How many Calories should I really be eating

cngeike
cngeike Posts: 305 Member
edited November 12 in Health and Weight Loss
I am so confused. Ok not really, but I hear so many things.

I am 227 lb, 5' 9".

I burn anywhere from 600-1200.

So how many calories should I really be eating. I typically eat about 1100 calories, unless it as a day like yesterday where I didn't eat very good for lunch. :(

Replies

  • FlaxMilk
    FlaxMilk Posts: 3,452 Member
    Are you eating 1100 net (after exercise?) I think you should be eating more than 1200, net or otherwise. What does MFP set you at?
  • neverstray
    neverstray Posts: 3,845 Member
    Read this: http://calorieline.com/tools/tdee
  • natini
    natini Posts: 347 Member
    You should never eat below 1200 calories. If you exercise you should eat back those calories. It sounds like you aren't eating enough.
  • betsygw
    betsygw Posts: 43 Member
    Your net should be around 1200 minimum. If my net stays below 1200 for too long, I plateau out and find that eating more actually helps me lose! Good luck to you on your journey!
  • chevy88grl
    chevy88grl Posts: 3,937 Member
    Do you know what your BMR is? How about your TDEE? While not exact, they are a great place to start to see how many calories you should be consuming in a day. And remember, NET calories - not TOTAL calories are what is important. Net calories are the actual number of calories you're giving your body each day in order to function - these are what is important.


    Here's one of the websites I use to find out my BMR/TDEE:

    http://www.fitnessfrog.com/calculators.html

    I suspect you probably aren't eating enough, but those will give you an idea of where to start. :)
  • sandiburn
    sandiburn Posts: 149
    I was eating 1000 a day and have been at a stand still for a month. I just bumped up to 1200 per day and I now have to eat my exercise cals too. My nutritionist said it will break me out of this stand still. She just said to make sure that the extra cals are not the wrong kind of foods, sweets, etc. Good luck with your journey.
  • stroken96
    stroken96 Posts: 436 Member
    Read this: http://calorieline.com/tools/tdee

    This is very interesting, Thanks for sharing
  • cngeike
    cngeike Posts: 305 Member
    Wow, I guess I really should eat a bit more.

    My BMR is 1806

    My REE is 1801

    Here is what it says my calories burned a day are I am a lunch lady so on my feet moving for at least 4 hours then I come home to take care of 4 kids and move until about 7 pm when I can sit or workout.
    Work: On feet for 4 hrs each day, 5 days weekly.
    Exercise: moderate gym workout one our twice weekly, plus brisk one hour walk twice weekly. 1230 calories.

    My TDEE is 2818.

    How do I make myself eat that much? That is a lot.
  • susannamarie
    susannamarie Posts: 2,148 Member
    Eat good and healthy foods, but not aiming purely at low-fat. If you're trying to eat lettuce and radishes you'll never hit your calorie goal.
  • tripitena
    tripitena Posts: 554 Member
    Definitely focus on the best foods you can. Getting the right things in helps with what comes off. Just like your car wont run on sugar water, your body wont run on crap either. Make sure you are eating enough protein too.
  • cngeike
    cngeike Posts: 305 Member
    thanks. More chicken for me. :)
  • astrampe
    astrampe Posts: 2,169 Member
    Eat minimum at your BMR - 1806.... and if you burn lots of calories eat that too...Avocado, yummy lean steaks, vegetables and add some protein shakes with whole milk to keep calsium levels up.....
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