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Help with Figuring Out how Much Food I need.

BarbaraCarr1981
BarbaraCarr1981 Posts: 903 Member
edited January 4 in Health and Weight Loss
Hello,

I used the BMI and some other calculator and figured out that I am in healthy weight range and that I need to eat approx 2000cal to maintain weight. Can someone please check my calculations. I haven't lost anything in a month. I have been eating 1500cal a day to get my 500cal deficit. I acutally started MFP at 1200cal but thought that musta been too low so Ive been eating 1500 cal a day for about 1.5 weeks now.

Height 5;9"
CW 155lbs
Medium Build
GW 139lbs

Do you guys think Im eating the right amount for weight loss? Thanks

Replies

  • maricash
    maricash Posts: 280 Member
    The fat2fit radio calculator agrees with your numbers -- it gives 2080 calories for a lightly active person of your size. Are you sure you haven't lost anything? How often do you weight yourself? I know from weighing myself every day for more than six months that my weight can fluctuate by up to five pounds on any given day, so if you only weighed yourself once or twice, it will be hard to tell if you really haven't lost anything or if you just happened to weigh yourself at a high point.

    Since you are already at a healthy weight, you might want to consider setting a body fat percentage goal instead of a weight goal. That way you can work on being (and looking) more fit, without the discouragement that looking at a scale number can bring.
  • BarbaraCarr1981
    BarbaraCarr1981 Posts: 903 Member
    Thank you. And yes I've only weighed myself once so far. I have started lifted heavy as well to really try and get my body fat down and body looking tighter and hotter and sexier. Im impatient too with a major sweet and fat tooth. Huhhhh. its hard but I still keep pluggin away at it.
  • maricash
    maricash Posts: 280 Member
    If it doesn't drive you crazy, try weighing yourself every day for a month or so and record the weight every day. That will give you a sense for your body's natural cycle as far as weight is concerned. I know, for example, that there are times of the month when I will be a few pounds heavier. And that eating certain foods (Wonton Soup!) will cause the scale to go up a couple of pounds. I also know it's temporary, because at some point in the month, I'll be five pounds lighter. When I used to only weigh monthly I thought I wasn't losing anything, but it turned out I was just picking the wrong days.
  • kokoforskinny
    kokoforskinny Posts: 91 Member
    Don't forget to take into account the fact that you are lifting weights. It will add muscle weight. So even though you don't see the number on the scale changing doesn't mean you haven't. I would measure your body too and check that if you are going to continue with weights.
  • DakotaKeogh
    DakotaKeogh Posts: 693 Member
    If you're lifting you'll be doing a fat loss/muscle gain scenario. I would recommend switching from a target weight to a target body fat percentage. If you're lifting heavy you may only get to that goal weight by dipping to an unhealthy percentage.
  • G__Force
    G__Force Posts: 280 Member
    Whats your activity level during the day, Do you sit at a desk job or are you on your feet and active? if you just sitting your intake requirements will be less than if your moving alot. you should throw some cardio in witht he weight lifting to get your heart pumping.
  • BarbaraCarr1981
    BarbaraCarr1981 Posts: 903 Member
    I stay home and look after the baby. I do cleaning EVERY day. Weight lifting every 2nd day and cardio 3-4 times a week. How do I calculate my BF% - Would love to get rid of lots of fat!!!! Don't care how much muscle ways. I want lean body.
  • BarbaraCarr1981
    BarbaraCarr1981 Posts: 903 Member
    *weighs lol
  • G__Force
    G__Force Posts: 280 Member
    I stay home and look after the baby. I do cleaning EVERY day. Weight lifting every 2nd day and cardio 3-4 times a week. How do I calculate my BF% - Would love to get rid of lots of fat!!!! Don't care how much muscle ways. I want lean body.

    There are several sites on line that will show you how to measure body fat. I looked at your diarys and it looks like your doing ok, If it was me i would try to drink more water and get a little more cardio in, that will help get your metabolism moving!
  • 4EverFit2B
    4EverFit2B Posts: 19 Member
    Great feedback guys!! :wink:
  • 4EverFit2B
    4EverFit2B Posts: 19 Member
    Great feedback guys!! :wink:
  • BarbaraCarr1981
    BarbaraCarr1981 Posts: 903 Member
    How much cardio will get metab going???
This discussion has been closed.

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