Can someone tell me how many calories I should be eating?

Like Kiwi said. If you think 1200 is too little for you, then you can try to eat a little more and see how that works. Or you can try the opposite. For your age, height, and weight, about 1350 calories would be the ideal amount for you. But checking in with a doctor or asking a professional person is much better.

Since you are already light, you will lose at a slower rate. Go ahead and eat more as you aren't happy with your intake. You will just lose slightly more slowly. Try 1500-1700 as a general range on days you do more activity or exercise.

How much are you trying to lose? You seem like you are at a great place to begin thinking about maintenance.

I really need help figuring this out...

MFP has me eating 1200 I burn around 200 a day, I always eat my exercise calories back!

I am 5'2"
a 20 year old female
117.4lbs

I workout 5-6 times a week for 30 mins (Jillian Micheals) and then on weekend I work at a wedding banquet hall as a server.

can someone tell me how many calories I am suppose to be eating? I really don't want to eat 1200

thanks X

You should not be eating 1200 calories a day. You have very little, if any, to lose. You should focus on strength training. At most, you should be eating just below maintenance. 1200 is too low for you.

the 1200 was what the system recommended, thought it was a bit weird:| I don't EAT 1200, I end up with more like 1500 due to exercise. Please see my diary for more info.

I'm in the same boat actually. I am 24, 230lb, 5'6, mix between lazy and moving (the first two options haha but lately working on being more moving and walking), my profile has my diary (some stuff I messed up on but I'm learning). I would like to know if 1200 is right for me, trying to lose 15-30 pounds (more would be great, but one thing at a time).

I don't think 1200 is right for you in the slightest. You have more to lose, and while you may lose quickly at 1200 calories, I'm not sure you would be happy or fulfilled long enough to make it worth it. Set your activity to lightly active and then follow MFP's settings. Eat at least half of your exercise calories back (half to account for overestimation.)

the 1200 was what the system recommended, thought it was a bit weird:|

My guess is that you put in 2 lbs a week as your loss goal? See what it gives you at 1 lb a week. Being male and young, you'll almost certainly be miserable at 1200 calories a week. (I'm not anti-1200 for all-it's the right number for me to lose weight. But to put that in perspective, I'm 10 years older than you, female, half a foot shorter, and more than 100 lbs lighter. We should not be eating the same number of calories!)

*Just saw your edit-I think 1500 calories is too little for you as well. I agree with the person who suggested trying around 2000 calories.

the 1200 was what the system recommended, thought it was a bit weird:|

My guess is that you put in 2 lbs a week as your loss goal? See what it gives you at 1 lb a week. Being male and young, you'll almost certainly be miserable at 1200 calories a week. (I'm not anti-1200 for all-it's the right number for me to lose weight. But to put that in perspective, I'm 10 years older than you, female, half a foot shorter, and more than 100 lbs lighter. We should not be eating the same number of calories!)

*Just saw your edit-I think 1500 calories is too little for you as well. I agree with the person who suggested trying around 2000 calories.

This is a female. But she still needs to eat more.

This is a female. But she still needs to eat more.

I responded to the OP earlier, but the person I was responding to in the post you quoted was male.

My girlfriend is having an even harder time eating here intake due to exercise...she right now is like 900 under...http://www.myfitnesspal.com/lonilee please help us:( - she is 22, 5'2, 165lb with light activity.

1600 as in base 1200 - exercise + exercise difference. So If exercise was 400, that's 400 additional i'd eat.

I mean actual food to fill that quota...I don't eat junk food anymore since I get addicted when I do.

I responded to the OP earlier, but the person I was responding to in the post you quoted was male.

Oops. Sorry.

No big-gets confusing with more than one person posting stats in a thread.

Could you recommend some foods to eat? It's hard to eat healthy and get the caleries. Like I said, my girlfriend is having a huge issue with that right now haha. We're having to search for some food and get ready to goto sleep, we hate eating before bed.

ANY tips would be awesome! What should we NOT be afraid of (sugar, fat, etc). Things we are avoiding now: sodium and sugar mainly.

You don't need to be afraid of any foods. Of course, you have to manage your own trigger foods by what will work best for you. I'm not sure what your trigger foods are, so just discard anything that doesn't fit.

Did your doctor tell you to avoid sodium? There is no reason to be afraid of it unless you have particular medical needs. Of course, eat it in moderation, as with everything, but your body actually needs some sodium. I would say the same for sugar-unless you have particular medical needs, you don't really need to avoid it. I personally do my best when I do avoid added sugar, but there are times it's just not a priority. Don't worry about trying to meet MFP's sugar limit-if you have fruit, you'll go over.

An easy high calorie smoothie:

Peanut Butter (200) + banana (100) + milk of choice (100) + strawberries (50) = 450. If you are willing to get adventurous, add some chia seeds (70-150), protein powder (120ish), and spinach or kale (minimal calories). That could add an easy 200 calories, using a small serving of chia.

Keep in mind that my recommendations will be based off of my own lifestyle, so I'm sure I'm missing some easy ones that other people could contribute.

Hummus with veggies or pita chips. 2 TBSP of hummus has 70-80 calories if you don't get low fat. Hummus also works great in sandwiches or as a salad topper. You could also substitute guacamole for the hummus.

Nuts and seeds, high calorie fruits for snacks (dates, bananas), don't fear the potatoes (sweet or otherwise).

Rice and pasta.

Cereal-to me, it isn't filling at all, which makes it a treat food for me. Add milk or cream to your coffee.

Don't buy the diet or low fat version of foods unless you have specific medical conditions that require you to.

Good luck! I think you two will be successful. It's obvious you care, and you are doing this together.

In general, I typically tell women that are your height to aim for 1200 calories. You could likely consume 1300 to maintain your weight.

Get an exclusive look at Lisa's new book STOP THE DIET, I WANT TO GET OFF! at www.stopthediet.com and visit Lisa Tillinger Johansen at www.consultthedietitian.com on Facebook at Lisa Tillinger Johansen and on Twitter @LisaTJohansen