That is a great question and there isn't a magic number. While you believe you are fully mature, in reality you are still growing and maturing bones, organs etc. Actually from now until you are around 25 is your peak time of building the bone matrix that you will have for the rest of your life. Also, this is still a very active time in your life and the risks of becoming "run down" are still high. So, don't be too quick to want to cut back. Focus most on:
1) Making sure you are getting all the key nutrients like iron, calcium, protein and folate. 2) Work to incorporate strength training and regular cardio activity in your fitness plan to help tone and firm your body and assist in the building of bone matrix. 3) Aim for the lower end of your estimated energy needs but if your weight is healthy at a BMI of around 18 then there is no need to cut calories further. 4) If your BMI is in the 20's and there is some room for weight loss then addtional recommendations may fit.
Coach Tanya
CHARLII_X 2/8/08 7:25 A
I'm in the same boat actually. My 18th birthday is in July, and i dont know when to decrease my calories
FEATHERA 2/7/08 10:30 P
That's a good question. I was wondering the same thing actually. Although, I'm thinking that you're probably not fully grown until you're about 24, but I could be wrong. The only reason I think that is because I've heard that your body can store calcium in your bones until you reach 24, at which time that stops...
SHADOWJAZZ 2/7/08 6:12 P
Since I found SparkPeople a few days ago, I've been following the nutrition plan. However, I'm concerned about eating too many calories. I'm 17.5 in two weeks, and nearly to that "adult" point. I'm fully matured and out of puberty (stopped growing, etc.) When should I start cutting back on the calories to adjust for being 18?
