Hello, I am new to this community and am eager in embarking upon my weight-loss journey to success with you all. Though, I am currently a bit perplexed over caloric intake.

I am 6'2" with a large frame (ancient viking blood yarrr) and currently weigh 321 lbs. I've had my body fat % tested (with Accu-measure calipers) at 33%. If my body fat is 33% then my real lean muscle mass is 321 - (321 x .33), or, simply 215 lbs muscle. Now heres where I get caught up.

First off, let me say that I am familiar with the x 15 rule. But, this would mean that I would be consuming a ton of calories (lean body mass of 215 x 15 = 3225) I don't dare use my actual weight of 321 x 15 cuz thats insane with the result of 4815. The x 15 rule seems good for those of lighter weights to apply, but a bit inaccurate for someone of my body weight.

So, using the Katch-McArdle Formula (and yes I'm pretty good with math); the formula would be as follows:

BMR (basal metabolic rate for men and women) = 370 + (21.6 X lean mass in kg)

So, for me that means 370 + (21.6 x 97.7) which equals roughly 2500 calories a day.
Assuming I work out well 3 - 5 times a week, my exercise multiplier is 1.55 (moderate). So, my BMR x 1.55 = 3875, which is then my Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE). If you create a caloric deficit by cutting the TDEE by 30% then I should, in theory, be eating 3100 calories a day.

I noticed that by calculating LBM with the x 15 multiplier rule, the difference of end sums for both systems is barely much to worry about, but 3100-3225 still seems like a hell of alot for me considering I come from eating 2 meals a day for the past few months at about 2000 or less total calories a day to anywhere over 3000. I know that I need to balance out my metabolism and slowly increase it over time, but, in the end, do I really need to consume so much?

My second question is: Would I most likely maximize weight loss if I cycled 3 days at 2600-2800 calories and every 4th day ate 3500 calories?

If anyone that has experience with this system could reply I would be most, most grateful! Thanks!

(formula cited from "Burn the fat, feed the muscle by Tom Venuto)

I am very familiar with Burn the Fat, it is a solid program. Honestly you seem to have a good head on your shoulders and have gotten some good knowledge. I would work with your cycle, it seems healthy and on the right track. Just remember to re-evaluate and rest when needed, listen to your body and make sure your training is a solid combo of both resistance and aerobic activity.

GOOD LUCK!

Excellent! And thank you much, I surely will and will share results later on