hi

Hey there, How many calories really depends on different factors. Your activity level during the day, your workout routine, etc. And what type of calories also matters. For instance there is a world of difference between 400 calories from a big mac, and 400 calories from a salad with vinaigrette dressing. a general guideline for an average female is between 1000-1200 But thats just a guideline adjust it according to your fitness and activity level. Having said all that I wouldnt worry about it though...for someone 100 years old you look GORGEOUS!

ok thanks so if i workout 5 times a week for 2 hours per day how much more than 1200 can i eat?

I think if you gave us a bit more stats, we might be able to help. Like height, current weight, goal weight, real age (because if you're 100, I'm at least 500. How much you weigh now, how much you want to lose will dictate how fast you should lose and therefore how many calories you are going to want to be taking in.

ETA: And working out -- what are you doing? All cardio? Cardio and strength? Yoga? Could you be a bit more specific there too?

That's what I needed. Your exercise regimen really ramps up the calories you should be eating. For you trying to lose 20 pounds, I wouldn't try to lose more than a pound a week. Maybe 1.5 max. No need to be too aggressive at your age, weight,and weight loss desired. Trust me. 20 pounds is not a lot of weight to lose.

Plugging in the stats you provided over at Scooby's workshop, it comes up with a basal metabolic rate of 1445, which seems reasonable. But with all the exercise you are doing, it comes up with a TDEE (total daily energy expenditure) of 2492, even using 5-6 hours of strenuous exercise. So at a pound a week , you would need a deficit of about 500 calories a day, so you should be somewhere right around 2000 calories/day. You will need that to support that level of exercise because that is pretty heavy.

At least that is what I would suggest. Others may differ, but based on my experience I think that is what would be best for you.

Good luck on your journey. But you are already well on your way. And thanks for not actually being 100. I was scared.