There have been multiple accounts created with the sole purpose of posting advertisement posts or replies containing unsolicited advertising.

Accounts which solely post advertisements, or persistently post them may be terminated.

How exactly does one eat 1500 calories a day?

I’m trying to lose weight and was told that hwo I eat about 800-1000 calories a day is too low and lowers my metobolism which will prevent weight loss. I’ve looked up some meal plans and can’t really afford stuff like chicken breast, steak, or salmon every week. So that is why I’m wondering how I can eat 1500 calories a day. Are there some alternatives that I can do?

Also I’d like to ask, say I exercise and burn say 500 calories would I have to eat those calories back or no? I ask cuz I’ve been told yes and told no.

IHawkMike ,

There’s no way you need to somehow eat more to lose weight. Are you sure you’re counting your calories correctly? Using an app? Tracking everything, especially drinks like sodas and alcohol?

chrischryse OP ,

So basically from what I was told, since I’m 240 lbs and 6 foot I should be eating 2000-2500 calories but if I put myself on a calorie deficit 1500 would be where to go

IHawkMike ,

Yeah that sounds about right.

NeoNachtwaechter ,

800-1000 calories a day is too low and lowers my metobolism which will prevent weight loss.

If you do it for real for a while, nothing can prevent weight loss.

I’ve looked up some meal plans and can’t really afford stuff like chicken breast, steak, or salmon every week.

Eat real vegetables and fruits. Fresh, where ever possible. You wouldn’t believe how cheap you can feed yourself if you do your cooking yourself.

Avoid all processed food. Avoid all sugar.

Kaboom ,

If he’s undereating, maybe some sugar in moderation. Humans need calories, maybe a granola bar or something

NeoNachtwaechter ,

Yes maybe, but strictly only the kind that you can see before you eat it (like, two pieces into your coffee)

chrischryse OP ,

Is that because you know exactly how much you’re using?

NeoNachtwaechter ,

Yes.

And because this rule helps a lot with learning good habits.

chrischryse OP ,

Yeah I usually do my best to eat vegetables and fruits whenever I can at least. And I’m trying my best to cut back on sugar it’s hard lol but I’m getting there.

masterofn001 ,

Liquid sugar is the worst, IMHO.

Things like soda, fruit juices, energy drinks,etc are way too easy to consume without realising just how much.

It’s very easy to consume ¼ of a pound of sugar a day in just a few drinks.

Drink water.

chrischryse OP ,

Yep water and matcha are my go tos for drinks.

And yeah I agree about the liquid sugars def considering trying to make natural juices at least

etchinghillside ,

Frozen fruits and vegetables are also fine. Canned fruits in heavy syrups – not fine.

If Chicken breasts are out of budget then Eggs, Egg Whites, or Beans are probably going to be needed to hit some kind of protein macros.

chrischryse OP ,

Yeah I usually go for frozen fruits and veggies since they are “fresher” lol

TehWorld ,

I’ve long said that the best place to loose weight is at the grocery store. You pretty much only ever go to the outside edge. Buy potatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms, squash and zucchini, radishes, carrots and any other vegetables you like. Bulk is what works here. Then go buy what protein you can afford. Skip anything that has been processed beyond meat and milk.

ColeSloth ,

“Avoid all sugar”

Right. Avoid fruits.

But seriously. Fruits have very little benefit for health. They have health benefits vegetables have, but with sugars also in them. Fruits are sugared veggies.

blargerer ,

Can you give an example of what you currently eat? I.. doubt you aren't losing weight if you are really eating 900 calories a day.

chrischryse OP ,

I do eat some sugar which I’m working on cutting back bgut like my other comment it’s not easy lol.

I usually have a fruit smoothie with two scoops of peanut butter every morning or sometimes an egg and english muffin

a turkey, chicken, or roast beef sandwhich for lunch along with some fruits

And dinner my mom usually cooks so I ahve what she makes which usually ranges from fish, steak, pasta, or chicken

but sadly it isn’t every day some days I end up skipping lunch and dinner and just eat a snack

blargerer ,

If you are serious about losing weight, what I would suggest you do is start recording what you are eating in detail to see where the calories are actually coming from. Make a spreadsheet and track it. Also if you aren't already active, pick up some activity to become less sedentary. Doesn't need to be working out, could be a sport, could be going for more walks.

ignirtoq ,

I don't recommend making significant changes to activity levels at the same time as making diet changes. Weight loss comes from changing what you eat. Exercise is absolutely necessary for a healthy lifestyle, but it is not the major factor in weight loss. And increasing exercise behaviors can destabilize eating habits, making it harder to stick to any good changes you do make with either diet or exercise.

chrischryse OP ,

Maybe I’ll try getting into my fitness pal again. But my trouble is still getting that 1500 calories.

I exercise 5 days a week.

My work has a gym which I use both days I’m in office and when I’m not I walk or run

10MeterFeldweg , (edited )

As far as I know: forget this thing about the lowered metabolism. Your body needs the energy it needs for basic functionality.

You may feel less active, lowering the energy used above the basics, but still your heart, lungs, brain, temperature management and all the other stuff need roughly the same energy. If your body does not get it from food then it will use up the fat.

But eating this low level of calories you must make sure that you consume all needed vitamins, minerals and enough protein.

And being less active may end up in a decline of muscle mass. In the end that may lead to lower basal metabolsk hastighet, but not your metabolism shutting down.

chrischryse OP ,

So then that lower metabolism stuff isn’t true? I was told that because I’ve also lifted weights to get muscle and was told that since the calories i eat will lower my metabolism I won’t gain the muscle and lose the weight I want.

10MeterFeldweg ,

There is a great book in German called " Fett Logik überwinden" ( Overcome fat logic) that scientifically clears up a lot of the myths around gaining and losing weight. What you write about are the classics mentioned in this book.

You need the protein and minerals as building blocks for the muscles. That is why you need to take special care to ingest enough of them with that low calories.

More muscles burn more energy even when idle, that helps losing weight. Looks like you did that right.

10MeterFeldweg ,

I see, looks like the book is available in English.

Conquering Fat Logic

How to Overcome What We Tell Ourselves about Diets, Weight, and Metabolism

Nadja Hermann

dhhyfddehhfyy4673 ,

So then that lower metabolism stuff isn't true?

No, it's not. Just a coping mechanism for people to feel better about not being able to stick to a diet necessary for weight loss. Calories in, calories out. Maintaining a calorie deficit (i.e. consuming less than you burn) is what results in weight loss.

lurch ,

Muscles weigh more than fat. You can’t just watch your weight when you build muscle to replace fat.

Also, if you stop exercising, too much protein will be stored as fat. Be careful with protein supplements. Only use them when exercising, if at all.

chrischryse OP ,

Ik when I tend to use fat loss and weight loss interchangeably

november ,

Metabolism does play a part, but people of all metabolisms can lose weight.

lightnsfw ,

If you’re running on a deficit it will inhibit muscle growth yes because your body won’t have the materials it needs to build new muscle as quickly (this could also be the case if you weren’t on a deficit but eat a garbage diet) but that doesn’t mean you won’t make gains at all. Whoever’s telling you this metabolism stuff probably doesn’t know what they’re talking about and it shouldn’t be what you’re focusing on. Start with lowering your calorie intake and go from there. I’d suggest getting a calorie tracking app to help you figure out a diet plan that keeps your carbs/protein/fat in order and do moderate workouts while you’re dieting. I’ve used myfitnesspal in the past but I’m sure there are other options.

Cagi ,

I loose weight by eating 2 big meals a day. My go too seems to be frozen pizza (1000 cal each) and and curries (500-600 for curry, another 200 for my naan in butter). I eat 1600-1800 calories a day and feel like a glutton while my scale keeps going in the right direction. 50lbs down so far.

Kalkaline ,
@Kalkaline@leminal.space avatar

Try being a pescatarian, shrimp and tilapia are fairly cheap, and finding non-animal protein is actually fairly easy if you branch out a little.

chrischryse OP ,

That’s only a fish diet right? I wouldn’t be apposed but I do love my meat though lol

Irremarkable ,
@Irremarkable@fedia.io avatar

shrimp and tilapia are fairly cheap

This varies hugely based on location, primarily distance from the ocean. Pound for pound, beef and pork are far cheaper than basically any seafood in my region.

altima_neo ,
@altima_neo@lemmy.zip avatar

A lot of low calorie veggie to fill your stomach and intermittent fasting to save calories for a bigger dinner.

remotelove ,
@remotelove@lemmy.ca avatar

Here is a site that has some good lists: survival-mastery.com/…/high-calorie-vegetables.ht…

Also, the number of calories you eat should be based on your current weight and the types of activities you plan on doing through the day. Calorie intake is variable!

Here is a chart for weight vs calorie intake vs activity: https://lemmy.ca/pictrs/image/6bb01c07-410e-45e9-87cc-3b906abb0ecb.jpeg

  • All
  • Subscribed
  • Moderated
  • Favorites
  • •
  • [email protected]
  • random
  • lifeLocal
  • goranko
  • All magazines
    •