How exactly does one eat 1500 calories a day?

chrischryse@lemmy.world to No Stupid Questions@lemmy.world – 160 points –

I'm trying to lose weight and was told that hwo I eat about 800-1000 calories a day is too low and lowers my metobolism which will prevent weight loss. I've looked up some meal plans and can't really afford stuff like chicken breast, steak, or salmon every week. So that is why I'm wondering how I can eat 1500 calories a day. Are there some alternatives that I can do?

Also I'd like to ask, say I exercise and burn say 500 calories would I have to eat those calories back or no? I ask cuz I've been told yes and told no.

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If you are serious about losing weight, what I would suggest you do is start recording what you are eating in detail to see where the calories are actually coming from. Make a spreadsheet and track it. Also if you aren't already active, pick up some activity to become less sedentary. Doesn't need to be working out, could be a sport, could be going for more walks.

I don't recommend making significant changes to activity levels at the same time as making diet changes. Weight loss comes from changing what you eat. Exercise is absolutely necessary for a healthy lifestyle, but it is not the major factor in weight loss. And increasing exercise behaviors can destabilize eating habits, making it harder to stick to any good changes you do make with either diet or exercise.

Maybe I’ll try getting into my fitness pal again. But my trouble is still getting that 1500 calories.

I exercise 5 days a week.

My work has a gym which I use both days I’m in office and when I’m not I walk or run

You're eating way more than you think if you're not losing weight on less than that.

Watch secret eaters on YouTube...tons of people don't realize how much they actually consume.

I lose probably 1-2 pounds a week which isn't too bad I just don't want to eat less if it's unhealthy.

The whole "starvation is bad for you" is bullshit. No one is saying eat so little that you get headaches. You eat yourself into a calorie deficit and once you get to it, your body gets used to it.