The only time calories don't matter, IMHO, is during induction. You need to concentrate on breaking the carb addiction and "resetting" your system. Even Dr A touches on decreased appetite/fewer calories/faster loss... but I think a LOT of people take this free rein during induction as license to overeat for the duration. Yes, SOME can eat 3,000 calories a day and still lose, but I'd wager they'd be the minority.