What is a reasonable calorie goal? Well, the following seems at least reasonable...
 

The following is from the Merck Manual at:
http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec01/ch00...006-ch006a-648

Sure seems to make sense to me.

This isn't the only path to weight loss but it is one path that is
endorsed by many, many physicians. (Also, the Merck Manual is the most
widely edited medical manual in the world. It's in its 18 printing
now.) If many of the overweight people on this list followed these
basic guidelines, their doctors and other health providers would
probably cheer them on!

Again, this isn't the only road to health, but the commonsense
guidelines sure make sense to me.


Yours truly,

Caleb


"Treatment

"Weight loss of even 5 to 10% seems to improve health, increase
longevity, and decrease risk of complications. In obstructive sleep
apnea, a much greater weight loss is required.

"Support from health care practitioners, peers, and family members and
various structured programs can help with weight loss and weight
maintenance.

"Weight loss requires dietary modification and increased physical
activity, usually with behavioral therapy. Sometimes drugs or surgery
is required.

"Diet: Low-fat and healthful diets, modest calorie restriction (to
1000 to 1400 kcal/day), and the substitution of some protein for
carbohydrate appear to have the best long-term outcome. Fresh fruits
and vegetables and fiber should be substituted for refined
carbohydrates and processed food, and water for soft drinks or juices.
Foods with a low glycemic index (see Table 1: Nutrition: General
Considerations: Glycemic Index of Some FoodsTables) and marine fish
oils or monounsaturated fats derived from plants (eg, olive oil)
reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders and diabetes.

"Diets that require atypical eating habits should be avoided. They are
unlikely to be maintained, and weight increases when the patient
resumes previous poor eating habits. Calorie restriction to 1200
kcal/day cannot be sustained, but such diets are sometimes needed to
achieve rapid short-term weight loss (eg, before surgery or for
obstructive sleep apnea). Diets of 800 kcal do not produce greater
weight loss and are less well tolerated."