Caloric Needs

raaperry491

Hi everyone, I'm just getting started with my weight loss journey and I'm curious to see how many calories I should be eating, as I have heard a pretty wide range from different people. I am 160 pounds 5'6 and looking to lose 2 pounds a week if possible. I'm fairly active going to the gym 3-5 times a week. My goal weight is 140 pounds. MFP tells me to eat 1,200 calories, but other sources have told me this is starvation and that I should be eating 1,660 in order to lose a pound a week. I'm willing to do what it takes but I'm confused which route is the right one to take. Thanks for your help!

omima07

What do you have your activity level at? If you have it set to sedentary it will give you a lot less calories to work with.

raaperry491

I have it at lightly active at this point. If I move it to active it shows 1,660 calories/day. That's honestly a lot for me to eat since I'm focusing on whole foods and not junk...I worry that if I eat this much I will just end up gaining weight.

lynn_glenmont

You're barely overweight. You shouldn't be trying to lose two pounds a week. Dial your goal back to 1 pound a week.