Am I undereating?

I'm 5'5" and probably weigh around 120 or 125 lbs (I stopped weighing myself when I realized I was heading down a borderline eating disorder path). I exercise on an elliptical for around 60 or 70 minutes 6 days a week and do some light strength training a couple days a week too. I'm also usually pretty active; I spend a lot of time on my feet, and now that it's summer, I've been spending a lot of time swimming & hiking. I don't have a whole lot of body fat, but I do have a lot of muscle mass. I don't know how accurate it is, but MFP tells me that my BMR is around 1700 calories and my maintenance a little over 2000 (including my elliptical workouts but not the swimming or other outdoor activities).
I was eating less than 1700 for a long time. I lost my period, felt tired all the time, and had no energy. So a few months ago I started increasing my calories. I think I gained a little at first but then everything evened out again. I've gotten my period two consecutive months in a row now, which hasn't happened in over a year. I noticed I had more energy, was in a better mood, and my legs didn't feel nearly as fatigued as before. I probably eat right around 2000 calories/day now. But for the past week or so, I've been feeling the same way as I did before increasing my calories. I feel drained, lightheaded on occasion, my legs feel heavy while I'm on the elliptical again, and I'm in a bad mood. Usually by the end of the day (like after dinner), I start to feel better/have more energy but sometimes even after eating dinner, I'm still feeling not so great. Should I be eating more? Could I really need over 2000 calories to maintain my weight?
Sorry for the long post. Any advice would be appreciated!!

Replies

  • myfitnesspale3
    myfitnesspale3 Posts: 276 Member
    Absolutely you could be using up all 2000 and much more with activity. Maybe adjust up your MFP base activity level for suggested increased calories.

    Re-menses is a good (obvious) indication of a healthier intake.

    Not like the gadgets are accurate but maybe a Fitbit or other activity tracker can give you another reference for your activity level.
  • liznotyet
    liznotyet Posts: 402 Member
    more calories, more fluid if you are moving more in warmer weather.
  • williams969
    williams969 Posts: 2,528 Member
    Given your stats and activity level, it sounds like you're still eating at a deficit. Try this calculator: http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/#results

    Hint: I already put your numbers in, even at the 5-6 hr/wk activity level, your maintenance is close to 2300. You sound very active (like the 7-21hr/wk level), and that's closer to 2500 calories a day. This is assuming 120lbs. Looks like you need to eat a lot more :flowerforyou:
  • ecl265
    ecl265 Posts: 16 Member
    Thanks everyone for the info & resources!