the 1200 calorie question ... ?

FlickMclightly
FlickMclightly Posts: 31 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hey MFP Gang,

would just like some helpful advice on calorie consumption... based on losing 2 lbs a week MFP has limited me to 1200 cals. So far I have either managed to maintain this or just over, and I won't deny, I have seen good weight loss results in the last month - However .... I am feeling particularly weak, lethargic and just a general feeling of ‘I’m not eating enough’.

Now, I don’t want to start a heated debate (as I have seen quite a few on this subject) but would just like some sensible advice ..

I was always under the impression that women needed 1500 cals a day, and to lose weight, you would need to eat less ... Then I saw some peoples messages saying they ate around this and still lost weight !!??

So ...

I’m office based work (so on bum all day) but walk twice a day for between 15 – 30 minutes a time.
I normally go to the gym too, x3 times a week for x1 hour cardio and 20 min swim (and will eat back the calories, as otherwise I would be far too hungry!)

I’m just trying to figure out, realistically, how many calories can I eat to still lose around a stone in the next month or two ....

Thanks all :flowerforyou:
x

Replies

  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    No, the average woman needs to eat about 2000 calories (very generalized), and so you can lose weight eating less than 2000 but way more than 1200. You're feeling like crap because your body is telling you to eat more.

    The best way is to calculate how many calories you actually use in a day, and then eat at a moderate deficit below that. Because you only have 18lbs to lose, losing 2 pounds per week is not a good goal. I'd say more like half a pound to a pound a week. Give this post a read, calculate how many calories you burn in a day (TDEE, or total daily energy expenditure), and then eat maybe 400 calories less than that.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/912920-in-place-of-a-road-map-3-2013

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