Cutting cals but my TDEE is really low!

spalunker
spalunker Posts: 4 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi all, I've been doing keto with IF for 8wks now, super happy with the results and feel great. I have 5lbs left to go to get to a BMI of 20 (and fit into most of the clothes in my closet again!) Background is that I had major surgery and was on extended bedrest for 6wks. I cannot do any strength exercises at all yet, and am only permitted to walk (30-40min a day) to avoid bloodclots. Therefore, food is the only thing I can manipulate for weightloss. Every morsel I put in is clean and healthy, and my macros are 5%,25%,70%. Now that I am at 135 at 5'7, my BMR & TDEE is low because of being pretty sedentary. It's at 1316. I want to continue to cut 500cals daily to continue to lose 1lb a week, but recognize that continuing on a low-cal of 900per day is frowned upon, although it's worked for me with no stalls, hunger or lack of energy. Up to now, eating 900cal seemed like too much with so much going on in my body, but I am recovering well (surgeon says I'm so healthy I'm ahead of schedule). Now that I'm getting better, should I continue with the 900cal to lose the 5lbs? It's no hardship, I'm never hungry with the IF and keto. Otherwise given that my TDEE is so low what should I do to lose the last 5lbs?

Replies

  • KateK8LoseW8
    KateK8LoseW8 Posts: 824 Member
    Honestly, I would suggest maintaining while you are recovering from surgery. You need good nutrition for the healing process. If you feel that you must cut calories, stick to the 1200 minimum. You won't lose much, but don't focus on the weight loss right now. You're already at a healthy weight and can always drop the 5 pounds when you are recovered. No need to rush it!
  • Ninkyou
    Ninkyou Posts: 6,666 Member
    I put your numbers in Scooby's calculator, and 1319 is your BMR, not your TDEE. 1319 is the amount of calories you'd need if you were in a coma. Your TDEE at sedentary is 1583. So you want to take your deficit off your TDEE, not your BMR.

    And I agree with Kate. If you're still in recovery, you should be focusing on healing and getting proper nutrition so that your body can heal properly. Worry about the deficit after you're recovered.

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