I'm in the process of trying to lose 8-10 lbs. How many calories should I be eating??? I'm guessing 1300-1400. Thanks:D

I've read on several websites that the correct amount of calories to reach and maintain a desirede weight is basically the following formula:

desired weight x 15 cals/pound = calories you should eat

therefore:

110 pounds x 15 = 1,650 calories

I'm sure there are quite a few more people here with far more experience than I have. I'm interesteed in seeing their responses as well.

Good luck!

Many people will gain weight at 15 calories per pound.

The hospital clinic I used recommends 11 calories per pound for weight-loss for women (12 for men).

So that's about 1200 calories NET. (In other words, if you exercise off 300 calories, then eat 1500 calories.)

HI Nessa. What kind of exercise are you doing? I agree that that exercise will be a factor in figuring out the calories. Can you give us some more info?

I have been losing about 1 lb a week at 1500 calories which is about 11 cals X my goal (140) = 1540 cals.

But I think its the type of calories that are just as important as the total number. (i.e. eating high-fat foods to make the total calorie count cannot possibly work and will make you gain weight)

Hi yj...welcome to diettalk. I agree with ya..quality is important. Lots of changes in my life..thats for sure. Did you stick at 1500 calories all the way thru your program? Youve done great so far. Congratulations!! I know i was at 1500 for awhile and had to raise it up quite a bit to compensate for my exercise. So many things to think about, arent there? Keep up the good work. :up:

Thank you for the welcome.

I lost a majority of my weight doing low-carb but then I switched...about 1 month ago. At first I gained :( but then I started to lose again.

For me, its extremely important that I exercise regularly. If I go 3 days w/o exercise...I see the weight creep back up.

I still maintain a lowercarb (under 100 grams per day) "diet" and am hoping to hit goal by my 41st birthday in March 2004.

Well never go under 1200 calories a day.

Originally posted by yjkaries
But I think its the type of calories that are just as important as the total number. (i.e. eating high-fat foods to make the total calorie count cannot possibly work and will make you gain weight) I wholeheartedly agree that the type of calories matter. However, I think both keeping sugar intake low and keeping protein intake sufficient are even more important than keeping fat consumption low.

I took a nutrition class in college about 2 years ago, and I learned in that class that you should not go under 1200 calories per day because your body will go into a state of protecting itself from starvation. You will not lose weight; your body will only hold onto it.
As far as the special formulas go to figure out how many, it is important to mention that not everyone can go by those. I learned all those special formulas for figuring out how much you should eat based on your weight and exercise level, etc., and being well over my ideal weight, I'm supposed to be eating several thousand calories a day just to stay alive. This is obviously untrue for me. So, just be careful of these formulas.
I too have been having a bit of trouble with knowing how many calories to set as my goal. I hope it works out for you.

This is a excellant question - one I think deserves some looking into. I will be interested to see what others have to say.

When I take 11x 150 it equals 1650

now that is a lot of calories even if the food are all healthy foods - isn't it?

Beth

If we Look at the range of answers here...we all have different needs. I took the higher road in terms of calories..and did great. Bicker took the lower road in terms of calories and did great. :up: Some will take a middle of the road approach and do great.

I personally do think that its easier to stick with if you can eat a bit more. I tried 1200 and couldnt do it. I just didnt feel good and I didnt lose weight. So I had to search more. FIgure out what my body needed.

I also believe that quality counts. I've labelled myself as low fat...but i do keep my diet at 25-30% fat. I agree to get adequate protein and if you can cut the sugar and refined stuff and get rid of the hydrogenated oils,etc..you will be doing your body a big favor. I think that fruits and veggies should be a good solid base..and that whole grains are awesome.

Keep a good food journal..add it all up and see where you are at. I really underestimated my calories in the beginning. It really makes a difference to have it all written down.