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Calorie numbers? what should I aim for...

Alright so I am new to this, and I am TRYING to figure out all my numbers, like how many calories I should consume and if I should go with the macro settings that MFP set or change...

My current numbers are:
Height: 5'0
Weight: 177lbs
Activity Level: Light (3 works outs a week/30-60 min each) **Training for a 5K**

I'm looking to lose around 50 to 60lbs, no rush on the time frame. Anyone who can help me with theses numbers would be great, I've punched in numbers on a few website calculators but I keep getting really different numbers and am not overly sure what site is reliable.

Replies

  • StaciMarie1974
    StaciMarie1974 Posts: 4,138 Member
    If you put lightly active and 1 or 1.5 pounds per week as a goal into MFP - what do you get? Best way on the macros, I think, is trial & error.
  • I3righti3lue24
    I3righti3lue24 Posts: 40 Member
    When I use the MFP suggestion I get around, 1560 (1lbs) and 1310 (1.5lbs).. I feel like I'm staving one the 1300 Calorie one, could be just because I am so used to eating WAY More calories (and still trying to find foods that fill me over what I was eating) though. Maybe I'll switch it to 1560 and see how that goes for a month or so.
  • terbusha
    terbusha Posts: 1,483 Member
    What I do and what I recommend to people is to eat at a calorie level that allows you to drop 1-2 lbs/week. This assumes an average calorie burn from you getting in all of your workouts. This will be different for everyone, so you'll have to do some trial and error to figure it out. I'd start ~1600 cal/day. Hit this goal, along with your macros and getting in your workouts, for a week. If you lose 1-2 lbs, you're good to go. If you lose too much, increase your intake and repeat. If you don't lose enough, reduce your intake a bit and repeat. After a few weeks, you'll figure out what works for you in your situation.

    You may want to increase your exercising a bit too. Add in some resistance training to work those muscles. It's great for reducing body fat.

    Allan