The whole "calories in" vs. "calories out" theory is pretty self explanatory, but the equation doesn't seem to be working out exactly for me. Ok, I guess you could say I need a little advice. This is a bit of a confusing question and a math problem all in one, because it's the only way I can think to express it in a sensical way. Here goes:
This is based on 3,500 calories = approximately 1 pound.
Person A usually eats 2,000 a day and maintains her weight. "A" goes on a diet and cuts her calories down to 1,500 a day. In theory, A should lose 1 pound per week, without exercising, because she is eating 3,500 less calories per week... so far, right?
Now Person B is a habitual binge-eater and normally eats around 4,000 cals/day, and maintains for the most part but gains about 5-10lbs per year. "B" goes on a diet and cuts down to 1,500 cals/day. Since "B" is eating 17,500 less calories per week than she used to, shouldn't she lose 5lbs per week?
For the record, I am Person B and although I am losing a little weight, it definitely isn't at the rate of 5lbs/week. Yes, I know that 5lbs a week is a little much to be healthy for most people, but is it really too much for me, proportionately? Kind of like how it would be normal (proportionately) for an 800lb person to lose like 20lbs a month from gastric-bypass...
I am just worried about my metabolism. Even though 1,500 cals/day is a reasonable amount for most people, does my body think I'm "starving" because it's used to eating SOOO much more? The last thing I want to do is stall out my metabolism when I've been doing so well with my eating habits lately. Sorry this was so long and confusing!! Any advice or insight would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!