SO much conflicting information...getting confused!

osualex

So I started using MFP this January, and since then, I've lost 9 pounds...I would like it to be more, but I really can't complain. Lately, I've been seeing all of these posts about how many calories to eat, to eat at least 1200, then to eat at least your BMR, to eat at least 1800, etc. ?? I usually eat at least 1200 ( I have my setting at 1.5 lbs/week and lightly active, and that is what MFP gave me) For a while I was eating my BMR (1500) and not losing a pound. Then I read you should eat your TDEE - 500, which is about 1300...right around what I normally eat ( and UNDER my BMR).

I know there are a million different opinions and a million different ways to do this, but can anyone share what worked for them? I'm not unhappy with my progress, but I do want to do this in the healthiest way possible ( and losing a little more each week wouldn't hurt either) Should I just keep doing what I'm doing and ignore everything else?

StarryEyed500

If you're strength training and want to keep your muscles, then yes you should eat at least your BMR.
If you just want to lose weight, then go from your TDEE or with what MFP sets.
Don't eat less than 1200 if you can help it. If you need more calories, eat some fruit or nuts.

Unless your weightloss stops, you don't really need to change what you're doing. (unless you're someone who always eats under 1000!)

riqui1

It is always better to eat more, eat healthy and exercise more. If you want to retain muscle, not only must you strength train, but you must get adequate amounts of protein. I have never heard "eat your BMR" but I realize now that this is what I do. I eat around 1400 calories per day, with one higher calorie day every three days or so. I find that the days after heavy weight lifting are the best for those high calorie days, as I am famished. I try my hardest to burn 500 calories per day through exercise. This is not always easy or doable, but that is my goal. In order to lose fat, you must be in a calorie deficit, as you know. That deficit is best done through cardio. It really is not healthy to get too low and you should never be below 1000 calories. I never go less than 1200. Good luck!

Sl1ghtly

Opinions are opinions, which can be based on a quack ideal or fact.

"It worked for me" - Usually this means "My silly diet plan inadvertently created a calorie deficit which is why I lost weight, but I won't admit that because I want people to subscribe to my ideology."

My opinion, based on cosmic background radiation reflecting off swamp gas...
1. Determine your average daily TDEE.
2. Create a reasonable calorie deficit.
3. Chose an excersize plan that is compatible with your lifestyle and goals.
4. Work, and wait.