Hi there, I'm a longtime lurker "coming out of the closet", LOL!

My question for the ladies who have had success - how many calories do you consume per day? I've been getting mixed messages - some say that 1,200 per day is good, but others say that that's too low, and 1,500 per day is better.

So, what's worked for y'all? I want to see results, but I don't want to slow my metabolism down to nothing, or go around hungry all day, either! (I'm 220, 5ft 2in, and I've been doing at least 30 minutes of cardio a day. I'm looking into starting a weight training program, but I'm leery, because I totally wrenched my shoulder the last time I lifted!)

Anyway, it's nice to be here!

It's different for everyone. I've seen most people agree that going under 1,200 isn't good. To lose, I generally need to stay at 1,400 or lower myself, along with about 1 1/2 hours of exercise per day. If I go up to 1,600 cals and lower my exercise to an hour or less a day, I just maintain.

I never used a trainer and have also caused myself some pulled muscles and such. That's likely due to not lifting right or lifting more than you're ready for. So a trainer would help.

A weight training program would be a huge help in losing fat and toning up your muscles - go for it! I second almostheaven's recommendation for getting assistance from a personal trainer -- that's how I learned how to lift weights correctly so that I didn't injure myself.

I started at 257 pounds and about 1600 calories a day. As my weight dropped, my calorie needs dropped too and I ended my year of weight loss at about 1200 calories. Rarely did I ever drop below 1200 calories - heaven's right that 1200 is seen as the floor by most experts.

My maintenance levels look like heaven's and I do about the same amount of exercise. Right now I'd like to drop a few pounds, so I'm back in the 1200 - 1400 range, with 45 - 60 minutes of cardio a day and weights five days a week.

Hope that helps!

I started at 168 (128 goal) and I stayed at around 1400-1500/day with one 'free day' and 60 minutes of cardio every day mixed with three days of weight training. Now I'm maintaining at around 1850/day (plus one higher calorie day to try and boost my metabolism a little) and a slightly (but not much) lowered exercise schedule.

My goal is to maintain at around 2000-2100, but we shall see. May take a while to taper up to that without gaining, if I can at all. 1850 isn't too shabby tho!

I wouldn't go down to 1200 right away at your current weight. I'd start higher and taper it down as needed.

I started at around 170 pounds and ate about 1200-1300 calories a day along with at least an hour of exercise a day to lose. I am now 119 pounds and eating between 1800-2000 to maintain. I still keep up the exercise, but it's purely for the enjoyment factor of it

Livi

I eat about 1200 cals a day and try to stay within 50 cals of that up or down. I let myself have what I call "cheat day" twice a month when I can go over my calories and eat something I don't normally eat. I walk for an hour every day and ride my stationary bike 3 times a week and do the best I can (I've found my exercise abilities are improving the more I lose) at keeping up with the exercise videos I bought. For me 1200 cals isn't that hard to maintain. I don't feel super hungry or deprived plus every time I look at my before and after pics I'm remotivated. I highly suggest anyone starting a weight loss journey take pictures and your measurements!

I've just started. Two and a half weeks and I'm down 10 pounds! I've tried to stay around 1200 calories, but I have a hard time. I'm just not hungry. My downfall when I'm eating what I want is sweets - I tend to gorge on them. The first thing I did when I started this weight loss plan is stop that. I haven't cut them out altogether, I just don't buy an entire bag or box of candy as I know I will eat it until it is gone.

So now that I'm trying to make healthy choices I'm having the darndest time getting the calories up over 1000. I guess I don't believe that I can eat more food I haven't really got into an exercise routine, yet - I hurt my foot two weeks ago and I can't walk too far, never mind jog. I'm hoping that that will get my appetite going.

I am between 1200 and 1500. My doctor seems to think that is ideal for me. I have a thyroid problem and the weight has been slow coming off. I'm hoping to see some changes.

I am between 1400-1600 daily. I do 2 full body weight training sessions for 2hours each, twice a week. And i do 20minutes high impact cardio twice a week. I lose an average of 0.5kg a week

Debbie, I know exactly what you mean, I am having an awful time getting enough calories. I rarely get hungry and hate eating when I'm not!

thanks for posting!

I aim for 1300 cals a day, but i allow myself up to 1500 if I really REALLY want something. I have the same problem...if there is a box of caramel Ho Hos in the house, I wont stop til they are all gone! Bloody EVIL things....lol

I did 1200 calories but my basal was pretty low. (Sedentary and little bones.) Outside of the recent holidays 1800 works for me now as long as I exercise.

for me I find if I go too low in calories around 1200 I do not lose. So for me I have to eat more to lose weight -- if that makes sense. I eat between 1500-1600 calories and exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Maybe the 1200 calorie diet doesn't work for because of all the years I dieted.

I think you can speak to your doctor about what is right for you!

But all in all like everyone said, never go under 1200 calories

GOOD LUCK!

I too am having the same problem as a couple others...I have a terrible time getting to even 1000 a day! Ive gotten to the point that Im not hungry and don't want to make myself eat if Im not!