How many calories should you aim for each day? I know my doctor told me 200 calories makes it a meal but how many calories should each meal consist of and how much should you consume overall in a day?

Your caloric needs will differ from person to person based on plenty of things. Some people can lose steadily on 600-800 calories, some on 1,000, some at 1,200+ calories. It really depends on your body. In the beginning I was eating about 600-800 calories but once I started exercising I began to eat around 1,000 a day. I'll probably need to bump that up soon.

You may want to just play around with things. If you're losing at the levels you're eating at now, I wouldn't worry. If you start to stall/add in exercise, up your calories and see what it does for you.

I agree it will vary. Depends on your activity level, your weight, height and some other things that aren't so easily measured.

I like to use The Daily Plate on LIVESTRONG.COM - Calorie Counter, Weight Loss, food Calorie Counter, Nutrition Facts | LIVESTRONG.COM and use the calculator there to determine my caloric needs to lose 2lbs a week.

I try to stay around 1200 because studies, and my own experience, show that most women who eat 1200 calories a day lose weight faster and more consistently than those who eat less.

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Everyone's body is very different. You can pinpoint what works best for you by journaling your food intake someplace like fitday.com.

I lose best in the 800-900 calorie range (with daily exercise)--but I'm not the norm. You may not be the norm--or you may. The only way to figure it out is to keep track of your intake, and take note of what works for you.

I do 1,200 - 1,500 a day but am not very strict about counting.

I aim to burn at least 2,800 a day.