Calorie Deficit for Beginners: How to Calculate & 5 Practical Tips Without the Hassle
Calorie deficit is not only for those who desire a perfect body through dieting. This approach can be a solution for people with obesity due to diabetes, those struggling with high cholesterol, or anyone who wants to live a healthier lifestyle.
How to Follow a Calorie Deficit Diet?

A calorie deficit is a state in which you consume fewer calories than your body needs in a day. Therefore, to get started, the first step is to understand your body's daily calorie needs.
A Practical Formula for Calculating Daily Calorie Needs

There are two formulas you can use to find out how many calories your body needs daily. Here are the two methods:
Manual Method
You can use this calculation if you are generally active in your daily life. You simply need to multiply your body weight by 15.
Example of calculating calories manually:
- 127 pounds x 15 = 1,905 calories per day
BMR Method
For a more specific calculation, you can calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate and then multiply it by your physical activity level.
BMR Formula:
- Men: 66.5 + (13.75 x body mass) + (5.003 x height) – (6.75 x age)
- Women: 655.1 + (9.563 x body mass) + (1.850 x height) – (4.676 x age)
Example of calculating BMR for men:
- 66.5 + (13.75 x 72 kg) + (5.003 x 167 cm) – (6.75 x 23) = 1,736 calories
Physical Activity Level Table:
|
Activity Level |
Physical Activity Level |
|
Sedentary |
1.2 |
|
Light exercise |
1.3 |
|
Moderately active |
1.55 |
|
Exercise every day |
1.725 |
|
Exercise every day and have an active lifestyle |
1.9 |
Daily calorie calculation:
- BMR x Physical Activity Level
- 1,736 calories x 1.3 (light exercise) = 2,257 calories per day
How to Calculate a Calorie Deficit

After determining how many calories you need every day, the next step is to reduce your daily calories by the recommended amount. Here is the amount of calories you should reduce based on your body condition:
- Overweight: Reduce by 500 to 750 calories.[1]
- Cholesterol: Reduce by 11.9% to 25% of total calories.[2]
- Diabetes: Reduce by 200 to 500 calories.[3]
5 Practical Calorie Deficit Tips

To ensure the calorie deficit program works as expected, here are some tips you can apply:
1. Choose Low-Calorie Foods
One thing to keep in mind for a beginner calorie deficit is to choose low-calorie foods. This will help you get larger portions, so you can feel full longer.
Some low-calorie food options include skinless chicken breast, tofu, spinach, cabbage, apples, and watermelon.
2. Prepare Food by Steaming or Baking
Choose calorie deficit diet menu items that are steamed or baked. Frying food increases its calories and fat content. In addition, the nutrients will also be damaged.[2]
3. Eat More Fiber
Foods high in fiber keep you full longer, so they can curb your appetite.
4. Replace Snacks with Fruit and Vegetables
Instead of snacks like French fries or sweet cakes, choose nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables so that your micronutrient needs are still met even though your portion sizes are reduced.
5. Avoid Instant Foods
Instant foods are linked to the risk of diseases such as diabetes and obesity, which is contrary to the principle of a calorie deficit aimed at addressing excess weight and supporting a healthier body.[4]
A calorie deficit is indeed beneficial for the body, but at the beginning of its implementation, the body may experience "shock" due to the reduced food intake. When this happens what you may feel during a calorie deficit is getting tired more quickly and also being more susceptible to illness.
To help your body adapt, you can try Sido Muncul Jamu Sehat Pria or Sido Muncul Natural Female Balance.
Sido Muncul Jamu Sehat Pria

The unique combination of Java pepper, Lempuyang, nutmeg peel, and black pepper ensures that men stay fit even while following a low-calorie diet.
Main Benefits
- Increases energy and body fitness
- Helps reduce physical fatigue
- Increases men's immune system
Directions for Use
Take one packet of jamu every two to three days.
Side Effects
Excessive consumption can cause mild digestive issues, such as nausea, bloating, and diarrhea.
Sido Muncul Natural Female Balance

With a formula of Damiana, Indian Camphorweed, Ginger, Turmeric, and Tribulus, this supplement can maintain the health of modern women with their busy lifestyles.
Main Benefits
- Helps relieve menstrual cramps and irregular menstrual cycles.
- Supports hormonal balance.
- Provides additional stamina and energy.
Directions for Use
- Take two capsules at once for one day's consumption.
- Not for children under 12, pregnant women, or nursing mothers.
Side Effects
Some individuals may experience mild allergic reactions to certain ingredients.
Sido Muncul Jamu Sehat Pria and Natural Female Balance are the right choices for those who want to support their body's health, especially during a calorie deficit diet. Come, get the product now and enjoy its benefits!
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