Help! What should my calorie intake be?

I have a LOT of weight to lose...like 80 pounds. I carry most of my weight in the middle area, and I bet you $10 you couldn't guess my weight by looking at me. My BMR according to MFP is 1,902....but this seems a little high to me. I usually burn around 400 calories on the days that I walk, and have been trying to keep within 1,400-1,500 for my daily calories. There's just so much information out there, and I understand that to lose weight you cut calories, but HOW MANY calories do I cut? And if this BMR thing is right..how exactly is it that I've been functioning for the last three months when I've been eating at least 400-800 calories LESS than apparently is required just to live. Ugh. Help!

Replies

  • ladynocturne
    ladynocturne Posts: 865 Member
    Hey we need a little more info to help you out. =)

    Current height and weight please.
  • esaulx
    esaulx Posts: 17
    Hey Brittany,

    You're welcome to message me if you have any questions. I think your concern regarding calorie intake is very valid whether it be less or more based on what you're calculating. However, you need to consider the source of where your calories are coming from. I'm happy to help you out as I've done by fair share of trying to lose weight and maintain it.

    I used to work in a medical office and now work for a health/wellness company. So, I have great resources that can help you out! Stick in there, you'll reach your goal in no time! :)
  • brittanynicole_86
    brittanynicole_86 Posts: 10 Member
    Ugh. Okay. 245 pounds, 5' 7.5".
  • ladynocturne
    ladynocturne Posts: 865 Member
    Ugh. Okay. 245 pounds, 5' 7.5".

    According to your stats you:

    Maintain your current weight at 2290 calories per day with zero exercise.

    To lose 1lb a week subtract 500 calories from 2290.

    2290-500= 1790

    If you exercise eat 1790 + what you burn (please make sure your burn data is correct, if you feel that MFP is overestimating your burn, eat close to 80% of your exercise calories)
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    Are you accurately logging your food? Weighing and measuring your portions? Do you have any underlying medical issues?
  • brittanynicole_86
    brittanynicole_86 Posts: 10 Member
    Are you accurately logging your food? Weighing and measuring your portions? Do you have any underlying medical issues?

    Yes I'm pretty accurate about logging my food. I hardly ever eat out, so that helps a lot. No medical issues, just went from a active job to a desk job and gained a bunch of weight. Ugh.
  • esaulx
    esaulx Posts: 17
    It's great you're accurately recording your calories, it is the first step to success. However, upon reviewing your diary - I feel that you need to gather foods from different groups: such as - include fresh fruits, vegetables, etc. I'm seeing a lot of process food, granted you're sticking to your intake - this food isn't helping much.
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