So... I'm pretty confused.

doodlecakes_07

I don't know how many calories to eat/burn.

I'm 5'8, 145 lbs, and looking to get to around 130 lbs. (I'm also pretty muscular as is)

I loveee working out, I'll burn anywhere from 500-900 calories/ day 5-6 days/ week.

My goal is to lose fat and get lean.

Any suggestions on how much I should eat per day would be greatly appreciated.

meeper123

do you lift weights?

jchite84

Just follow the MFP recommendations. Put your activity level at "moderate" or "high" - I just wouldn't eat fewer than 1400 or 1500 per day with how much you work out. I know that MFP set me at 1400, which seemed crazy low for a man, turns out it was. I was tired and cranky all the time (I also work out 5-6 days per week), bumped up to 1800 and I am still losing and a much better person to be around.

ThickMcRunFast

I'm not sure what your body type or what your exercise regime is like, but here are some general thoughts.

I'm 5'9, 145, and 22% body fat. I can't imagine what I would have to do to get down to 130. Cut off a limb, maybe. But if you're small-framed, its possible. If you're already at a decent body fat, 130 just might not be in the cards. Do you just want that number on a scale, or does that signify some sort of fitness goal? You might be better served by a body recomposition program if you want to 'tone' (grumble at the word tone). This would involve eating at a small deficit while starting a weight training program.

As far as calories, I maintain at 2400 cal/day on a regular exercise schedule (25-30 miles run a week and 2 lifting session). When I am intense training, I can up that to 2700-3000 a day. If I want to cut, 2000-2200 a day is sufficient.

cdahl383

Just use a calorie calculator, factor in your activity level, and eat at a 20% deficit below your determined TDEE. Do that for a week or two and see how much weight comes off. If you're losing around 1-2 lbs a week you're in good shape. If less than that you need to eat less, if more than that, you need to eat more.

doodlecakes_07

do you lift weights?

Yes, usually 2 or 3 times a week.

geekyjock76

Most TDEE calculators put you at 2300 to maintain. So about 2000 to lose at a pace of 0.5 lbs per week to try and preserve lean mass.

doodlecakes_07

I'm not sure what your body type or what your exercise regime is like, but here are some general thoughts.

I'm 5'9, 145, and 22% body fat. I can't imagine what I would have to do to get down to 130. Cut off a limb, maybe. But if you're small-framed, its possible. If you're already at a decent body fat, 130 just might not be in the cards. Do you just want that number on a scale, or does that signify some sort of fitness goal? You might be better served by a body recomposition program if you want to 'tone' (grumble at the word tone). This would involve eating at a small deficit while starting a weight training program.

As far as calories, I maintain at 2400 cal/day on a regular exercise schedule (25-30 miles run a week and 2 lifting session). When I am intense training, I can up that to 2700-3000 a day. If I want to cut, 2000-2200 a day is sufficient.

No, I'm not small framed. I don't really care about a number, I guess I feel like I just have a lot to lose before I'm lean. I usually run 4x a week (20-30 mi/week), do strength training 3x, pilates 2x, gymnastics 1x, and elliptical or treadmill intervals 1-2x. I just loveee working out.

I want to eat enough to fuel my workouts, but not eat too much to where my workouts don't accomplish as much as they could. If that makes sense?

doodlecakes_07

Most TDEE calculators put you at 2300 to maintain. So about 2000 to lose at a pace of 0.5 lbs per week to try and preserve lean mass.

Okay, thank you so much!

TigerBite

Find you TDEE (like the other person said) .... Eat at maintenance and strength train ... The scale may not move, (or may go up) but you'll lose inches ..