How many calories are you guys eating & burning?

I know we're more about tracking protein and keeping carbs/sugars low, etc, but since I track my progress on fitday.com, I constantly see the number of calories I'm eating (usually 400-750), versus how many I'm burning (300-400), and I'm wondering what other people's calories look like at this stage. I always hear about how losing weight happens when you're burning more calories than you're taking in, so what's up with that? Oh, and I've gained 8 pounds this week. I know (in my head) that this is water weight, because I stopped taking my diuretic recently, and plus the doctor's office scale told me yesterday that I had too much water weight, but stilllllllllll I'm following the rules. I'm eating the right amount of protein, keeping an eye on the carbs, drinking lots of water, exercising, etc.... I guess I just need to know what other people are tracking and doing, nutrition wise. Julie

Hi, Julie! I use fitday to track my eating, too. My average day sees me get in anywhere between 900-1300 cal. with 80-110 gr. of protein. When I get to the higher end of the cal. and protein, that's when I really start loosing. I just started adding more fruits and veggies to my diet this past week. I have to be careful with the carbs, especially around PMS time! Becky Jean

Becky Jean, I'm like you. I do better on 800-1200 cal per day with 85-95 grams of proteing. It makes me lose weight. When I was 700 cal a day or less, the weight would not budge! Lori

Why do you think you are only burning 300-400 cals a day? You burn calories sleeping. You burn calories sitting at your desk at work. Kathy

Julie, I have the same question. I track mine through fitday also. I am just not sure what is the right amount of calories to get in. I got the fat and carb thing down. I average about 400-500 calories and 50-60grams of protein daily. I can't even imagine trying to eat more at this point. ....For the question about calories versus exercise, I accually bought the fitday version and downloaded to my computer, this makes it easier for me to use. In the home version you are able to see how much sleeping, doing light house work, sitting watching tv, cooking your meal, folding laundry, ect...burns in calories per day. You would be surprised that with exercise burning 200-400 calories a day, plus the additional loss of activities you have exceeded your intake in loss. Just remember it takes -3500 calories to burn 1lb of fat. For example if your taking in 700 calories a day and burning 1200 calories a day, which is trully under estimating it, that means your banking -500calories. That means in 7 days you will have banked -3500, a loss of 1lb. Now you have to remember during certain times of the month the body will retain water and this may be altered by this. ---Don't know if this helped at all, Sabrina

Thanks for the responses, everyone. I do put into the fitday calculator my general walking (around work, etc), but I'd forgotten about the sleeping, folding laundry, etc...so I'm sure you're right about that. I just started on solids yesterday, so I'm sure my caloric intake will go up pretty quickly. I guess that's part of the reason I was worried, but now I'm feeling much better!. Julie

I get about 700 calories/day. However, about 270-300 of that is my protein drinks. In my two protein drinks that I have a day I get 70 grams/protein, 270 calories from the powder, and a few extra calories with whatever liquid I put in it and the fruit. I like to do this because then I KNOW I'm getting in my protein and whatever I eat on top of that is just 'gravy' so to speak. Then I don't feel guilty if I want to eat steamed cauliflower for lunch - filling my stomach with something that doesn't have protein in it! So, just from food and food alone, I'm getting about 400 calories.

Gosh I just love all of you guys!!!! When I read these posts I totally realize that I am not alone and when I wonder if what I am doing is right/wrong.......it helps to see others asking the same questions and are in the same boat! I have been so upset about my caloric intake because I can take in anywhere from 800-1200 calories a day thinking that was WAYYYYYY too much. My protein has been between 70-90 and my fluids, for the most part, are around 64 oz. I often wonder if these were too many calories, but I dont eat anything htat really isnt on my plan. I gained 8 lbs also! But now its off after my cycle, but I am still retaining LOTS of water. My ankles and hands are so swollen. Im hoping the scale will start budging in the next week or so. So..........here is to US! All of US! I really love reading your posts and your words of wisdom and experience. Please keep posting! Carrie