[chickybird]

I joined OA a month ago and I really like that I haven't binged in 19 days. Currently, I'm counting calories to stay within limits.
I'm averaging between 1450 to 1650 calories a day.
I actually feel full with that amount, and I've lost about 7 pounds in the last month, but I'm worried that my daily calorie intake might be too low.
I don't want to be eating too few calories, for health reasons and weight loss reason.
I am 29 years old, 6 feet tall, 190 pounds, and I exercise 3-4 times a week. My workouts are about 2 hours long and is an hour of cardio, light weightlifting and stretching.
Can anyone help me figure put what would be a healthy calorie range? Years of overeating have me a little hesitant to eat more calories, and I think I just need to hear it from you guys that it ok to do so...
Thank you!

[chickybird]

Adding:
According to this online calorie calculator and a few other similar ones, 1800 to 200 calories per day seems to be a good range for me. any thoughts on this?

[jkinboston89]

You should do whatever feels comfortable for you. 7 pounds per month is definitely considered a healthy rate of loss so I wouldn't be worried that you're eating too few calories, especially if you're feeling full, happy, not tired, and satisfied. Your range sounds like it's working out quite well. No one else can really tell you what your ideal range is; everyone is different. I think that if it isn't broken, don't fix it

[chickybird]

Thanks! I think I'm worried because I hear about dieters who cut their calories too low and lose weight at first, then plateau. I want to be sure I lose the weight in a healthy way. I think I'll stick with my range of 1500 to 1700 unless someone hear corrects me. I won't beat myself up though if I am legitimately hungry one day and feel the need to eat a few extra calories or so. Normal people have extra hungry days and don't overeat,a nd that's what I need to tell myself!

[Onederchic]

Originally Posted by jkinboston89

You should do whatever feels comfortable for you. 7 pounds per month is definitely considered a healthy rate of loss so I wouldn't be worried that you're eating too few calories, especially if you're feeling full, happy, not tired, and satisfied. Your range sounds like it's working out quite well. No one else can really tell you what your ideal range is; everyone is different. I think that if it isn't broken, don't fix it

I agree with this.

[chickybird]

thanks guys. I felt I should add that I'm taking a multivitamin and drinking plenty of water a day. The foods I'm eating are very nutrient dense, so I feel comfortable saying I'm not deficient in anything. I also had routine blood work done a month ago and my levels were all normal.
I guess I just needed to hear it from some seasoned dieters!

[lindalee9]

Your avatar picture made me laugh out loud! Too funny!

[chickybird]

Thanks-- a holdover from my WW days!