Calories per day?

Question
Hi Mr. Rost, I hope you can help me. I weigh about 325 lbs. (alot, I know) I have this diet idea and I wanted to run it by you. I want to restrict my calorie intake to 1200 calories a day and also burn 200 cals by dancing, walking etc. What do you think of this? Is it dangerous? or Should I go lower on the calories? ( I was scared to go lower because I hear that you can lose your hair from not enough nutrition and I don't want that). Also should I start drinking protein shakes even though i wont be doing any rigorous exercise?

I saw that you said that you were 340 lbs and now 185 lbs. How long did it take you? How much calories per day did you eat. I have changed some of my eating habits by cutting out soda, mayonaise etc. but it's so hard, do you have any tips on controlling the cravings?

I apologize for asking so many questions, i didn't expect to, they just come rolling off. thanks for taking the time!

Answer
Laura, as my mentor Tom Venuto says, you need to BURN the fat, NOT starve the fat. Don't drop your calories so low that you're constantly craving food. Start out with a reasonable amount of calories, like 1800 a day, and make sure you're eating HEALTHY foods. I would try to burn more than 200 calories a day through exercise though. Try to spend at least an hour a day exercising as vigorously as you can (slow at first, but increasing in intensity). Make sure you include both cardio AND weight training.

And remember?it's NOT a race. Healthy weight loss is about a pound or two a week. Stay focused, take your time, and be healthy!

For specific information and step-by-step guidelines on how to lose weight and be healthy, visit my web site for all kinds of details about proper diet, nutrition, exercise, weight-lifting routines, and more.

Most importantly, make sure to download my FREE eBook, "Rick's 18 Tips for Healthy Weight Loss."

Richard Rost
http://www.RicksWeightLoss.com

P.S. As a disclaimer, I'm not a doctor or health professional. Please seek the advice of your doctor before implementing any of my recommendations.

I hope this information helps to solve your problem. If there is ANY REASON why you won't give me a RATING of 10 please let me know so I can improve upon my answers in the future. Thank you!

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