How many calories?

I have been a lurker for over two years and I really need to get it together and get back on track.  My biggest problem is grazing all day and drinking with meals.  I'm still about 20 lbs. overweight and have basically thrown in the towel of ever making it to goal weight.  How many calories does everyone eat on most days.  I think I'm lingering around 2000 on most days.  Isn't that disgusting!!!!  I hope I can get an idea about how many calories everyone else is eating.

I've got about 30 lbs that I'd like to get rid of and started tracking my calories last week.  Granted, I'm actively trying to lose, but I'm eating 1000-1200 calories (usually closer to 1000) per day with under 40 grams of fat, under 60 grams of carbs (unless I eat fruit that day) and over 100 grams of protein. Hope this helps! ~Lisa

If you check out the accountability threads,  you can see what several of us are doing.  I try to get between 1000 to 1200 calories a day and over 100 grams protein.  I just got bak on track a month ago.  Checking in here regularly helps me a lot.

I average on a daily basis between 2200 and 2500 calories and I am still consistently losing.  However, I work out 4 x's a week. 

You may have to play with your calories, carbs, fat and protein to find what works for you and will allow you to lose the weight you desire. My daily goal is to eat between 1000-1200 calories, over 100 grams of protein and I want my fat around 45 or so and carbs below 70.  I find that with protein shakes and focusing on dense protein I can reach my daily goal 97% of the time.

When I am consistently working out (cardio & weight training) for about an hr. at least 5 days a week, I can eat 1800-2200 cals/day and maintain.   Losing range for me is 1200-1400 cals.  I can lose in that range even if I'm not working out as much as above, but if I'm working out the full amount, I can see the lbs. come off nicely.

Due to my workout routine, I need around 2000cal daily to  maintain so nope, its not disgusting to me. Although I'm eating 2000 healthy calories per day versus eating 2000 cal from junk foods~that would be disgusting to me. If I need to lose a few then I cut back to 1400-1500cal per day and I will lose nicely. I think what's important is making sure to stick with healthy foods, follow the no drinking rule and exercise~this is the recipe for success! Good Luck to you on the last 20lbs~You CAN do it!

I would find an online calculator and determine what your daily caloric intake should be to maintain or lose etc.... I know when I am maintaining at my goal I can eat ~2000 cals a day and that was at 5'3.5" and 140 lbs.  Right now I am preggers and not concerned to be honest.  2000 a day isn't disgusting. It all depends on height, weight and activity level and about the only consistent exercise I get is running around after a 20 month old. 

http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/calneed

I don't think 2000cal a day is disgusting at all. In fact, it is probably close to what most women should be eating (obviously to be adjusted considering you weight, height activity level, etc). I am down to where I fluctuate between 117 and 121 lbs (i'm 5'4) and probably eat at least 2000 cals most days (especially if i get some exercise in). so i would not worry about your calorie intake unless you are gaining weight. if you do have another 20 lbs to loose (and, trust me those last few lbs are the hardest to get rid of), you may want to cut your calories to 1200-1400 a day until you reach your goal weight, focus on protein, limit carbs (kind of a back to basics approach) and introduce some cardio-type exercise (even walking briskly for a couple of miles a day can be very effective--it worked for me.) good luck and keep us posted