A bit of advice please

sunshineaims

Hi,

I am new to this and have been logging for about a week. I am generally trying to lose a bit of belly and get myself fitter.
Based on the MFP calculations I need 1200 a day to get to my target weight, but I am getting the impression this may be too few calories?
I have also joined the gym and am doing general cardio esercise about 4 days a week.
I am not the biggest anyway (128lbs) but just want to shift a little weight and be healthier.

5stringjeff

If you're only looking to lose 12 pounds, you probably shouldn't have your weight loss goals set any higher than 1 pound per week. Does that give you 1200 calories?

If you haven't yet, go here and calculate your TDEE and BMR. http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/ Most people looking to lose moderate amounts of weight have found success using TDEE - 10% or TDEE - 20%; in any case, you shouldn't have a daily calorie goal below your BMR.

sunshineaims

Yes, projected weight loss is 0.8lbs a week which I don't think seems unhealthy really

jonnythan

Yes, projected weight loss is 0.8lbs a week which I don't think seems unhealthy really

0.8 pounds a week is fine. I'm assuming you chose "sedentary" in the MFP calculator. Shoot for 1200, but add exercise calories on top of that. If you spend half an hour on the treadmill, that's ~300 extra calories to eat that day.

sunshineaims

Yes- I do a desk job so 'sedentary'.
Thank you- I just needed to check as I saw a lot of people saying 1200 is a kind of deault on here.
I just worked out my TDEE at 1655 apparently

WBB55

Most people on here seem to be less sedentary than they think. So definitely go for 1200 if you think that will be enough to curb hunger, but eat some of those earned exercise calories. Or, simply eat TDEE-20% every single day. Which for you, if your right about your TDEE, means 1655-331=1324.