Activity level?

wattsy84

Hi there, I've been using MFP for 2 months, I was 178lbs and now down to 163lbs but I have been stuck there for a month (male,5"10,28) so I've realised I've hit a plateau, have been eating 1500 cals day but now think its too low! I'm trying to get lean and lose bodyfat! But I cannot work out my activity level? Am I classed as very active?

Work 8 hours a day as a painter and decorator
Got 3 small kids At home
Sea fishing once a week for 3-4 hours
Play football 90 mins a week
Exercise bike and general weights at home 3 times a week 15-20 mins a time!

Thinking now my calorie intake should be around 2000?

rachelabdy

I'm no expert and only been doing this for about a month with my husband - but I would say definitely! My husband isn't as active as you - is a teacher - and set to just above sedentary and his calorie intake is about 1900.
From your activity level - you must be starving on 1500 cals a day - I say increase it and see how you go for a couple of weeks.

EvanKeel

Uh, yeah, I'd say you're eating too little.

Just cause I'm curious...what exactly is your goal weight and/or body fat% goal?

wattsy84

Thought so, I dropped most my weight 15lbs in first 4 weeks!! I've only just started playing football again. I'm looking to get to around 156lb but I want to get lean and show some muscle definition so lose as much body fat % as I can? I've upped my cals to 2120 now see how that goes!! Thanks guys/girls
Kev

wattsy84

Ok I've been at 2160 cals for 3 weeks with no difference. Is my TDEE correct based on my activity level, on http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/ it's set to 5-6hrs wk strenuous exercise based on my daily activity in 1st post.
Harris benedict
TDEE 3386
-20% = 2709

1.Is my activity level correct?
2. Am I under eating too much!

lilacinfinity

http://calorieline.com/tools/tdee Gives an estimate of 3151 cal/day to eventually stabilise at 150lb.
That's without your exercise, though (Work: Moderate manual labor (sweeping, mopping) 4 hours each day, and on feet for another 4 hrs each day, 5 days weekly. Exercise: none.)

I would think 2160 is still on the low side. You want to be aiming for 1/2lb a week, at the most, loss goal.

My work activity level is similar, and as a 29 y.o female I maintained around 180lb on ~3000, with no exercise

wattsy84

That's very interesting thank you for that! As its the start of a new week I think I may up my cals to 2500 for a couple of weeks maintaining my current exercise/lifting program and see if there's any change!

wattsy84

Also after looking into that my TDEE is around 3100 give or take so I should be eating around 2700 to lose weight. I believe I've been eating too low so my metabolism has slowed, I also have the symptoms associated with eating too low calories including depression (very slight,mainly boredom) binge eating (in evenings) and lack of concentration (mostly at work)

1. Is upping my cals to 2700 from 2160 too much of a jump?

wattsy84

Bump

lilacinfinity

I would just up them, if you can. You might gain a pound or two in the interim, so as long as you can handle that, then I'd just do it for a few weeks and see how it makes you feel.