Not sure if calorie goal is enough? Advice appreciated :)

FayeShiels wrote: »

Ah I see, do you always eat all your calories back? I suppose I’m a bit worried about overestimating how many calories I’ve burned and eating too much.

I eat all mine back because after a period of observation I concluded that my Fitbit was estimating accurate calories for me. If you're worried that yours are too much, you can take the strategy of eating back a portion of them (say 50-75%, paying attention to your results over time, and then making any necessary adjustments).

FayeShiels wrote: »

Thanks I will eat some more. It sounds the same as what happened to you-I felt fine for the first week or so and it’s only been the last two days I’ve felt like this, didn’t really understand what was going on as I was eating/exercising the same amount. I guess I was confused as there’s a lot of articles online saying that 1200 calories is ok and others saying you need more so I didn’t know if what I was doing was wrong. Thanks for the advice anyway

There's no universal "right number of calories". It's individual.

A good process is to start by setting up MFP as per instructions (basing the activity level setting on daily life, before intentional exercise), logging and eating back at least a fair fraction of intentional exercise calories, then sticking with that routine for 4-6 weeks (at least a full menstrual cycle, for women not yet in menopause, so one can compare the same point in at least 2 different cycles). Then, adjust intake based on actual average weekly weight loss rate, over that whole period. If the first week are two are extremely different, throw those out and use 4-6 later weeks.

Along with way, if one seems to be losing quite fast and feels weak/fatigued, that's a danger sign, and they should eat somewhat more. Otherwise, stick with the plan.

I know, this takes a long time. Most people will experience overall weight loss over that time period. A small number won't. A very small number will lose too fast. It's a question of risk management.

The so-called calorie "calculators", such as MFP, are spitting out an average number based on scientific research. They'll be close for most people (because most people are average, by definition), further off (high or low) for a few, and quite far off for a very, very few. That's just how statistical estimates work, and that's all these formulas give you: A statistical estimate, as a starting point.

If some source is saying "1200 calories is OK for everyone", I'd suggest finding better sources. 1200 will be fine for some (for various reasons), dangerously wrong for others. Start with a sound statistical estimate, monitor, adjust once you have enough personal data.

Best wishes!

As other's have said you need to increase your calories. You may have underestimated your activity level or are going far above that level now with your exercise. Listen to your body and get to know it. Maybe spend a week or two at or around maintenance. When you feel hungry be intentional about it and ask if it's hunger/boredom/etc and track the calories. people who have done this have a better understanding what their bodies actual caloric needs are and then can adjust to a .5 to 1lb loss per week.

What other goals do you have? Why do you want to lose the weight? are there alternatives to still accomplish your goals? example would be are you looking to be more athletic looking and performing; if so you could do weight training with HIIT to add muscle and reduce your overall body fat % while adding some weight with muscle. there is almost always another route to get you to where you want.

you got this!