ok so i started with 1200 calories and i was losing like a pound a day. which was great, but im 5'6 269 lbs and 21 which clearly is too low because i now am starting to cheat.

So i need a new number. I would like to know how many cals i should be eating. every website tells me something different. Id like to lose 2-3 pounds a week. I work out almost everyday and most days itds an hour of vigorious activity, but i dont want to take in account my exercise in case i dont go, also it will help lose weight better. Please help. Im thinking maybe 1700-1800 but not sure.

I've seen from other threads that you're having a hard time picking a calorie range. However, no one here can tell you what the ideal range for YOU is, nor can a computer calculator. They are all just estimates and don't take YOUR body into account. You just need to pick a range where you're comfortable (and you've already found that you are not comfortable at 1200), and stick to it for a few weeks. You'll know. Use today as your starting point at X range, and plan to reevaluate in three weeks, so September 9th.
Good luck!!

Try the daily plate. It will give you a calorie goal for 2 lbs a week. I dont think you'll find a site for 3 lbs a week since most places will say that's unhealthy.

Good luck!!

yea, it says 2000 though and that seems to high. Im confused

So then try a lower number. Those types of things tell me about 2000 too and that would not work for me, but I figured out my calorie range through trial and error. Try 1800 for a few weeks. If you're not losing, cut it down another couple hundred. You have to figure it out for yourself, your body will react how it's going to react, and nobody else can tell you exactly how that will be.

When you find a number where you're eating well, feeling satisfied and still losing weight, stick with that.

I like about 1500 per day. That's with working out every day. I am still hungry on 1500 but it seems to do the trick. SOme tricks tyo fight hunger.. Progresso soups. They fill you up and are very low in cals. I also put hot sauce on everything. My hubby says it's my new salt. No cheese, little bread and no booze. Work out everyday and you'll get those 2-3 lbs per week. Don't over think this. Just get moving and eat clean. Pretty soon the counting will be no problem b/c you will have in your head a few "daily menus" that work.

There is no easy, this is the number you have to use, answer to this question. Heck, I'm still trying to figure this out for me.

Pick a number like 1800. Do this for a month. See what happens. But be honest with yourself. Measure exactly. Account for everything. Re-evaluate in 30 days.

I wouldn't even worry about working out until you get your food under control. remember, 80% diet 20% exercise.

No site or person can tell you how many calories your body needs to lose weight. It is all about trial and error. I say start with a decent number, maybe 1800. Work it completely 150% for 3-4 weeks then tweak as necessary. It takes time to see changes. It doesn't happen overnight or even in a week. Have patience, grasshopper

Thanks ladies, im going to try 1800

Good luck

I use nutridiary.com. I plugged in your info and it said 1431 calories a day to lose 2lbs a week. That doesn't include any exercise. If you burn more, eat more. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

You weigh 100 lbs less than she does. It makes a huge difference in the amount of hunger you experience at a given calorie level. I didn't understand that, and for years thought I was weak and pathetic because I couldn't stay at 1200 calories a day. But it really is different when you weigh more. All that fat has to be fed and carried around!

We have similar weight and height. I would say 1500-1700 a day. I hope you find out what works for you, seeing your ticker shows you have done soooo well so far, keep it up! Your awesome!!!!

yea i was thinking 1500-1700 as well. anything lower makes me hungry. im gonna try 1500 during the week and 1700 on sat and sun and see how that goes. thanks girls. jackie if u need a weightloss buddy im here.