Want to make sure I am looking at this right...help please.

I know this should be really simple, but I am a little confused.

Stats on me: 33 year old female, 156 pounds, 5'7. Want to lose about 20 pounds.

When I put my information into the analyzer, I have set it at sedentary, although I have been working out 3-5 times a week, but I figured that was the best way to go about it to see what I need to do on the days I don't work out.

So, it says I should consume 1200 calories a day. Just want to make sure I have this right....

My meal plan for today adds up to 1900 calories, so when I work out tonight, I need to burn roughly 700 calories, correct?

And when I don't go to the gym, I need to keep my intake at 1200 calories...

Do I have this right?

Thanks in advance!!

your math is correct, but you will need to see how your body responds. Sometimes when I eat too few calories (and my activity is up), my body loses less weight. Sometimes I need the extra calories and a good workout to keep the pounds coming off. Good luck with your efforts.

I don't think 1200 is right for you. It probably gave you that number because of the goal date you entered.

I have pretty much the same stats, I'm 5'7" and 150 lbs. I also work out 3-4 days a week. My moderate activity burn (which I use for days I work out)is about 2300, so I usually eat around 1800. On non-work out days I usually aim for about 1400, sometimes a little more.

Thanks for help! As simple as the concept seems, I find myself over-analyzing and getting confused. And then stress of course adds to the weight loss problem, lol.

I am just going to eat right, good foods, excercise as much as I can and find what works. I am eating better and being more active than I have been since I was a competitive gymnast, so that in itself it wonderful! I feel like a brand new woman with all the energy I have these days!

Thanks again!

Change the activity level to 'light' and leave the goal date blank if you want a more realistic intake number to work with.

Ok, great, I did that and it came up with 1487 calories. That seems more realisitic :-)

Thanks!