Daily Calories?

Question
Hi Jackie!
With everyone having a different opinion I've become very confused about what a healthy amount of calories in a day looks like when trying to lose weight.
I am an 18 year old female, 5'6 and my weight is currently sitting in the 170's.
I've lost about 60 lbs in the past year through moderation and exercise, but I would like to offcially know how many calories I should be consuming in order to keep on losing the rest of the weight.
I've taken tests online that claim to tell you what your specific needs are based on height, weight and gender but they've always given me a calorie limit between 2,200 and 2,400 (-500 calories for weight loss.) Those seem like very high numbers!
I know "how" to lose weight healthfuly, but it's this calorie confusion that I need specific help with.
Could you please give me some insight as to how many calories is healthy for good weight loss?

Thank you very much in advance!
-Haylee  

Answer
Hi Haylee

It can get very confusing.  I simply followed a formula for weight loss using math.  I am sending you the information and if you have trouble determining how many calories you need--just let me know.

The following formula is tried and true. If you follow it and make adjustments where needed you can't help but achieve nutritional nirvana. Many complex formulas's for figuring daily caloric needs have been introduced. My formula is simple and effective. Take your current body weight or a realistic body weight goal (Up or Down), and multiply it by your desired factor (either 12,15 or 18).

If you want to lose weight or have a slower metabolism, multiply your weight by 12.

For maintaining your current weight, multiply your weight by 15.

This is a starting point for figuring out your daily caloric needs. (Example: Male who is 200lbs x 15=3000 calories per day, Female who is 130 lbs x15=1950 calories per day). You may need to adjust your caloric need by 50-100 calories per day should you stagnate and not be achieving your desired goals.

Hope this helps out.

Take Care
Jackie

1. Prev:Teen or children comprehensive weight control programs
2. Next:Vegetrian Dieting