Do calories count?

[Einy]

I understand that Dr. Atkins WOE doesn't count calories, but there still have to be some significance to calories in this WOE. Is there an average number where we should stay around? Or a point where we should not cross?

What I have been doing is try to eat till I get satisfied but still try to stay around the 2000 calories point.. Some days I end-up eating as little as 1400 and sometimes as high as 2800. So I was just wondering if there is any rule of thumb there.

Do I still need to create a deficit between the average body need (3500 calories/day for male) and the intake?

[purplecat]

Re: Do calories count?

You can calculate your BMR (basal metabolic rate) here:

http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/


Once you've figured that out, you can determine your caloric needs based on your activity level here:

http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-ca...dict-equation/

[Chicklady]

Re: Do calories count?

Since I blew my golden shot---twice---I do watch my calorie intake. Like you, I fluctuate, usually between 1400 and 2300 calories. Ketosis does give us some extra leeway that counting calories alone wouldn't do. I remember my first go-round on Atkins though, and I never counted calories. I ate when I wanted to, until I was satisfied. The natural appetite suppression caused by this WOE has not been as strong for me this time, and I have to be careful.

[Chicklady]

Re: Do calories count?

BTW, do you use fitday? according to my "overview" my average daily intake of calories since my start on 11/02 has 1889 per day. I have never seen another diet that allowed that many calories to lose....at least for women....

[Einy]

Re: Do calories count?

Thanks purplecat, I will check these sites out.

Chicklady, yes, I use fitday, my average is around 1700 calories.

[Einy]

Re: Do calories count?

purplecat.. Yes, these are really useful.. Turns out that I need close to 2850 calories/day. Which means with average of 1700 calories/day I am creating a deficit of 1100 calories/day.. Which in theory should be equal to 2.2 lbs loss/week. Interesting

[purplecat]

Re: Do calories count?

Oh wow!! That's a huge difference. I hope this information helps you on your WOL journey!! Best of health to you and Merry Christmas!!

[not2late]

Re: Do calories count?

Calories matter. Dr. Atkins wrote that they did in the "Frequently Asked Questions" section of Chapter 11 in the book.

If you eat only to satisfy your hunger, then counting calories might not be necessary because you are letting your body determine how many calories it needs. For example, when I'm more active, I tend to eat more. On days I'm not as active, I eat less. And that makes sense, because if I take a 5 mile hike one day, I am using more energy and need to eat more in order to keep my body functioning. But if I spend the whole day curled up on the couch reading a book, I'm not using that much energy, so I won't have to eat quite as much.

So do you need to count and record every calorie that you eat or drink? Technically no. But do calories matter? Yes.