Calories In <<<< Calories Out Question

MallorieGreiner
MallorieGreiner Posts: 135 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Kind of a stupid question but I need some help. =P

Between that and the saying "Abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym."

After reading a lot on here and other resources, I am aware to lose weight, it's all about calories in being less than calories out, depending on your BMR and stuff. So if you eat 1500 calories of chocolate and that's your BMR or TDEE and what not, you will still lose. I also know that eating 1500 calories worth of chocolate will not give you the energy you need or fill you up through the day.

So here is my question.

Will the types or kinds of food I eat effect the muscles I gain/tone or rather how they "show" when I lose the fat covering them?

I'm not necessarily a perfect or clean eater. I try to eat fruits and veggies throughout the day and fill my belly up with whole grains, chicken, and eggs, but I love my family's Thursday IHOP days where I can indulge in a CINNASTACK. lol

Still eating at a deficit. I do 45 minutes of cardio 5-6 days a week and 30 minutes of strength training (everything:arms, legs, core, etc) 3 days a week. If that helps answer my question. =P Thanks!

Replies

  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    When we eat less than our body needs it goes looking for the rest of the energy it wants. First it breaks down our fat stores. This is good. But it can only break down so much fat at any given time. If it still can't get enough energy then it can go after our muscle and break it down. This is bad. It slows down the metabolism and gives that "skinny fat" look so many women complain about.

    If you want to lose the weight and look good afterward you need to:

    1. Eat enough calories to fuel your activity level. Set MFP to lose 1 pound a week and eat back a majority of your earned exercise calories or figure your TDEE and eat 20% less (you wouldn't have to add the extra exercise calories with this method)

    2. Get plenty of protein. The recommendation I usually see if 1g per pound of lean muscle. I'm sure you can find plenty of calculators for your protein needs online.

    3. Incorporate strength/resistance training into your routine. Heavy lifting helps to preserve your muscle mass and bone density while you're losing.
  • MallorieGreiner
    MallorieGreiner Posts: 135 Member
    Sounds like I'm doing things right then! Thanks so much!

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