Rohan Kumar Rohan Kumar Asked 9 months ago

How to figure calorie deficit for weight loss?

I'm trying to lose weight and everyone talks about a 'calorie deficit', but I'm a bit confused. How do I actually calculate my calorie deficit accurately for weight loss? Is there an easy formula?

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15 answers

Saroj Bala Saroj Bala Joined May 2026 6 months ago
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Beta, for weight loss, it's about eating less than what you use. But don't starve yourself. Eat simple, wholesome food. Drink plenty of water. Sometimes, a glass of warm water with honey and lemon in the morning helps with digestion. But mostly, it's discipline.

Rohit Das Rohit Das Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

I just went through this! I used an online TDEE calculator to estimate my maintenance calories, then aimed for 300-500 calories less than that. Tracked everything in MyFitnessPal religiously for a month. It was an eye-opener and really helped me understand portions.

Kavita Singh Kavita Singh Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

A general rule of thumb is to create a deficit of about 500 calories per day to lose 1 pound of weight per week. However, this isn't exact for everyone. It's best to use an online calculator as a starting point and then listen to your body. Don't go too low or you'll feel lethargic.

Deepak Sharma Deepak Sharma Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

Calorie deficit? Mere liye toh sleep deficit hai. 😂 But seriously, when I finally manage to get good sleep, I notice I don't crave junk food as much. Maybe that's a calorie deficit trick too? Less junk = less calories, right? Who knows, I'm just tired.

Gaurav Mehta Gaurav Mehta Joined Feb 2026 9 months ago

I once tried a very restrictive calorie deficit diet and ended up feeling constantly weak and even had some nutrient deficiencies. It's really important to do it safely. Please consult a doctor or a registered dietician before making any significant changes to your diet to avoid complications.

Kamla Devi Kamla Devi Joined Feb 2026 9 months ago

Beti, you just need to eat a little less than what you normally eat, and move your body more. Like our elders used to say, 'jitna khaoge, utna bhagogey'. Simple plain food is best. And don't forget to laugh, it's good for the soul and helps too!

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Shreya Bhatt Shreya Bhatt Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

Yaar, don't stress too much about the exact numbers. Just aim to eat healthy and move your body. Cut down on junk, drink loads of water, and try to get some form of exercise. Even a good brisk walk helps! You'll figure out what works for your body.

Ananya Bansal Ananya Bansal Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

It's totally normal to feel a bit overwhelmed trying to figure this out, I felt the same way! There's so much info out there. Just remember, it's about sustainable changes, not quick fixes. Start with small, healthy adjustments and try not to stress too much about being perfect. Listen to your body and maybe talk to a professional if you're stuck.

Priya Kapoor Priya Kapoor Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

Oh god, calorie deficit gives me so much anxiety! I constantly worry if I'm eating too little or too much. I've found it's better to just focus on healthy eating and not obsess over exact numbers. But yes, understanding the concept is important. Maybe start slow and don't push yourself too hard initially.

Meena Kumari Meena Kumari Joined Apr 2026 7 months ago

As a diabetic, simply cutting calories can be risky if not done right. You need to focus on *what* you eat, not just how much. Prioritize complex carbs, proteins, and healthy fats to avoid blood sugar spikes and crashes. Always check with your doctor or a dietician before making major dietary changes, especially for calorie deficit.

Sunita Patel Sunita Patel Joined May 2026 6 months ago

I tried so many diets before I understood this! What helped me was simply making sure I had a proper breakfast, a light lunch, and a very early, small dinner. And I replaced evening snacks with fruits. It's about sustainable changes. Small steps lead to big results.

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Seema Jain Seema Jain Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Don't get too caught up in complicated calculations. For most of us, just eating smaller portions of ghar ka khana, replacing one meal with a healthy soup or salad, and avoiding outside food does the trick. Plus, a daily walk for 45 minutes. Sustainable and affordable.

Kabir Khan Kabir Khan Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

The toughest part is cutting down on all the delicious food! 😭 But I figured, instead of completely depriving myself, I just adjusted portion sizes. Like, one samosa instead of two, or a smaller piece of mithai. And finding healthy swaps for my cravings really helped. It's about balance, not just saying no.

Rajesh Sharma Rajesh Sharma Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

Dekho bhai, it's simple math. You eat less than you burn. But don't make it too complicated. Start by cutting out sugary drinks, fried food, and extra snacks. Add more veggies. Walk daily. You'll see results. Consistency is key.

Lakshmi Iyer Lakshmi Iyer Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

Our grandmothers always said to eat in moderation, no? That's essentially calorie deficit. But now, with more processed foods, it's harder. My doctor advised me to focus on traditional South Indian food, lots of vegetables, and a bit of walking. Don't trust everything on the internet, always check with a professional.

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