how many calories is the right amount?

ktdid10

Hello! I just started my fitness pal to count my calories and it suggested 1500 cal/day, which seems reasonable but I cannot make that amount I've been short everyday even this weekend when I ate like crap.  I'm pretty sure I'm entering in the right stuff since mainly I'm using the barcode scanner and it automatically looks it up which is awesome BTW, I even put in if I use it Pam nonstick spray!  I just am concerned that I'm not getting enough food but I don't feel like I'm starving myself either. I eat 3 meals a day and have 2 small snacks.  Is 1500 right then or do I need to eat more often?

anna.oskar

As someone who was unknowingly starving herself for years and still fat, eat all your calories.  Try.  It really sucks to eat when you're not hungry, but if you're only use to 1100 or so calories, you need to retrain your body.  Don't eat crap.  Eat healthy, calorie laden foods like cheeses, meats, and fruits.

Starqueg

Does MFP give you other goals besides calories?  When I was on SP, I had it set up so I could also see my goals for fats, carbs, protein, and fiber.  What I'm trying to say is that calories aren't the only measure of a healthy diet.  You need all these nutrients and if you're under on calories, you might be under on some of the nutrients as well.  If you are, adjust what you're eating to fill in the gaps.

kristinanddan

Also, a lot of people tend to underestimate how much they are actually eating, so unless you are weighing everything on a food scale, you may actually be eating more calories than you think you are.

welikebikes

Look up your BMR Basal Metobolic Rate.

http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/

Just put in your height, weight, and age, and it'll give you a number of calories. This number is telling you how many calories your body burns daily just to survive. Example: if you stayed in bed all day and didn't move, or eat, this is how many calories your body would burn.

You eat that number of calories, you won't gain weight. You eat more (without working out) and you'd gain weight.

bellabananas

The barcode thingy is so great for scanning things in, but you also have to know how many servings you are eating. For example, cereal serving size generally is 3/4 or a cup, while my bowls tend to hold 1 1/2-2 cups. I don't know if you are already measuring your food though. As PP said, make sure you are getting at least 1200 calories and eating food with plenty of nuitrients.

RussoWill

IF you're entering everything right, maybe try switching to some different snacks like peanut butter and an apple or a small handfull of almonds or a string cheese.  I usually have trouble getting enough protein (and sometime calories) and these types of snacks help. Good luck!