Calorie intake a day

cheabaya
cheabaya Posts: 2
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi there! Im new here, and wanted to get some feedback on goals. I currently weigh 200 lbs, Im 5'7".
I would like to lose 30 lbs over the year, but Im not sure what I should be eating daily with MFP. It sets at 1200, but that seems low according to everything Ive read. i can do that just fine, but last time I did, I wasnt losing at the rate it told me it should. How do I calculate how many calories I need in order to start losing, and not maintaining. I currently dont work out, but plan on starting that up again this week as well, 4 times a week 1 hour classes.

Thank you!!

Replies

  • ReaganP13
    ReaganP13 Posts: 35 Member
    1200 is the lowest recommended for a female losing weight that MFP will give you. If you are looking to lose 30 pounds, I would not go below that, and would actually reccomend more calories, but I dont know your lifestyle/habits, so I cant say for sure.
    I'm also given 1200 a day, but I always eat back the calories that I burn of while working out. I'm not losing super fast, which obviously in a dream world I would love, but I am losing steadily and in the healthy way, which realistically is what I want. Just be patient.
    I'm no expert, but I have heard of some people increasing calorie intake and losing more, due to other changes, like working out, timing of when they eat,etc.... but in all honesty I cant really go on about that because I dont know enough about it.

    Good luck!
  • CariS001
    CariS001 Posts: 169 Member
    Without knowing your age and gender, I would guesstimate 1600-1750. But use http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/ to get a better gauge.

    1200 is definitely too low, IMO. Start a bit higher so you can manipulate as needed along the way. If you start at 1200 and plateau, you don't have much room to change!
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    MFP gives you the daily calorie goal based on how you set things up. I'm going to guess you picked 1.5 or 2 pounds per week - you're not alone, we all want to lose weight as fast as possible - but you have to be realistic. And with 30 pounds to lose, any more than 1 pound per week isn't realistic.

    Also make sure your activity level (sedentary, lightly active, etc) is set correctly.

    Once you start exercising, log the activity and eat back at least half of the earned calories.

    Hope that helps!
  • joanna_82
    joanna_82 Posts: 151 Member
    I am 5,7 and started at about 180 lbs. I set my goal for half a pound a week and I have 1680 calories a day, more on the days I excersise and have pretty much stuck to it religiously.

    I have lost just over 7 pounds so far (in a month) which is more than I thought and I don't feel hungry. I feel like I am able to eat all the time and am enjoying eating a lot of healthy food rather than small amounts of high calorie food. But I've ensured that if I want something different, like a chocolate bar or a donut, then I have it and adapt the rest of my day's eating around it.

    I wouldn't cope on 1200 calories- i would have given in after about two days! What I have is enough to keep me full and satiated but not let me binge on chocolate and crisps (the reason I joined in the first place)

    Good luck
  • SingRunTing
    SingRunTing Posts: 2,604 Member
    Please refer to this thread:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

    Its everything you need to know to get you losing weight at a safe, healthy pace.
  • cheabaya
    cheabaya Posts: 2
    You all are great. Thank you so much. Ive got some research to do. These are great tips. :)

    Chea

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