We’ve had a reader question come in on the subject of weight loss. Let’s take a look:
Question: ok, so i’ve been checking out the SparkTeen/people diet program. according to that, i can burn a pound of fat per week if i eat 1800 calories and burn 120 calories through 20 of exercise (doing this for five days a week) so, how the heck is that supposed to work/ my BMR is roughly 1350, which means i’d have to burn about 650 calories a day just to break even, plus another 500 to loose a pound per week. this obviously doesn’t match the sparkteen plans. it still doesn’t match up when i include calories burned by water and muscle per day -_-. so how does sparkteen really work? does it work? should i continue to try to eat 1800 calories, or lower the amount to reach my weight loss goals? what has worked for you? plus, the few times i got to 1800 calories was when i ate extra junk! gah! i’m trying to eat enough spread throughout the day, but hitting 1800 on healthy foods is leaving me feeling so stuffed and uncomfortable. i check the "wellness scale" on the site, and it whines at me and says i’m not eating enough, so i end up pigging out, which hurts my goals. WHAT THE HECK AM I SUPPOSED TO DO? i don’t want to lower my metabolism too much so that my body is hanging on to fat reserves, but i don’t want to keep it too high so that my calorie burn rate isn’t enough. i’m so lost! i guess if i eat REALLY small meals throughout the day (like, 100 cal every, like, every hour from 7am to 9pm XD [slightly unrealistic example, but you get the idea]). THOUGHTS??
Answer: ok..unless you really put your mind to it you are never going to see results….let me tell you about myself…5 months ago my weight was 187 ,now 5 month later i am 138…how i did it….first i jumped in the treadmill for 35-45 minutes a day….well did I forget to tell you to have a coffee first thing you wake up….that fills you up..then you can have a egg white with some straberrys…for lunch chose some chicken or fish with some vegies..and then around 5-5.30 you only have a salat……i drinked like3-4 coffees a day…I fellt less hungry…..american coffee helps your metabolism go faster and european givs you strength so every time i wanted to run i had a european coffee like 5 minutes before… and for the last 4 weeks i also started to have a tea before 8 pm…its called ( the three queen ladies) try it..it freaking works and its really cheap…and try this exercise it works like a miraclehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkD9LwDBWW0&feature=player_profilepage…..hope i helped…good luck
What’s this week’s question? Let’s dive straight in…
Question: Im 21 .. 5′7 and weight 220 (now 216 - 4lbs in 10day =/ ) .. i started my workout on march 1st .. i eat about 1500 calories per day (but my BMR is 2696) .. and i workout 6 days a week burning about 500 calories .. so does this mean that i should be eating 2000 calories on the days i work out? because i have to cover the calories that i burned? I dont understand this calorie deficit thing if someone could please explain! thanks
my goal is to lose 70 lbs so i have long way to go! please post anything helpful!
Answer: Yes, you will lose a lot at first, thats all water weight.
Your BMR is 2696 which means you burn that much even at rest … if you eat 1500 calories a day, you’ll be creating a deficit of 1196cal! ( 2696 - 1500 ) … which means you’ll burn that much even with food in your stomach! .. at that rate you’ll lose about 2-3lbs in a week( without exercise ). But remember that as your weight decreases, so does your BMR …. So as you lose, be sure to calculate your BMR often. Mine went from 1722 to 1402 ( 162lbs to 138lbs ).
You can actually increase your calorie intake to 2000calories … & yes, it is advisable to eat more when you exercise, because a 220lbs person can burn up to 800cal during a 30min exercise session & it makes your net intake lower than 1000 ( if you eat 1500 ) .. whenever you are gonna exercise, i suggest you add extra 500cal to your diet!.
Hope this helped
A tough weight loss question this week. Let’s dive straight in
Question: I am 22 year old male 5.8" tall and I currently weigh 195 lbs. I am trying to get down to about 165 lbs in the next 6-7 months. I am doing the follow right now, but not sure if I am doing it correctly to ensure weight loss - I just need some re-assurance- 1) I have cut out all junk foods and am eating only healthy foods such as Whole grain bread, brown rice, Lean chicken/beef, LOTS of Fruits and Vegetables and a little bit of milk 2) I am eating 1500 calories per day (My BMR is 2000)- I am using caloriecounter.com to keep track of what I am eating. 3) I am doing Calisthetics and Cardio 5 days a week burning around 500-600 calories a day- according to the math I should be in a 1000-1100 daily deficit with both excercise and food -is this normal and healthy way to lose weight? The part which really concerns me sometimes is my accuracy of reporting the food on caloriecounter and sometimes I think its either too much or too little in calories, but i’m assuming thats just my misconception/fear of being wrong. If anyone can give me some advice or reassurance on this matter I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!
Answer: This sounds absolutely healthy! And realistic! Good for you!! You’ll probably lose that much weight in 5 months, tops, with this plan!!!
