Calorie Intake

okiemoma
okiemoma Posts: 14 Member
edited November 12 in Food and Nutrition
I am hoping you can be some assistance to me. I have been looking at different sites online about dieting and am enjoying the experience. But I do have a question. I get different calorie amounts (how much I should use in a day) from various sites. How many should I have to loose weight? I am a 46 yof, I do water aerobics about 3 times a week, am 5' 2" and currently weigh 248 pounds.

Thank you.

okiemoma

Replies

  • okiemoma
    okiemoma Posts: 14 Member
    I am hoping you can be some assistance to me. I have been looking at different sites online about dieting and am enjoying the experience. But I do have a question. I get different calorie amounts (how much I should use in a day) from various sites. How many should I have to loose weight? I am a 46 yof, I do water aerobics about 3 times a week, am 5' 2" and currently weigh 248 pounds.

    Thank you.

    okiemoma
  • swibgirl
    swibgirl Posts: 1
    I am 5'3 and am on 1200 calories a day... I cheat on the weekends but eat healthy all week long and drink a ton of water and green tea! I have lost 7 pounds in the last 3 weeks so I would start with that I think :) Good luck hun!
  • citybyrd
    citybyrd Posts: 7
    Figuring out how many calories you should eat per day is more of an approximation unless you plan to pay big $$ for testing. Your Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the amount of calories you burn to to keep your body running - to breathe, keep your heart beating etc... There are equations to calculate this such as:

    The Harris-Benedict equations (one for men and one for women) is a commonly used one but you need to know specific details (ie: your body volume - here's where a displacement test comes in). The internet offers you several calculators and tools that will give you an approximation - but they are approximations.

    If you are concerned, I would reccomend seing your doctor who can better advise you of the appropriate amount of calories for weight loss. Keep in mind that the BMR does not include excercise or activities during the day and to loose a pound of fat a week you need to burn 3500 calories (over seven days that would be 500 calories a day)

    I've checked a couple of online calculators for you and found a BMR of approximately 2225 (averaged from 5 sites). That is based on no activity. If you wanted to lose 1lb/week you should aim for 1725 calories. Make sure that you are getting a minimum of 1200 calories a day though.

    My little disclaimer - I am not a doctor, just do lots of research. Hope this helps.
  • okiemoma
    okiemoma Posts: 14 Member
    Thanks gals! I've been on another free website for weight loss and it shows that I should consume 2160 calories. On this site it shows *net calories of 17-something. So, I am guessing, you are probably right. About 1700 calories (or less) a day to loose the est. 1 ound per week. I usually stay around 14-1500 but this last week or so, I have been going up to my 2160 range. Therefore, no weight loss.

    Thanks again for the help.

    okiemoma
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,420 Member
    citybyrd ~

    LOL -love the disclaimer !
    I'm going to have to remeber to say that when I start talking on and on !

    ~cmriverside
  • HollyRose
    HollyRose Posts: 5
    you might want to check out something like weight watchers will will give you the amount of 'points' per day. i don't go to WW but my cousin went from 250's down to 170 and has kept it off. plus, it's real food so you get used to eating in moderation. it took her about a year and a half but the biggest change was her energy level and new life habits.
  • HollyRose
    HollyRose Posts: 5
    has anyone tried allie? and, has it worked?
  • okiemoma
    okiemoma Posts: 14 Member
    No, I haven't tried Alli. I have intestional trouble and am afraid it will mess with it.
  • lucerorojo
    lucerorojo Posts: 790 Member
    Have you just tried MFP? You can put in your stats and daily diary and the math is done for you. I've followed it since the end of June and have lost 29 lbs. So far. 71 to go!
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