should i up my calories

Hi Everyone,

so ive been given the 1200 calories limit since i first started.
for the first month i ate around only 700 calories, being really full at the end of the day. and excersising almost everyday.
for the past maybe 3 weeks ive been eating really close to my 1200 calories limit, and im still kind of hungry at the end of the day looking foe some kind of snack.

excersise wise i do jilian michaels extreme shed and shred with a little bit of cardio burning around 400 calories, 5- 6 times a week. on some days i burn around 550 calories, but still only eat 1200 calories.

i weight 136 pounds and im 5 ft tall, im focused on loosing inches more than pounds, would it be a good idea to up my calories, and what would be a good amount?

Replies

  • Mommagoose4
    Mommagoose4 Posts: 132 Member
    I always say - if you are hungry EAT just make them healthy choices. Maybe try more filling higher in protein foods?
  • jennkain97
    jennkain97 Posts: 290 Member
    you should be eating 1200 calories PLUS your exercise calories. 1200 is NET. you definitely need to eat more :(
  • igora_soma
    igora_soma Posts: 486
    Yes, you should NET at least 1200 a day! How long have you been using MFP? I ate a net of 1200 for about 4 months and then increased my calories because my workouts were getting more rigorous. Eat more calories and just make sure that you're eating clean!
  • SuperAmie
    SuperAmie Posts: 307 Member
    you should be eating 1200 calories PLUS your exercise calories. 1200 is NET. you definitely need to eat more :(
    ^^ this! net 1200.
  • _Elemenopee_
    _Elemenopee_ Posts: 2,665 Member
    If you want to stick to the 1200 that MFP gives you (you're only 5 ft so it's not that bad) then just remember that you are supposed to be eating (most, if not all of) your workout calories too. 1200 PLUS the 500 you burned or whatever it was. You should NOT be hungry.
  • KarmaxKitty
    KarmaxKitty Posts: 901 Member
    O_o Yes you should up your calories. It sounds like your activity level is fairly moderate (don't know how often you workout), but a good goal to shoot for if looking for weight loss is one pound a week. If you are eating 1200 and then burning 500+...you need to eat more. It's not so much about wether it's healthy or not (not even going there on these forums anymore...), but if you're hungry YOU SHOULD EAT. Focus on filling up with lean protein, as it keeps you feeling full for longer. More than likely, your body is craving more energy. Try moving up to 1300 first, then 1400 etc. The goal is to NET those calories, not just consume them.

    If you are going by the calorie levels MFP gives you, remember that the caloric deficit is already built in to the number the program gives you. If you WANT to stick with 1200, make sure 1200 is the NET number of calories, not just the CONSUMED. :heart:
  • WarriorReady
    WarriorReady Posts: 571 Member
    IMO, yes, I think you need to up your calories. At least to 1400 calories minimum. I would make sure you are getting enough protein as well. Best of luck on your journey - Jillian can be fierce! :happy:
  • mermx
    mermx Posts: 976
    I have looked back at a few days of your diary, I hope you don`t mind?

    You seem to skip lunch most days and just eat breakfast and dinner?

    What works for me is spreading my calories through the day, maybe it is something you can try as well as upping them?

    Any exercise you do on top will be good also.

    Keep at it and you will find what works for you :-)
  • masumaj
    masumaj Posts: 153 Member
    I have looked back at a few days of your diary, I hope you don`t mind?

    You seem to skip lunch most days and just eat breakfast and dinner?

    What works for me is spreading my calories through the day, maybe it is something you can try as well as upping them?

    Any exercise you do on top will be good also.

    Keep at it and you will find what works for you :-)

    no i dont mind at all that you looked at my diary, thats why ive left it open
    the reason for soreading out my calories like that for the past few days is because ive been fasting for ramadan.

    after this month i will be eating like normal again.
  • masumaj
    masumaj Posts: 153 Member
    thanks for the advice everyone, it really helps :)

    Bump
  • nana2gavin
    nana2gavin Posts: 3 Member
    OMG I didn't know people can view your diary! that is so cool and not at the same time! LOL
  • masumaj
    masumaj Posts: 153 Member
    OMG I didn't know people can view your diary! that is so cool and not at the same time! LOL

    hahaha yeah i just made it public to get feedback :)
  • nana2gavin
    nana2gavin Posts: 3 Member
    How do you do that? Can you view mine?
  • masumaj
    masumaj Posts: 153 Member
    How do you do that? Can you view mine?

    No i cant see yours you have to make yours viewable to the public

    to do that click the food tab at the top, on the bar below click settings, when that page opens scroll down and click the public option that will make it viewable to the public

    hope this helps :)