Can't hit your calories everyday? How many calories is too much?
Lets say someone weights around 200lbs. To maintain that body fat level, they'd be consuming at least 3,500 calories a day on average - over a year.
Keep in mind they're saying you can't eat it all, so they're stopping at say 1,600 calories, rather than the 2,000 specifically set for you by the coaches on the Life Plan.
So...3,500 calories of highly-processed food vs 1,600 calories of nutrient-dense food.
So, the protein and fibre is filling them so much that it's offsetting 1,900 calories which they could easily consume before?
No chance.
Why is this a problem?
Many people who say they "can't eat all their calories" often stop losing weight - which seems strange, since that would mean a bigger calorie deficit.
Here's what's actually happening
- They've started a new plan
- They've bought loads of "clean" food
- They've eaten it, and don't like it
- They feel stuffed
- They secretly love lower calories because they think they can lose more
- The lower calories are unsustainable, so the hunger kicks in.
- They end up binging
- The deficit they created now disappears
- No progress or weight lost
So, what should I do and how many calories should I eat?
- If it feels hard to hit your calories, don't force it. But do your best.
- As the days go on hunger will naturally increase.
- The key is to not get clever and start cutting more calories - that's how weekend overeating usually starts.
- Stick to the plan, track accurately and stay consistent. The results will follow.
Key points:
- It's absolutely possible to hit calorie targets.
- Most people used to eat far more than the amount we set.
- Focus on consistency, not restriction.
- Follow and trust the
Life Plan. Results come from sticking with it.
- Don't fall at the first hurdle - progress takes time.
