How many calories, etc...?
I just downloaded the cron-o-meter software, and I’m just curious how everyone knows how many calories they should be eating? I don’t know how many I need, or how much I need of certain vitamins or minerals but I’ve been anemic before, and I have a family history of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and osteoperosis, so I am very concerned about getting exactly what my body needs. However, I am very reluctant to take the standard USDA reccomendations for it.
I am 5’2” and weigh about 120 pounds. I’m fairly happy with my weight and not exactly looking to lose any, but 10 pounds or so wouldn’t hurt. I am moderately active. I walk to and from work everyday (about a mile all together), and my job is fairly active. (I work at Trader Joe’s) I do repeated lifting (10-50 pounds) a couple hours of the day, a lot of walking around, and I’m on my feet the whole day. I also ride my bike 2 or 3 times per week about 5-10 miles each time.
Does anyone have any suggestions of how I can find out what I need for calories and vitamins? Any advice is much appreciated!
Any advice….anyone?
On the other hand, check out the archives on this dudes blog
He is way neurotic on calories. I saw some other girl posting how was hung up on calorie intake but because she was afraid of slowing metabolism and gaining weight. He is a good resource if you want to see how to take in a lot and still lose weight, esp for her because she can’t eat nuts and he hardly does.
I don’t know, it’s still debatable for me. Maybe the blog guy lost weight because he was detoxing. Maybe you don’t need to worry about calories once you do. Just wanted to show you some things I have been tossing around. Sorry I don’t have THE answer, but some stuff to toss around, I guess.
Just calculate your BMR which is how much your body burns just by existing and then see how much extra you burn by doing your various physical activities by using the Harris Benedict Equation.
http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/
Then you can see how many calories you should be taking in whether your goal is to lose weight, gain weight or maintain weight. It’s very helpful.
Thanks jessica!! That is exactly what I was looking for. Now I just need to find some lower fat foods that are high in protein…
