What a fascinating conversation! I like the idea of using 'maintenance calories' to reach goal weight, but also think that the weight loss is probably slower. It's definitely something I am willing to try though.

As for the lowered RMR after a big weight loss - it probably depends on the individual. MEG definitely has something right though - more exercise = more muscle = higher RMR.

Hope to see you all around on the 2008 threads.

This is fascinating! Thanks for posting a link to your article Meg. Your story and pictures are also inspiring!

Yes, thank you, lorilove.

People, if you want to weight 150 you need 12* (I'll explain in a moment) calories per pound to maintain your weight of 150. Therefore you would need 1800 calories per day to maintain a weight of 150 (12x150=1800).

*In my calorie counting book it says to figure out how many calories you need to maintain a weight by the amount of activity you do in a day:

Sedintary: 10 calories per pound
Moderate active: 12 cals per pound
Very active: 14 cals per pound.

Hey! :wave:

As with most numbers like this, they are based on averages and therefore won't work for everyone. The best way to find out what your maintenance level is is experience--if you are eating 1800 cals a day and gaining, then you know in your case that's the wrong number. :)

At my age and activity level, my maintenance calories are right around 1600 if I don't exercise.

Jay

I love DietPower and FitDay :)