Determining Nutritional/Caloric Needs

[TNA]

Hey kids, one quick question. When dieting, does one use current weight or contest weight to determine caloric needs?

In my case, my present weight is around 208 @ 15% BF. Contest weight (I'm guessing) 180 @ 6-8% BF. In determining my nutritional needs (and hence calories) right now, which of the two do I use?

[Tim Wescott]

I use my current bodyweight !!

No scientific reason,just always have.

[RUBICON19]

T. From what you have posted, you are on. I think you had about 3000 cals listed. 15 x bodyweight.. It would be different if you had a very high amount of body fat. Start high and clip calories as you go. If you are following what I suggested you will want to move slowly.

[TNA]

rubicon19 said:

T. From what you have posted, you are on. I think you had about 3000 cals listed. 15 x bodyweight.. It would be different if you had a very high amount of body fat. Start high and clip calories as you go. If you are following what I suggested you will want to move slowly.

Thanks Randy! That's what I was figuring. Dropping the cals slowly.

[Tim Wescott]

I think it`s far more important to count macros as opposed to calories except in the latter stages of a diet where one might get stuck at a plateau.

Of course,to lose weight/fat,a calorie deficit must be in effect.

Just my 2 centavos!!

[masterschamp]

Honestly guys... when dieting for a show,(as I am right now), I never really count anything. I just restrict my carbs and eat extra protein. I have always gone by the mirror and the assessments of a few knowledgeable, trusted friends who could be brutally honest if need be!!

[TNA]

admin said:

I think it`s far more important to count macros as opposed to calories except in the latter stages of a diet where one might get stuck at a plateau.

Of course,to lose weight/fat,a calorie deficit must be in effect.

Just my 2 centavos!!

I hear ya Tim. I'm actually counting P,C, & F. The cals are just for me to ensure that I'm not going too high or low in any particular area.

[TNA]

masterschamp said:

Honestly guys... when dieting for a show,(as I am right now), I never really count anything. I just restrict my carbs and eat extra protein. I have always gone by the mirror and the assessments of a few knowledgeable, trusted friends who could be brutally honest if need be!!

I wish I had brutally honest friends. They all say "you look great!" all the while I know I've got to loose a lot of BF if I'm going to compete. From the shows I've been to thus far, size wise I'm okay. Ripped wise, I've got a long way to go.

[RUBICON19]

Dude. Just stick it out. Its inevitable. You will get VERY lean quickly. Just keep cals high at first. Check the scale and look in the mirror. If things are moving (even slowly) then stay the same (cals). When they slow cut cals, but only a very little. There will be days that trick you. I had one today. You think everything is in the toilet. Just get through it. Dont drop cals too fast. I guess thats the biggest point. Are you hitting the carbs every third day?

[RUBICON19]

T. I am really pushing for you to do this. I know you want it!!!!!

[TNA]

Thanks for the encouragement & support Randy! I'm trying brother.

A side note, holy friggin greens - you weren't kidding!!! I'm going through an entire large head of romaine lettuce and a whole rappini! And that's BEFORE supper! Good news - I'm getting full.


Terry

[RUBICON19]

Great. I also use grape fruit.. Good change of pace.

Carb meals every third day?

[Tim Wescott]

tna said:

admin said:

I think it`s far more important to count macros as opposed to calories except in the latter stages of a diet where one might get stuck at a plateau.

Of course,to lose weight/fat,a calorie deficit must be in effect.

Just my 2 centavos!!

I hear ya Tim. I'm actually counting P,C, & F. The cals are just for me to ensure that I'm not going too high or low in any particular area.

Gotcha` bro.............stay focused,lean & mean is waiting for you just around the corner!!

[TNA]

admin said:

tna said:

I hear ya Tim. I'm actually counting P,C, & F. The cals are just for me to ensure that I'm not going too high or low in any particular area.

Gotcha` bro.............stay focused,lean & mean is waiting for you just around the corner!!

Thanks Timmer! I'm optimistic at this point!

[Hoopie]

admin said:

I think it`s far more important to count macros as opposed to calories except in the latter stages of a diet where one might get stuck at a plateau.
Of course,to lose weight/fat,a calorie deficit must be in effect.

Just my 2 centavos!!

I think i have hit a plateau! So i am on my 2nd day of zero carbs with the third tomorrow. then on the 4th day take in 1gram of carbs per pound which will give me 170 grams for the day. Is this too high or is it ok?

[Vikingjoe93]

I keep seeing the word macro's anyone waana shed a light on this for me?

[RUBICON19]

hoopie said:

admin said:

I think it`s far more important to count macros as opposed to calories except in the latter stages of a diet where one might get stuck at a plateau.
Of course,to lose weight/fat,a calorie deficit must be in effect.

Just my 2 centavos!!

I think i have hit a plateau! So i am on my 2nd day of zero carbs with the third tomorrow. then on the 4th day take in 1gram of carbs per pound which will give me 170 grams for the day. Is this too high or is it ok?

Should not be too high. I carb up with about 150 grams of carbs every third day in one meal

[RUBICON19]

vikingjoe said:

I keep seeing the word macro's anyone waana shed a light on this for me?

"Macronutrients"

[Vikingjoe93]

I understand that macro is the abbrev. for macronutrients, but how do you apply this in your dieting. I don't mean to sound like a dunce ;D

[Michael]

Macronutrients:
Nutrients of which the body requires relatively large amounts: calories, carbohydrates, fiber, fat, fatty acids, cholesterol, protein, amino acids, and water. All others are micronutrients.


www.dietpower.com/Help/glossary/macronutrients.htm