New, joined to get my calories up to lose weight!

deanteam1

Hey all, I have always worked out and enjoyed it. Used to do cardio and drop my calories and I could not lose weight. Constant dieting crashed my metabolism. Working out more and eating less was not working for me. Started working with a trainer about a year ago who got my metabolism back up and running, eating small meals throughout the day and starting to eat again. Taught me circuit training. I'm 54 now (female). I hit the gym 3 times a week for weight training/circuit and I hit it hard 30min-45min, I'm out. Once a week I train with him, get coached with food. One day a week a bit of interval training, 20 min max. Making sure to get my rest in between workouts. My trainer wanted me to increase my calories, hit a 2 month plateau and I was soooo hungry all the time. I'm currently cruising at 1800 most days. My body seems to be responding to higher calories, I haven't gained and I feel better. Keeping my carbs low, mostly having carbs after workout, I have increased my protein. Once a week I do an intermittent fast and I have one spike day where I eat anything I want and it's awesome, to keep my metabolism from crashing plus it's a mental break from dieting. I lost almost 30 pounds, but I've gained a lot of muscle, so it's hard to go by the scale. I lost a lot of inches and 3 dress sizes. If you want me for support, I'm here. I thought maybe this could be a motivation if you struggle. I have struggled for a long time. Maybe you are in my age group, woman, can't lose weight. If you would like to give me any suggestions I appreciate the feedback! All I can say is, I've done the 1200 calories a day and was miserable and could not get my weight down, don't go there!

ncmtz

I was at 1200 and just changed today to 1500 to see if that helps me...i mostly eat health....my liquid isn't always healthy but keep to about 90% of the water I should drink a day. I exercise ...2 days a week early morning weight training 2 days a week early morning cardio.... then in the evenings just cardio 2-3 days a week.

deanteam1

That's awesome. Watch your cardio, not more than 20 min or your body takes from your muscles, make sure to allow plenty of rest. EAT! Don't worry about your water, drink when thirsty. Remember the scale won't always show progress. 20 pounds fat lost, 30 pounds muscle gained, scale shows no progress. Great job!