Is 1700 calories a day too low?

1700 calories/day is appropriate for many people but too low for others — it depends on your TDEE. For someone with a TDEE of 2,200 kcal, eating 1,700 creates a 500-calorie deficit (good for fat loss). For someone with a TDEE of 1,800, it's only a 100-calorie deficit. For an active man with a TDEE of 3,000+, it's dangerously low. Always calculate your TDEE first.

Will I lose weight eating 1700 calories a day?

You'll lose weight if 1,700 calories is below your TDEE. For a moderately active woman in her 30s (TDEE ~1,900–2,200), 1,700 calories creates a modest 200–500 calorie deficit, resulting in 0.2–0.5 lbs of fat loss per week. For someone with a higher TDEE, the deficit will be larger and loss faster.

What does a 1700 calorie day look like?

A sample 1700-calorie day might include: Breakfast (400 cal): 3 eggs, 2 slices wholegrain toast, coffee; Lunch (450 cal): large chicken salad with olive oil dressing; Snack (150 cal): Greek yogurt + berries; Dinner (550 cal): salmon, roasted vegetables, sweet potato; Evening (150 cal): cottage cheese or fruit.

Nutrition · 5 min read · Updated 2026-04-17

1700 Calories a Day: Is It Enough and What to Expect

1700 calories per day is a commonly recommended calorie target for weight loss — but whether it’s right for you depends entirely on your TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure). Here’s everything you need to know.

Is 1700 Calories Right for You?

The answer depends on how 1,700 compares to your maintenance calories:

Your TDEE	1700 cal/day creates	Expected outcome
1,700 kcal	0-cal deficit	Maintenance — no weight change
1,900 kcal	200-cal deficit	~0.2 lbs/week loss (slow)
2,200 kcal	500-cal deficit	~1 lb/week loss (ideal pace)
2,600 kcal	900-cal deficit	~1.8 lbs/week loss (fast)
3,000+ kcal	1,300+ deficit	Very fast loss — increased risk

Who typically eats 1700 calories for fat loss:

Women aged 30–55, sedentary to lightly active
Shorter, lighter individuals
People in the later stages of fat loss (smaller body = lower TDEE)

Who should eat more than 1700:

Taller, heavier individuals
Very active people (athletes, physical job workers)
People trying to build muscle (need a surplus)
Men with high TDEEs

What to Expect on 1700 Calories

Weight Loss Rate

If 1,700 calories creates a 500 kcal/day deficit for you, expect approximately 1 lb (0.45 kg) per week of fat loss. This is the most commonly recommended sustainable rate.

First week note: Don't be discouraged if you lose more than 1 lb in week 1. The extra loss is water weight as glycogen stores deplete — not extra fat loss. Week 2+ will show your true fat loss rate.

Hunger Levels

1700 calories is enough to feel satisfied if you choose filling, high-protein, high-fiber foods. If you’re constantly hungry, shift your macro balance toward more protein and vegetables, which are more filling per calorie.

Energy Levels

Most people feel fine on 1,700 calories — especially in the first few months. If you’re very active (daily intense exercise), you may notice reduced performance. Consider a higher target if this happens.

Sample 1700-Calorie Day

Meal	Foods	Approx. Calories
Breakfast	3-egg omelette with spinach + 1 slice wholegrain toast	380 kcal
Lunch	Large chicken breast salad with vegetables, 1 tbsp olive oil	450 kcal
Snack	150g Greek yogurt (0% fat) + 100g blueberries	140 kcal
Dinner	150g salmon, roasted broccoli + cauliflower, 150g sweet potato	560 kcal
Evening	100g cottage cheese + 1 medium apple	175 kcal
Total		~1,705 kcal

Macros: ~145g protein / ~155g carbs / ~55g fat

Making 1700 Calories Feel Like More

The key to feeling satisfied on 1700 calories is choosing high-volume, high-protein foods:

Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables (very low calorie)
Start meals with a broth-based soup or large salad
Prioritize protein (chicken, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt) — keeps you fuller longer
Drink water before and during meals
Eat slowly — it takes 20 minutes for satiety signals to reach your brain

When to Adjust

After 4–6 weeks at 1700 calories:

Still losing weight: Continue — your deficit is working
Weight stable (not losing): Either your TDEE was overestimated, or you’ve lost enough that your TDEE has dropped to ~1,700. Recalculate and reduce by another 100–200 calories
Losing too fast: You may be at a large deficit. Consider increasing to 1,800–1,900 for a more sustainable pace

Disclaimer: 1700 calories may not be appropriate for all individuals. Always calculate your personal TDEE first. Consult a healthcare provider or dietitian if you have specific health conditions.

Calculate Your TDEE