Calorie Question

[PinkLady260]

I have a question about calories. This is my second time around and the first time, I had no problem losing. I also did not use fitday, just counted carbs and went about my day. Now that I'm starting to use fitday, I'm a little freaked out. I had no idea how many calories I was eating. Is there a calorie limitation for Atkins? I remember reading in the book that as long as you don't binge and stay within 20g of carbs, you're good to go. I've also found that I'm not quite hitting 20g for carbs and my fat intake is low. Any recommendations?

Thanks for taking the time to listen to me whine .

[alaska1204]

Re: Calorie Question

lol..wow, well that was the exact same question i had!!! i posted it under the 14 day induction one but i am totally feeling bad and freaked out tonight cause i am used to eating like 1000-1200 cals a day and today i had 1800!!!! i feel like a pig!!! anyways, as long as i am not the only one freaking out about it! tell me if you hear anything!!!

[fetch]

Re: Calorie Question

The short answer is no, there is not a calorie limitation. My personal opinion is that Dr. Atkins seemed to lay faith in (1) people would follow the statement of eating only until they were satisfied, not stuffed and (2) ketosis would kill appetite and bring consumption down even further. Besides, eating near your caloric BMR allows your body to NOT think you are starving it and setting off the cascades of hormones that would work against weight loss.

HOWEVER, you will find people who swear that the only way they lost weight on Atkins or lost that final 10-20 lbs was to restrict calories. Also, people with established metabolic resistance will need to restrict calories.

My suggestion? If you are eating to satisfaction and are seeing a downward trend on the scale, don't mess with it.

Again, if you're not having problems with weightloss, being under 20 grams of carbohydrate a day is fine. If you want to up your fat, try adding natural fats like butter, oils, etc. Usually does the trick. Be prepared that calories will go up with increased fat consumption.

Personally I scratch my head at both problems. I've never counted calories in my life - never been on a plan that required it. I must've missed the memo.... Also, now that I'm using fitday for the first time, too, I see my fat percentage is anywhere from 70-85%. Not worried about it. As I (and you) progress through the stages, the percentages will even out to the "ideal".

[higgies]

Re: Calorie Question

Yes, my suggestion is that if you are eating only until satisfied and your are eating induction-acceptable foods (or for whatever rung you are on), then you should not be concerned about calories. This isn't true for the duration of the lifestyle, but certainly for induction. Induction is intended to break habits and your addiction to carbs. Read up about BMR and find yours. If you're using Fitday, it's the basal value on the activities page. You should be eating around there or a little over that anyway. So if it'll help you not freak out, remember that. For example, mine's around 2000. I found that I actually lost more weight when I was eating over that number.

[alaska1204]

Re: Calorie Question

phew! thanks guys! that helped a lot!

[PinkLady260]

Re: Calorie Question

Yes, thank you!! I guess we just needed a bit of a reality check.

*hugs*

[daniejim]

Re: Calorie Question

I was about to ask the same question but what about people injured not being able to exercise.. or convalescent or couch potatoes????

[fetch]

Re: Calorie Question

Speaking from personal experience only, if you don't exercise but follow the plan as it is written, you will still lose weight. Only slower and over a longer period of time. You may experience true stalls or even have to restrict calories. It really is an individual thing.

Not everyone can be expected to exercise at first, but it is something that is ultimately non-negotiable (sp?). If you don't exercise, you will not reap the rewards of it. Period. Also, you will end up with flabby, untoned musculature and more loose skin than you would've otherwise. My suggestion is do what you can, even if it is not "exercise" by the conventional definition. Hobble around the block, garden, wash your vehicle by hand, dust - just move! It is better by far than just sitting on a flabby rear, squishing fat to the sides....

I still haven't gotten my act together and still lost ten pounds in 3 weeks.

[alicecop]

Re: Calorie Question

I think that during induction phase is more important not to undereat than paying attention to higher than average calorie intake. People often feel satisfied or not hungry due to higher fat intake and drop in leptin levels. It is VITAL to make sure you are eating AT LEAST your mínimum required (Basal Matabolic Rate calories spent at rest), and even calculate higher calorie intake if you are working out. Eating under your BMR will only cause your metabolism to slow down.

My advice is you calculate your BMR and try to eat at least that amount of calories. Another good way to know you are eating enough calories is to multiply your weight and multiply it by 10. Then calculate your protein calorie intake in 30%, carb calorie intake by 5% and rest is fat!

Remember
1 gr prot = 4cals
1gr cabr = 4 cals
1grs fat = 9cals