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

niknokd

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.

jcmartin0313

Assuming you exercise 3 to 5 times per week here are some numbers.

BMR = 1310; TDEE = 2000

HotMamaByVday

You can't build muscle at a calorie deficit. I would set MFP to maintenance and eat back your exercise calories.

bpotts44

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

Okay, thank you for the answers everybody. I will change my settings to maintenance and keep working on the toning!