Calorie Count

Everywhere I seem to research, they tell me, for my weight, age and height that my total calories for weight loss should average about 1800. But that just seems like alot, for one and for two, what if I have a hard time eating that much. Any thoughts, opinions or suggestions? I'm a 36 yr old female who weighs 236 lbs and I'm 5' 2".

You can probably lose weight at 1800 calories. I was 5'0 and 207 lbs when I started - and I was eating about 1600-1800 calories without exercising. I lost a good 20-30 lbs. that way. 60 lbs later, I try to keep my calories under 1500 and exercise 60-90 minutes/day.

If you drop too low in the beginning, then you have nowhere to go when you get stuck. I would try 1800 calories for 1-2 weeks and see what happens. If you can lose weight on that, then keep going, otherwise you could drop down a little. The calories rack up pretty easily unless you are eating lots of veggies. As long as you are getting a variety of nutrients from fruits, veggies, and enough protein, then I wouldn't worry about not eating 1800 calories - but you have to be honest with yourself on serving sizes, snacks, bites, and estimates when eating out.

I'm at 155 lbs and I eat 1700 cals a day and I still lose weight. Of course, I also exercise. And on days when I exercise, I eat a little more.

Thank you for your responses. I am gonna start an exercise routine today and keep a closer eye on my cals, try to def. up them on the days I work out.