BMR VS. MFP daily caloric allowance

Lisa__Michelle
Lisa__Michelle Posts: 845 Member
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
okay... I am confused. MFP's BMR calculator says I need about 1600 calories a day just to support my basic bodily functions if I just stayed in bed all day and did nothing just to live. I told MFP I wanted to lose 2 pounds a week and they r telling me to eat 1200 calories a day. I know that if u eat below your amount for basic bodily functions (BMR) your body can panic and make u store fat faster, lower your metabolism, and panic. Then why is MFP telling me I should eat 1200 a day??? Won't I be in starvation eating 1200-1500 then?? Which one should I listen to?

Replies

  • countryrunner
    countryrunner Posts: 62 Member
    I suggest you start with the 1600 first. If you don't lose much in a week or two drop it down a little. I really thing the 1200 thing is just too low for most people. My friend has taken a lot of nutrition classes and has always been told that when you eat that few calories your body goes into starvation mode which makes it hold onto all of the fast it has.
  • BrentGetsFit
    BrentGetsFit Posts: 878 Member
    Actually the accepted minimum around here IS 1200. Eating below THAT for a prolonged period will get you in trouble. If you're really concerned, set your loss goal to 1 pound per week and get a few calories back. I know it seems odd but trust the system. Good luck :)
  • Lisa__Michelle
    Lisa__Michelle Posts: 845 Member
    I know u r not supposed to eat any below 1200 so I try to stay within 1200-1350. But I don't know if that is still to low. I have been doing this for 3 months and have lost 13 pounds but I have it set on 2 lbs a week and some weeks I lose nothing so I'm wondering if I should b eating more.
  • Lisa__Michelle
    Lisa__Michelle Posts: 845 Member
    I changed my goal to lose 1 lb. Per week and now it says to eat 1540 a day. Maybe that's what my body needs to lose more.
  • countryrunner
    countryrunner Posts: 62 Member
    I changed my goal to lose 1 lb. Per week and now it says to eat 1540 a day. Maybe that's what my body needs to lose more.

    That is probably the case. I have been using MFP since November. From November until last week I did not lose a single pound, in fact I gained weight. I was even eating exactly 1200 calories a day, or more if I had exercise calories to eat. About a week and a half ago my friend urged me to up my calories to at least 1600. I did and I guess it was just what my body needed. Finally I lost a pound this week. Now I'm back to where I started and am looking forward to losing the weight I originally set out to lose.
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