Maintaining After Losing

lazywriter

So now I'm eating about 1650 calories a day, and weigh 167.4. I'm 5'7" so my realistic goal weight is between 155-150, no lower really. I'll probably go down to eating 1550 by 165lbs, 1450 by 160lbs, 1400 by 155lbs, etc etc.

My question is, if I have to keep lowering my calories (and working harder when I do work out) to keep losing, what do I do when I hit that 150lbs? (or 155lbs) How do I maintain my weight at that point? If I put my calories back up to maintaining level (1800-2000/day, I guess? Not sure), wouldn't I gain?

How does maintenance actually work in the body?

silentpost

Yes, eat at maintenance level. You'll probably have to play with that number for a couple of weeks to see what your maintenance truly is.

edit: also, not sure what side of the fence you are with on this one, but I'd suggest continuing to eat whatever you set your macros at. It seems that this is a point of contention on these boards, but I truly believe quality (nutrition, etc) of food matters, not just calories in vs calories out. my 2p

smessom32

bump

lazywriter

Yes, eat at maintenance level. You'll probably have to play with that number for a couple of weeks to see what your maintenance truly is.

edit: also, not sure what side of the fence you are with on this one, but I'd suggest continuing to eat whatever you set your macros at. It seems that this is a point of contention on these boards, but I truly believe quality (nutrition, etc) of food matters, not just calories in vs calories out. my 2p

ahaha, so in other words don't be like

"Oh, I got down to 150! I'm going to eat my maintenance caloric requirements in donuts now. YUM."

Gotcha! LMAO. No way, I did this because I want to be healthier, not just thinner. Thank you.

lazywriter

Yes, eat at maintenance level. You'll probably have to play with that number for a couple of weeks to see what your maintenance truly is.

Are there reliable calculators to figure that out?

silentpost

here's a good thread:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=121703981 (warning: wall of text)

The third calculator, Katch-McArdle, is the most accurate, but assumes a solid understanding of body fat percentage. The other two will work fine though.

They are of course estimations, so watch your weight fluctuations for the following couple of weeks and adjust accordingly.

lazywriter

Thanks so much. So it really is just trial and error. I'll just bump it back up slowly to avoid gaining too much. Thanks! I have a long way to go before I even have to think about maintaining. LOL