What's my daily calorie requirement to lose?

rachellosesitall85

I'm a little confused and was wondering if you fitness gurus or math magicians can help me. I'm trying to create a calorie deficit of 1,000 per day so that I may lose up to 2lbs per week. I weight 231lbs as of now, and I'd like to lose 50lbs by the end of March but a total of 80-85lbs by next August. My husband and I are doing a little competition so the 50lbs by March is a must for me. However, I'm trying to think if I'm eating too little, and working out too much.

I take 5 days out of the week to exercise for at least an hour. That includes brisk walking 3.5 miles per hour which calculates (on mfp) to around 398 calories.) I eat around 1,500 and I eat back most of my calories. 2-3 of those days I work the elliptical for 30 minutes, and the treadmill for 30 minutes and walk to and from the gym which MFP says I burn about 837 calories. Now, doing a little research, it says at 231lbs, in order for me to lose 2lbs a week, I'd have to consume around 1,860 calories per day. So, my question is, is it safe to just walk an hour each day at 3.5 miles per hour burning 398 calories, and just consuming around 1,860 total? 1,462 and then eating back 398. And if so, won't that allow me to lose around 64lbs by the end of March or somewhere close?

I was thinking of walking in the mornings and working out at the gym as well but I feel that would be a bit much on 1,500-2,000 calories. If I can figure out something simple and stick with it, I think it will be better in the long run. On days I eat a little more, I can make sure I burn more. It says in order for me to maintain my weight of 231lbs, I'd have to eat 2,860 calories a day, half that would be 1,860 giving me -1,000 a day.
TIA!

rachellosesitall85

BUMP! I think I've figured it out, I can work out 7 days a week at 398 calories, but in order for me to lose 2lbs per week, I need to eat about 1,860. I think I got it, of course you guys can still chime in!

BeantownSooner

You are doing your calculations right. Add 2-3 days of good resistance training to your program instead of doing 30 on the treadmill and elliptical everyday and I think you'll be happy with the results. The more lean muscle you have the higher your metabolism will burn. Plus it's good to mix it up so you don't get bored. It's like an internal furnace for fat burning!

Helloitsdan

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

rachellosesitall85

Thanks Bean and Dan! I read the article, nice read, puts a lot of things into perspective. I've always assumed that in order to get fit and drop the weight is that you need to do cardio for at least 60 min!

Helloitsdan

Thanks Bean and Dan! I read the article, nice read, puts a lot of things into perspective. I've always assumed that in order to get fit and drop the weight is that you need to do cardio for at least 60 min!

Cardio is simply a tool for better cardiovascular health.

Its also used to lower calories for the day.

Lift weights 3x a week for better results and just take short walks on off days.

BHRussell

I now eat my BMR.(basil metabolic rate) If I exercise 500 calories then I don't eat all of my exercise calories if I don't want to. If I am hungry I eat, i just eat healthy. It is working for me, so give it a try. I think we just have to play with it a little to get where we want to go,I ate below my BMR and I stayed the same. I just ordered a Fitbit to see if I am doing it right, and it keeps me busy trying to reach my goals. Good luck and if you want to be friends just jingle. I also work with a dietician and she helps me and I can ask questions.

Slimat30

Hiya,
I eat 2000 cals a day and I'm still losing. I weigh 138lbs now so you will definitely lose well at 1800 calories or so. X