How do I do this safely?

Question

I'm 6'2", 200 lbs, maybe 14 or 15% body fat right now.

Currently, I weight train 4 days a week and bike ride about an hour twice a week. I eat about 2000 calories per day and I'm loosing about a pound a week.

But I want to try something. I want to cut back to about 1200-1500 calories per day for a two week period, and bike ride one to two hours per day while I'm doing it. No weights as I don't want to injure myself while eating so little.

I'll stay hydrated and get my nutrients, and I really want to try this experiment to see what happens. What are the risks and how do I do this safely and hopefully without lowering my metabolism?

Thanks

Answer 1

I can tell you exactly what is going to happen. you are already at the extreme low end of calories for the amount of lean body mass that you have. your BMR is right around 2,000 cals. adding in the calories that you need for work, exercise, etc. you should be at around 3,500 cals for maintenance and 3,000 for fat loss. if you drop down to 1200-1500 cals you will jack your metabolism up and it will take several weeks to reset it.

Answer 2

You can't...that is a drastic drop in calories and will actually cause your body to use your muscle as fuel. Not to mention the calories you will be burning durin your cardio. Unless you are willing to compromise your muscle and your metabolism, I highly dont recommend it. What is the purpose for this experiment....what goal are you trying to achieve? Are you trying to rev up your metabolism? If so and you follow a the basic ratio of protiens:carbs with low fat as most weight trainers do...I suggest that you take a free day and eat a high fat, high carb, whatever goes diet for that day and start back with your regular routine. Try this like every other week...it really does work.