How many calories do you use each "meal"

200-300 calories per meal...

I net about 1200-1400 cals, so I have a protein shake with milk every morning for breakfast (230 cals). For lunch I usually have chicken salad that I made at home with greek yogurt (200 cals). At dinner, I usually eat between 400-500 cals and then I fill in the rest with snacks. My diary is public if you want to check it out in more detail.

I try to maintain 1350 to 1450 depending upon how much I exercise. Its not coming off fast 1 to 2 lbs a week, but its consistently coming off.

It would help to post your diary and people could suggest replacements for high calorie foods. I tend to eat 200 to 350 for breakfast, same at lunch and save rest for night. I eat at night alot more. I can't fall asleep if I am hungry, so I have a stash of balance bars in my room. Usually only have 1 a week, but they are there when I need em. And I am not obsessed with my calories, as long as I am under 2000 I will lose weight, just try to keep it under 1450. Some days its alot lower like 1100.

I have made a commitment to logging honestly daily and it works. I don't beat myself up over pigging out on pasta or whatever. Ok, I did it, got out of my system and back to the old grind.

I replace bread with high fiber tortillas alot. That saves calories big time and I have my snack foods. Jar of beets (80 cal), raw veggies, etc.

I am not compulsive or beat myself up over extra calories, if I go over a bit. I congratulate myself that I am doing 100% better than I was.

Now when I get closer to my goals, I do realize I am going to have to up the exercise and be more diligent about intake, but will cross that bridge when it happens.

You are worth it! You will feel so much better and stronger. Its a journey.

Christine

I didnt read all the comments so someone may have suggested this but calculate your BMR and aim for eating slightly over that number.

I try around 1400 and I generally have 600 for dinner, 200-300 for breakfast, and 500-600 for lunch and snacks.
I should probably eat more for breakfast though so Im not snacking so much! Im always hungry before lunch.

Thanks all! I am only 5"2 so I think 1200 is right for me. Still in my first week on MFP (I am a WW dropout) so if needed I will adjust up.

I'm just barely 5'3 but I won't go below 1400. I tried 1200 and I wasn't losing. Once I upped it, I started showing consistent losses. Don't be afraid to re-evaluate and reset.

Thanks will do

This, I am barely 5'1 but I have my goal at 1400. 1200 was too little, I was still hungry. Also I did 1200 awhile and then didn't see weight coming off, so I raised it to 1400 and it came off again. You may have to change up your calorie count every month or two, which is what I think I need to do as I am not seeing much progress lately, but I am getting closer to goal too.

One thing to check out is: http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/
Free Fat Loss Calorie Calculator

I used the calculator to figure an estimate of what I typically need when I am not needing to lose weight, then you adjust from there. It is a good guide.

Good Luck.

I eat a very healthy diet and I stay between 1,200 and 1,300 calories a day, rarely exceeding 1,250. Add me and look around my diary. It's open to friends.