![]() ![]() To determine how many calories you need, start by assessing how many you are routinely consuming either via an online monitoring app such as 'My Fitness Pal' or by seeing a dietitian. Calorie requirements change, and attempting to stick to 1200 calories because you think you should, when you actually need 1400-1500 calories can result in extreme cravings and binge eating - behaviours and experiences that are extremely common in seasonal dieters. The other important thing to remember when weight loss is the goal is that while a 1200 calorie approach may work initially, especially for sedentary people, as you lose weight and the hormones that control fat loss start to work more efficiently, you will actually need more calories to continue to lose weight. READ MORE: How meal timing can help you lose weight without eating less On the other hand, for someone who is fit, lean and active and who will need at least 1400-1500 calories each day, consuming significantly less than this is likely to trigger extreme hunger, fatigue over time and long term a reduction in metabolic rate as the body breaks down muscle mass to keep itself fuelled. In the case of a small female, who is relatively inactive, 1200 calories will be likely enough. ![]() While on the surface 1200 calories seem pretty reasonable - especially compared to the popular 500-800 calorie fasting plans currently getting much attention - calorie requirements are not a one-size-fits-all model. It's likely that this is where the general recommendation of 1200 calories came from, based on an assumption that if the average female is consuming 1500-1600 calories each day, reducing it by 400-500 calories will support weight loss while still providing enough calories to support metabolic rate. ![]() ![]() The average female will require 1000-1200 each day just to function and keep the metabolism pumping. If you eat more calories than the body is burning off, you will gain weight over time as the excessive calories are stored. If the goal is weight loss, you'll need to eat fewer calories than the body requires. The more activity, the greater the number of calories you will need to fuel the muscles. The number of calories each person requires will then be largely affected by how much activity you do. ![]()
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