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Total calories vs. calorie deficit

gillismaxiumus
gillismaxiumus Posts: 18 Member
edited February 3 in Health and Weight Loss
I was wondering which has more of an impact on your metabloism. Which is more likely to start a plateau? I'm a bigger guy with a highly active job, so there can be as much as a 1800 calorie burn difference between a work day and an off day. Pretty much what I eat in a work day yields a 1500 cal deficit, that same amount of food on an off day will pretty much break even. So should I be aiming to keep the deficit the same, or eat the same amount every day?

Replies

  • gillismaxiumus
    gillismaxiumus Posts: 18 Member
    I also have blogged the past 2 months of data from my Body Media device. Feel free to check that out as well if you want some more info.
  • joshdann
    joshdann Posts: 618 Member
    I find it easier to try and eat the same number of calories every day. Some days my deficit is larger than others. If you want consistent weight loss, then keep your deficit consistent. If you want an easier eating plan, then keep your calories consistent. Perhaps try going for a few mile walk on your days off, to keep your calorie burn more consistent as well.

    Calories in versus calories out, super simple stuff. Find what works for you and go do it :)
  • Fullsterkur_woman
    Fullsterkur_woman Posts: 2,712 Member
    Over the last 30 days, you've averaged 2350 calories a day and 176 grams of protein per day. I think you're probably getting adequate nutrition no matter what. Assuming you work 5 days a week, your deficit should be yielding a little over 2 pounds a week, which seems fine for your size.
  • Duck_Puddle
    Duck_Puddle Posts: 3,237 Member
    I have a bodymedia as well and my daily calorie burns can vary from 1900-3600. I tend to find that my level of hunger roughly coincides with my rate of calorie burn, but not always. So my calorie intake tends to mirror my burns (well, trends with my burns, I keep a deficit). I aim for an average overall deficit for the week-so if some days are a greater or lesser deficit, meh. But some people prefer eating the same amount every day for convenience or whatever. It's really what works for your preferences and lifestyle.
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