Exercise and a 2400 calorie diet is harmful, according to Dad?

Question

I am a 17-year-old male. I jog 20 minutes five times a week and eat a healthful diet of about 2400 calories each day. My dad thinks that I should eat 3000 calories per day and stop running because it might be hard on my knees and joints. (I run on gravel roads.) By the way I am 6'2" and have a BMI of 5%. Do you agree with my dad? If you don't agree with him, how should I convince him that I'm just trying to do what the experts recommend?

Answer 1

You're both right, and you're both wrong. Confused? Good. I'll now let you know why.

First off, what do you mean a BMI of 5%? That would mean that a 6'2", you weigh less than 40 pounds. Are we talking body fat % here? If so it's incredibly low and I know some body builders that would kill to get that low without having to work too hard at it.

Anyway, you need to figure out your BMR first. There are loads of calculators out there on the internet and they'll help you to figure out what it is you need to eat, then what it is you need to maintain your weight as it is.

For example, an active young man such as yourself assuming a weight of 150 pounds would have a BMR of 1824 calories a day. This is simply what your body needs to keep running. Then as you are moderately active (moderate sports 3/5 days a week), take that number and multiply it by 1.55 (as stated under the Harris Benedict Equation) to give you a total of 2827. This then gives you the approximate amount of calories needed to maintain your current weight. These numbers are of course approximations and your mileage may vary.

As for running, yes you can damage your knees doing that. If you must run, choose a good pair of running shoes and run on a soft surface if you can.

So I would also think if you wanted to lose weight (although at 5%bf, I don't see why you should), gain weight or maintain you need to figure out how much you need to eat and at least try to match it.

Answer 2

2400 is a bit low and excessive jogging or any activity will trigger premature aging of the joints. This will cause arthritis and other joint related problems in the future, Your young now but as you get older your constant repetitive exercise while young will catch up with you. Not saying exercise is bad but too much will cause more damage then benefits in the long term. Moderation is the key

Answer 3

find calorie/fitness calculator on the net, enter all your stats and it will tell you how many calories you need a day to maintain, take off 300-400cal off that number and thats how much you need to lose.
eat 5-6 small meals a day (eat every 2-3 hours)
5-8 servings of fruit and veggies a day
8 glasses of water
have complex carbs for breakfast - they give you energy
have lean meat (protein) for dinner - repairs muscle
cardio exercise 4-6 times a week for 30-50min, light weight training
dont consume foods that are made of white flour (white bread, cakes, past etc.), sugar loaded foods (cookies, icecream, candy etc) and nothing fried, oily.
ofcourse you can spoil yourself once in a while with a little treat:)

Answer 4

The benefits of running out way the negatives. Plus, 25 minutes a day isn't much. As for the calorie intake, focus on what your eating not the amount. If your full then your full, if your not full eat, concentrate on just staying healthy!

Answer 5

in protecting with scientific experts females isn't waiting to consume under 1200 means an afternoon i'm going to have self theory that once you consume 1200 means and game which may be greater effective. I easily have a nutrition of approximately 1500-2000 means an afternoon and game for greater or less an hour and a area an afternoon, burning style of 800-one thousand means in that hour and area on the well being center.

Answer 6

you should be eating more n try taking up weights it is great exersise you will look great feel great n help to prevent illness such as ostio in your latter years of life 5% bmi is way to low go to your local pharmacy they will tell you u r under weight

Answer 7

congrats, sounds like you are doing great! Get a great pair of shoes and run like the wind..................