How many cals should I be eating?

misspenny762

Just wondering what my base calories for the day should be, before exercise cals. I'm 5'4" and currently at 130. I'd like to lose 10 pounds but am not in a rush to do that ASAP. More concerned with getting toned and fit. MFP says I should eat 1200 but some have told me that's not nearly enough and since I'm not overweight I shouldn't be eating that little. Just wondering what your opinion on this is.

My lifestyle isn't especially active other than when I hit the gym. I walk to and from classes but that's largely it.

inpaperclouds

I'd say you bump it up to 1500.
You don't need to eat 1200, like they said, you aren't overweight and you aren't in a hurry.

Small meals frequently is the best way to go. (every 3 hrs or so, around 200 calories.)

superjarrod1616

I agree 1500 or so and break it over small meals. Look at yourself in the mirror after you get out of the shower in 2weeks, if you like it then stay the course, if not then drop 100 calories and use the mirror test again. Much better than a scale!

ladyhawk00

Here's a great thread that helps determine how to set appropriate goals. Good luck to you!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/61706-guide-to-calorie-deficits

misspenny762

So, can I move it up to 1500 all at once and be fine? Or should I work my way up slowly?

reofferman

i'd start getting somewhere between 1400 and 1600. that way you're not aiming to just 1500. give yourself some wiggle room. but i'd go up sooner rather than later cuz if you stay at a lower calorie count then you're body's gonna think it's starving and slow down your metabolism. then your body will store more as fat. so... have a day where you over eat so you're body realizes your not starving and then try to stick somewhere between 1400 and 1600