INSANITY Calorie Intake... CRISIS.

I am on my second month of insanity starting today and I have been eating about 1500 calories a day. I was doing 1200 at first I know crazy but I was hungry all the time so I upped my calories and I feel much better!

Only started before weekend. Finding my way around. What's insanity???

How much are you burning with Insanity? According to my Garmin HRM, I only ever burned 220-270 per 40 minute session (and way less on recovery days). I would tailor it accordingly, say 1300-1600.

Start wearing a good reliable brand HRM like Polar. (see e.g., http://www.livestrong.com/article/490909-the-accuracy-of-calories-burned-in-polar-heart-rate-monitors/) Input the ACTUAL calories burned from your workouts each day and eat back your calories accordingly. That's what I'd do.

Work from the 1560 if you feel comfortable there but look for a cues and if you feel hungry add another 100 - 200 calories. Outside of how challenging the workouts are keep an eye on if you find it impossible to physically not do a workout. It's a different feeling than being winded, i.e. can't lift your legs, arms, etc. That will tell you that you don't have enough fuel to complete the workouts. It's an unmistakeable feeling.

The nutrition guide is basically that and can't hit everyone. When you're were your at it's best to do what works for you. So give it a go at 1560 and add more as necessary. For reference, I am supposed to eat at 3100 according to the guide but completed Round 1 eating at 2100 the entire time. No impact at all on completing workouts, strength and conditioning are much better, etc. I too have over 50 that I'd like to lose. There were times that I would dip into the 1000 calorie deficit if I was really hungry but not too often.

Eat back my calories but how many calories should I be Netting a day. that is where I am confused. So many people have said if you eat too little cals on insanity will cause you not to loose weight and I just want to do it right and not work my butt off for nothing.

You should be netting what your original goal is on MFP. Insanity *assumes* that due to the intensity of the workout, you will need X amount more calories and gives a ballpark target. But, not everybody can push it that intensely nor is affected that much. That is why an HRM is important because it would tell you what YOU actually did in the session. You add the exercise into MFP and it will add on the calories.

if you dont have a HRM, then log the workouts under circuit training...it is pretty much the same thing...then eat those calories...you really need to fuel your body when doing insanity...It is a crazy routine that puts your body through the ringer...and just wait until you get to phase II or the second month...crazy...I would suggest getting a protein shake for after your workouts..it will give you plenty of protein and help your muscles and body recover...and it will help you feel fuller Good luck!!