Insanity Calorie Count Error?

100ay
100ay Posts: 4
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi all,

I have just begun the Insanity workout hoping to lose some weight. I am a 20 year old male who has gained about 15 pounds since starting college. I am at 190 now and am about 5' 8'. I am not fat but I am a lot chubbier than before. I cant fit into my old clothes and freinds and family have been hinting I have been getting really fat. It has been two years. I was fit before but once school started, i haven't exercised and started eating like crap every meal of every day.

I just got my insanity dvds a few days ago, and I am trying to figure out how much calories I need to take in if I want to lose approximately 2 pounds a week. According to the nutrition guide, I have to eat 2300 calories a day. (12x180)+600-500=about 2300.

This seems very high. I have done some research on weight loss before and from what i remember eating about 1600 calories a day and burning 500 calories for a net gain of about 1100 is good.

Do I really need to eat the 2300 or is that too much? My fear is I eat 2300 calories and end up not losing anything.

Thanks

Replies

  • shanerobinson81
    shanerobinson81 Posts: 4 Member
    When I did insanity I did not eat the allotted calorie intake suggested (for me it was like 3,600 calories). It is very difficult to eat healthy and at the same time consume 3,600 calories (at least it was for me). What I suggest is getting a heart rate monitor (such as Polar FT 60 or FT 80) to see exactly how many calories you are burning and then just added your workout into your diary. After you do that, just try to consume the daily calorie goals suggested by MFP. That's my advice. Now, my wife joined a group on MFP that is for people doing insanity. You may want to look into that as well. There are several people in the group qualified to answer your questions.
  • upscalelifedownscalebutt
    upscalelifedownscalebutt Posts: 90 Member
    Do the workouts then decide. I ate like a piglet on Insanity because you need every calorie for energy if you are pushing yourself through the workouts. And in 2 months that I did it there wasn't a day I didn't push.

    To build muscle you need extra calories and work. To lose fat you need a deficit and aerobic workouts.

    Cycle through the two. A few months building muscle. A few months losing fat.
  • 100ay
    100ay Posts: 4
    Thank you for your replies. I will buy a HR monitor when I get my paycheck from my minimum wage job!

    Just to be clear:
    Let's say MFP says I need to eat 1500 calories a day to lose 2 pounds a week. Then I burn 500 calories doing the workout. Does that mean I would have to eat a total of 2000 calories in one day for a net gain of 1500 calories?

    Similarly, if Insanity guide says to eat 2300 calories a day factoring in my weight, weight loss goal, and calories burned during the workout, does that mean I eat only 2300 calories and not the 500 extra i would be burning?
  • shanerobinson81
    shanerobinson81 Posts: 4 Member
    The answer to both of your questions is YES. That is what they suggest. Try it if you want to.

    For me, I worked my own plan and tweaked it along the way. As I mentioned previously, I did not follow the insanity nutrition plan.

    Here is a sample of a day I did insanity and went to the gym.

    Breakfast: 2 slices whole wheat toast. 2T natural peanut butter: 350 calories (calories are estimated)

    Workout: burn approx 600 calories

    AM snack: Protein shake (2 scoops for a total of 50g protein) mixed with Naked Juice: 400 calories

    Insanity: burn approx 600 calories

    Lunch: can of tuna and some low fat chips: 450 calories

    PM snack: mixed nuts: 200 calories

    Dinner: 5 oz grilled chicken and a veg or two: 350 calories

    Water: 16-20 cups

    Now, that is an estimated total of 1,750 calories consumed and 1,200 calories burned.

    Some days I did not work out twice so I did not burn as many calories, but I still tried to eat anywhere from 1,500 - 2,500 per day. Calories burned did not affect my eating plan. I stuck with trying to reach a general number (usually around 2,000). Now, although I am not currently doing insanity, I do consider how many calories I burn when tracking my calories. The bottom line, do whatever works for you. Make good choices, have fun, and get fit.
  • simsburyjet
    simsburyjet Posts: 999 Member
    If this helps. I do 30 minute insanity and burn around 400 calories.
    We have 2 30 minute classes a week at the gym and are going to add a 3rd.. It is so hard.
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    Thank you for your replies. I will buy a HR monitor when I get my paycheck from my minimum wage job!

    Just to be clear:
    Let's say MFP says I need to eat 1500 calories a day to lose 2 pounds a week. Then I burn 500 calories doing the workout. Does that mean I would have to eat a total of 2000 calories in one day for a net gain of 1500 calories?

    Similarly, if Insanity guide says to eat 2300 calories a day factoring in my weight, weight loss goal, and calories burned during the workout, does that mean I eat only 2300 calories and not the 500 extra i would be burning?

    Yes to both.

    Also make sure your 2 pound/week goal isn't too aggressive. If you only have 15 pounds to lose (or even 30), your ideal is actually 1/2-1 pound per week. The closer you are to your goal, the harder it is to lose. Start with 2300 calories. If you find yourself feeling fatigued during the day, more sleepy than usual, struggling to focus or perform well in school, or really hungry, then try upping it a bit.

    And keep in mind that starting a new program like Insanity can cause your muscles to retain water as they repair and adapt. You may not lose anything (or even gain a few pounds) the first few weeks … It's mostly water, so don't panic!! :wink: Aim to drink 10 cups of water a day and make sure you get plenty of protein (probably around 160g).

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