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Not sure how many calories I should eat? Help please?

niknokd
niknokd Posts: 127 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
After eating about 1200 calories a day for 3 months I got down to my goal weight. At that point I kept eating the same, out of habit, but not losing any weight anymore. Now I want to tone up (but not get bulky!) so I've continued to do cardio but I've added more toning workout dvds to my routine. I'm not sure how many calories I should be eating though? I want to get rid of fat (and replace with muscle) so should I still have such a big calorie defecit? I was thinking 1400 calories a day? Somebody please help me? Haha.

I am 5'0, 18 years old, and about 105 pounds.

Replies

  • jcmartin0313
    jcmartin0313 Posts: 574 Member
    Assuming you exercise 3 to 5 times per week here are some numbers.

    BMR = 1310; TDEE = 2000
  • HotMamaByVday
    HotMamaByVday Posts: 343 Member
    You can't build muscle at a calorie deficit. I would set MFP to maintenance and eat back your exercise calories. :)
  • bpotts44
    bpotts44 Posts: 1,066 Member
    I think you should start eating your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) plus your exercise calories. You really don't have a need to continue losing. Your BMI is right at 20 and you look great and you are only 18 and may still be growing. Take care.
  • niknokd
    niknokd Posts: 127 Member
    Okay, thank you for the answers everybody. I will change my settings to maintenance and keep working on the toning!
This discussion has been closed.