Cutting calories (weight loss, carbs, pounds, workout)

[inquisitive2]

Started cutting calories 3 days ago. Trying to stick with 1500 calories per day. Tracking them on a fitness/weight loss web site. Feel light headed. Is this normal? If so, how long before body adjusts?

In combination with reducing calories also doing short workout in morning with kettlebell weights-about 15 minutes.

Only need to lose about 10-15 lbs.

[Luckyd609]

10 to 15 pounds tends to be the hardest amount to lose. Maybe you should give a sampling of what you eat. When watching calories it is important to choose nutrient dense foods along with some good fats. While fats, like olive oil or avocados are calorie dense, they really help satiate you. It wont take long for your body to adjust. Also make sure you are eating enough calories for your size.

Any exercise is great, but I would at least double the time you are working out.

[LillyLillyLilly]

Male or female?

[inquisitive2]

Male

[LillyLillyLilly]

I think 1500 is a little low for a male. Since you're light headed, I'd increase it to 1700 or 1800. I've been on diets hundreds of times in my life and the only time I got lightheaded is when I went too low calorie.

[newtovenice]

1500 does seem low, especially if you are active.

Are you cutting out any food groups? Fats? Carbs? Sometimes if you are starting a low carb diet you may get lightheaded. It's been suggested that a cup of broth can help with electrolytes and balance out some of the minerals you may be getting at lower levels. Broth is about 15 cal a cup, so it doesn't affect your intake.

[Luckyd609]

Being male I would definitely up the the calories.

[riaelise]

the key thing is how much do you weigh? my husband is 240 and he eats 1800 to lose. if you are a smaller guy, then you will have to eat less. if you drastically cut, you may feel weird for a couple of days but it should clear up.