When you first start on a weight management plan, it’s easy to look at calories as your enemy. In fact, many people fall into the trap of actually consuming too few calories, which can make it harder to lose weight, especially over time. Your body needs to have fuel in order to run properly and if it doesn’t you may notice that you just don’t feel right, and that you don’t have enough energy. This makes it hard to stick to your diet, and if you are too deprived, you may actually be slowing down your own metabolism.
The first step to take is to figure out your basal metabolic rate. This is the bare minimum of calories that your body needs for basic functions, such as running your brain, keeping your heart beating and keeping everything running smoothly. It’s not wise to drop below your basal rate, particularly for any extended period of time. This will end up slowing your system down and you may find it impossible to lose weight. In fact, many people that plateau may have simply reached their basal rate and they are not eating enough to lose weight.
You can find a basal metabolic rate calculator online that will help you determine your basic needs. They will need information such as your height, current weight, your age and how much exercise you get. Be honest so that you can get a good idea of just how many calories you really need. If you do need to burn fat, it is acceptable to go a little below that basal rate, but you should never drop below 1200 calories. You can also add more exercise to increase the amount of calories that you burn, which will actually help you raise your metabolism.
Once you determine what your daily basic needs are, you’ll be able to start working on a basic diet plan that will provide you with the weight loss you need, without sacrificing your health as a result. Try not to go more than 500 calories less than your basal rate, and instead, add more exercise to help you burn more calories.
Some signs that you are not consuming enough calories can be a headache, which is common when you are suffering from a lack of protein, general tiredness, fatigue, simple malaise and generally just not feeling up to snuff. While it is common for your body to through a few of these changes initially when you start a weight loss plan, within a week or so you should actually start to feel energized. If you don’t, you may not be eating enough to keep your body functioning properly.
While we all want to lose weight quickly, it is much smarter to take the time that it takes, watch your caloric intake and make sure that you don’t go overboard when it comes to cutting those calories. Your body needs fuel if you want to get healthy.
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