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Confused on how many calories to eat?

Minaz95
Minaz95 Posts: 15 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Hey guys So Im trying to get healthy and loose my belly and tone up a bit.I do Insanity Max 30 and some workouts that include dumbells and strength training (youtube lol ) .MFP says 1200 but some people tell me its too low and can lead you to starvation mode.Im 5'6 and 126 pounds 21 year old female.I know Im a healthy weight range but a calorie deficit is needed to burn fat and replace with muscle.I looked up Insanity Max 30 nutrition guide and they ask you to use containers from Beachbody which I do not have.So any suggestions guys.Sorry for making it too long , once again thanks :-)

Replies

  • cathipa
    cathipa Posts: 2,991 Member
    You need to start a progressive weight training routine. Search out bodybuilding.com. 1200 is the lowest MFP will allow and because you are already at a healthy weight no need to lose. Switch to maintenance calories and start lifting.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Why are you trying to lose weight when you're only 126lbs?
  • Ready2Rock206
    Ready2Rock206 Posts: 9,487 Member
    MFP tells you 1200 PLUS exercise calories. Be sure you're eating at least a portion of the exercise calories. You won't really gain muscle on a calorie deficit though.
  • animatorswearbras
    animatorswearbras Posts: 1,001 Member
    Unfortunately you can't gain muscle at a deficit and at 1200 calories and 126 pounds you will likely lose muscle no matter how much exercise you incorporate. Starvation mode is a myth. The best you can hope for is retain the muscle you already have by only having a small deficit and eating your exercise calories. If you want to gain muscle you may need a different approach but I don't think you can do it whilst losing. x
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    Minaz95 wrote: »
    a calorie deficit is needed to burn fat and replace with muscle.

    No, it's not. This is recomping and it's done at maintenance calories.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    cathipa wrote: »
    You need to start a progressive weight training routine. Search out bodybuilding.com. 1200 is the lowest MFP will allow and because you are already at a healthy weight no need to lose. Switch to maintenance calories and start lifting.

    This^

    Losing weight won't help shift fat to muscle. When we lose weight we lose fat & lean muscle. Eat at maintenance and lift heavy things.
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