question
 

So it's all about calories in vs. calories out right? Am I really supposed to burn more than I eat? If I eat 1500 or less per day, do I have to work out enough to burn more than 1500? That's probably a stupid question but just thought I'd ask...

The goal is to create a deficit. In perfect science every 3500 calorie deficit means 1lb lost, this usually takes a person 3.5 days to create. However you dont have to workout to burn more than 1500 calories. You burn calories just by living. What you burn if you just lied in bed all day is called your BMR or Basal Metabolic Rate.

This site http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm will help give you an idea of how many calories you need, based on your physical activity level, height, weight , age, gender.


This site will

The short answer is, No. You lose weight by eating less than your total burn for the day, not by not eating anything.

I agree that Freedieting.com will tell you everything you need to know--and you might also read the "frequently asked questions" sticky thread at the top of this forum.

Jay