I have read 2 places on this web site that I should be eating 10 - 15 calories for each pound of body weight I have. Ok guys, this would mean eating at least 3500 calories per day.

I have been averaging 1800-2000 calories per day.
My concern is that this is too little and that my body will go into starvation mode.

Does anyone have any ideas on this for me?

If I have to eat more, I guess I could force myself

Is this talked about in DANDR? If it is, I missed it.
also, I was thinking I should eat at least enough to maintain my lean body mass, (which is about 170 lbs.) So, how do I figure out how many calories it takes to maintain 170 pounds of bone and muscle?

Thanks in advance.

Rena

ps. I have a before picture on my profile page if anyone is interested...

Hi Rena!

Usually for us in the TDC it is not realistic to eat 10x-12x our weight, which you've already found out. There are many here that try to keep their calories more in the range of 10x-12x their GOAL weight.

The reason why the DANDR doesn't talk about this is that it emphasizes carbs only, not calories. He encourages you to eat acceptable foods until you're satisfied.

For me personally, I don't do well with that concept. I think my body's so out of whack from years of yo-yo dieting & out of control eating that it's still learning how to signal it's had enough.

Good luck! It's looks like you've had a great start...

I agree with hatetocook. I shoot for 10-12 x my goal weight in calories.

I have never counted calories. I have no idea how many I eat in a day and I have lost 90 pounds. Unless you are having problems and not losing, I'd forget the calories and focus on the carbs. Just eat when you are hungry and stop eating when you are full.

I find trying to keep mine in that range helps me keep track of why I might be losing more or gaining, etc.

thanks all, I was really wondering how on earth I was going to manage eating 3500 cal a day without eating 6 candy bars!!!
using my goal weight makes a lot more sense and is about what I have eating.
Thanks again!
Rena