How many calories do YOU eat to maintain around 130 lbs?
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What you could do is add 50cal when a new week comes around eat that 50cal more all week see what your scale says if it doesn't go up ad another 50cal the next week around stay there and just keep doing that until the expected calorie intake...what this method is called is reverse dieting and what it says is actually raises your metabolism until your eating the actually needed maintenance calories, good luck!0
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Bump0
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I also find that it's lower than what calculators predict. I'm not quite at goal yet but I recently maintained at 149 lbs for 6 months eating 1650 calories net per day give or take a little. Definitely lower than what calculators say I should be able to eat.0
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I'm 34 5'2 & maintain 125-128 on around 1700 cal without excersise. I get around 13,000 steps a day0
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Pinnacle_Fitness wrote: »Just my thoughts on weight maintenance in general...
I have been in maintenance mode going on 3 years now after losing a ton of weight.
My maintenance at 180 is around 4000 calories per day, so it would not be productive to use other guys' intake at this weight. Most people maintaining at 180 are way below me. I have a crazy metabolism and am very active.
I suppose if I were just curious, sure, but the key to finding my "zone" for weight loss and maintenance was through trial and error, using MFP's recommendations as a guide.
Maybe that helps, and sorry if I seemed to butt in.
Good luck to you!
I think you are exactly on point as far as using your own records! That is what I have been doing, but my TDEE seems a bit low for my age, activity level and weight, so I wanted to compare. . . .
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Okay, the main theme here seems to be. . . . . No theme!
This seems to be very variable, even taking into account activity and stats. That is very comforting to me. I seem to be on the lower end of metabolism, but not out in left field! (And I'm not hypothyroid--had that checked in the spring--but I am perimenopausal!). Some of the info online starts to "play with your brain" if you are not careful (both on MFP and on other sites), and when you buy into one line of thinking--i.e. everyone who is the same weight is the same and should eat the same cals--it can make thinking clearly about something difficult and lead you down the wrong path.
Thanks again everyone for sharing.0 -
Great Post. I'm also 47 at 5'4 and found this very interesting.
What I noticed is that everyone who is able to eat more, is doing Weights in some way. Young or Older. Hmmm.. another sign I must really get into 5x5 again.
Thanks OP, for asking this.
Have a great day!0 -
Great Post. I'm also 47 at 5'4 and found this very interesting.
What I noticed is that everyone who is able to eat more, is doing Weights in some way. Young or Older. Hmmm.. another sign I must really get into 5x5 again.
Thanks OP, for asking this.
Have a great day!
I don't know if that's true. I lift weights and still can't eat 2000 to maintain. It's a combination between height and overall activity level. We don't know each other. Some people on here not only lift weights, but do their cardio, and have an extremely active life style. Of course they are going to be able to eat more than someone who only lifts weights but is sedentary, or who only does cardio but no weights. There are a lot of variables.0 -
44 years old, 5'2", body fat probably around 30-35%. I maintain at 134 on about 2000 calories a day working out 3-4x per week doing a mix of cardio and strength training.0
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arditarose wrote: »Great Post. I'm also 47 at 5'4 and found this very interesting.
What I noticed is that everyone who is able to eat more, is doing Weights in some way. Young or Older. Hmmm.. another sign I must really get into 5x5 again.
Thanks OP, for asking this.
Have a great day!
I don't know if that's true. I lift weights and still can't eat 2000 to maintain. It's a combination between height and overall activity level. We don't know each other. Some people on here not only lift weights, but do their cardio, and have an extremely active life style. Of course they are going to be able to eat more than someone who only lifts weights but is sedentary, or who only does cardio but no weights. There are a lot of variables.
I think the biggest game changer is non exercise activity. (And probably body fat/lean muscle mass-but that is hard to pinpoint without testing).
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arditarose wrote: »Great Post. I'm also 47 at 5'4 and found this very interesting.
What I noticed is that everyone who is able to eat more, is doing Weights in some way. Young or Older. Hmmm.. another sign I must really get into 5x5 again.
Thanks OP, for asking this.
Have a great day!
I don't know if that's true. I lift weights and still can't eat 2000 to maintain. It's a combination between height and overall activity level. We don't know each other. Some people on here not only lift weights, but do their cardio, and have an extremely active life style. Of course they are going to be able to eat more than someone who only lifts weights but is sedentary, or who only does cardio but no weights. There are a lot of variables.
I think the biggest game changer is non exercise activity. (And probably body fat/lean muscle mass-but that is hard to pinpoint without testing).
Agree about non-exercise activity. And what wasn't mentioned is frame size. With a medium frame I'll never be at the low end of a healthy weight range for my height (5'2.5") or eat the same amount of maintenance calories as someone with a large frame.0 -
I am 47 5'5" and have been maintaining at 133 to 135lbs for 5 months after losing 42 lbs in 6 months. I work out for an hour 6 days a week (treadmill, weights) and eat 1500 to 1600 a day. I can't have more calories than that, or I gain. Feel fit and happy! 0
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44 years old, 5'2", body fat probably around 30-35%. I maintain at 134 on about 2000 calories a day working out 3-4x per week doing a mix of cardio and strength training.
I think you would be a good person to ask, if you don't mind. Because you're shorter than some of us and maintain on a bit more, but don't sound like you do an extreme amount of cardio...What is your day to day activity level?0 -
I'm a 27/m 165lbs if I'm not doing any cardio I need to be eating at least 3000-3200 to maintain my weight. Right now I'm running anywhere from 3-9 miles a day and I have not been able to eat enough to maintain. Feels like the bodyfat is melting off off me but my actual weight has not dropped more than 5lbs since I started my cardio regime over a month ago. I'm eatings 3000 - 3500 cals a day right now. Its tough eating healthy with such a caloric requirement. Find often need to 1000 calorie shakes at bedtime to fill the void.0
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I was angry for a long time over the fact that my TDEE is lower than average, around 200 less than calculators show. Until I just accepted it for what it is - an average, an estimate. Some people will have a higher TDEE, some less, some right on the estimate.
For what it's worth, I'm 53, 5'1, weight around 120ish, not sure of body fat (at 110 I was estimated by Sidesteel and Sarauk2sf at 18%), and my calories are around 1500. I lift weights 3x a week, and do a few 2 mile walks and some yoga. My job is lightly active, though I usually get in 10k steps a day.0 -
I was angry for a long time over the fact that my TDEE is lower than average, around 200 less than calculators show. Until I just accepted it for what it is - an average, an estimate. Some people will have a higher TDEE, some less, some right on the estimate.
For what it's worth, I'm 53, 5'1, weight around 120ish, not sure of body fat (at 110 I was estimated by Sidesteel and Sarauk2sf at 18%), and my calories are around 1500. I lift weights 3x a week, and do a few 2 mile walks and some yoga. My job is lightly active, though I usually get in 10k steps a day.
I had that same anger too! But once I realized that I felt satisfied at my eating level, that helped.
I, too, seem to be about 200 below most estimates. At this point, I figure that is close enough to simply be logging error. I posted this question because I have seen a little gain lately, even while eating the -200 level. And so I thought I'd see just what the range is, just to make sure I wasn't "starving" myself unnecessarily! Or being unrealistic in my estimate.
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I was angry for a long time over the fact that my TDEE is lower than average, around 200 less than calculators show. Until I just accepted it for what it is - an average, an estimate. Some people will have a higher TDEE, some less, some right on the estimate.
For what it's worth, I'm 53, 5'1, weight around 120ish, not sure of body fat (at 110 I was estimated by Sidesteel and Sarauk2sf at 18%), and my calories are around 1500. I lift weights 3x a week, and do a few 2 mile walks and some yoga. My job is lightly active, though I usually get in 10k steps a day.
I had that same anger too! But once I realized that I felt satisfied at my eating level, that helped.
I, too, seem to be about 200 below most estimates. At this point, I figure that is close enough to simply be logging error. I posted this question because I have seen a little gain lately, even while eating the -200 level. And so I thought I'd see just what the range is, just to make sure I wasn't "starving" myself unnecessarily! Or being unrealistic in my estimate.
How long has the gain lasted? Anything else going on? Extra stress/more salt, hormonal things?0 -
I tend to be a little higher than what most calculators estimate; 48, 5'8', around 125 (don't know bf exactly but I'd estimate around 22%) and maintaining the last couple of years on about 2200-2400. I lift 3 or 4 times a week and do exactly 0 cardio. I am on my feet a good bit during the day, and do walk my dogs a mile or so each evening.0
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I'm 5ft 2 and 126lbs. I'm a mum of 2 who works full times and doesn't exercise. I'm at goal and am 30 years old. To maintain I cannot eat over 1700 ca
lories on average per day or I will gain weight. Too loose weight I have to eat 1200 a day, which I still struggle to do0 -
I am interested and would like to follow this post-- thanks0
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_Terrapin_ wrote: »OP, thanks for asking this question. I'm not at goal yet so I won't post my stats, but I am middle-aged and wonder about this very thing.
So, a lot of these calculators depend on height and I was very upset at my last physical to learn I am half an inch shorter than I thought I was (always think of myself as 5'4", but they said 5'3". How dare they?!! That takes away some precious calories from my TDEE!
So anyway, this is not what you asked, but just thought I'd share the following article for anyone else hitting this age group:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ellen-sarver-dolgen/posture-top-3-ways-to-prevent-shrinking_b_3295232.html1
More reasons to keep exercising! ;D
For men the list is easier:
1. Avoid cold water at ALL costs
2. Do not forget #1
Sorry OP I couldn't resist
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There is some evidence that calorie requirement depends on whether or not a person lost a significant amount of weight. There has been some discussion here:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10183188/calorie-requirements-for-a-thin-person-vs-someone-who-lost-weight-to-become-thin/p4
Unfortunately, calorie disadvantage theory seems to be true for me. I can eat the calories MFP gives me at my high weight and maintain, but not at or near goal weight.0 -
I'm 50. Female. 5'6" 133-135. menopausal. I don't count calories per se but when I've checked I've eaten 1500-1700. I am pretty active.0
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_Terrapin_ wrote: »
I have a friend like that as well. I think she is a bit taller and weighs a little less with an outstanding body fat%. She can eat like 2400 to maintain. How does that happen? Does the muscle you gain after running a bulk cycle really up your TDEE that much?0 -
I am 5'4" age 46 and maintaining around 127lb.
Not sure about my body fat but I exercise 4x week and maintain at around 1500 cals but always eat back my exercise cals. Nice to hear from all the ladies over 40!!0 -
keeping this for reference0
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I was angry for a long time over the fact that my TDEE is lower than average, around 200 less than calculators show. Until I just accepted it for what it is - an average, an estimate. Some people will have a higher TDEE, some less, some right on the estimate.
For what it's worth, I'm 53, 5'1, weight around 120ish, not sure of body fat (at 110 I was estimated by Sidesteel and Sarauk2sf at 18%), and my calories are around 1500. I lift weights 3x a week, and do a few 2 mile walks and some yoga. My job is lightly active, though I usually get in 10k steps a day.
But do you weigh your food? I mean, I've seen people with stats comparable to mine who eat 300 less calories to maintain but when you see their diary... generic entries, cups etc.
Anyway, I'm 37, 5'5", 133-134 pounds, and I maintain around 2200 exercising pretty much every day (mostly incline walking and a bit of lifting right now). That includes exercise, obviously.0 -
I was angry for a long time over the fact that my TDEE is lower than average, around 200 less than calculators show. Until I just accepted it for what it is - an average, an estimate. Some people will have a higher TDEE, some less, some right on the estimate.
For what it's worth, I'm 53, 5'1, weight around 120ish, not sure of body fat (at 110 I was estimated by Sidesteel and Sarauk2sf at 18%), and my calories are around 1500. I lift weights 3x a week, and do a few 2 mile walks and some yoga. My job is lightly active, though I usually get in 10k steps a day.
But do you weigh your food? I mean, I've seen people with stats comparable to mine who eat 300 less calories to maintain but when you see their diary... generic entries, cups etc.
Anyway, I'm 37, 5'5", 133-134 pounds, and I maintain around 2200 exercising pretty much every day (mostly incline walking and a bit of lifting right now). That includes exercise, obviously.
While I no longer weigh or log my food, I went through a long period of time where I did. In fact, I was so obsessive about weighing every morsel that went into my mouth, that is caused problems for me. That is why I eventually stopped doing it. So I think I was about as accurate as one could be in regards to my calorie count.
I believe that calorie estimations are just that - estimations. There will be a range for different individuals, and I just happen to be on the lower end of that range. It is possible since I lost a large amount of weight, this is a result of adaptive thermogenesis. If anyone would like to know more about this, here is an excellent write up explaining what that is:
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1077746/starvation-mode-adaptive-thermogenesis-and-weight-loss/p10 -
I was angry for a long time over the fact that my TDEE is lower than average, around 200 less than calculators show. Until I just accepted it for what it is - an average, an estimate. Some people will have a higher TDEE, some less, some right on the estimate.
For what it's worth, I'm 53, 5'1, weight around 120ish, not sure of body fat (at 110 I was estimated by Sidesteel and Sarauk2sf at 18%), and my calories are around 1500. I lift weights 3x a week, and do a few 2 mile walks and some yoga. My job is lightly active, though I usually get in 10k steps a day.
But do you weigh your food? I mean, I've seen people with stats comparable to mine who eat 300 less calories to maintain but when you see their diary... generic entries, cups etc.
Anyway, I'm 37, 5'5", 133-134 pounds, and I maintain around 2200 exercising pretty much every day (mostly incline walking and a bit of lifting right now). That includes exercise, obviously.
While I no longer weigh or log my food, I went through a long period of time where I did. In fact, I was so obsessive about weighing every morsel that went into my mouth, that is caused problems for me. That is why I eventually stopped doing it. So I think I was about as accurate as one could be in regards to my calorie count.
I believe that calorie estimations are just that - estimations. There will be a range for different individuals, and I just happen to be on the lower end of that range. It is possible since I lost a large amount of weight, this is a result of adaptive thermogenesis. If anyone would like to know more about this, here is an excellent write up explaining what that is:
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1077746/starvation-mode-adaptive-thermogenesis-and-weight-loss/p1
I lost 80 pounds. I'm sure some people here have lost more. You're probably just eating more than you think, which is often the case when people don't weigh their food...
It's not a huge deal. It just doesn't necessarily mean that your TDEE is lower than others.0
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