Lisa is really the expert on this one. You need enough to keep you going, but not so much that you store them. They should also be good quality calories...but, she'll have a fantastic site or something for you to check out...she always does! That's why we love her!! I can tell you...1200-1500 is likely not enough!

I just kind of played around with my #s until I found out what felt right for me. Everyone is so different and has different needs. I ate around 1400 ish while losing, and now I am at 2,000 cals for maintence. Don't go under 1300 if you are exercising. 1400 calories was a good amount for me with my level of activity.

I am sure there are specific calculations, but I think it is really up to you to play around with different amounts and find what is working for you.

So do the sites really work then? I am on Fitday.. and it says to eat 1800 for weight loss. I am keeping it around 1200-1500. 1800 seemed too high......

It confuses me too.

I personally also have found the estimates on many different websites to be pretty high too. That's why I decided to just do what I think will work for me and my current life demands/circumstances and then I adjust my #s as necessary.

I find fitday to be a bit high also. You will lose slower at that count. Keep a jounal and then you can check back and adjust to your liking as Lisa suggested. I think sparkpeople.com has a calculator. And maybe WebMd.com in the fitness area.

Try caloriescount.com - I use this and it seems to be right on for me.
Don't have to sign up, just click free assessment.