1280 Calories

NuuSunshine

Hi everyone!

MyFitnessPal has recommended that I eat 1280 calories/day. I have been following this plan, along with exercise for about 3 weeks now. I would only eat more than 1280 calories if my cardio earned me more.

I happened across a post earlier that said 1200 calories/day is not beneficial for gaining muscle. I've been doing weight training as well as cardio at least 3-4 days a week. I would really like to lose fat and gain muscle (I have a lot of fat to lose!)

I suppose my question is: should I be sticking to the 1280 calories/day even when weight training/trying to gain muscle? I'm about to bite the bullet and just get a nutritionist!

Thank you in advance for any and all comments/advice.

jamiek917

save your $ and take 20 min of your day to read these

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819925-the-basics-don-t-complicate-it

Setting Your Calorie and Macro Targets

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros)

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/817188-iifym

Docmahi

It depends how long you have been weight training - in your first few months of weight training (heavy lifting - Starting strength/stronglifts or some other program) you will definitely build muscle even on a deficit.

People will have different opinions - I have been lifting on a calorie deficit for a while and it definitely catches up with you I would say after about 6 months my muscle gains slowed down a lot, I think the best thing to do is just keep your calories the same if you are losing weight at those calories and just up your protein macros - make sure you are getting at least like .8g per pound of lean body weight.

when you stop making strength gains as quickly then you may want to readjust

best wishes