Plans for a new regime - unsure of calorie intake

sophieamhaley
sophieamhaley Posts: 85
in Fitness and Exercise
Ok so I'm planning to shake up my way of life with regard to exercise and eating. I'm quitting doing just cardio and working on both cardio, weights and also yoga a couple of times a week. But I've no idea what my calorie intake should be. I'm not trying to lose weight anymore, just change the shape of my body. But I have no idea how to work out my intake in relation to the exercise I'll be doing. I've looked on the internet but results vary quite widely. Does anyone know of a good reliable source to help me work it out? I'm a total rookie!
Thank you

Replies

  • LeashaLeash
    LeashaLeash Posts: 28 Member
    If you are maintaining your weight with what you're eating now, I would just suggest that you start to slowly add in calories (say like 25 - 50 a week) for as long as can without gaining weight. This way, once you get over your maintenance calories you'll notice a very small amount of weight gain (like .5 - 1lb) and you can cut back by 50 - 100 calories and you should be about perfect. It'll take a little while, but it's a better method then using an online calculator since everyone's body is different.

    Also keep in mind that you might put on some muscle weight, so it's a good idea to take measurements as well as weighing yourself so you can tell where you're at :)

    As an example, before weights when I was 140lb I had an extra inch on my waist, thighs and hips but now, back at 140lb again I have lost an inch. So scale weight isn't always the best measurement.
  • sophieamhaley
    sophieamhaley Posts: 85
    Yeah well I've become a bit scale obsessed and was more interested in being skinny than fit, but it's not all it's cracked up to be so I'm taking a different approach. I'm totally new to the world of weights though and no idea where to start!
  • KarenJanine
    KarenJanine Posts: 3,497 Member
    Calculate you TDEE using a calculator like this one: http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/

    Eat at maintenance. Make sure you get adequate protein and fat intake.

    Ignore the scale as you may see some initial weight gain when you add in weights.

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