigh 180 (at 5'7) and during my four years there dropped down to 136. I have tried to get down to around 126 but was never able to lose the weight. I tried to diet off and on through out college, but here I am my senior year and I am still at 136. (Haven't gained a pound at least!)

My question is. How many calories should I be eating? I just started (as in this week) eating around 1300 plus exercising daily. I usually do 45 minutes on the elliptical and 20 strength training. (Upper body one time and lower body the next). Is this okay? Should I be eating more or less calories?

I am also confused on the whole eating back calories thing. If I eat 1300 and then burn 300 at the gym, that would leave me at 1000 for the day. Is that bad? Someone told me that might be hurting my weight loss. I'm confused. :( Back when I was 180 I just needed to cut down soda and pizza and the weight left like crazy. :3 Now that alone isn't cutting it lol.

Any tips?!

Replies

  • clarabellejune
    clarabellejune Posts: 2
    If you burn 300 calories during your workout, you need to eat 300 more calories.

    If you're ending up with 1000 calories at the end of the day, that's too little.

    If you're exercising 5 days a week you should be getting at least 1500 calories.

    http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm
  • jubial
    jubial Posts: 5 Member
    Thanks! Yah I have used a few different calculators but they all give me vastly different numbers. All I know is 1300 leaves me really hungry and that's with the high protein foods I am eating. I'll try upping my calories a little.

    Also, is it good to alternate the amount of calories I eat every day or keep it the same?
  • clarabellejune
    clarabellejune Posts: 2
    I think if you're hungry you shouldn't ignore that. Eat a little more especially since you're exercising frequently. In my experience, going too low with the calories and being hungry leads to irritability and serious cravings.

    As for varying your caloric intake, I have no idea. My guess is find how much is right for you, then keep it pretty consistent.
  • steffer20
    steffer20 Posts: 65 Member
    you should increase your calories.

    You should always eat back your exercise calories.

    you can alternate calories, if you want. but mostly keep it consistent. ( for me it helps with my weight loss.( tricking the body type thing).

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