Calorie Help Please

Calories per day is dictated by your goals. What is yours?

1920 could be realistic based on weight and activity level. Age plays a part as well.

I'm 5'6" and started at 217lbs, currently around 180, and very sedentary. At the moment I aim for a little under 1400 cals per day and am losing an average of about 1lb per week - it fluctuates a lot and I get stuck now and again, but that's the average. I found it harder at first to stick to my goal, but as I've become used to smaller portions and substitutes for certain things (as well as learning some self control to not Eat All The Snacks!), it's become easier and most days I don't have an issue staying under.

How long have you been counting your calories, how do you measure your intake (weighing food, using cups, just guessing), and have you lost any weight so far? If you've entered your stats and activity level correctly into MFP and chosen a reasonable rate of loss, then you should be able to eat the amount of calories it gives you and lose weight. If you want to lose faster then you can eat less, but I'd think that at your height and current weight 1lb/week is reasonable. Really, eat the most you can to still lose!

Everyone is different, so try not to worry too much about how many calories other people eat, or what sort of 'plan' (if any) they follow. It might take some trial and error but figure out what works for you, and then be consistent in following that. Adjust as necessary if the weight isn't coming off, but don't worry if you don't lose for a couple of weeks here and there - it's not linear for most people.

Check out these threads, you may find them useful! And good luck in your journey!

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10300319/most-helpful-posts-general-diet-and-weight-loss-help-must-reads#latest

capofifteen wrote: »

My goal is to loose one pound per week.
I have been doing mostly a paleo kind of diet, that has worked wonders with me in the past.
I am 26 and I am starting out in a light activity level. I am walking more, hiking and biking. I can't go too hard too fast because I have a bad back injury. I am limited in the activities I can do. I want a gradual but long term weight loss goal with very clean eating.

I wouldn't be too upset if I make my goals sooner than later.

The calculator is ballpark correct running your numbers Harris/Benedict style. It's got you at losing 1 lb. a week, which would be about 1900 calories. You'll revisit that number as your weight drops. Some, in pursuit of 2 lbs. a week (again, not linear... will vary some weeks) would be down in the 14-1500 range. People smarter than me state slower weight loss has less chance of metabolic damage and rebound, so the results may be slower (BUT STEADY) but 1900 seems a good start based on your numbers and activity level.