How many calories should I eat a day

Question
Hello.

I'm trying to lose some weight and I have some problems. I'm 24 and I've lost weight 3 times so far, but every time I put back what I've lost. I used to play soccer a lot every day and when I've lost weight until now I only cut some of the calories and everything was easy. I was also used to eat a lot due to high activity during the day.

Now I can't be so active as I were despite I workout 30 minutes + 30 minutes on the threadmill every day. I usually eat a lot but I tried to cut some calories without taking into account how many I eat every day but it is not working. I don't want to starve myself.

My question is if It is neccessary to count calories I eat in order to success. If yes, how many calories should I eat a day. I am 24, 290lbs and 6 feet height. Considering the calculations at http://www.calotor.com I should eat 2600 calories a day. I don't count calories but I'm sure I don't exceed 2000 calories a day, plus the exercises and running I do every day. There might be some a glitch.

What is the number of calories do you think I should eat to lose weight considering my weight and my daily activity.

Answer
You should ABSOLUTELY count your calories. You don't have to do it for the rest of your life, but you should spend a week or two and JOURNAL everything you put in your mouth. Add up the calories. Measure and weigh your food if possible. Most people don't realize how much they UNDERESTIMATE the amount of calories they're eating.

What number is right for you? That takes trial and error. I would GUESSTIMATE about 1800 to 2000 calories a day for you to lose weight... but that doesn't take your metabolism (BMR) or level of activity into account. You need to find the number that's right for you... and the only way to do that is if you write everything down!

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