How much is enough

[palms86]

HI everyone im really confused on how much calories i should be eating because at first i thought there was no need to count calories but i was wrong i dont think im eating to little or to much but i think im eating just enough not to gain or lose any weight and i dont know how o change that i really dont understand that thing about the bmr thats not working and im trying to be precise about everything and eat no more than 20 grams of carbs a day but sombody i really need help on how much i should be eating because i really want to lose weight i know this is probaly a stupid question but i really dont know heres my stats: im 5'5 221 pound 22 year old female with 2 kids thanks in advance

[TheDogAteMyName]

There is no need to count calories. However, calories do count and they certainly add up. I calculated your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) and if my calculations are right you should be eating 1800 calories daily. My BMR is 1500 and I eat anywhere from 1500-2000 calories a day. Just remember to pay attention to your carbs and get most of them from your veggies.

Hope this helps!

[palms86]

so do that mean if i eat anything over 1800 calories that i will not lose wieght or i just wont gain sorry if its stupid i just want to be sure

[TheDogAteMyName]

No, it doesn't mean that. For instance my BMR is 1500 and there are some days when I eat 2000 calories and I've still lost weight that week. Have you read Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution 2002? Dr. Atkins explains how some people eat more calories and still lose.

[APanthesilia]

I second Nichole- read DANDR, it's so helpful! And for now don't worry so much about the calories, worry about the carbs and I bet your calories will be fine. Also, try putting your food into fitday to see what you are actually eating. I find that I get more worried about doing it wrong when I don't know exactly what I'm eating so fitday helps me keep track of it!

You said that you were wrong about not having to count calories- why? You really don't have to count calories! Worry about doing the other stuff well (carbs, exercise, etc) and you should be fine!

[joee5]

Leave the calories be. Eat till satisfied not full. Count the carbs not the calories. Best of luck. God Bless, Joe