Am I on the right track? Advice about which way to go

amessam8

I have been struggling with this issue since recommitting myself to weight loss. I am currently using the TDEE method and subtract 20% of that to get my daily caloric intake goal. So far this has worked for me as I have lost a few pounds. However, I am concerned that my net calories at the end of the day/each day is too low. For the last 7 days, I have averaged a caloric intake of 1175. I measure everything that I eat and typically work out 4-5 days a week; I guestimate that I burn a minimum of 300 calories each work out. A major part of that work out is strength training and I add in cardio at least twice per week. I am concerned that I may be setting myself up for failure in the long run.

Let me add that my recommitment to weight loss was after not making any progress after at least 4 months of consistent exercise (cardio and strength training) and rarely eating above my then goal of 1350 calories/day. I must say that a part of the previous strategy was also 'eat anything you like within moderation'. This wasn't working for me, therefore, I have for the last two weeks, cut out dairy, limited sweets, and have begun weighing my food. However, the dairy and sweets can't be banned for a lifetime. I'm concerned that I may go on a binge which would lead to me falling off the wagon.

What should I do? Should I continue with the recommitted lifestyle even though I am eating -what I assume to be far too few calories- or should I do the everything in moderation plan, with workout included?

Ready2Rock206

Are you saying your TDEE minus 20% is only 1175? That seems very low. Are you sure you calculated correctly? If so you might want to bump it down to minus 10%. You shouldn't be eating so little.

With the TDEE method there's no net - you just eat the same every day. If done correctly you should have already figured in your exercise and your calorie goal will reflect that.

amessam8

No, my TDEE minus 20% is around 1800, but I'm eating way less than that.

Ready2Rock206

No, my TDEE minus 20% is around 1800, but I'm eating way less than that.

Well like you said - it isn't sustainable the way you're doing it and you're likely to go on a binge and fall off the wagon. Trust the system. Eat the 1800, if it doesn't work after a month or two then drop 100 calories and see how that goes. And have some dairy and sweets occasionally otherwise you're going to end up eating 2 dozen cookies and a gallon of milk some night! :drinker:

It's all trial and error - but you should give it a chance. You don't have to be starving, deprived and miserable to lose weight.

amessam8

And have some dairy and sweets occasionally otherwise you're going to end up eating 2 dozen cookies and a gallon of milk some night!

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: You are so right. I did that just before my recommitment!