Is your calorie intake low?

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Replies

  • ImRadical4Jesus
    ImRadical4Jesus Posts: 144 Member
    I did this before, didn't understand how, when I ate so little, I started to gain weight. I joined here, counted my 'normal' calories, and found I was eating between 700-800 a day. I upped my intake to 1200 (site suggested), and lost a few pounds. I then stopped counting, and continued to eat 'healthily', or so I thought. Then I noticed that I'd gained a couple of pounds again, and then another... so I came back here... and lo and behold, I was only eating between 700-800 a day again.

    I have once again upped it to 1200, religiously, and in the first 3wks I lost 3lbs... but I've not lost a thing since, in fact have gained a pound, lost a pound, gained a pound, lost a pound! But I'm still doing it, still at 1200 (net of excercise).

    To be honest, I struggle to hit 1200 with normal food (I don't eat much in the way of bread/potatoes/rice etc as it makes me feel uncomfortable and bloated).. and I do end up having a bit of chocolate, or a biscuit, to try to hit target.

    I too got my REE, and it came out at a little under 1800. I'm afraid to try to eat more as I can't get it out of my head that I'm likely to gain more weight, but eating less has had exactly that effect anyway!!

    I totally understand your fears, but your body needs it! It takes a good 2 to 3 weeks to see a change, when you start eating more you may gain, but please do not be alarmed! remember it takes your body time to readjust to the new healthier way. Just like your car, if you only put a little gas in it , it wont go too far or just a little oil that can mess up the engine...feed your body...healthy, not with candy bars and such.

    You can do this!
  • ImRadical4Jesus
    ImRadical4Jesus Posts: 144 Member
    Hello!! I was doing around 1300 but am bumping up to 2000 since I am probably starving myself after doing some research!!

    I do have a question for you also!! That metabolic rate test, did your insurance pay for the test since you went through your doctor? I found a few places around town that do it but they want 85 bucks!!

    The program cost me out of pocket upfront $220.00. They took 11 vials of blood for blood work, did a total body bone density test, a total body tissue quantitation (told me my BMI), did a EKG, TEE and a few others.

    To my husband and myself I think it was well worth it! I found out what was going on with my body and can fix those things!
  • ImRadical4Jesus
    ImRadical4Jesus Posts: 144 Member

    Just wondering what everyone's calorie intake goal is and why?
    I notice that there are many that are way too low...

    What are your qualifications for assessing others' caloric intake goals?

    I don't have any, never said I did, I just asked a simple question.
  • kaitlynelkins9
    kaitlynelkins9 Posts: 26 Member
    As a 5'2 female who weighs 98 pounds, my total daily energy expenditure, not including dedicated exercise, is estimated to be only 1450 calories. When I'm trying to cut body fat, I typically aim for consuming around 1200 calories, meaning that it would take about two weeks to lose a pound of fat, and that is the lowest recommended intake. If I raised my caloric intake just a bit higher, I would virtually be in maintenance mode, and if I raised it a moderate amount, I would be eating at a surplus and would gain weight. Granted, the vast majority of people are taller and larger than I am and their optimal caloric goals are much different. I just mean to point out that there are people for whom what seems to be an exceptionally low amount of calories is entirely appropriate simply because their bodies are less massive and perhaps more efficient.
  • Yeller_Sensation
    Yeller_Sensation Posts: 373 Member
    I'm 5'2" and weigh 102 lbs. My TDEE is 1848 calories.

    Currently eating 1700 to 1800 calories a day on weekdays, and between 2000 to 2200 during the weekend because I love waffles.

    And bacon.
  • EvaHarr
    EvaHarr Posts: 1 Member
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    Been at 1800+ for about a year, recently bumped up to 1950. Been losing fat, passed my goal weight, feel awesome.

    I set my calorie and macros goals according to the info here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/912914-in-place-of-a-road-map-3-2013
    Thats awesome! How often do you work out? And for how long?
  • LJCannon
    LJCannon Posts: 3,636 Member
    around 1500 - 1600. :drinker:
  • blu_meanie_ca
    blu_meanie_ca Posts: 352 Member
    I've done 1250-1350 for the first half of my weight loss (more fat, less calories needed). I'm just now starting to up my calories to 1800 as I'm starting to get quite tired, and I'd rather lose slower now and retain my muscles.
  • krazyforyou
    krazyforyou Posts: 1,428 Member
    Just bumped mine up to 1700 based on TDEE. Gained 2 lbs but expe.cted it. Gonna give it at least a month. Could not survive on 1200
  • JacksMom12
    JacksMom12 Posts: 1,044 Member
    Trying to stick to about 1900 so I can lose these last few lbs but have been averaging probably about 2300 (love food and am ALWAYS hungry) and maintaining instead. I can live with that. I'm 5'4 119 lbs 27 y/o.
  • irisheyez718
    irisheyez718 Posts: 677 Member
    My goal is 1540, with exercise calories some days (like today) i eat over 2,000 calories.
  • HealthWoke0ish
    HealthWoke0ish Posts: 2,078 Member
    I'm keeping in mind that it may be too low but I haven't made any changes yet (I want to finish out the month and re-evaluate).

    MFP tells me I should eat 1800. I eat that plus most of my earned workout calories. IPOARM and Fat2Fit tell me I should be eating a minimum of 2100 (and possibly as high as 2400). I haven't lost at all since the beginning of March even though I've been within 50 of my calorie goal every day (without ever going over) and have consistently worked out a minimum of 30 min a day, six days a week. I'm going to finish out the month (I believe part of this lifestyle change is getting used to the discipline of the routine) and then begin to tinker with my intake. If/when I do make changes, I plan to up my intake by 200 and then I'll carry on and observe throughout April.

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