Quote Originally Posted by Muirenn View Post
So how many calories per day do you eat?

But you can see even in this thread that a majority of people do not count calories. And that is best if they can maintain a healthy weight without doing that. I cannot.

When I was a ballet dancer, I weighed about 110 pounds at 5'7''. And I'm big-boned. Yes, I was underweight. I always tried for about 1000 calories per day, or less. And I often missed that goal. And got talked to for being overweight. It was hard. Weight was the main reason I quit. It was unhealthy.

I'm 150 lbs, and according to that formula, I need 1800 to maintain. And that's what I generally get. And I do maintain, and have for years. If I don't do much activity and don't feel like eating, I may eat 1500 per day. (And I lose very quickly, but I don't want to do that). 1850 is optimal, I've noticed. I feel very good then. Add another 500 in fuel if I go for a good bike ride, including food during and after. 2200 or so if I over-eat on a non-cycling day, so then I eat less for a couple of days, say around 1600 or so. The times I've gained weight and had to go on a real diet was because I stopped counting calories. Probably in part because I started 'dieting' at too young an age.

I have to stay on track. I literally write down everything I eat every day, calculate the calories, and make sure I get adequate amounts of protein, carbs, veggies, and fruit. I've done this for years and years. My physique isn't perfect. But I like my diet. I get to eat.
Also what about age. I have to say, that when I am not cycling I need 1800 calories to maintain my current weight of 105. I am 25. If I were 40 this would be totally different. I originally asked this question because I am having trouble figuring out how many calories I need for my cycling. It is crazy how much food I eat lately and it was all starting to mess with my head. I am riding about 150-200 miles a week and on some days I think I eat as much as 2500-3000 calories. That seems LIKE SO MUCH, and it kind of was freaking me out, but I have not really gained any weight, just more muscle. So I guess that is OK. I am also vegan. Perhaps that makes a difference. I dont know? I never weigh my food, just have pages and pages full of counted calories. It's annoying, but I cant stop counting.