Question

Hello. I'm new here. My stats are 18 years old, 5'4, and 140lbs. The weight is classified as slightly overweight for age and height.

I've never counted calories before, but in putting it into the log it turns out that I've been usually eating around 850, quite a bit less than the 1500 the site recommended.

Anyway, I was wondering if you could help me. How can I add that many calories while losing weight at the same time?

You definitely want to eat more. An adult female needs 1200 calories per day just for bodily functions. Younger females need more - I'm not sure how much more, but I am sure someone else will chime in.

Thank you. I think I wrote my original post incorrectly though, sorry. I agree that I should eat more since it turns out that it is that low, but meant if there was any advice on what sort of foods that would work? Like just more vegetables and fruit? Or really anything?

Well.. just for fun I'll post what I eat in a typical day (I also shoot for 1500 calories)

5am - Homemade Latte (55 cal) & Oatmeal (135 cal)
9am - Banana (~105 cal)
11am - Yogurt (60 cal) & Strawberries (50 cal)
1pm - Soup (230 cal)
3pm - Apple (70 cal) & Ricecake (60 cal)
5pm - Pasta w/ chicken (450 cal - or something similar) & salad (150 cal)
9pm - Ice cream (150 cal)

Does that help?

Editted to add:  I try not to get too hung up on what I eat and allow myself to have whatever I want as long as it fits within the allotted calories for this day.  This helps me satisfy my cravings and go out with family/friends whenever I want to. It basically just helps with living life!

Hi ,

You should eat much more than that, at least 1200 calories a day. You should eat more fruits,vegetables,more whole grain, try not to eat fried, drink more water. If you eat yogurt, eat light and fat free, low fat milk and so on. You just need to check calories on everything you eat. This website really helps with counting calories.

 

Original Post by la_fille_muette:

Hello. I'm new here. My stats are 18 years old, 5'4, and 140lbs. The weight is classified as slightly overweight for age and height.

I've never counted calories before, but in putting it into the log it turns out that I've been usually eating around 850, quite a bit less than the 1500 the site recommended.

Anyway, I was wondering if you could help me. How can I add that many calories while losing weight at the same time?

 

 Hi. I am trying to eat 1350 kcal per day and sometimes I find it hard.

what do you usually eat in 850 Kcal?

This is one of those situations where everybody is different.  Some people truly can lose weight just by staying under a certain amount of calories; whether they eat 1500 calories of McDonalds or 1500 worth of balanced meals, they still lose weight.  Others aren't so lucky. ;)

What seems to work for the majority of people, however, is to go for balanced nutrition while not completely depriving yourself of an occasional treat.  Like the poster above said, as much as possible, eliminate processed foods from your diet, and go for healthier versions of things such as fat-free dairy, whole wheat breads and pasta, and lean meats like chicken breast and fish.  Eat lots of veggies (preferably frozen or fresh rather than canned) and enjoy fresh fruit as opposed to canned or processed.

And once in a while, allow yourself a treat.  Plan for it - eat a little less to make room for it in your calories, or do a little extra exercise - and I guarantee you it won't set you back.  Moderation is key.

Good luck, and great job taking charge of your health! :)

I used to have the same problem! It really helped me to start eating more fruits and vegetables, and slowly I increased my calories and started exercising a little and I've definitely lost weight and increased my metabolism.  It also helped me to eat small meals throughout the day.

I don't know about you guys, but I'm always so much hungrier when I exercise... (actually, on a day-to-day basis, I'm less hungry on the days I exercise, but more hungry than on the few weeks a year I take a break from exercise.)

I'd recommend exercise, and you'll want to eat more. Plus, it helps with toning.