Is calorie goal accurate?

jvs125

Hi!

I've been using MFP consistently for about 2 months now. Just for fun, I calculated my BMR on other websites, and my caloric intake seems to be lower everywhere other than here. I am wondering if I should be lowering my calories a bit in order to help things but I am a bit worried that this would bring my calorie intake too low and slow down my metabolism?

My actual calorie goal is 1400, other websites have me go down to 1200... I am 130lbs at the moment, trying to get to 125ish.

ana3067

Have you been losing weight eating 1400? If yes then it's accurate. If not then you might want to lower it or buy a food scale to make sure you're not overeating, and then eat 1400 again for a while and see if you lose.

r5d5

1400 is reasonable. That's likely to result in about .5lbs a week.
The 1200 calorie suggestions are for more aggressive weight-loss, like 2lbs a week.
I personally would suggest going with the 1400.
Losing as little weight as you are trying to do, 5lbs, is going to be a slow process. It's harder to lose a little than to lose a lot. The weight loss will be slow, so I would eat the 1400 to keep sane and maintain willpower.
Be patient! It's really annoying and tedious, but it will happen!
I'm trying to lose 5 myself and I have only lost 2 over 3 months Not trying to discourage you, just want you to realize it will take some time!

Branstin

The word accurate is subjective. If you eat 1400 calories, meet your body's nutrient requirements, fuel your workouts, and still lose weight then by all means a budget of 1400 calories is accurate. Otherwise, you have to find a number more accurate to meet your goals.

jacksonpt

Don't change based on numbers (they are all just estimates, so some variation from one site/formula to the next is to be expected)... make changes based on lack of progress.

You've been at this 2 months. Are you seeing any progress? With only 5lbs to lose, progress will be slow.

helenbenzie75

I've had the same but the other way around. MFP told me to eat 1500, but other websites tell me to eat 1800. I stuck to 1800 (which is more than I was eating!!) and I've lost 5lb in two weeks. I expect this to slow down so will alter it as continue to loose more.