Following TDEE method, net calories under 1,200

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.

Replies

  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,486 Member
    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
    Ok, thanks. I figured I was over thinking it.
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    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
    Your TDEE -20% is actually 1500 calories.

    1875 × .2 = 375
    1875 - 375 = 1500
  • mochapygmy
    mochapygmy Posts: 2,123 Member
    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
    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
    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
    Smart adjustment and good luck to ya!
  • Michael190lbs
    Michael190lbs Posts: 1,510 Member
    edited March 2016
    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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