Calories per day related question...

[Desiree]

According to MFP (My Fitness Pal), I should be consuming 1200-1350 calories per day. Each day I enter all my food in and I'm usually around 1000-1100 per day, but I'm not starving nor do I feel stuffed by eating this much. Is this safe? Also, I noticed with MFP when you exercise, they lump that in with your calories. Does that mean that I should be eating more to compensate?

I've been losing pretty steady and I know that I will stall out eventually but just don't quite know if I should force myself to eat a few more calories to hit my target.

 

[belledreamer]

When I started, I was eating 1200 calories per day but burning about 350 when doing cardio at the gym (netting about 850-900) and wasn't losing anything. But after upping my calories to 1600, I lost 3 lbs in the first week.

They usually suggest that you net 1200 calories min because your body will go into 'starvation mode' and you'd hold onto your fat. But I have heard of people netting 1000-1100 and still losing. So I guess it all depends.

If you're needing extra calories though, they usually suggest adding healthy fats. Avocado in your salad, a spoonful of peanut butter or a small glass of milk is good for adding calories if you're short without feeling like you're stuffing yourself.

 

[Desiree]

Thanks! (Love your location and tag btw... Big Dr. Who Fan here! )

Yea, I'm usually having to fill in the gap with something by the end of the day or I snack on a Nutrigrain bar to make up some of the difference. I've been back on the dieting wagon since November 5th and have lost about 7 pounds so far. And upping my calories is definitely an option if I start to hit a plateau.

 

[belledreamer]

Thanks! I love yours too! I'm a Louisiana girl myself!

 

[Desiree]

Ha! Awesome! I'm counting the days until Dr. Who comes back! (Oh and Christmas too!)

 

[simonsayz]

What's your username? i can add you and help you out with understanding more of the calorie. I made a whole spreadsheet with a bit more accuracy and understanding on how it works.

At first I was confused myself until I worked on it and figured things out.

Basically when you workout the calories you burn are added to the amount you can consume

Say you can consume 1200cal without working out
if you worked out and burned 800 cal for that day. You can consume up to 2000 calories and still lose the weight

You do not have to fill up those gaps

say you can consume up to 2000, but you only ate about 1500 calories. that is okay. in fact that will help you shed the weight faster.

You can add me here

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/simonsayzeat

 

[Desiree]

Just sent you a request! My user id is geauxgirl42

 

[thylightguy]

As already mentioned, there is a certain number of calories you should be consuming for ideal health. You have to be sure not to forget to subtract calories that you burn throughout the day.

Something that has helped me eat enough is to eat until I am full, instead of just stopping once I am no longer hungry. I would try that, and follow some of the other advice already given and you should be OK.