I'm 18, would it better to set my goal calories to 1200 or 1

reachingthin
reachingthin Posts: 12
edited October 5 in Health and Weight Loss
1200 is a well known calorie goal for most dieters. But I've heard due to my age that doing 1400 calories would be a lot better for me and my diet. I've also heard that people have lost more weight doing 1400 calories than 1200! Currently, my calorie goal is 1200. Can someone please clear this up for me and tell me what is correct?

Replies

  • SergeantSunshine_reused
    SergeantSunshine_reused Posts: 5,382 Member
    height/weight?
  • reachingthin
    reachingthin Posts: 12
    height/weight?

    Oh, right! I'm currently 5"6 and 190 pounds.
  • Athena413
    Athena413 Posts: 1,709 Member
    It also depends on your activity level. If you're really active, I'd go for 1,400...if you're sedentary, keep it closer to 1,200. Try not to go below 1,200, though.
  • SergeantSunshine_reused
    SergeantSunshine_reused Posts: 5,382 Member
    height/weight?

    Oh, right! I'm currently 5"6 and 190 pounds.

    I would go with 1400 then. When you put in 1 lb per week loss in mfp what does it tell you?
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    What does MFP suggest?
    Make sure you have entered height, weight, activity level accurately, be realistic about a weight loss goal (1 pound a week is healthy for most people) then MFP will work it out for you. Remember that when you exercise you add that to your diary and you can eat those calories too, while keeping your calorie deficit the same.
  • vwrynn
    vwrynn Posts: 6
    The old saying goes: Your mileage may vary. I suggest finding your balance with a constant (give or take 100) cals and constant exercise. Wait 3-4 weeks. Then drop your intake 200 cals and maintain that for 3-4 weeks. Eventually you'll reach starvation mode - that point where your body holds onto everything you eat and you start to gain weight. Then add 200 cals and make that your target. You will then lose weight again. 1200 is starvation mode for me - 1500 is my goal and I'm losing weight.
  • Ksnoddy87
    Ksnoddy87 Posts: 121
    To each his own, but I have my calorie limit set to 1400...I find it harder to stay under with 1200 cals and I'm constantly hungry...with 1400 I tend to stay under most of the time and I'm pretty satisfied at the end of the day...and not to mention I've been losing weight just fine....
  • peachNpunkin
    peachNpunkin Posts: 1,010 Member
    If I were you, I woul follow the suggestion of the mfp on you profile. If you arent getting enough calories in, you are defeating the purpose of being on a plan. It also depends on how active you are and all that jazz. Just remember, the faster you lose weight, the faster you put it right back on.
  • lor007
    lor007 Posts: 884 Member
    1,400 sounds good.
  • MegannHarris
    MegannHarris Posts: 7
    Mine's at 1200 but I don't eat that much, So try for 1400 for a week..see how you go and how much you eat, if it works for you..stick with it. If you eat a smaller amount, try 1200.
  • LoveLifeToday
    LoveLifeToday Posts: 20
    I'm 19, 5ft5, 156lb and pretty active (do lots of running and walking). I lose a decent amount on 1,500 calories a day with eating my exercise calories so I often eat around 2000 a day. If I eat less I find I am quite lethargic and I'm less fun to be around when I'm with my friends. Personally I think its better to eat a little more, and just log calories for longer. But it is really a trial and error process. If you, like me, are hungry/lacking energy at 1,200 then bump it up. Everyone is different :) x
  • nsblue
    nsblue Posts: 331 Member
    i was on 1400 cal from sept 2009 to feb 2010 and lost 120 pounds...from feb 25th to today i have been on 1200 and have lost 173 pounds.
    there is alot more to weightloss than just calories...it contains eating healthy, proper exercise, behavioural changes... and alot of focus and commitment. every person is different, and with these basic facts...one can achieve weightloss whatever the cal limit.
  • reachingthin
    reachingthin Posts: 12
    i was on 1400 cal from sept 2009 to feb 2010 and lost 120 pounds...from feb 25th to today i have been on 1200 and have lost 173 pounds.
    there is alot more to weightloss than just calories...it contains eating healthy, proper exercise, behavioural changes... and alot of focus and commitment. every person is different, and with these basic facts...one can achieve weightloss whatever the cal limit.

    Thanks, I think all of this is very true and exactly what I need to hear! :)
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