I would aim for more like 2000-2100 calories, but bump your cardio up a bit to maybe two miles for every workout, even if you have to walk part of it. For a male your age, 1600-1800 calories probably falls well below your basal metabolic rate, which can lead to your body doing weird things to keep from entering starvation, which can actually hinder your fat loss. It won't be able to take all the needed calories from your fat stores and will start metabolizing muscle tissue and other organs, which can lead to extreme urges to binge-eat and wreck your mood.
If you keep up the exercise and stay at ~2100 calories, you'll probably hit your goal in four months. As you lose fat, you'll need to drop your calories a bit further. Chart your progress by weighing yourself once a week (at the same time of day) and measuring your waist. As long as one of those measurements is getting lower, your making progress. If one stays the same, that's okay - stick with it. If both numbers stall, then either drop your calories a bit more or bump up your cardio, and see how things look the next week.
It doesn't matter too much what you eat as long as you stay within the target calories, but it'll be far easier to gain strength and avoid cravings and bad moods if you eat a diet of lean meats and other protein along with high-fiber vegetables, as well as a few complex carbs.
Most Helpful Opinions
if fast food is your primary source for food that's one thing that won't help you lose weight. calories in vs calories out is a good concept but all those chemicals and shit is what also aids in keeping you fat. change your diet to something much more clean.
you're trying to cut out way too many calories. that's not going to work.
What Girls & Guys Said
Opinion
1Opinion
Dropping down to 1800 is fine, but not below 1800. You'll start losing muscle in addition to fat. Shoot more for 1900-2000
And can the junk food. It isn't just the calories you eat, the quality of them matters too.
The only opinion from girls was selected the Most Helpful Opinion, but you can still contribute by sharing an opinion!
Learn more
We're glad to see you liked this post.
You can also add your opinion below!
Most Helpful Opinions