Do I have to eat 1800 even?

sonyakmiec

Thanks everybody, really! I can't tell you how much I appreciate each of you taking the time to respond to me. I've never had much luck finding support on community boards! I think there's a meme floating around that says something to the effect that "I don't always diet, but when I do, I expect instant results." Although unrealistic, there is some truth to that! I've been at it for most of my life-I've lost 150 twice in my lifetime...no lie. But as I age, my old meal plans don't seam to be working. I'm sure it's a combination of things of things I'm doing wrong, that used to work when I was younger? I don't know. I just know the intention and the effort is there, so I need to see some results somewhere, somehow!

Alluminati

Hello there. Your diary looks good so taking into account your background, it seems that you just need to continue what you're doing for a coupke more weeks and be patient. From your story of the fluctuations of 5 lbs, it sounds like you were probably eating at maintenance before you started tracking again. I know when I'm maintaining I can flux between 5-10 lbs depending on my weekend shenanigans. Hang in there and good luck.

CountessOCandy

hko718 wrote: »

CountessOCandy wrote: »

Hi there, I'm also 5'9", 42 and weigh 191. MFP gives me 1510 cals at sedentary to lose 1lb a week. I exercise and eat those cals back, so I net very close to that 1510 every day (usually a little under) and am losing at a rate of 1.27 lbs a week (based on 10 weeks of tracking).

1.27 is a good loss rate per week. carry on

Thank you I just wanted to let the OP know since our stats are similar that I am not able to lose a pound a week eating 1800 cals a day.

sonyakmiec

CountessOCandy wrote: »

Hi there, I'm also 5'9", 42 and weigh 191. MFP gives me 1510 cals at sedentary to lose 1lb a week. I exercise and eat those cals back, so I net very close to that 1510 every day (usually a little under) and am losing at a rate of 1.27 lbs a week (based on 10 weeks of tracking).

Not sure if I'm replying to you specifically, but thank you! I feel encouraged! I'll reduce my calories to 1500 and see what happens. Do you eat back your calories too after you work out?

kshama2001

sonyakmiec wrote: »

Thanks everybody, really! I can't tell you how much I appreciate each of you taking the time to respond to me. I've never had much luck finding support on community boards! I think there's a meme floating around that says something to the effect that "I don't always diet, but when I do, I expect instant results." Although unrealistic, there is some truth to that! I've been at it for most of my life-I've lost 150 twice in my lifetime...no lie. But as I age, my old meal plans don't seam to be working. I'm sure it's a combination of things of things I'm doing wrong, that used to work when I was younger? I don't know. I just know the intention and the effort is there, so I need to see some results somewhere, somehow!

Get a food scale and be prepared to be shocked.

sanfromny

sonyakmiec wrote: »

I'm sure it's a combination of things of things I'm doing wrong, that used to work when I was younger?

I wouldn't say wrong but what you were able to do 20yrs ago or even 10 years ago is not the same. Stick to the process. I'm a wife, and mother and about to turn 40 so believe me when I say I know the changes!!

CountessOCandy

sonyakmiec wrote: »

CountessOCandy wrote: »

Hi there, I'm also 5'9", 42 and weigh 191. MFP gives me 1510 cals at sedentary to lose 1lb a week. I exercise and eat those cals back, so I net very close to that 1510 every day (usually a little under) and am losing at a rate of 1.27 lbs a week (based on 10 weeks of tracking).

Not sure if I'm replying to you specifically, but thank you! I feel encouraged! I reduce my calories to 1500 and see what happens. Do you eat back your calories too after you work out?

No problem Yes, I eat back my exercise calories. I know others have had issues with the calorie count MFP gives them, but it's been pretty accurate for me.
I hope you don't mind, I snuck a peak at your diary. I just want to make sure you're weighing your nut butters. I found that when I was measuring 1 tbsp instead of weighing 15 grams I was being too generous

sonyakmiec

I do measure one tablespoon! I think the peanut butter might be the only thing I'm mis-weighing? Could that really be messing me up that bad though? I suppose! I'll get a scale.

hko718

sonyakmiec wrote: »

I do measure one tablespoon! I think the peanut butter might be the only thing I'm mis-weighing? Could that really be messing me up that bad though? I suppose! I'll get a scale.

PB is one of the hardest things to weigh. If you're just eyeballing it you're probably off.

CountessOCandy

Yeah, a scale is a really good thing to invest in. It was a real eye opener for me once I started weighing everything. Good luck!

rileysowner

hko718 wrote: »

sonyakmiec wrote: »

I do measure one tablespoon! I think the peanut butter might be the only thing I'm mis-weighing? Could that really be messing me up that bad though? I suppose! I'll get a scale.

PB is one of the hardest things to weigh. If you're just eyeballing it you're probably off.

At what 100 calories or so per tablespoon, yes that can easily add a bunch of calories. BTW, in my experience, even a level tablespoon of peanut butter is not going to match up with the grams they say it should be.