[quote]muscleinkorea wrote:
[quote]Jaynick77 wrote:
Need an opinion… When I started AD I weighed 220 and was setting my daily calorie intake at 2,220 (BW X 10); I’m trying to drop some weight and bodyfat. I just had my carb-up Sat/Sun and yesterday’s workout was okay but not great and today workout I felt like death. Is my calorie intake too low perhaps? I’m 16 days into the diet.
I’m
6’0"
215lbs (this morning)
approx 15% to 17% BF[/quote]
Hi,
Yeah too low - go at about 16* bodyweight to start cutting. Also remember that the calories on this diet provide much less energy than a normal carb diet - so low calorie intake, coupled with the fact that you are only 16 days in (and your body is still adjusting to using fat for energy), is the reason you are tired.
Ideally you should be on 18* bodyweight for the first month, and then adjust down to loose weight. But I think considering that you were already at such a low calorie intake, upping to 16/17* will give you the energy you need.
I am eating about 16/17*, and i am having the most energetic workouts ever. I have to force myself to leave the gym, because with the extra energy it is easy to over train. haha
Up the calories and be strict on your diet during the week - you will love the diet!
[/quote]
@ James Keeton and muscleinkorea,
Thanks for both of your feedback, much appreciated. After today I figured it was my calorie intake that was messing with me, so I went back and re-read Chris Shugart’s article on the AD. Then I went back and found Berardi’s massive eating (yes I am trying to cut down) and calculated my RMR to be 2,284 calories. How stupid am I… My calories didn’t even cover my RMR, no wonder I feel liks ass. I think I got so caught up in the macro nutrient %'s I totally missed the other important piece, total calories. 
Training purposes I’ve been following CT’s SH Complex method and I’ve handled it pretty well up until today. It’s fun and tough all at the same time and then throw in some accessory work and I’m definitely burning myself out.
Edit: The BW *16 or 17 was a good target actually. I used Berardi’s formula and calculated my BRM + Activity (non-exercise) requires 3,427 calories, so right at x 16.