How to determine calories?


(dee dee) #1

I don’t know how to calculate how many calories are optimal for my maximum weight loss.


(Karim Wassef) #2

Hi deedee

The recommendation is to NOT count calories.

You need to count carbs and keep them under 20g per day.

That’s basically it


(Bacon is a many-splendoured thing) #3

Instead of trying to calculate some caloric level to eat at, try keeping your carbohydrate intake under 20 g/day, and eating protein and fat to satiety. That way, you’ll be working with your body’s hormones, instead of against them.


(Carl Keller) #4

LCHF is simple. Keep your carbs low (20 is a solid limit), eat fat and moderate protein when you are hungry and try not to snack. The number or calories will be self-determined by your daily needs and the better your body adapts to using fat for fuel, the fewer calories you will need.

Keto is carb restriction, not calorie restriction. One needs to develop a healthy relationship with one’s hunger or weight will not be lost in a healhy manner. So make the correct food choices and the rest will start to take care of itself.


(Alec) #5

Short term: zero
Long term: nobody knows, and it will vary every day. So just eat to satiety.


(Fast Freddy) #6

Calories are meaningless. Controlling hormones is key.

The sooner you realize this the better you will look.

As already discussed, eat fat and meat until full - don’t snack - try to IF - each time you eat you trigger insulin - the less you eat the better you can control this hormone and start burning fat as fuel.

Limit carbs as low as possible, only veggies if desired.

Your body and hormones will do the rest!


(Scott) #7

When I changed from a calorie restricted WOE after I had gained back 30 of the 50 pounds I lost I was about to give up. I stumbled onto keto and really enjoyed that I didn’t have to log meals or count calories (some do but I don’t). I have no idea how many calories I eat daily and I do not restrict food at mealtime but I do restrict snacking. I only need to keep a mental tally of the carb content of my food. After awhile you just know how many carb are in your food. I can maintain my weight with ease now.


(dee dee) #8

THANK YOU, I needed that.

I’ve been looking and not finding… then you came to me.

Good deal!


(dee dee) #9

Thank you, I am slowing learning there are very few rules to LCHF…

I will concentrate on feeding, and feeling, instead of fearing.

Thanks again,


(dee dee) #10

Thank you, I am so appreciative for your personal feedback, not just words on a page in a random article.

With your help, I’m on my successful way!


(dee dee) #11

Thank you, I appreciate your knowledge, and valuable input.


(dee dee) #12

Oh thank you, this answers a lot of questions I have!

I appreciate your personal experience.


(dee dee) #13

This is awesome, thank you!

I have learned so much just from this.

I appreciate this very much!

Freedom to eat & lose is now mine…


(Bacon is a many-splendoured thing) #14

You are most welcome. A ketogenic diet is closer to the way our ancestors ate, before anyone had ever even heard of a calorie. If I had had to count calories and measure macros, I’d never have been able to eat this way. As it is, I’m 60 lbs. lighter, without counting a single calorie or doing a lick of exercise. The next 60 lbs. will be a different story, no doubt, but for now, I’m happy. Good luck!


(Karim Wassef) #15

Thank you for being so thankful :smiley:


(dee dee) #16

PaulL,

You’re awesome. Congratulations on your personal achievement.

And to that end here, I appreciate your voice in my quest.

I’m looking forward to the changes to come…


(dee dee) #17

Okay, Fast Freddy, THANK YOU, your answer was astounding, and outstanding! I felt immediately woke

when I read your reply. Effing Hormones? No one ever pointed that out. Now it’s understandable!

I’m feeling so much more confident.


(dee dee) #18

Please, can I ask your advice re: no counting calories?

I’m eating under 20 gr. carbs daily. Some days 12, some 16.
I drink up to 1 c. HWC in coffee, diet orange soda, diet root beer.
I mix HWC w/sugar-free Jell-O pudding mix. 1-oz. box dry mix = 8 gr. carbs.
(.25 oz. = 4 servings) 1 serving = 2 gr. carbs.

I pudding daily = 2 gr.
1 c. (16 T.) heavy whipping cream (HWC) = 6.4 gr,.
12 green olives daily = 1.8 gr.
2 eggs daily = .8 gr.
8 oz. turkey breast daily = .4 gr.
4 T. mayonnaise = .4 gr.
4 T. butter
1 med. avocado = 2 gr.
2 slices American cheese = 1 gr.
2 oz. bleu cheese = 1.4 gr.
6 T. cream cheese = 3.6 gr.

TOTAL = 16.2 gr.

I relented to my curiosity after 5 days free of it, (apparently not!) stepped on a scale, shocked I was 6 lbs. heavier!! OMG! WTF? Do you think it’s the cream?


(dee dee) #19

My bad, that totals 19.8 gr.


(Cancer Fighting Ketovore :)) #20

My 4 cents :slightly_smiling_face:

I would drop:
diet sodas, as the artificial sugars can do funky things.
American cheese (or at least sub in a real cheese)
Go easy on the HWC or find one that had a more pure ingredient list
Drop the sugar free puddings

Consider fattier meats,
maybe some ranch dressing on the avacado

Try to fill up on fats at meal time so you can avoid snacking.