TDEE help please

SusanKing1981

I'm one of those 1200 calorie girls and I want to do this properly.

I've used the Scooby calculator and my info is as follows:

Height - 5ft4
Weight - 195lbs
Age - 31
Activity level - desk job.

My BMR is 1585
TDEE is 1903

Goal weight - 140

My question is, do I eat anywhere between 1585 & 1903? Or is there a % reduction I should be making?

Sorry if this has been answered before, I've looked through previous posts and to be honest it's just making me more confused.

Any help or advise would be greatly received.

elvensnow

BMR is what you shouldn't go below. It is the basic energy needed to function.

TDEE is what you eat. TDEE as given is maintenance. Usually people want to lose weight, so you would do -%. You can do whatever you want but usually between 10-20% cut. That would give you 1712 for 10% cut or 1522 for 20%. Though 1522 is less than your BMR so I don't know if I'd go that low, but it's up to you.

Then you eat that amount every day, don't "eat back" exercise calories or anything.

Also, just a note with TDEE calculators - do be honest about your activity level. I have a desk job as well but I usually put moderately active because I exercise regularly, 3-5 times a week. Also, if you have a desk job but walk around a lot or climb stairs etc, that's not sedentary. If you select sedentary you will be underestimating by a lot.

Edit: This is a great post to get started http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

SusanKing1981

Also, just a note with TDEE calculators - do be honest about your activity level. I have a desk job as well but I usually put moderately active because I exercise regularly, 3-5 times a week. Also, if you have a desk job but walk around a lot or climb stairs etc, that's not sedentary. If you select sedentary you will be underestimating by a lot.

I literally open my front door and get into my car, drive to work, walk into my office, sit there all day apart from the occasional toilet visit. I'm very lazy :ohwell:

I'm going to the Lake District in November walking for 2 weeks, would you suggest counting my exercise or changing my activity level?

Thanks for your help

SusanKing1981

Edit: This is a great post to get started http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

Will look at that when I get in, thanks again.