How Do You Figure out YOUR Maintenance?

Hi, i'm a 5'4, 118 lb 15 year old. i sit for at least 6 hours a day (the joy that is school), but i run and workout usually 6 days a week. Using the BMI/energy requirements calculator that everybody has the link for for kids/teenagers (http://www.bcm.edu/cnrc/bodycomp/bmiz2.html) i need 2390-2900 cals a day... Which seems like a lot.

Right now i'm averaging around 1500 (up from a long time eating below 1200) and i've noticed i look slimmer and *gasp* have a faint hint of "abs" from running. I dont feel i need to lose any weight, so, for maintenance, do i really need 2300 ish cals? or 1500 plus whatever i burn off? How did yo ufigure yours out? DId you have to adjust from what CC or other sites told you?

It doesn't really matter what other people do about figuring out their maintenance, what you should do is eat enough good food to fuel your activities and your development.  Over the next few years you may settle at a higher weight and still be perfectly fit and healthy, because you may develop more curves as you become more of a woman and less of a girl.  Also, internally, this is a critical time for your organs (like your heart) and your bones to get good and strong to keep you healthy into an old age.

You should try to up your calories to at least 2300, and maybe more, depending on how much exercise you do.  Try to eat good, healthy, mostly whole foods like whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits although you can certainly have the odd treat.  Try to get at least 60 minutes of activity into every day.

The way you know if you are eating enough is if you have plenty of energy for your school work and exercise, you stay fit and toned, and your BMI stays in the healthy zone.  Don't focus too much on the number on the scale.

As a 15 year-old you can't expect to maintain your weight because you're still growing.  You really do need 2500-2900 cals to support that growth and development, be well-nourished and be healthy.   1500 would be the bare minimum weight-loss amount for a teenager that was completely inactive. 

If you have disordered eating problems or a history of disordered eating then please refer to your treatment team rather than this website for specific advice.

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im so glad you wrote this because im in the same exact boat as you except im 16! =] and i dance 6 days a week.. its hard to go back up to that amount of calories because im so scared im gunna gain it all back!! my mom wants me to gain 5 pounds which would put me at 117 which is a very healthy weight but im a dancer, she doesnt understand!.. i want to maintain what my wieght is now but im still only getting around 1400-1500 a day! :/ were in this together =]]

RAVENKAY: 1500 calories is the minimum for teens. it is against guidelines to post starvation diets, and for a teenager 1400-1500 is just that. future post referencing calorie counts that are this low will be locked so please be advised. 

You should increase your calories right away to the recommended amount for your activity level which is about 2500-2900 as posted by GIJANE.

ravenkay - 1500 is the utter minimum for a SEDENTARY teen. If you are a dancer, you need to be eating more than you are to compensate for the amount of activity you do. Please, value your health.