Expert: Laura Kraemer RN,BSN,CPN - 11/6/2009

Question
How do I know how many calories to eat per day? I weight 135 pounds and I am 5'4. I have already lost 13, so I have hit a plateau. I am 18 years old. I run 3-4 times a week for 20 minutes with about 10 minutes of walking before and after. I would like to lose 5-10 pounds more. I have lost it from my arms and legs, yet I still have a stomach pooch.

Also, why does my weight go up and down by a pound almost every day? I weigh myself every morning at 8am after going to the bathroom before eating.

Answer
Dear Claire, Continue to eat what you have been eating, because it works for you. Your weight loss should begin again, sometimes it may take a week or two to start up again. We use 1500-1800 calories per day in the slimkids program.
Muscles are very good at holding fluid, especially after a hard workout so don't stress over a pound or two difference, it will all work it self out. Hope that helps, Laura Kraemer,Slimkids.com