I am 5'2 and 100 lbs. I have been this weight for two years. However, I had not been eating healthy. I would usually eat little amount of food that was high in calories, like candy. Now I have decided to eat healthy, and I exercise Monday through Friday with Denise Austin in the mornings from 7 am to 8 am. I was going to eat about 1500 calories a day, but I feel that is too much. I don't want to gain any weight. I feel as if I already have, but the scale does not say so. I know I am eating more food than I have in the past, but that is lower in calories. Still, I am afraid I will gain weight. Should I eat less calories, or will I be OK with 1500 calories? I want to do things right, now, but I don't know if I am doing it right. How much calories should I consume to stay this weight?

1500 is fine.

There's nothing wrong with gaining a few pounds, as long as it's added bone and muscle, when you exercise. Also, a little fat is good for us too. It's protective of the organs in case of injury, gives us food storage in case of sickness etc., keeps us warm in freezing-cold weather, and rounds out the curves so we aren't so bony.

I'm all for keeping from getting overweight, but we have to be careful to not be underweight too. I think that you are doing just great to change to healthy foods and exercise. Your calorie intake might be a little over 1500, depending on the amount of exercise etc.

I say the things above, because I think that they are not mentioned enough. We shouldn't worry about a few extra pounds, if we feel and look healthy. Keep up the good work!

Since you are active, I multiplied your weight X 15= 1,500 cal's. You will MAINTAIN your weight if you are taking in that many cal's, so dont worry about gaining weight. You would have to stop working out and eat more cal's to GAIN weight. Dont forget that when your menstrual cycle comes around, you may gain a few lbs (water retention). You are doing exactly what I am doing, an hour M-F of aerobics http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif I am 5'7 and weigh 123lbs and I do eat whatever I want on the weekends but watch what I eat on the weekdays BUT everyone is different!