First real attempt at a lifestyle change

johndorling1982
johndorling1982 Posts: 3 Member
in Introduce Yourself
Hi. I'm at the end of my first week on MFP. I'm nearly forty, and have never really changed my diet much.

I love eating healthy food, I'm a good cook and love vegetables, fruit, lean meat etc. I enjoy exercising and regularly walk the dog, do weight training and HIIT 4 times a week.

BUT I bloody love carbs, and sugar, and alcohol and sweets and biscuits and chocolate.

I've been going to a crossfit gym for around 3 years and it has massively helped my strength and endurance, but has also increased my appetite and given me an excuse to eat even more!

Due to my activity levels I've been lucky enough never to become too overweight, but I'm currently 200lb and around 28% bodyfat. I'd like to get down to around 180lb and get leaner and then maintain.

I've set my calories to 2000 to start with but wondering if this is too low given my activity levels?

Anyway it would be nice to talk to some others about their goals and approach to eating.

John

Replies

  • Betty
    Betty Posts: 8,877 MFP Staff
    Hi John. Welcome to MyFitnessPal and congrats on your first week of logging!
  • Hiawassee88
    Hiawassee88 Posts: 35,754 Member
    Evening, John. How about setting your calories to maintenance level since you're already active. It will be a slower pace but there's no need to drop it like it's hot. Only the shadow knows how many calories you were consuming with the tiddlywinks you were having on the side. I know you don't mean biscuits and gravy but cookies, alcohol and chocolate. You don't have to give any of those things up, really. Now you'll be tracking all of your data points.
    Go higher, John. 🎈
  • BecomeAnAnimal
    BecomeAnAnimal Posts: 25 Member
    Hey John!

    I’m in your boat, starting at 223 and about 3 months later 192. I let MFP suggest my daily goal, which it set to be about 2100. I wanted to be a little more aggressive, so I have changed it monthly to 2000, 1900 and now 1800. I also weightlift 3 days a week.

    With that said, it’s all up to you and your comfort level. The initial shock of moving down to such low calories may be great: foggy mind, low energy, possible mood swing? Do what feels right for you. Best of luck, you got this!
  • johndorling1982
    johndorling1982 Posts: 3 Member
    Thanks for the comments.

    The first week was a strange one as I had an infection and was on antibiotics and had no appetite so it was easy to stay within my calories.

    I’m now towards the end of my second week. I’ve put my calories up slightly to 2250 and I’m not using my exercise calories. This seems sustainable as I’m really enjoying my food and eating lots.

    I’ve tweaked my macros to 45% carbs, 25% fat and 30% protein. This seems to fit well with my usual cooking style, I’m just avoiding bread and pasta which is fine.

    So far so good!

Categories