BMR vs. MFP Calorie Recommendation

JessaLee0324

I am 5'3" and 145lbs. My BMR is 1430. Shouldn't I consume at LEAST 1430 calories, even when restricting to lose weight? Doesn't the body need that to be healthy and function properly? MFP recommends that I eat 1200 a day to lose 1lb a week. My question is....if I need 1430 and I only eat 1200, isn't that unhealthy?

I started out using the 1200 restriction and that was ok (for my first day), but then I got to thinking about this and switched it to 1450. Now I am really confused about what I should do! I want to be successful at this and I want to see results.

For you guys that have had success, what did you do? Did you do 1200 and add your exercise calories? Or did you have a higher calorie intake? What worked for you?

yarwell

I'm sure I just read this is another section, please don't crosspost.

martyqueen52

To drop 1 lb. a week, consume 1700-1750 calories per day... assuming you workout 3 times a week, which you should... and your current stats (age, height, weight)

This is what I got on the IIFYM.com calculator, which is what I use, and it works for me.

cwolfman13

Your MFP goal is WITHOUT exercise...if you exercise you should be eating more...you account for exercise activity with MFP when you log it and MFP gives you calories to "eat back"...just make sure you're not overestimating your burn.