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?

Thanks in advance for your help!!!

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!

Mel

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.

My name is MEL

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 !

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