Your insight needed (please) ....

demelza123

So I need to figure this out. I am on 1200 cals a day, I will usually go to 1300-1400 - because I am hungry, but I don't go silly. I exercise 5 days a week ... trying to get 500 cal burn a day ... and my weight - the same. Now I starting week 3 - and I realize that its a slow process & I need to be patient ... but I really need to get this figure out. Or else, I will get miserable ... and unmotivated, which is never a good thing. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

shovav91

If you're burning 500 calories a day, you need to be eating way more than 1200. As a general rule, I say don't net below 1200. For example, if you burn 500, you should be eating about 1700 calories. Your body needs the fuel and depriving it is only going to hinder weight loss.

davecreed

good advice. also...you may be surprised to know that if you are eating too few calories, it may hinder in your weight loss goals as well, via, your body storing. not likely in your case...it may also be you macro nutrient ratios or saturated fat amounts or sodium amounts...how many meals your eating, calorie size each meal, where the majority of your carbs come from (low or high GI rated foods), if your eating soon after waking up...etc etc...maybe you don't handle carbs as well as some...maybe mfp has you carb ratios set to high for you...maybe maybe maybe...you should open up your diary for people to view if you want additional help.

good luck