Starting "diet" - Need Advice - Weight Loss Message Board

phins1011 · 11-29-2006, 05:48 AM

Hi,
I'm a 29 year old male and I'm 5'11 and I weigh 200 pounds. I figure I have about 30 extra pounds of fat on my body that needs to go.

I've looked at the caloric requirement tables and it appears that I need approximately 3000 calories a day. Or I should say, my body burns approx 3000 calories a day. My first question is: does this sound right? It seems kind of high.

Assuming that figure is correct, I have been on a strict 2000 calorie a day diet since sunday. I threw everything out of my fridge on saturday and bought all new food. The only things that I have are: white tuna, eggs, chicken breasts, pork chops, many vegetables (frozen, raw), allbran cereal, rice, dried fruit (mango, apricot), yogurt, and skim milk. I'm a bit of a sauce person so I have cheated in that area and have regular italian, caesar, and 1000 island salad dressing. So far everything I have eaten has come from the above ingredients. Second question is: is there anything else I should be eating to remain in good health? Because my plan is to stick with these foods exclusively until at least christmas and I don't want to end up missing something essential that my body needs.

If I maintain the 2000 calories a day on average, with a lot of walking added to the equation, is it reasonable to expect a 2 pound a week loss?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

zevi8 · 11-29-2006, 06:08 AM

You certainly dont need that many calories unless you are very very active.I am a strict vegan and i eat all day long. I dont even get close to 3000 calories. Most days i dont even hit 2000. I would tell you to eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, beans and whole grains. When i started on my vegan diet, i was 185lbs and only 5 foot 7. In a few months i went down to 143 and thats where i have been for the last 4 years. The problem with animal products is that they move very slowly through your digestive system and they usually make your colon sluggish. Most meat eaters have between 10-25lbs of impacted waste in their colon. Thats extra weight you dont need or want. When john wayne died his colon had 45lbs of impacted waste. Just a thought for you. Go vegan.

phins1011 · 11-29-2006, 07:52 AM

Thank you for responding.

However, I don't think I will turn into a vegan to lose the 30 pounds.

I would really like to know what my basic caloric intake per day is... I'm 5'11 and I weigh 200 lbs. Is 3000 calories too high? I want to cut at least 500 calories a day but I need to know what my starting point is.

ktt · 11-29-2006, 03:39 PM

HI

According to your height and weight you would need 3388 calories to maintain it (obtained from an online calories calculator) for a male with moderate activity your height and weight.

By reducing your calories intake to 2000 calories you would have a daily deficit of 1388 calories a day which over a week = -9716 divided by 3500 would equal 2.78 lbs a week. That the math whether your body will respond only time will tell but it sounds like a reasonable caloric amount. If you find yourself hungry you can add a little more calories back.

Generally try to eat the healthiest foods you can to get the most benefit from the calories you eat. Try low fat versions of your favorite high fat dressings, sauces etc. Good Luck.