How many calories do you eat a day?

[penguinchik]

Hi There, I know that everyone's caloric needs are different, but I was just wondering about how many calories you all eat.

I am asking because ever since I've been doing Cathe (used to do the FIRM), I am bingeing frequently. While FIRMing I had the right balance and was able to lose weight slowly. I am now trying to maintain, but am having a hard time figuring out how much I can eat in a day without gaining. According to my heartrate monitor (which I know is only an estimate), I am burning an average of 600 calories each workout. Some days it's more (like today was 750) and some days it's less, but I've really been working out intensely, so the days below 600 are few. I'm 5'8" and 140 lb. I wear a size 4 (sometimes smaller depending), so I have a good bit of muscle.

I guess I'm just wondering what a ballpark number would be for me to maintain. I thought maybe 2000, but even then I find myself bingeing after a few days. It's not emotional eating. You know that feeling when your body just wants food? Basically the only unclean food I eat would be a 150 calorie treat once a day. When I'm bingeing it's on all good foods, just a lot of it.

So, can you share with me what you all do? I think I remember reading that Jai (is that how she spells it?) eats 2500 cals a day. Now I know she's nothing but muscle (amazing body!), but do any of you eat that much? Thanks so much!
--Penguin :)

[singinggoddess]

I eat around 2700-3000 calories a day and am 5'7 and 137lbs and workout 6 days a week pretty hard. For me to lose I usually cut it to 2500 calories a day, but definitely maintain a size 6 with about 2700 calories. I have found that I need that amount to feel good and not hungry all the time. Everybody is different,but personally I think that a lot of people are not eating enough and then end up bingeing.

Susan

[allwildgirl]

I think it's probably about a gazillion. Give or take...

[toastythemosty]

How many am I suppose to eat...well about 2500 also, but I have been eating around 1800-2000. I am having a hard time getting past 2000, but in the winter time, I know I just may hit 3000 easily.

Charlotte~~

[CathydsRNA]

I am currently eating between 2500-2700/day and am still taking some weight off slowly. I am 5'7" and 124 lbs.

[scm]

I was maintaining my weight eating around 2,000 to 2,300 calories per day at 95 - 97lbs. 5'3". I think a lot has to do with what you eat too.

Susan C.M.

[pixie9]

I eat about 1600-2000 a day depending on how many calories I burn with my workouts. I've noticed though that as fearful as I was eating more calories, I think there is definately something to be said for this "zigzagging" of calories subject that's been on this forum lately.
I think that I've noticed some good gains just adding some calories to my diet every 3rd day or so.
But I never go hungry. When I'm hungry, I eat.
Carolyn

[penguinchik]

Wow! Thank you ladies!! I am so happy to hear that you are eating that much and maintaining! That makes my day! I knew I must not have been eating enough, but it's hard to get out of the weight loss mentality. That explains so much. I have felt so out of control for the past few months since I started going really intense with Cathe. It is amazing the calories that we burn with her workouts. I swear it's like a drug. The more I do the workouts, the more I look forward to those intense blasts where my heartrate sometimes gets to 176. I crave it! I know you all know what I mean. I am going to start allowing myself to eat more and not feel guilty about it. Thanks so very much!!!

[divagirl]

Ok, I have to respond to this one. How are you eating over 2000 calories a day and losing or maintaining. I feel like I need to cut down to 1500 to lose anything and I just can't do it. I wish I could eat that many calories and lose...what's wrong with me??

Tina

[scm]

Tina,
There is probably nothing wrong with you. A lot has to do with what you eat and when you eat it. In addition to good quality workouts. Maybe you could review your food intake and workout schedule and see if there is some place that needs improvement. Maybe your workouts need to be kicked up a slight notch.