I'm trying to figure out how many calories I should consume per day to lose 6-8 pounds. I've tried multiple different websites, but either they tell me my BMI is too low and won't give me an answer, or it tells me a number that is too low to be healthy, like 1100 cal/day. I thought every woman, no matter her weight, should eat a minimum of 1200 cal per day. Yes?
Here's the deal... I went on a steroid called dexamethasone about 6 weeks ago, and in that time, I've put on about 8 pounds. I was quite happy with my weight before the steroids. (Prescribed for a medical condition.) And it's not all water retention, the medication increases my appetite, and I eat CONSTANTLY. I'm quite sure I was consuming several thousand calories per day. I've called my doctor to switch me to a different medication, now I just need to work on getting my body back.
I am 30 (soon to be 31) years old, 5' 6" and 116-118 pounds. (Varies with water weight.) My BMI is 19. I have very thin, small bones, and very little (if any!) muscle mass. I look/feel my best at 110 pounds. Don't focus too much on the numbers, my appearance is what counts, and I am definitely "overfat" at my current weight. There is no doubt about this. I have not started an exercise program because I am still being treated for immune system problems, and overexertion causes me to become very ill. I get more than enough exercise at work, so right now I'm just concentrating on diet. I WILL start exercising outside of work again, but I have to wait until I'm on medication to strengthen my immune system. Right now I'm supposed to be resting as much as possible.
This is my activity level, which I would consider "light activity." I may have some moderate activity, but I'm otherwise very sedentary.
On a typical work day, I am asleep for 6-8 hours, on my feet walking and taking care of patients (cleaning, lifting, changing, bathing patients which does break a sweat) for 6-10 hours, and sitting/standing for 4-8 hours. (I work 12 hour shifts, but they do allow us to sit down once in a while.) I work 3 nights per week, sometimes 4.
On my nights off, I am asleep for 8-12 hours (not all at once, but I do nap), sitting about 8 hrs, and doing household activities like cooking/cleaning/shopping/taking care of my child and dogs for 4-6 hours.
My metabolism is a bit slow due to thyroid disease, so I gain weight easily. So with all this info, can anyone help me determine how many calories I should be consuming to lose the weight, and then to maintain? Any input would be appreciated.
Here's the deal... I went on a steroid called dexamethasone about 6 weeks ago, and in that time, I've put on about 8 pounds. I was quite happy with my weight before the steroids. (Prescribed for a medical condition.) And it's not all water retention, the medication increases my appetite, and I eat CONSTANTLY. I'm quite sure I was consuming several thousand calories per day. I've called my doctor to switch me to a different medication, now I just need to work on getting my body back.
I am 30 (soon to be 31) years old, 5' 6" and 116-118 pounds. (Varies with water weight.) My BMI is 19. I have very thin, small bones, and very little (if any!) muscle mass. I look/feel my best at 110 pounds. Don't focus too much on the numbers, my appearance is what counts, and I am definitely "overfat" at my current weight. There is no doubt about this. I have not started an exercise program because I am still being treated for immune system problems, and overexertion causes me to become very ill. I get more than enough exercise at work, so right now I'm just concentrating on diet. I WILL start exercising outside of work again, but I have to wait until I'm on medication to strengthen my immune system. Right now I'm supposed to be resting as much as possible.
This is my activity level, which I would consider "light activity." I may have some moderate activity, but I'm otherwise very sedentary.
On a typical work day, I am asleep for 6-8 hours, on my feet walking and taking care of patients (cleaning, lifting, changing, bathing patients which does break a sweat) for 6-10 hours, and sitting/standing for 4-8 hours. (I work 12 hour shifts, but they do allow us to sit down once in a while.) I work 3 nights per week, sometimes 4.
On my nights off, I am asleep for 8-12 hours (not all at once, but I do nap), sitting about 8 hrs, and doing household activities like cooking/cleaning/shopping/taking care of my child and dogs for 4-6 hours.
My metabolism is a bit slow due to thyroid disease, so I gain weight easily. So with all this info, can anyone help me determine how many calories I should be consuming to lose the weight, and then to maintain? Any input would be appreciated.