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!

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

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