caloric intake and burning...how much to consume?

melissadsims
melissadsims Posts: 59 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I am at week 11 in my workout. I have lost 6 lbs total....and that was at the beginning. I know I am gaining muscle because I can see it (especially in my arms!!) and feel it, and I am losing inches. The scale not moving doesn't bug me ALL that much because I'd rather lose inches anyway and gain muscle. BUT here is where I'm confused...

So MyFitnessPal has my caloric intake set to 1200 and I always eat back (or try to) what I burn. But when I check the BMI and all of these other things people recommend, they say my caloric intake should be around 2200. Which is right?

I workout 5x a week. I do 30 minutes of cardio (I switch it up between dance aerobics classes, stair climber machine, tredmill, elliptical, and stationary bike.) Then I do 30 minutes of strength training. (This changes too. I take a core strengthening class 2x a week and that instructor has me also on a strength training plan personally for 3x a week. So I am working particular things and he has a clear idea of what I am doing/should be doing and what muscles we are working.)

Anyway, I take a daily vitamin and CLA every day. I try my best to eat clean (but carbs/sugar is my weakness so I don't always deny myself, but try to be moderation and overall be good and make healthy choices.) You can see my diary if you want (I try to keep track of it daily!)

Anyway, I have about 2 inches left (I think) to lose. But am I eating enough calories? Am I eating too many carbs? Is that what is holding me back? But I am trying to make this a complete LIFESTYLE not just to meet my goals, but something I can maintain for the rest of my life. So cutting out all carbs would be torture and sure fire failure. So how do I meet my goals (goal is to be lean, fit and defined muscles by October) but still make it a lifestyle?

HELP!

Replies

  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    I am at week 11 in my workout. I have lost 6 lbs total....and that was at the beginning. I know I am gaining muscle because I can see it (especially in my arms!!) and feel it, and I am losing inches. The scale not moving doesn't bug me ALL that much because I'd rather lose inches anyway and gain muscle. .

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/996906--you-can-t-build-muscle-on-a-calorie-deficit

    Dieting is always going to be about trial and error. 1200 sounds very low to me, but I don't know how many calories you're eating back after exercise. I would recommend starting with the highest and then dropping your calories down a little at a time until you find your "sweet spot."

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