New to group and upping calories

ddiestler

Okay, I'm new to the group and increasing calories. I'm struggling trying to find the right amount of calories I need. I've lost 40 pounds and it has been a battle since day one. I believe I went from overeating to way undereating and am now trying to repair in hopes I can lose.

I am 4'11 and current weight is 155.0(started at 195). I work in a school so I am lightly active all day walking around at work..In addition, I workout 4 days a week doing elliptical, running, rowing machine, treadmill, or just plain walking totaling 15-20 miles. According to my hrm I burn 400-600 cals. depending on day and duration.

I've increased my calories to 1300 and on days I burn at least 400 calories I eat back 200 of those. Most days I stay between 1300-1450 calories..which seems like a lot.

Honestly, I'm struggling..I don't know how much to eat and this week I stayed at calorie goals and gained 2#. I've never had 2 weeks in a row of success..it's gain a few, lose a few, I've only lost 5 pounds since December and not much more before that..

Any ideas, any suggestions, should I eat more, should I eat 1200, I appreciate all feedback. My BMI still puts me at obese..I never knew weight loss could be so hard.

soontobesam

I feel the same way and am by no means an expert but I did increase my calories and found that I could push myself harder in my workouts and that in general I felt much better.

I expect that initially I will have some weight gain as my body adjusts but at some point things will even out and since I am still eating at a deficit from my BMR - I should lose. My plan is to give it a few weeks so there is enough time to really see how it effects me.

ddiestler

I agree..I need to give it more time..it is just so damn frustrating! LOL. I feel better now that I've increased my calories some. I also am able to run better and I know this will be way too much TMI..but, I'm going to the bathroom more than 2 times a week:) I wish there was a magic number. I know my brm is 1250 so I'm guessing I should NEVER eat below that..but, not sure on the rest..LOL

twinmomtwice4

It sounds to me like you're considered moderately active. There's a sticky up top that explains how to figure out your numbers...the two main ones being your BMR and TDEE. From there, you'll know exactly how much to eat per day.

You can either eat at your TDEE or you can take a 15 or 20% cut off of that if you want.

Once you know your exact numbers, I think you'll feel more solid about your plan. Also, it helps to change your macros to 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat, which will help you balance those calories out.

GoGoGadgetMum

Hi , you sound very similar to me, I work at a school, I'm only 5 ft 1 and weigh 147 pounds, 23% bf

My bmr from the Scoobie site was 1395 so thats my minimum, tdee was 2163 because I work out about 4 hurs a week and my burns are always 600( similar to you)although today was 750. So I've made a cut of 15%, so I'm aiming for 1838 cals every day and if my exercise puts me under my bmr I'm eating more to top it up...like today.

Friend me if you like because I'm only starting out here too.

It's tricky to get your head around eating more but once you do you will never go back:happy:

jj3120

I am 5'0 started out 'eating more' at 152lb now at 8/9 weeks in I am at 147lb - slow but steady and most of that 5lb only in last couple of weeks.

I was worrying I was eating too much for my height but stick with it but make sure you are eating enough, double check your numbers and don't be afraid to eat them - you'll feel so much better for it : )