Calorie Intake Suggestions

How many calories would you suggest for trying to lose 1-2 lbs a week for:

 -female

-age 17

-5"1, 5"2 ish

-130 lbs

-400-500 calorie burned a day from daily workouts (60-80 mins)

Background Info: I've been going to the gym everyday burning 400-500 calories and lifting weights for 20 minutes (not lifting everyday, but most days) for about a month now and i feel worse and i think i gained 5 lbs.

I do really good and have nice spread out snacks and meals during school hours. (About 600-700 calories there) I have a snack, then go workout right after school. I get home about 5, but then i usually (unfortunately) have a bunch of food like yesterday i had like 800 calories worth of nuts plus a few more foods. I'd say i've been eating anywhere from 1500-2000 calories a day compared to the 1200 goal i've been trying unsuccessfully for.

Anyways, my question, again, is what do you think is a reasonable amount for me to have and still be able to lose at least a pound a week? Thanks for any help

Hey! I'm 18, Female, 5'3" and I weigh 125 pounds. On days where I don't do ANYTHING I eat 1,200 (to lose one pound a week) and then on days when I work out, I figure the amount of calories burned into it. (i.e. if I burn 500 calories on the eliptical I eat 1,700 calories that day) So if each day you're burning 400-500 calories at the gym I would eat at least 1,800 calories/day (and that's only if you don't move around much at all during the day other than your gym time). 1,200 is way too low of a goal. You said you didn't feel that your gym efforts were paying off... I'm sure they will. It takes time for your body to build up muscle and the added weight is probably your body replacing fat with muscle. How do your clothes fit? That's the better test. Hope I helped!

My clothes actually fit the same (at least i think so) lol

Anyways thanks for the help :) I will try doing that

As a teen, the absolute minimum you should be eating is 1500 calories a day to ensure that your body is getting enough energy to perform properly.

In order to lose a pound a week, you should aim to have a calorie deficit of 500 cals a day, which shouldnt be a problem if you burn 400-500 cals working out. It is also important to not have a daily deficit of more than 1000 calories.

But the most important thing is to make sure you are eating enough (at least 1500 cals). Eating too little will slow your metabolism and make weight loss harder.