advice 1430 cals a day vs 1660 cals a day

So I need advice.
im female 185. mfp gives me 1430 cals a day to lose 1 lb a week set on sedentary

1430 just isn't enough cals for me as I end up being hungry and then binge on something later in the day.

if I set my activity level to "LIGHTLY ACTIVE" how many steps a day would classify me as "lighty active", I don't want to have myself set at lightly active .....but actually be sedentary and eating more cals then I should be.

Thanks in advance :)

Replies

  • Hi,

    I was set at 1200 calories per day and I can't stick to that and then it sets me off on a binge. As from tomorrow I have set my own goal to 1500 per day. I exercise 4 times per week for an hour. I plan to eat all these calories back too. I figure that 1500 calories for me is more realistic. I'm 5ft 2 with 10lbs to lose only. Currently 122lbs. I think you should try the higher calorie intake and then adjust if need be.
  • kl498
    kl498 Posts: 6
    my calorie intake is 1630 an I exercise 5 days a week, cardio on all 5 days for 20-30min burning 200-300 calories and lifting 3 days a week. I am 126.6 lbs and 11.4% body fat. So I would say if you can stick to lower calories just eat more filling foods.
  • beamer0821
    beamer0821 Posts: 488 Member
    take a look at how you are spending your calories. and make sure you are eating filling foods that are healthy. like raw almonds will help in your diet. just 100 calories worth as a snack.

    i know for myself 1500 calories is a comfortable range for me. i try to stay around 12-1300/day to lose but i do go up to 15-1800 at times when i need to and still lose. you could do something like that as well so you dont feel so restricted until you adjust to the lower calorie count.

    good luck!
  • levitateme
    levitateme Posts: 999 Member
    My goals are set so that my projected loss is 1/2 a pound a week. I set myself as lightly active even though I have a desk job. I am constantly on the run, walking to and from classes at night, do HIIT 3 times a week (the only exercise calories that I log) and lift weights 3-4 times a week. I consider Sat & Sun "relaxed days" and while I don't INTEND to gorge myself or try to overeat, I usually go over my calories (by a lot, diary is open).

    I have lost more than 1 pound every week for the past 8 weeks. Am I a freak of nature? No, I have a higher metabolism than MFP projects.

    Find the balance that works for you. MFP does not know each individuals actual metabolism, how many calories they burn doing everyday tasks, etc. so it's not a fool-proof system.
  • Thanks :) I think your right...there was a time a month ago where I ate 1200-1300 and walked for an hour every day for 3 weeks!! and didn't lose a pound....maybe eating more calories will help :)
  • wanttolose40lbs
    wanttolose40lbs Posts: 239 Member
    MFP wanted me to eat 1200 cal a day, which wasn't enough. So, I set my calories at 1500/day and don't eat back any exercise calories, I've done a lot of exploring as to what I can eat at and still lose weight, this works for me. It kind of works out the same if I had my calories set at 1200 and ate back my exercise calories, some days i burn more, some less, it all evens out
  • One thing that has really helped me with my calorie intake and keeping within the limits or being able to go over was exercise. I use Map My Fitness for my exercise and was able to track how many calories I burned so then I could have extra food if I was hungry. When MFP and Map My Fitness synced with each other it was perfect because now all of my exercise calories go right into my food diary. It's a great way to see if you are satisfied with the amount of calories you have had for the day or if you need to eat some of the exercise calories. What I believe is most important is the exercise component of weight loss. Exercise can include cleaning the house, raking the lawn, walking the kids to the bus stop, how much you walk at work...so think of functional activities you do through out the day. My favorite Map my Fitness app is Map My Dog Walk, my dogs like it too. Good luck and keep up the great job you have done so far.