How many calories is the right amount of calories????

msaintpierre

On December 28th I started fitness pal and joined a gym. I am exercising 4-5 days a week and I have lost 8 lbs from then but my progress has slowed to a stop. I'm not sure if I am eating too many or not enough. There are so many suggestions out there, I just need a good formula so that I can slim down. Please someone help me determine what is right.

Discouraged and determined,
Michelle

MommyMeggo

Need more info: Stats- Age -HT -WT- Goal Weight- activity level- current calories?

hamlet1222

I would try keeping a really strict diary for a week, that includes every single olive, every dollup of ketchup,... Add up the calories in that and set a target of 10% less.

seska422

kimny72

Enter your correct stats into MFP. Choose goal of 1 lb per week. Get your calorie goal.

Buy a food scale. Weigh your portions as often as possible to make sure you are really eating the calories you think you are. If you aren't losing, you are eating too much.

Log your exercise and eat back @ half of those calories - you need to fuel your exercise, but most methods overestimate calorie burns.

Also remember weight loss is not linear. Even if you do everything perfect, some weeks you will lose and some weeks you will not, this is normal.

If you would like more specific info, you will need to open your diary and/or provide your stats.

Good luck!

RoxieDawn

OP, read the flow chart. Follow the flow chart. It is 100% fool proof if you follow the flow chart (outside of having any medical or health related diagnosis and taking medication that could cause any outside issues with weight loss or weight gain).

And the best advise ever, if you do not have a food scale, get one and use it. It is a game changer.

msaintpierre

MommyMeggo wrote: »

195 lbs 37 years old 5'5"
Goal weight is 170

msaintpierre

Thanks!!!! I appreciate all the help.

darcy1982

i tried a website called freedieting.com and you enter your stats in the calculator and gives you the macros and calories!!

msaintpierre

Thanks for the flowchart. I am going to weigh food and tighten up as well as stop eating back all my workout cals. I think I'm eating too much.