How many calories?

mariemosher92

I have filled out a handful of calorie calculators, read blogs and books, and they all say for my height, weight, age, activity level (4'11", 123 lbs, 33, and working out 4-5 days) I should be consuming 1500-1700 calories. But my husband and his fitness buddies all agree I should stick with 1200-1300. Mind you they own their own gyms and are personal trainers. I'm so confused:(

EvanKeel

Try 1600 for 4-6 weeks with accurate logging and see what happens. Anyone's suggestion, even those of an online calculator, are just going to be estimates for a starting point anyway. This might take some time and experimentation.

There's no harm in starting higher and adjusting down over time if need be.

Francl27

Are you trying to lose weight? I got you at maintenance at 1800 (using Scooby, they overestimate exercise so I put you at lightly active). 1500ish to lose weight with a 15% deficit.

Ask your hubby if he and his friend have a nutrition degree, otherwise take it with a grain of salt, IMO.

Stage14

Are you trying to lose weight? I got you at maintenance at 1800 (using Scooby, they overestimate exercise so I put you at lightly active). 1500ish to lose weight with a 15% deficit.

Ask your hubby if he and his friend have a nutrition degree, otherwise take it with a grain of salt, IMO.

All of this.

What exactly is their reason for saying you need to stay at such an insane restriction?

mariemosher92

Yes, wanting to lose weight

mariemosher92

My hubby doesn't but his other two friends do have a nutrition degrees. That's why I'm so confused

j6o4

I would try 1500-1700 for a few weeks and if it works stick with it, if it doesnt then lower it. Might as well start off on the higher end and once you hit a plateau you'll be able to lower you calories, as if you went straight to 1200 and hit a plateau then you would have to go lower than minmum to lose weight.