I am confused.

One health site says 

Current weight in pounds = 145 Sex:  Female

Light Activity: Activities of daily living, plus the equivalent of walking 2 miles (or about 4,000 steps) per day.

You need approximately 2307 calories per day to maintain your current weight, based on your current activity level.

This site says I burn 1900 calories, based on the same information.

That is 400 calorie difference.  Almost the suggested deficit amount.  How do I figure out which my healthy daily calorie burn rate?

1900 sounds closer to the mark based on your weight and activity level.  2300 would be someone that was doing more like 10,000 steps a day plus had a reasonably active job. 

I think there is a lot of variation between individuals too.  This site says I should eat 1900 to maintain.  I eat over 2200 and I still lose.  If you keep track of your weight, why not try adding 100 calories every day for a week.  If you gain, then you know to stop.  If you don't, then, add 100 more and see what happens. 

Thanks for the help.

I think I will start with this sites suggested 1900 per day with a 500 calorie deficit, see how that goes. I have managed to cut out alot of calories just by eliminating sugar in my coffee, switching to low fat milk, eating a light lunch and cutting out my bedtime snack.  That's almost 1000 calories right there.  Silly question: is it unhealthy to have a rumbly stomach? Last night on my walk home from work my stomach started growling.  Maybe I should nibble just before I leave.

~k

 

Aim to have a light meal or  a snack every 2 - 3 hours so that you keep your energy levels up and your hunger pangs manageable.  If that means planning a snack before you leave work then that might stop the rumbling.  It also means you're less likely to overeat at suppertime because you're feeling famished. 

Thanks gi-jane,

I am going to incorporate a before walking home snack.

Did pretty good over the weekend, thought there were two parties.

Got to be extra good this week.

~k

 

Don't think of yourself as 'good' because that sets you up for being 'bad'.  When you brushed your teeth this morning did you tell yourself you'd done 'pretty good'?... thought not.  It's just automatic, isn't it?  Something you don't think about too much because it's a good habit, you've always done it and you want healthy teeth.  Healthy eating is (or should be) exactly the same as brushing your teeth.  You don't go overboard at parties because you're not a greedy person and you're looking after yourself.  It's not because you're being 'extra good'. ... that would imply you're some kind of saint..  and who wants to go to a party with one of those, right?  :-)

Hi gi-jane,

You know its funny. I have never dieted or counted calories in my life but I tell you, I sure can see how it can gain an exagerated importance, become an exercise in control, a competition with yourself. I was a suprised and a little alarmed to see I lost 5 pounds this week.  I only weighed myself at the end of the week.  But, I am told that it could be water weight.  I will see how it goes this week.

~k