Raising Calorie Intake after having it so low

DamnTheRestSurfTheWest
DamnTheRestSurfTheWest Posts: 2
in Health and Weight Loss
So I'm just starting to realize that I'm definitely not eating as much as I should, its just tough working and having class to get all my meals in. Health wise, I don't feel tired or fatigued at all from it but I'm just trying to be a little heather.

I'm thinking I should raise my daily goal to a healthy level but I'm still trying to lose a few. I'm just afraid that if I start taking in more calories, I'll be gaining what I've already lost. Anybody have any suggestions? Any help would be awesome.

Everything should be public but if not

I'm 19 y.o , 170 pounds, 6'2",

Replies

  • batman12
    batman12 Posts: 16 Member
    If I were you I would try to hit that 1700 mark on a daily basis. I mean it is only a rough estimating tool, but your total daily energy expenditure calculates at 2200 cals/day for a sedentary lifestyle with your stats. That means even 1700 cals should put you at a deficit. I noticed you hit that some days, but other days you were down closer to the 1300 mark. At 19, your hormone levels should put you at a state where your body should be able to use food in an optimal way. That is, of course, based on the assumption that you are an otherwise healthy individual. The best way would be to hit a consistent 1700-2000 calories/day for a couple of weeks and see how your measurements go. I hate to be unhelpful and say "just try it and see what happens," but that is honestly the surefire way to know how your body is going to respond. Anything less than 1700 calories per day is, to me at least, pretty extreme, especially for a relatively fit 19 year old.
  • KarenJanine
    KarenJanine Posts: 3,497 Member
    For a tall 19 year old male, you are right that your calorie goal is too low, you should be eating a lot more.

    Calculate your TDEE using a calculator such as this: http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/ Take a maximum of a 20% cut if you are looking to lose weight.

    In terms of adding more food, it's best not ot suddenly jump up all in one go - try adding 100 cal extra per day, a week at a time, until you reach the level you should be eating at.
  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
    With your age and height you can definitely afford to eat more. If you're worried about gaining weight back, raise them gradually till you get to something a bit more sensible.

    Do you have time to add some strength training? Again, you have age and hormones on your side and you could make a great difference to your body shape that way.
  • DamnTheRestSurfTheWest
    DamnTheRestSurfTheWest Posts: 2
    Oh I've never put any of my strength training in before but I do. I guess raising it slowly would be best to see any changes

    ALSO, is the starvation mode thing really a myth? I think thats what I'm most worried about

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