How Little Should You Eat To Lose Weight?

[QueenieAbby]

How Little Should You Eat To Lose Weight?

by Abby_Campbell, www.911BodyResQ.com

More and more women are eating less to lose weight.  Though you should have a calorie deficit to lose, you should never ever starve yourself.  In fact, by eating too little, you are placing yourself in a dangerous place.  Your metabolism will slow down and sometimes even come to a complete stop.  Ironically, this is not what you had hoped for.  Though the intentions are pure, the philosophy is wrong.

Though a certain calorie may be right for one woman, it is not for every woman.  A 130 pound woman should never eat the same amount as a 250 pound woman.  The calorie requirements of that 250 pound woman is much greater than the 130 pound woman just in vital functions or vice versa.  For a 250 pound woman to eat like someone nearly half her size, she will eventually hit a plateau with her weight because her body believes it is in starvation mode.  When this happens, the body hangs on to every ounce of fat there is because it believes it is in an emergency state.  Once this happens, it will be very difficult to climb back out of the plateau rut without putting some weight back on.  During this starvation mode, the metabolism has declined greatly.  It will take some work to boost it again.

So, how much of a calorie deficit should you go with in order to lose weight.  A healthy deficit would be approximately 300-500 calories per day.  Though some may take it close to a 1,000 calories per day, that is usually for emergencies and should be under watch by either a personal trainer who is educated in nutrition, a fitness or sports nutrition specialist, or a doctor.  Any calorie deficit over 500 should be a very temporary goal so as to not reach the starvation mode.  However, extra calorie deficits may be obtained through exercise.  A 30-60 minute workout can burn an additional 200-800 calories per depending on its intensity. 

Be safe, and don't starve yourself.  Eat several smaller clean meals per day.  Include extra lean proteins, green and colorful veggies, metabolic boosting fruits, and essential fats in your menu plans.  Include whole grains on workout days, preferably "after" strenuous weight or resistance training.  Drink lots of water and herbal teas.  Most importantly, be consistent!  If you need more of a structured plan with your meals or training, check out 911's meal and training plans.  Custom plans are also available.  With 911 Body ResQ on your side, you can't go wrong!