Best way to determine calorie goal?

MrsHollingsworthThomas

Ok, so I just want to put this out there and (hopefully) get back some helpful advice...
I'm trying to determine exactly how many calories I should allow myself each day.
MFP guided calculations suggest that I eat approx 1830 calories per day to lose 2.2 lbs per week.
Using the WebMD calculator, my suggested net calories per day is approx 2100.

When I originally started 'dieting', I put myself to 1300 calories because I have so much to lose. I've been bumping myself up little by little after reading more on MFP and seeing the importance of fueling myself. I don't mind being more strict now in the beginning of my weight loss, but I want something reasonably sustainable.
Currently I am now at a goal of 1450 calories per day. I have no trouble sticking to the 1450, so that's not the issue.

My question is: Am I eating too little? I'm inclined to believe 'no' since (like I said), I have so much to lose. BUT, the thought crossed my mind that I need to increase my protein intake and limit my carbs within my daily calorie goal.
I found myself (the past two months, since I've lost 25 lbs) reverting back to my past semi-vegetarian self and eating little to no meat.
Because I am exercising at least 30 minutes every day (5 cardio work outs of 30-60 minutes per week, and 2 strength training/yoga sessions per week) I want to make sure I am fueling my body properly.

Essentially, where is the best place for me to determine how many calories I should be shooting for daily; and what TYPE of foods that calories should consist of ?(i.e protein, carbs, etc)
Considering that I still have about another 70lbs I want to lose and that I have recently become pretty active, I would like to ensure that I am doing this in a healthy & sustainable, yet effective, way...

(Oh, for all of you TDEE advocates, I also used the IIFYM TDEE calculator and my TDEE was 3014.
I'm not even sure what the hell all of that TDEE/ IIFYM/ ABDDEFG stuff is and really not sure I want to go through the trouble of doing the research since calorie counting is what I'm used to and has proved to be successful)


Any helpful suggestions are appreciated. :bigsmile:

Holly_Roman_Empire

(Oh, for all of you TDEE advocates, I also used the IIFYM TDEE calculator and my TDEE was 3014.
I'm not even sure what the hell all of that TDEE/ IIFYM/ ABDDEFG stuff is and really not sure I want to go through the trouble of doing the research since calorie counting is what I'm used to and has proved to be successful)

If you actually did the research, you could answer all of those questions you asked. Specifically, the ones pertaining to what your macros should be set at.

ETA: (And you'd realize that calorie counting, TDEE, and IIFYM aren't mutually exclusive.)

MrsHollingsworthThomas

Yeah. not really trying to do all of that right now.
I know there's a difference. Everyone has their comfort level. Right now, I'm successful and comfortable with calories.
At some point in the future, I may look some more into the TDEE. not today though. thanks
This particular question is just pertaining to the calorie goal
Unless, you have somewhere HELPFUL to direct me (i.e somewhere to calculate that information), then 'no'.
Like I said, I'm looking for resources and information I can use.

Holly_Roman_Empire

1.) You didn't mention your height.
2.) Macros should be set according to your specific goals outside of weight loss, which you also didn't mention.
3.) You didn't say whether you were eating your exercise calories.
4.) MFP does a pretty good job of setting up calorie goals if you put the information in correctly and put in realistic goals. Sorry, all other online calculators I know of use the TDEE method.
5.) If you're only comfortable counting calories, then why ask about macros?

skullay

Congrats on your weight loss so far.

While it's interesting to know exactly how many calories your body is burning throughout the day using all of these online estimators, eventually it comes down to you tracking your intake and watching the scale. Then taking weekly averages of your weight change with respect to your caloric intake.

As far as "how many calories your body NEEDS" at this time. Some would say you don't need any at all. With 60lbs+ to lose, your body has ample fuel to sustain itself. This diet, however, should be about developing a healthy relationship with food.

Once you get down to the low 20s in BF%, start aiming to only 1-2% of your overall body weight per week. Aim to get a fairly balanced diet (30% protein, 50% carbs, 20% fat, you can play with these % obviously).

The actual number of calories you will need to make this happen isnt set in stone somewhere, but you have a general idea once you get closer to your goal weight of how many calories you need to sustain that type of weight loss just from your continuous tracking.

Once again, congrats on your success so far. Keep it up!

BarbellApprentice

Congrats on your weight loss so far.

While it's interesting to know exactly how many calories your body is burning throughout the day using all of these online estimators, eventually it comes down to you tracking your intake and watching the scale. Then taking weekly averages of your weight change with respect to your caloric intake.

As far as "how many calories your body NEEDS" at this time. Some would say you don't need any at all. With 60lbs+ to lose, your body has ample fuel to sustain itself. This diet, however, should be about developing a healthy relationship with food.

Once you get down to the low 20s in BF%, start aiming to only 1-2% of your overall body weight per week. Aim to get a fairly balanced diet (30% protein, 50% carbs, 20% fat, you can play with these % obviously).

The actual number of calories you will need to make this happen isnt set in stone somewhere, but you have a general idea once you get closer to your goal weight of how many calories you need to sustain that type of weight loss just from your continuous tracking.

Once again, congrats on your success so far. Keep it up!

What he said.. Also, here is a good place to start...
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

TheEffort

Congrats on your weight loss so far.

While it's interesting to know exactly how many calories your body is burning throughout the day using all of these online estimators, eventually it comes down to you tracking your intake and watching the scale. Then taking weekly averages of your weight change with respect to your caloric intake.

As far as "how many calories your body NEEDS" at this time. Some would say you don't need any at all. With 60lbs+ to lose, your body has ample fuel to sustain itself. This diet, however, should be about developing a healthy relationship with food.

Once you get down to the low 20s in BF%, start aiming to only 1-2% of your overall body weight per week. Aim to get a fairly balanced diet (30% protein, 50% carbs, 20% fat, you can play with these % obviously).

The actual number of calories you will need to make this happen isnt set in stone somewhere, but you have a general idea once you get closer to your goal weight of how many calories you need to sustain that type of weight loss just from your continuous tracking.

Once again, congrats on your success so far. Keep it up!

Great advice.

hnsaunde

Congrats on the loss so far OP! Try the links below, they're full of good info:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1235566-so-you-re-new-here

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

MrsHollingsworthThomas

Thanks guys for the good advice and resources.
I've been doing well so far, I just wanted a better way to make sure I am getting the most out of the food I am eating.

Oh, and I'm 5'7. I don't typically eat back my exercise calories ( I think today was the first day that I ate back about 100 because I REALLY wanted some ice cream; bad cravings today). But I think my net was still within goal range.

I'm really motivated right now, and I want to do what I can to lose this weight the right way. I'm focusing on longevity and not having to go on this journey again once I get the weight off!

Thanks again