I've now done some online research (and factored in Dom's two cents) and have come up with the following:
According to the Mayo Clinic website, I need to consume 2000 calories daily to maintain my current weight. To maintain a weight of 140/135, I would need to consume 1850 calories daily.
According to caloriesperhour.com, a healthy calorie deficit for weight loss would be 300 to 400 at my current weight. By their numbers a deficit of 400 will take 9 months to lose 31 lbs, 6 months to lose 20 - a bit slow. But, a deficit of only 100 more calories supposedly will bring me to 30 lbs in 7 months and 20 lbs. in 5, at 1500 calories daily a little better. But now that isn't even factoring in weekend workouts and an increased walking schedule, or increased calorie burn. I'm not sure how accurate averaging is, but I figured if I average my previous typical weekend workouts, daily home exercises and walking (figuring walking 5 days per week for 1 hour) I supposedly will burn approx. 500 calories a day... ?? I'm thinking then that I should be able to drop close to 1000 calories daily (or at least 800 or so anyway) between cutting back on food and exercising, which would definitely keep me out of the extreme calorie deficit Dom mentioned. I have also read before that extremely low caloric intake will affect other bodily systems that are not reqired for survival, like the reproductive system, which we definitely don't want.
I hope I'm figuring correctly, or even close to correctly. I just hate working all these numbers! Too much math! Argh!
Anyway, I think my plan is to a) get back to my previous weekend gym workouts b) be sure to get 5 1hr walks in per week c) force myself to count calories and keep it at 1500 - and see how it goes.
Oh, but what about the fat and fiber...? Mmmm... Do I just say screw that and shoot for just the calories? Maybe to start out anyway, to keep things less confusing. This calorie monitoring will be trying enough for me. I usually last a few days or even a week before just dumping it altogether. I'll have to try to find a way to make it fun - or like a competition with myself. ...something.
24 January 2008
Numbers - Oh, My Head Hurts
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4 comments:
just think, we used to walk for 90 minutes 5 days a week or so. We had estimated our extended route as 3.5 miles but I really think it's more like 4.
my goal is to start jogging on the treadmill so when it's warm enough to jog outside I won't look like an ass.
I'll join you on your goal!
Oh, and, yeah, MUCH easier to clock in 90 min. and 4 miles outside in the warm or slightly cool, fresh spring/summer air than at the community rink because it's COLD AS ASS outside with no good place to walk, isn't it?
Joggers... you guys have too much ambition ;)
Forgot to add - as far as I'm concerned, a calorie is a calorie, regardless if it comes from fat, carbs, or sugar. The only reason to pay attention to these is to figure out what satiates your hunger while staying in your calorie goal.
More blasphemy - the food pyramid is a load of crap.
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