Maintain?

journeyrock92

Hi,

I currently weigh 100 pounds and I'm trying to gain at least 15 back. My goal is to eat 2,400 calories a day until I get to that point. I'm 5 foot 4, and jog 2 miles a day in 22 minutes and walk 3 miles. Is 2,400 calories going to be enough to make me gain at least half a pound a week? That is what's MyFitnessPal claims I need to consume in order to gain half a pound a week being very active.

Also, is the jogging and walking I do considering me to be very active? Thanks!

cmriverside

Only way to know is to try it.

"Very Active" (or whatever MFP calls it) is referring to your regular daily activity - so your job, your housework, or whatever you do that isn't purposeful exercise. So using MFP, you would add in more calories on days you run/walk distances.

You're just going to have to try it for a month and see what happens.

Sunna_W

I guess I am wondering what a 100 lb woman, who is as active as you are could eat that would add up to 2400 calories a day?



Are we missing some context here? Why did you lose the 15 lbs - was it planned? Was it due to stress / illness?
You are "underweight" and still "jog 2 miles a day in 22 minutes and walk 3 miles"?

Have you thought about adding strength training / muscle bulking?

cwolfman13

Give it a go and adjust as necessary.

journeyrock92

Sunna_W wrote: »

I guess I am wondering what a 100 lb woman, who is as active as you are could eat that would add up to 2400 calories a day?



Are we missing some context here? Why did you lose the 15 lbs - was it planned? Was it due to stress / illness?
You are "underweight" and still "jog 2 miles a day in 22 minutes and walk 3 miles"?

Have you thought about adding strength training / muscle bulking?

I didn't mean to lose it. It mainly came from abusing the treadmill at the gym. Recently quit the membership so that I could focus more on gaining back what I lost, but I still would like to do this cardio. Even if it's 5 miles, it doesn't even compare to the amount I was burning abusing the treadmill.

mazdauk

I'm heavier than you but I put on 3lb on holiday last year eating 2,400-2,800 (greedy me!). it took a lot longer than 2 weeks to get it off, of course!

Jthanmyfitnesspal

The number you quote seems reasonable because you are quite active. It doesn't need to be spot on. Focus on great nutrition and add some strength training-- easiest is to go to a class.

Another approach is to type in your stats, set for "gain .5lbs" and "sedentary," then enter your activities into MFP on a daily basis and let it calculate what you need, aiming to eat all the exercise calories in addition to the regular allotment.

I am no expert, but I understand that being underweight can be a serious problem. It's great that you are addressing it. I encourage you to speak to professionals, including your doctor and a nutritionist.

PS. You posted this is under the "Goal: maintain weight." It certainly fits better in "Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building," although some body builders have pretty extreme nutrition ideas!

Best of luck!

geltner2

How much strength training do you do? Adding muscle tissue is so healthful as well as beautiful. It's a habit to start and continue. Once you start, you'll probably want to continue.

Need2Exerc1se

It seems a good place to start. If you aren't gaining or you are gaining too quickly, then adjust.

nowine4me

I always start with creme brûlée at every meal. Works like a charm. Or the Ben & Jerrys vegan ice cream called 7 layer bar. It has legit healthy stuff.