How many calories do i need to eat to lose weight.

I had a similar issue and found that for me it wasn't so much the total calories I ate but where my calories are coming from. I kept tweaking my macros (lowered carbs and increased protein) until I started seeing weight loss. It has been coming off more slowly but I am also seeing my body changing shape so I know I'm progressing even if the scale isn't moving as much.

I'm following TDEE minus 20%....feel free to add me, my diary is open to friends.

A pound is 3000/calories

Actually around 3500+ calories
not criticizing, just wanting to be helpful as that makes a big difference in the bottom line!

Also to OP, if you're relying on MFP to calculate your calorie burns, it's probably giving you a higher number that what you actually burned, and are therefore eating back more calories than you theoretically should for weight loss. Look into getting a Heart Rate Monitor with a chest strap. It'll more accurately calculate what your burn is.

edit:

Forever worth noting that weight loss in NOT linear, and 2 weeks is not enough time to see serious changes beyond what you weight normally fluctuates between. Give it a minimum of a month to catch up with what you're doing and then start identifying what you need to adjust.

I have been eating between 1500 and 1900 calories and usually loose at least a pound per week. I don't really do exercise, but I am fairly active with my job which seems to help. Will try to set some goals for exercise though.

what do you mean 3500+ calories? I typically since I began this journey have not eaten back my calories because I'm leary of exercise being miscalculated but everyone is saying to eat them. I think somewhere in between since not eating the calories back is just making me the same weight. It's just extremely puzzling that I have added such an extraordinary amount of daily exercise to my life the last month and no weight loss or difference in appearance so that is why I am seeking some changes...I am definitely goingto increase my protein..continue with lots of water and I guess the jury is out on how many calories still but 1500-1600 doesn't seem to be doing the trick. I started at 1200 because I want to hit my goal weight on my birthday in May. But 1200 was ridiculous as I am tall and kinda big boned. Man I just want to lose 25 pounds by May 10th. It would truly make my year. I am just being so dedicated on all levels and wouldn't it just be a shame if I am doing something wrong? All I can think is it the number of calories..what oh what is the correct number? Everyone gives me different answers bless all their hearts. Oiy

Who or what is OP?

My comment about 3500+ calories was in response to another person who replied. She said that a pound of fat is 3000 calories to burn off, and I corrected her that you need to burn over 3500 calories to lose a pound of fat.

OP = Original Poster, which is you! :flowerforyou:

Do you take body measurements and progress pictures? That's always been a MUCH better indicator of my progress than weight. As it is in the last month I've lost zero weight, but my waist has gone down a half inch, as have my hips, chest, and arms.

OP, I just checked out your food/exercise diary and noticed that you might be way overestimating calories burned. It's GREAT to see that you're eating back some of your exercise calories, but, taking yesterday for example, you "burned" 973 calories with 185 minutes of walking at various speeds. I don't know the difference between our weight/height, but I don't even burn 973 calories with 185 minutes of strenuous activity (trail running, sprint intervals, cycling above 18mph w/o drafting, etc.) I suggest investing in a good heart rate monitor as others have suggested.

I was also wondering if you weigh your food (I didn't see mention of it in this thread) because there are some very small portions of calorically dense foods in your diary. Even "healthy" or "clean" foods like fruits and veggies can be calorically deceptive. If you're eating back a lot of your exercise calories, you need to be very accurate about your input and output. I don't have a food scale at home, but was surprised when I started weighting my produce at the grocery store... what I thought was a "medium" apple was actually heavier than a "large" apple, and equated to over 30 extra calories. I was underestimating my produce calories by about 200-400 calories/day. Combined with overestimating caloric burn... well, you get the picture.

I don't know how to start a "new thread" .... I have been working out really really good and diet journaling and eating clean..it has been 25 long days and no weight loss...maybe a pound! How disappointing!!!!!! =( I know the positives are increased health but gosh how longggggg does it take to start losing weight? I have made such great improvements it just seems I would look different or at least lose some weight! I can see why people get discouraged. I am shocked.

Forget the scale! Can you run longer, farther, faster? Lift more weight or more reps? Are your clothes fitting differently? Even just a little? Is your sleep improving? Are your feet and hands warmer or your skin clearer due to better circulation? Are your food cravings for better foods? There is more to improving your health than a smaller number on the scale.

just curious, what is your starting and goal weight? (Or, less specifically: what number of pounds do you aim to lose?) Were your clean eating and exercise habits new when you began with MFP? As a casual observation, those with amazing drops are often working from a larger abundance, so if you are past that stage already, you may really need to move beyond just weight/clothing size as a goal, and toward specific fitness goals like running times etc. and let the weight changes happen while pursuing those goals. Make the mental switch from attention to food and exercise because 'route to slim' to food and exercise because food and exercise.