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Posted by u/calorie_counter99··Question

Is the '1500 cal rule' for women outdated or still valid?

TL;DR: Is the 1500 calorie rule for women outdated, or is it still relevant given individual differences?

I've been counting calories for about two years now, and I've encountered the 1500 calorie guideline for women repeatedly. It seems like a blanket rule that a lot of people still hold onto, but I wonder how accurate it actually is for individuals. I know many factors come into play, like age, weight, activity level, and overall health.

For instance, I calculated my TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) using several online calculators and got a range from 1800 to 2200 calories, depending on how active I am that day. I usually aim for a deficit of around 500 calories to lose weight, which puts me comfortably above that 1500 mark. Yet, I see others striving for this arbitrary number, and it often leads to frustration or plateaus.

I recently compared a few apps like MyFitnessPal and MacroFactor, and both provide useful insights, but they seem to lean towards recommending lower calorie intakes. I'm curious if anyone else feels that the 1500 calorie rule is still applicable, or if it's time to throw it out. Are we holding onto outdated standards when each of our needs is so individual? What has been your experience with this?

Thanks for any insights.

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u/calorie_counter99·

The 1500 calorie rule is way too simplistic. Everyone's TDEE is so different. I've tracked my intake using MyFitnessPal and found that I need at least 1800-2000 to feel good and not crash. It's all about finding what works for you, not sticking to some outdated guideline.

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u/vegan_bulker22·

Facts! I aim for 2200 calories as a vegan lifter, and it's allowed me to build muscle without feeling starved. I even found some killer recipes that fit my macros, like chickpea curries or lentil tacos. It's all about getting that protein and variety in!

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u/runnergirl_1989·

Honestly, I think the 1500 calorie rule has to go. I run marathons, and my fuel needs are way higher. I usually eat around 2500 calories on long run days, and it's essential to keep my energy levels up. Everyone's journey is unique, and we shouldn't shame people for needing more.

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u/ppl_panda·

i used to follow that 1500 calorie rule too, but it just led to burnout. I've been lifting for years now, and honestly, I eat around 2000 calories, and my lifts are so much better. Counting macros can help too, it's more about balance than strict numbers.

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u/macroninja98·

100%. Calories in vs. calories out is real, but so is individual variation. If someone is trying to eat 1500 calories and feeling miserable, they need to reassess. There's no universal fit here. Lifting and nutrition should be enjoyable, not a chore.

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u/squat_goat·

You can't just throw around numbers like 1500 and expect it to work for everyone. Some people need way more calories, especially if they're lifting heavy or doing intense cardio. I've seen folks struggle with energy just because they're chasing that arbitrary number.

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u/depressedlifter·

Lol, the 1500 cal rule is like saying everyone can bench 225. Skill issue! Everyone's got different body types and goals. It's more about finding your sweet spot and listening to your body. If you're hungry, eat. If you're full, stop. Simple.

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