How many calories should I be eating to lose weight?

BenandBellasMummy · #1 (**permalink**) 13-09-08, 16:16

I am obv trying to lose the 10lbs but how many calories should I be eating a day to start losing weight? I've never done a real diet just starved if I needed to drop some weight quickly xx

SephiesMum · #2 (**permalink**) 13-09-08, 16:54

I've never counted calories before tbh, I've just changed what I ate and cut down on the junk. For my diet I will be loosely following a low fat, low GI diet coupled with lots of exercise.

Ellie H · #3 (**permalink**) 13-09-08, 17:09

I've never counted calories either. I always look at saturated fat on food labels as that's the bad stuff so the lower the better. I fill up on vegetables, fruit and salads and make sure my meat, potato and cheese portions aren't extravagant. Because I eat alot of veg I feel like I'm eating loads! I also allow a few treats and buy chocolate in funsize so I can have a bit if I fancy it.

We usually have a takeaway once a week from the chinese, I have hot & sour soup then chicken & pineapple with half a portion of boiled rice and a few of Mr H's chips........yummy!

I think the calorie recommendation for women is 2000 per day, but have no idea where you would take it for weightloss. Obviously if you take it too low and starve, you body will lose weight but then pile it all back on and then some when you begin to eat normally again as it's making up for being starved so storing reserves.

Am totally waffling today!

xxxxxxxxx

SephiesMum · #4 (**permalink**) 13-09-08, 17:20

I've just read this which to be honest makes quite depressing reading and doesn't really answer your question....

hiann · #5 (**permalink**) 13-09-08, 18:57

to lose 1 lb you need a decifit of 3500cals. usu when i've done cals i've stuck or meant to have stuck to 1400cal. This was my RC level where food was meant to be under 5% fat bar your one 100cal treat each day but this was the old non-GI plan. Ure not meant to go below 1000cal each day on a day ever...

WW points depends on what ur weight is at the mo and how active u r during the day: i'm meant to be on 19 at the mo...

acad · #6 (**permalink**) 13-09-08, 19:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenandBellasMummy

I am obv trying to lose the 10lbs but how many calories should I be eating a day to start losing weight? I've never done a real diet just starved if I needed to drop some weight quickly xx

What are you trying to lose weight for missy, you have such a good body x i was just a teeny bit jealous when we met

Rachael1 · #7 (**permalink**) 13-09-08, 21:31

As far as I've been aware, it is 2000 for women (2500 for men - not fair!) on a normal day. To lose weight, women are supposed to drop it to about 1500. And def not to drop it below 1000

Calorie recommendations from the BDA... useful pointers too.
http://www.bdaweightwise.com/eating/eating_plan.aspx

And it says here, 5-10% of your body weight should take about 6months.
http://www.bdaweightwise.com/lose/lose_goals.aspx

noababy · #8 (**permalink**) 13-09-08, 22:07

You have to eat tons and tons! *chuckles to herself, one less person to beat in the competition*

BenandBellasMummy · #9 (**permalink**) 14-09-08, 05:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by acad

What are you trying to lose weight for missy, you have such a good body x i was just a teeny bit jealous when we met

I weigh a stone more than I did this time last year

but you are very sweet

I thought you looked fab plus my youngest is now 28 months!

xxx