How important is it that you ingest daily a min. of 1,000 calories from maintainence?

[The Escapist]

Conventional wisdom says for safe and steady weight loss, that results in fat being lost rather than muscle, you should eat 500 calories below maintainence a day, at most 1,000. Advice also given is that men should not diet on less than 1,800 calories a day, and the standard recommended daily allowance given for the 'average' man is 2,000 calories a day.

For some vitals, I weigh approx 90 kg (or thereabouts) and if my figures are right, my daily calorie need is around 3,200. I apply a 1,000 deficit, to give a suggested intake of 2,200 calories or so.

Now here's the rub. In eating balanced, well proportioned meals, I've worked out that I'm regularly hitting around the 2000 calorie mark, on average. Which means I'm 1,200 down from maintainence.

Now I'm aware that weight loss by maths is just ballpark figures and everyone's genetics respond differently, but tbh I'm fine with the amount I eat.

I could probably stand to eat a little more. I never feel starving throughout the day but then I never feel particularly satiated either, just...content. Content to wait until the next meal (eating fruit in-between meals helps).

So, do you recommend I eat a little more to hit that 1000 deficit mark? To put the question into context, I really want to burn fat off my body as efficiently as possible. Stomach, ass and thighs mainly. And if it means ingesting a little more food...hey I'm fine with that!

But only if I *must* otherwise I'm cool continuing as I am.

 

[Steve]

Conventional wisdom says for safe and steady weight loss, that results in fat being lost rather than muscle, you should eat 500 calories below maintainence a day, at most 1,000.

Meh, adequate protein and weight training is priority number one in the case of muscle maintenance.

This deficit recommendation exists more so people don't go crazy with depriving themselves, since a life full of deprivation isn't likely to yield much happiness. Plus, they probably won't make it a lifetime since they'll cave in much shorter a time frame.

Best bet for long term adherence and happiness is following these conventional words of wisdom.

Advice also given is that men should not diet on less than 1,800 calories a day, and the standard recommended daily allowance given for the 'average' man is 2,000 calories a day.

This is pointless. Caloric requirements are completely dependent on individuality.

For some vitals, I weigh approx 90 kg (or thereabouts) and if my figures are right, my daily calorie need is around 3,200. I apply a 1,000 deficit, to give a suggested intake of 2,200 calories or so.

Now here's the rub. In eating balanced, well proportioned meals, I've worked out that I'm regularly hitting around the 2000 calorie mark, on average. Which means I'm 1,200 down from maintainence.

Now I'm aware that weight loss by maths is just ballpark figures and everyone's genetics respond differently, but tbh I'm fine with the amount I eat.

I could probably stand to eat a little more. I never feel starving throughout the day but then I never feel particularly satiated either, just...content. Content to wait until the next meal (eating fruit in-between meals helps).

So, do you recommend I eat a little more to hit that 1000 deficit mark? To put the question into context, I really want to burn fat off my body as efficiently as possible. Stomach, ass and thighs mainly. And if it means ingesting a little more food...hey I'm fine with that!

But only if I *must* otherwise I'm cool continuing as I am.

You're severely overthinking this stuff.

If you're content and your body composition/weight is heading in the desired direction (not to slow or not to fast) then you're fine.

 

[The Escapist]

Okay, fair enough. Thanks for the advice.