Following TDEE method, net calories under 1,200

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sbl1881
sbl1881 Posts: 213 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I'm 5'2, 138 and trying to drop the last 15lbs. My TDEE -20% is 1450 calories/day (maintenance is 1875). On the 3-4 days that I work out harder (450-500 calorie burn), is it ok that I'm netting under 1200? I keep reading that you shouldn't go under, but it's confusing when TDEE calculates you do just that.

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  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,483 Member
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    You are working from your TDEE which divides the calories burnt through exercise over the course of 7 days. You are getting adequate nutrition during the week even if some days you expend more energy than others.

    Cheers, h.
  • sbl1881
    sbl1881 Posts: 213 Member
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    Ok, thanks. I figured I was over thinking it.
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
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    Since you are near your goal, why not use TDEE-10%, instead of the most aggressive formula meant for those with lots to lose?
  • mochapygmy
    mochapygmy Posts: 2,123 Member
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    Your TDEE -20% is actually 1500 calories.

    1875 × .2 = 375
    1875 - 375 = 1500
  • mochapygmy
    mochapygmy Posts: 2,123 Member
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    concordancia wrote: »
    Since you are near your goal, why not use TDEE-10%, instead of the most aggressive formula meant for those with lots to lose?

    And this.
  • WinoGelato
    WinoGelato Posts: 13,454 Member
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    Yes OP with less than 15 lbs to lose you should be aiming for 0.5 lb/week which would be a 250 cal deficit, or 1625 cals. The TDEE less 10% would be a comparable goal and you would consume close to 1700 cals.
  • sbl1881
    sbl1881 Posts: 213 Member
    edited March 2016
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    Thanks for all the feedback. Funny, my post yesterday was purely because I was bored/hungry and wanted the excuse to eat, and now you're telling me to and I don't wanna! Lol

    I know I should be doing the -10%, it's just a little scary eating more when you grew up with the low calorie diet mentality. I'll make the adjustment and see what happens!

    Have a great day!
  • sjohnson__1
    sjohnson__1 Posts: 405 Member
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    Smart adjustment and good luck to ya!
  • Michael190lbs
    Michael190lbs Posts: 1,510 Member
    edited March 2016
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    Your bodies Muscle requires food if you don't eat properly the muscle will soon become the food then you become less efficient at burning calories. Its a vicious cycle

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