I've quickly scanned the stickies and didn't see the answer to this question so thought I'd throw it out there. Sorry if it's a repeat!
I've just started (been 2 times) weight training to go along with 40 min/6 miles per day on my eliptical. I am going to do the weights 3 times a week. My question is: I've been reading a lot about training and weight loss and everything I've found says to eat the calories I burn training. So, say I eat 1500 in a day and train for 40 minutes. My program estimates that I'm burning about 300 calories. Should I make sure to up the 1500 to 1800? That scares me to death! Any advice?
Gosh- where did you see that? I'd suggest making sure that your calories are the most nutritious possible and make sure that you are getting adequate protein and complex carbs, but I wouldn't increase.
Are you reading about how to gain muscle? If your goal is to do a "bulk up" (gain as much muscle as you possbily can and then plan to burn off the fat later)- yes. But that isn't what most of us want to do!
I'm no scientist, nutritionist or exercise expert (hooray for uninformed opinions!), but I reckon you should eat what you need to eat to lose (1500) and view the calories burned during exercise as a 'bonus' deficit that will help you to lose weight more quickly. I also second Mel's suggestion to move your calories around to ensure that you're getting plenty of protein. Your muscles like it.
Wow. After Meg's question I went back and re-read with a new perspective and she's right...they're talking about bulk! Timing meals for greater bulk and that kind of thing. Thanks for keying me in to that!
Is there a certain amount of protein to target? I went through my "dailyplate" and found that in the past 2 weeks I've typically eaten between 60 and 100 g of lean protein a day. Since it's more than 100% of the daily recommended I assumed it was fine.
I'm going to do exactly what you mentioned, baffled, and consider that workout as deficit to my calories and be glad for it! Thanks a bunch!
Hi Royalsfan Welcome to the forum! Generally I try split my calories for the day, 1200 -1400, into 40% protein, 40% carbs, and 20% healthy fats. An easy way to track this is through www.fitday.com. This site can be used free of charge and allows you to record your exercise as well.
I am a newbie too- but everything I have read says protein is a big key. Daily Plate or Fitday it doesn't matter- just keep your protein percentage high. I am trying to bump my calories ( they were too low) but my protein averaged at 123 grams a day for the past two weeks.
You might want to look into Body for Life for Women or Body for Life as they have training and nutrition information. I am reading Winning By Losing by Jillian Micheals ( and have her new book waiting in the wings). She also has training and some nutritional stuff. I am working her program. It's only week one- but just having a bit of guidance is helpful .I wasn't sure what to do when and the best choice I made was to finally just pick something and stick with it.
I found it hard as there was so much information on the internet-stuff on leaning up,building up and form that it was an overload. Even now, just picking through stuff here on the site I tend to stop myself from trying to digest too much. Instead I make a mental note about different workout information throught out these threads and plan to get back to it when I can.
Kudos to Lydia, Mel,Susan and all the others who keep this area going ! If you focus on reading the information here-you could be busy for along time !
new to weight training
Welcome to the forum! Generally I try split my calories for the day, 1200 -1400, into 40% protein, 40% carbs, and 20% healthy fats. An easy way to track this is through 
