Having trouble figuring out calories/macros

michellejuliah
michellejuliah Posts: 6 Member
edited December 2 in Health and Weight Loss
I'm 5'2 122lbs. I started working out a few months ago. I work out 4 x a week for an hour each time doing weight training or crossfit type workouts. I also do some leisurely swimming a few days a week. My calories are set to 1200 when I don't work out and about 1500 when I do. I have about 5lbs of fat I can stand to lose but I'd mainly like to build muscle. I'm always hungry...should I increase my calories or stick with it? I'm pretty new to this

Replies

  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    How long have you been logging? Have you lost any weight on the 1,200/1,500 plan? How many pounds did you indicate you wanted to lose per week?
  • michellejuliah
    michellejuliah Posts: 6 Member
    I've been trying to log for around 3 weeks. I finally noticed a 2lb loss when I stuck with it for 4 solid days in a row but now I'm painfully hungry and think about food all day long. I believe I put 1-1.5 pounds a week for weight loss
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    michellejuliah wrote: »
    I've been trying to log for around 3 weeks. I finally noticed a 2lb loss when I stuck with it for 4 solid days in a row but now I'm painfully hungry and think about food all day long. I believe I put 1-1.5 pounds a week for weight loss

    That goal is too aggressive for your current weight. Change it to .5 a week and you'll get more calories to eat each day (while still being in a deficit). Also, make sure your expectations are realistic. With the amount of weight you have to lose, you shouldn't be thinking in terms of "days." You'll have to be regularly consistent to see results, especially when you are already at a healthy weight.
  • michellejuliah
    michellejuliah Posts: 6 Member
    I will give that a try, thank you! My long term goal is to build muscle but I will be more patient.
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