Confused about how many calories to eat?

  • I am 5'6.5 and I am trying to lose. I've been working out every day lately for 45 minutes at a moderate pace. Calorie calculators are giving me numbers all over the map. Do most of you eat below your BMR to lose?

    Last time I lost a big amount of weight I ate about 1200/day but I've had several people say that I should be closer to 1400. I set my goals based on being sedentary because other than exercise I am and I'm logging the workouts separately and not overestimating (probably underestimating), but I'm not eating those calories back anyway so I guess it doesn't really matter.

    Anyone have any suggestions on what might be a good number?
  • I also got that, so I just went with what seemed like a reasonable number to me -- 1700 or so -- and that seems to have worked, give or take on various days.

    There's a point where I eat and I can be mostly full, but would still eat more if I wasn't trying to lose weight (I know that's vague, sorry), and that's where I went with. And then I'll fill up on water.

    So I guess I went with the point where I was still a tad, but not too, hungry.
  • It really depends on how much you have to lose. People of much higher weight can lose on higher cal intake that would hold me at maintenance. I'd say your sweet spot is somewhere around 1,300-1,500. If you can handle 1,200 then go for it but I wouldn't go much above 1,500.
  • Quote: It really depends on how much you have to lose. People of much higher weight can lose on higher cal intake that would hold me at maintenance. I'd say your sweet spot is somewhere around 1,300-1,500. If you can handle 1,200 then go for it but I wouldn't go much above 1,500.
    I think I might start shooting for 1400. Thanks!