Exercise and calories: a question

[r.mines]

Oh, Knowledgeable Ones! :D

I've been increasing exercise over the last few months and now walk 1-2 hours a day most days. I've also started a fitness program, which I hope to maintain 3x a week. I'm eating about 1500-1600 calories a day (10-11x current body weight of 145).

In your humble opinions, do I need to increase calories to reflect the added exercise, or am I fine where I am? I don't want to go into 'starvation' mode with the increased exercise. I should add that the amount I'm eating feels about right; much less and I'm hungry, much more and I'm overfull.

I should also add that I'm female, 45, and a slow loser (fairly slow metabolism, I guess); 2-3 pounds a month. Oh, I'm on Atkins, about 20-25 carbs a day, not including fibre.

Thanks for any advice/opinions,
Rachel

[Trainerdan]

By maintaining the same number of calories each day, and increasing physical activity, you will lose fat at an increased rate.

Starvation mode occurs when calories are dropped too low, and the body will adjust by producing less thyroid hormone. This means a slower metabolism!

However, by increasing activity, you will actually stimulate different systems in your body ... and may actually INCREASE your metabolism.

The rule I tell my clients is "To lose fat, exercise more and keep the diet the same (assuming it is healthy and not junk food laden)

Good question!

[r.mines]

I'm happy not eating any more than I am already, unless the added exercise makes me hungrier. I imagine I can also expect not to see a drop on the scales if (and when) I start building muscle. That's OK with me, as long as I'm getting smaller (and fitter)!

Thanks for being so helpful, I may have more questions as time goes by.....

Cheers,
Rachel