Hello

Cyndi1

I am new to this website..I have a goal that I would like to lose 20 pounds by May...so far I am liking this website, I have a question when I add my exercise in and the calories change should I still focus on 1200 calories or eat for the calories that it changed or am I just maintaining my size?

Thanks,
Cyndi

Cyndi1

I am new to this website..I have a goal that I would like to lose 20 pounds by May...so far I am liking this website, I have a question when I add my exercise in and the calories change should I still focus on 1200 calories or eat for the calories that it changed or am I just maintaining my size?

Thanks,
Cyndi

3babybeans

Eat the exercise calories. If you're only eating 1200/day, and burning (for example) 300 off, your body isn't getting enough. The 1200/day is figured that you'll lose x pounds per week without exercising so it isn't a maintenance level. Does that make sense?

Welcome to the boards & good luck!:flowerforyou:

PedalHound

I must caution you that if you have only 20lbs to lose you may want to take in more than 1200 calories a day. That is an average of the bare MINIMUM that any grown woman can survive on and many people require more just for their basic functions. That number is suggested more for people who have a LOT of weight to lose and even then many people opt for 1400 to 1500 because your body will simply work better if you've got consistent, clean whole foods and enough calories!!! The weight will come off faster if you have adequate nutrition. :flowerforyou:

Cyndi1

Thank-you, I will eat the calories for difference of my exercise.

Cyndi1

Thanks. I would like to lose a bit more but I wanted to have a target of 20 to get started- When I reach that target I will change the calorie intake- good to know.

Cyndi

cmsdives

Hi! Welcome aboard - I, too, am a 'newbie' (with a lot more than 20 pounds to loose) who is really liking this site. The message boards are awesome - you'll find a tremendous amount of support through them. Best of luck!!

MOMOFTWO29

Hi, welcome to MFP, I just wanted to wish you good luck on your weight loss journey, you can do this.

nwfamilygal

Welcome:flowerforyou: good luck and drink your water :drinker: