Concerns and Questions

Phoenixflame

Because of this awesome site, I realize that I am in starvation mode. I exercise everyday, at bear minimum 30 minutes of cardio and some form of weight lifting. Usually, I take the classes offered at my gym, like Abs and Glutes or Spinning.

And to think I've been flipping out over not losing much weight.

So, I know I need to eat more. I admit, though, I'm scared about gaining weight back. I also don't want to immediately resume levels, because I have a feeling I'd be sick. So I'm upping it 100 calories every few days, until I hit my recommended level.

First Question: I'm trying to decide how much I need to up it to. I weigh 151 pounds, am 5'4', 18 years old, female, and exercise pretty intensely between 45 and 90 minutes every day. However, beyond my daily exercise, I'm not super active; I transverse my campus to get to classes/cafeteria/gym, as well as jaunts down to nearby stores and walks around the city. I'm in San Francisco, so the walking I do involves hills.

I know that MFP gives you a set amount of calories. It gave me originally 1230. However, my BMR is 1450. When I put in my exercises, it typically spits back between 1600-1850. I've also read on this site that the original calorie count isn't always correct. At the moment, I tend to eat around 1100.

Second Question: A lot of you here are so health-savvy. How many calories do you think I should eat?

Now, I have some eating to do! But I've been in starvation mode so long that it seems craaaazy to eat so much. I know, 1500 calories isn't behemothic, but it is to me! I want to eat more, but I'm actually having trouble--it all seems like stuffing my face, which is how I got to my size (I've lost a decent amount of weight since summer began, but I've since slowed way down). I think that I lost weight before because my body was simply not consuming as much, but now I've adjusted. I also know my question can most simply be answered by "Get thyself to a McDonalds." But I don't want to do that either, as I'm a healthy eater.

Third Question: What are good foods for reaching calorie leftovers? I don't want to fill the gap with junk--yeah, sometimes I'll have a cookie or dark chocolate, but I'm all into nutrition.

I'm sorry for the length of this post, y'all, but I need help. I really want to hit my goal. I want to be able to wear a bikini this summer!

Phoenixflame

Because of this awesome site, I realize that I am in starvation mode. I exercise everyday, at bear minimum 30 minutes of cardio and some form of weight lifting. Usually, I take the classes offered at my gym, like Abs and Glutes or Spinning.

And to think I've been flipping out over not losing much weight.

So, I know I need to eat more. I admit, though, I'm scared about gaining weight back. I also don't want to immediately resume levels, because I have a feeling I'd be sick. So I'm upping it 100 calories every few days, until I hit my recommended level.

First Question: I'm trying to decide how much I need to up it to. I weigh 151 pounds, am 5'4', 18 years old, female, and exercise pretty intensely between 45 and 90 minutes every day. However, beyond my daily exercise, I'm not super active; I transverse my campus to get to classes/cafeteria/gym, as well as jaunts down to nearby stores and walks around the city. I'm in San Francisco, so the walking I do involves hills.

I know that MFP gives you a set amount of calories. It gave me originally 1230. However, my BMR is 1450. When I put in my exercises, it typically spits back between 1600-1850. I've also read on this site that the original calorie count isn't always correct. At the moment, I tend to eat around 1100.

Second Question: A lot of you here are so health-savvy. How many calories do you think I should eat?

Now, I have some eating to do! But I've been in starvation mode so long that it seems craaaazy to eat so much. I know, 1500 calories isn't behemothic, but it is to me! I want to eat more, but I'm actually having trouble--it all seems like stuffing my face, which is how I got to my size (I've lost a decent amount of weight since summer began, but I've since slowed way down). I think that I lost weight before because my body was simply not consuming as much, but now I've adjusted. I also know my question can most simply be answered by "Get thyself to a McDonalds." But I don't want to do that either, as I'm a healthy eater.

Third Question: What are good foods for reaching calorie leftovers? I don't want to fill the gap with junk--yeah, sometimes I'll have a cookie or dark chocolate, but I'm all into nutrition.

I'm sorry for the length of this post, y'all, but I need help. I really want to hit my goal. I want to be able to wear a bikini this summer!

amymeenieminymo

I am sure there are others that are much better at helping you set your calories amounts and stuff, but I wanted to give you a few suggestions of what you can eat to up your calories but that is still good for you so you don't have to feel like your stuffing your face to get more calories in.

If you are a milk drinker, a simple 8 oz glass of nonfat milk is about 80 to 90 calories right there, bananas have about the same, low fat yogurt, veggies and low fat dressing, pretzels can be a good snack, graham crackers, wheatable crackers, maybe a slice of wheat bread with some low fat butter or margarine. It's surprisingly easy to consume just a couple hundred calories more but still be eating good. Good luck!

kerrilucko

Set your goals to lose 1 lb per week. Eat the number of calories that gives you plus your exercise calories. 1600cals a day for the amount off working out you do sounds about right to me. I weigh 156 lbs at 5'6", I excercise about 10-30 mins a day on average and I eat 1350 cals plus whatever I burn with excercise which usually totals around 1500 calories- just so you have a point of comparison. Good luck! :flowerforyou:

arewethereyet

I love organic peanut butter. It is a good way to use up my exercise cals on the days I work out. You are young, and need your nutrition and calories. You might not think you are very active, but walking around campus all day burns a lot of calories.

I know it is hard to start eating more....I went through that also. When I started I ate 1200 cals a day. Period. Then I asked why my numbers rise each day, and someone explained the 'eating your exercise calories' theory.

I increased my calories by 50-100 cals a day and lost weight:noway:
Huh, I lost weight by eating MORE!! WTH???

Ok so I am 47 and it took this long for my to understand.

Take your time, eat a little more each day. 2 tablespoons of peanut butter is 210 cals + the bread or toast 90-180 calories.

Good luck!:flowerforyou:

Phoenixflame

Thanks for the suggestions, guys!

I'm a little worried though. I got to 1350 cals and still have some left over. But I'm really full and don't want to push my self too much too fast. Tomorrow I'll see how things go. But what worries me is that even with the leftover calories, I'm over my protein max and knocking on my carb max. I've been eating healthy and balanced all day. I have no clue why the nutrients are so high.

ranaelynn

I think your over worring about the small stuff. Remember these are recommendeds not omg must stick too's I focus on the calories (eating what it says to) with a second eye to the others. I just dont think we can be that obsesive that we hit every number every day. I would also say though that if your fiber intake is way over that will contribute to your feeling fuller even though you have calories to go. So since one of your concerns is feeling to full to eat all your calories maybe keep a close eye on the fiber, eating what you need there but trying on that one in particular at least to not go over.

Just food for thought

Ranae