Undereating for years?

Indochic74

So, I'm trying to lose weight and have set up my calorie goals etc (1400 a day). But it feels like it's too much food compared to what I used to eat! This is making me wonder if I've been under-eating all this time? And I thought I was a lazy *kitten* and always assumed myself to be "sedentary". I went and bought an activity tracker (polar loop) and during the work week I'm averaging between 12,000 and 16,000 steps a day (16,000 is when I occasionally go to the gym). Somehow I don't think that qualifies as being sedentary.

The problem is, I've been restricting my calories for about a month now and I'm not making any progress. I'm just kind of grumpy and tired. After work - I'm a zombie. Suggestions on what to do?

mschicagocubs

1400 seems like a reasonable place to start if you have been under eating. I know personally I wouldn't want to jump too much in a short period of time.

Have you calculated your TDEE? You should definitely see what approx. maintenance number you are to determine where you should progress towards.

Indochic74

My TDEE is 1984 a day. One other thing I wanted to add is that my BF% was at 40% when I started at 156 lbs, I then went down to 150lbs and 38% and is now back up to 154lbs 38.4%. I realize hormones and hydration level plays a part in everything but highly annoying.

Now, I do question the BF% on my ARIA Scale, because I'm not flabby at all and look relatively lean although not where I want to be.

mschicagocubs

So I would do your TDEE minus 15% which is like 1680. That should be what you eat a day.

Since you are used to eating low calorie amounts, I would start with 1400 for a few weeks, then increase it as you progress.

I would be worried about gaining weight by eating so much more than I have been...if you don't care about that, then just move it on up to 1680.

Indochic74

Okay, I'll stick the 1400 for a while longer. 1680 sounds scary as heck. I'm going to tinker with my calorie intake and see how I feel with the increased calories.

I just checked out another online calculator that takes body fat % into account and it has my TDEE at 2023. That's with moderate exercise 3-5 days a week. Confusing.

mschicagocubs

Oh yeah, my TDEE is different depending on the site too!

You just have to kind of trial and error it!

I eat 1696 a day! My TDEE is like 2200 (give or take)

Some days I eat more like 1400, some days 1800 ...

Take my advice and start looking at your weekly totals. It makes me feel a lot better

Indochic74

Thanks for the feedback and assistance. Ultimately, everything is very individual. This site is excellent though. Now if only Polar would partner with myfitnesspal.com everything would be aces - even if the bod doesn't do as I command.