real calculation of maintenance cals

mike ross · Sep 4, 2004

how do some of you guys go about calculating this. dont tell me to use one of those online calulators, i would be eating like 2000cals per day and i know i need more than that. do you calculate on lean body weight or total body weight? what number do you use, some books say 11 some 13 some 15, you get my drift. any help is appreciated thanks.

xcelbeyond · Sep 4, 2004

I wouldn't trust a formula unless it was based on LBM - it's not necessary to feed the fat.

xcelbeyond · Sep 4, 2004

This website integrates 5 RMR calculators: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/calrmr.htm

Notice that Method 5 is the only one based on LBM, which looks good

mike ross · Sep 5, 2004

see thats what i figured too, but you read these articles,etc and everyone preaches something different. really annoying. ranks up their with me arguing with docs on a daily basis which meds are better for which patients. thanks xcel

xcelbeyond · Sep 5, 2004

Yea, I hear ya bro.

Those first 4 RMR calculators had me around 1800 cals based on TOTAL bodyweight.

The 5th method was based on LBM and it was 2400 cals!!

mike ross · Sep 5, 2004

yeah, did the same, just gonna go with the average of the 5. figure it cant be too far off

xcelbeyond · Sep 5, 2004

mike ross said:
yeah, did the same, just gonna go with the average of the 5. figure it cant be too far off

That was my thoughts also. Just remember, this is RESTING metabolic rate, not basal. Doesn't take into account ANY activity - workouts, cardio, manual labor, etc. I always suggest using a tape measure, scale and mirror as simple tools.

Measure your waist, right around your belly button - this location is for consistancy. Be sure you have a mental fixation on how tight/loose the tape is. I pinch the two ends of tape slightly with one hand while slightly pully tight with the other. Then I relase pressure so the tape isn't depressed or falls off.

If the scale is going down and this measurement stays the same, more than likely you're calorie deficient and losing muscle. Here's the IDEAL condition - scale is staying the same but tape measurement is getting smaller: losing fat and gaining muscle!