How many cals should I be eating to tone > weight loss?

laurensayz

I am trying to tone more than losing weight. I'm 5'3 and 120lbs. I'm at a healthy BMI. I wouldn't mind being 110 again, but I would much rather build muscle. I have myself on a 1200 calorie diet because up until recently, I was eating almost 3000 calories or more a day, no activity. I gained 25 pounds in a year. I've lost 15 lbs with just the 1200 calorie diet and moderate activity (server at a restaurant)... but as of 2 days ago, I'm really starting to exercise.

I've been walking 2-3 miles a day and trying to jog for at least one of those if I can. Ive been doing 10-20 minutes of yoga afterwards and then starting yesterday I'm doing the 30 day shred. I don't really know a lot about calorie intake needs to tone rather than lose...

I appreciate any advice. My diary is open if you feel the need to look, although I've only been logging online for 3 days.

laurensayz

Anyone?

Lando_pr

I am no expert but I think you should set the app to maintain weight according to your net calories. Then, you should get plenty of protein if you want to build muscles. I might be wrong though.

lovetobethin86

from what i can see, you need to eat a lot more veggies and lean protein. Since u have only been logging a few days u will have to see what works for u calorie wise. 1200 is technically pretty lo, and to lose weight so i would change your mfp settings to maintenance or lose 0.5 pounds a week, keep exercising and definitely encorporate weights if u want toning...no little baby weights neither lol. For sure get ore veggies and fruits and protein though:)

laurensayz

from what i can see, you need to eat a lot more veggies and lean protein. Since u have only been logging a few days u will have to see what works for u calorie wise. 1200 is technically pretty lo, and to lose weight so i would change your mfp settings to maintenance or lose 0.5 pounds a week, keep exercising and definitely encorporate weights if u want toning...no little baby weights neither lol. For sure get ore veggies and fruits and protein though:)

I have been getting good protein today, I actually went over the little goal thing. I have a really hard time eating cooked veggies, the best I usually do are fruit smoothies (need to go get more fruit) with spinach in them. I do plan to take someones idea and putting some carrots, spinach, etc into a food processer and add that to meat that I cook for things like spaghetti, etc.