Interesting web site about calories

I googled for how many calories I should be eating (not real happy with the scale right now), and came across this web site. I know you can't always depend on what these things say, but I found some interesting things on here, especially if you click the link at the end "Healthy Body Calculator." I got two calculations to maintain 125 pounds at 5'5" - between 1,800 and 2,040 calories a day. Some of the web sites tell me I can only have 1,300 calories a day, so I like this one better. http://primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/library/weight/calsburne d.htm

Hi Wanda, Thanks for this site. According to it, I should be eating about 2000 calories a day (I am 5"10 and i love my body weight right where it is at 143). I try to get in 1800 a day and this has been working for me for the last two months. But evvery once in awhile, the scale shows a drop and then I try to up it a little. I never want to gain an ounce back, so I worry a bit about this maintaining process. It's good to know, others worry too. Thanks again, nancy

Most of the charts are pretty accurate on the RMR but when you add the activity level is where it really starts to vary IMO. I went and it says my RMR would be 1595 calories based on their charting..When I did "the easy way" and picked moderatly active it says I would need 2465 calories.  I had a metabolism test done back in March my RMR was 1465 so 130 calories less than this chart.... my total calories burned on an average day was around 1800 (that included a 1/2 hour of moderate exercise) per the chart thats 665 calories less - thats a big difference! I was told I needed to eat between 1400-1800 to maintain my current weight... I am 5'7" and 145lbs.

Where did you go and get your testing done?  Several people have told me to go and get that done because it is more accurate than depending on average charts.  We are not average people having been overweight and like me I yo-yo'd for years up and down on one diet after another.  That wrecks your body's metabolism.  A nutrtionists told me that we usually have to eat lower calories than the average that those charts say.  So, I have been thinking about it but didn't know where you go to get that done.  How much does it run if you don't mind my asking? Thanks, Melissa

Melissa, I haven't had that test done yet, but I've been told that here in Rome, GA it would cost about $50 and takes about 10 minutes. You have to sit and breathe through a straw for a while and that's hard for some people, but you're supposed to sit still and read a magazine. I'm planning to have it done some time over the next year or so.

When I went I had to wear a face mask and breath into that... no straw :-)

Personally, I have found many people who had the metabolism test had to eat much more than their NUTs had been telling them - however they all were very active in exercise, weight training, running etc. My surgeon/NUTs maintaince plan is for 1000-1200 calories for life, with a max of 1400, *maybe* 1500... per my test I should be eating 1800... I average about 1400 right now which seems to work for me - my energy levels and mood has been so much better eating in that range then when I was below 1200 calories. Per the testing I had my metabolism fell just below the middle of the normal range for somebody of my age/height/weight... my fitness level was also average. My NUT said they really base the information off the average they have seen work for the patients etc.. not everybody fits the mold ya know? I got mine done at my local YMCA... it was $110 for both (it would have been $90 if I was a member of the Y) the Resting and Exertion test... the resting was breathing into a mask for 10 minutes while sitting... the exertion was either riding a stationary bike or doing the treadmill and took about another 10 minutes... it is worth getting both done if you can. They suggest you get tested every 6 months to 1 year... my feeling is if I started to regain I would get tested again to see if there were a change or if I felt I needed it because my body was trying to tell me something. I know some who have seriously upped their exercise/fitness levels have gone back to retest 6 months later to see if there was any improvements. When I went they explained to me how to improve the exeterion test and fitness level etc... when you do that you typically up your metabolism as well and become more efficient at burning calories.

That site says I need 2700 calories AND at one time I did eat that much to maintain.  Now I'm around 2000 give or take. It's funny tho, II'm not sure eating 2700 calories per day would be enjoyable.  I'm more than satisfied with my 2000 and enjoy lots of foods (but always in moderation).