[bleedB&G]

I have been having a dilema in figuring out how to calculate my nutritional needs. I have begun working out vigoursly for about 25 mins every evening for 6 days a week. I want to loose fat in a safe way (i.e. 2lbs a week). I have about 20lbs to loose. I don't want to loose muscle in the process. I wanted to know if I should focus on how many carbs/fat/protein I ingest every day or more specifically on calories. I also wanted a more accurate and definitive answer as to how to calculate my nutritional needs. I am a male, 6'0, currently 197lbs, and 24yo. Perhaps, a good way to calculate body fat. Any comments will be appreciated.

Please help!!

[healthy_drinker]

hello bleed,

First thing to seriously think about is to STOP counting calories. It's a prehistoric approach to weight loss for the following reasons:

1. Not all calories are the same. 1 calorie of a potato chip is NOT the same as 1 calorie of a carrot. A calorie of wild-caught fish is NOT the same as a calorie of the fish fillet sandwich in your next door fastfood.
2. Not all calories are digested at the same rate. This digestion rate has a HUGE effect on your metabolism.
3. Caloric restriction below a certain level (different for every person) actually slows down your metabolism.
4. Different foods have different ingredients (minerals, enzymes, etc.) that increase your metabolism.

Get yourself those new weighing scales that also measure body fat%. Ignore the pounds, and focus on body fat% and hydration levels. You can get these at Walmart for a great investment of about $40.

Hope this helps

[lneal]

Your BMI or basic metabolic index is 27 based on weight, height, and age Your lean body weight is 154, You should be eating about 154 grams protein a day and less than 1650 cal. I sell some products that help speed your metabolism, give you protein and will help you lose the weight and it's all natural and healthy.

[Goldm00n]

Try this site - This helps me alot

http://www.nutritiondata.com/tools/calories-burned