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I've been undereating. I think. Now what?

duckiec
duckiec Posts: 241 Member
edited January 15 in Health and Weight Loss
I have spent days searching, reading roadmaps, questions, posts, blogs, who knows what else, calculating, etc, and I'm confused as ever! I posted something similar yesterday but I'm wondering if asking it different will help my fuzzy mind.

BMR = 1390-1510 dep on method
TDEE = 2256-2001 dep on exercise level (not sure if moderate or light, 4-5 30-50min cardio workouts/week; adding stregth this week)
TDEE - 20% = 1600-1800

I've been eating 1200-1600/day, usually closer to 1200. I've been NETTING, on average, at or under 1200 cal/day. many days under lately with some spikes on non-exercise days. Bad? Should be more?

If yes, NET AT LEAST 1200/day? Or, eat at least BMR? NET at least BMR? Eat TDEE-20% and not caring about Net? I can find the numbers if someone can provide some guidance on where to go from here.

I've seen loss so far, but I'm scared I'll screw myself over for the long haul, I'd rather evaluate and fix now before any potential damage is done. Thanks all, oh and the diary is open if it helps.

Replies

  • kavanaghev
    kavanaghev Posts: 75 Member
    I'm new to this too, but I set my goal calorie intake for TDEE-20%, and then I log my exercise calories ANYWAY just to make sure I net my BMR. So when I do my long runs, I usually eat 200-300 cals more, both because I am hungrier and because those are only 2x per week, but when I log my other, less strenuous workouts, I may have 200-300 cals left at the end of the day, with my food cals adding up to TDEE-20%.

    I'll add that I am looking for results, but not worried about how quickly they come, so I'm less concerned about eating too much. As I get closer to my goal, I will probably eat more.
  • duckiec
    duckiec Posts: 241 Member
    Figured I'd try again today.
  • ladyace2078
    ladyace2078 Posts: 460 Member
    Eat more than BMR and less than TDEE. Depending on how much you have to lose, a 20% cut from TDEE may be too much.

    ETA: And it looks like you are likely in the moderate activity level, if not a level higher depending on your other normal day to day activity. If you add strength training in addition to your current activity, you may be at the highest level of activity.
This discussion has been closed.

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