Accuracy of online calorie calculators?
 

Hi ladies! :wave:

I used this site in over a year ago when I was losing weight and found it so motivating! Well I've since put that weight back on and am looking for that same motivation again, so I'm back!

Anyways, I'm looking for some input on those online calorie calculators. I'm 5'4", weight 159 lbs, and would like to consistently be losing at last a pound a week. I work out at least 4 days a week, going to spin class as well as a strength training class and taking my dog on long walks. I used the calculator on freedieting, and it told me I should be averaging 1678 calories a day, but I'm wondering if that might be a little high for me?

Are there any other girls out there about my height and activity level who might have some input about what worked for them? I know everyone is different and I'm going to have to figure out what works for me by experimenting, I just thought it might be interesting to find out what worked for others.

Thanks!!!

Really, we are all different, and those calculators are "robots". They are a good place to start, but the only way to find out for sure what YOU should be eating is to try it.

I would say go with what the calculator says, stick with it for 2 or 3 weeks and see how you are doing. Are you losing what you want?, too much?, not enough? Then either stick where you are, up your calories or drop them by about 100 per day and then stick with that for a few weeks and then see where you are once again.

Sometimes finding your magic number is a long process.

I agree with Sommer. I have said this before and will say it again.. no website or person will be able to tell you an exact amount of calories your body needs to lose weight, it is about trial and error. I use the calculator here - http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm - as a starting ground only, not as a sure thing that is set in stone. Work the numbers 100% for 3-4 weeks then tweak as necessary.

Good luck with your goals :hug: