How many calories are you guys eating on average?

MakePeasNotWar

I don't mean to ask a personal question; don't feel pressured to share.

I ask because my calories seem to be hovering around the 900 mark most days, and I am wondering if that's common, and if so, if it has led to problems for anyone. I am meeting my protein requirements, and all my RDA's except for a few that I have been supplementing for years anyway. (Iron, B12, Zinc.)

I did see a post along similar lines in the main forums, but it seemed like most responses just parroted the 1200 minimum with no explanation or support, or got mad because someone had the temerity to suggest that broccoli might be healthier than pop tarts.

I thought maybe some of you had experience with this or had researched it and would know if there are any reasons to get a certain number of calories, independent of nutrient density or body weight?

I'm sure I could certainly find ways to add calories if I need to, but if it isn't necessary, I don't see the point. I am happy with what I eat and I feel great.

Thanks in advance

Mihani

I find that if I stay 100% ETL my calories range anywhere from 700 to 1200 depending on what type of healthy fats and beans I include, and whether I include grains. I never worried about it since I felt quite satisfied and had plenty of energy. It's when I try to stay in that range while not being truly ETL that I start to feel like crap.

LOL on the temerity to suggest that broccoli might be healthier than pop tarts. It's really something isn't it?

MakePeasNotWar

Thanks for the response. I feel really good too, but I guess I just want to cover all my bases. I am still new to this, so I will probably make a lot of adjustments along the way. I know I will eventually have to reach a maintenance level to avoid becoming underweight, but right now I feel better with 90% fruits and vegetables. I added some whole wheat tortillas yesterday to try to up my calories, and I can honestly say I feel a bit sluggish today compared to the last few days. Still 1000% better than before I started changing my diet, though

lisabinco

I eat about 1300 most days, sometimes as much as 1500 a day. But I'm not terribly active either. My food diary is also open to anyone. I track my sodium but the rest of it not so much. If I were more active I would up my healthy fats a bit, but overall 40-60 grams of protein is plenty for me. The RDA numbers are not based on science so I take those with a grain of salt (so to speak).