Weigh-in Week of January 15

[kelownagirl]

Little bit of trivia for you all. I participated in a research study that looked at metabolic hormone levels in highly active women and how they change depending on restriction of caloric intake. It turns out that the most efficient caloric levels for maintaining healthy metabolism and maximizing weight loss is 80% of caloric needs. That is, if I need 2000 cal per day to maintain my lean muscle mass and I burn 1000 doing exercise, the ideal amount for me to eat would be 2400 cal.

Just a little food for thought.

That makes sense to me. According to most online calculators, I should be eating about 1525 calories a day to maintain my weight, and not exercise. When I'm working and can't bike outdoors, I'm lucky to burn and extra 1000 calories in a week, so that would add about another 150 calories a day.

80% of 1675 = 1340 calories. I try to stay close to 1200 but I'm usually much closer to 1300-1350. Now I'll feel better if I want a little snack or a glass of wine in the evening. Thanks for the info!

It also shows me why I gain weight when I eat "normally." On my "bad" days, when I'm dieting, I can easily eat 2000+ calories without even trying.