Should I really eat more to weigh less?

dylisla

I am pretty new on here and have been doing a bit of reading on fitness, nutrition etc to try and educate myself rather than blindly following another diet I don't really understand! I am set to lose 2lb a week so am on 1200 according to MFP and I do 300-500 cals worth of excercise (T25 and walking) so make sure I eat these back. My question is should I try eating more to weigh less? I don't want this to be another temporary weight loss which gets piled back on. Thanks for your help.

blueboxgeek

I'd certainly set my goal higher than that. At the end of the day, if you can eat more lovely food and still lose weight then why not!

Do you have a lot to lose? I would say unless you have 30-40lbs or more to lose you may want to reduce that to goal to 1lb a week.

BlackPup

If you don't want to gain it back make the changes that you do sustainable. Still have sweets occaisionally and the odd fast food. Just make smarter choices and have them less frequently. I would set it to 1 lb a week loss because the faster you lose it the more chance it will hop back on.
How much do you have to lose? Cos if u are in the last 10lb you might have to go even slower.

dylisla

I wish it was 10lb! No, 40lb now after losing 7lb over the last few weeks. I have been eating pretty health and worked out my macros from a link on this site. Managing approx carbs 40%, protein 30% and fat 30% although I worked out I should be eating a littler more protein than fat. I know calories are the most important but trying to stick to these macros is helping me make better food choices. Any ideas on the best way to up calories focusing on protein ? I can do it easily with wine and cheese but that's what got me into this in the first place, lol!

blueboxgeek

How about boiled eggs as a snack? They are a nice balance of fat / protein. Or maybe some greek yoghurt, almonds / almond butter?

Triciad811

Greek yogurt is my favorite for low cal / high protien. yoplait makes a 100 calorie greek yogurt too.

TraceyCKing

Im new on here and am looking to lose 1lb per week which means my calorie intake is 1200. I really struggle to eat enough to reach 1200 - and am also doing boxercise 3 times a week. Has anyone got any tips

shalisa7

I started trying to lose 2lb a week and found this a bit unrealistic. I am aiming for 1.5 now and it is much easier to do. 1200 calories is very hard to deal with. Good luck x

trogalicious

Here ya go.

1. don't trust the initial setup that MFP provides. If you put in the wrong/inaccurate information, it'll tell you to eat an amount that may not be applicable.
2. Make sure you eat enough.
3. Figure out what works for you and is sustainable/healthy/long term.
4. avoid fads. don't buy in to any "Hey, try the twinkie and vodka diet"
5. Don't cut out anything now that you don't plan on literally giving up forever.
6. GET A FOOD SCALE. Weigh everything. No, seriously.
7. Get an HRM with a chest strap. You'll at least have a better idea of what you're burning. It'll be more accurate than the generic info in the exercise database.. and even more than the cardio machines. This is great for steady state cardio (run/walk/etc)
8. Don't go balls out. You'll burn out. I see 300 lb people show up here, instantly start working out and cutting their intake SEVERELY... trying to cut out all of their carbs at once.. whatever. Take it slow. Figure out how much you need to eat FIRST in order to lose.. then incorporate exercise.
9. Don't cardio yourself to death.
10. Take the information on the forums with a grain of salt. A lot of people that have been here for a while.. and have been successful, may seem jaded. They give out GREAT advice day after day, only to be met with people that refuse to listen.
11. Eat real food. Not diet food. Not "low fat, sugar free, now without X." It's easier to get/find/count.
12. don't set time restrictions.
13. measure yourself weekly. Don't just weigh. Measure and take pictures.
14 BE PATIENT.
15. Avoid forum topics that have "1200" in the title. It's just full of butthurt. Lots of it.
16. This isn't a game, it's about changing your lifestyle. Do that.

pretty much that.

...and don't fall into the "1200 calorie" vertigo of suck because of:

the typical MFP users does this:
1. I wanna lose weight, let's try MFP.
2. OH! Wow, it tells me I can lose 2 lbs a WEEK? AWESOME!
3. I just sit at a desk when I'm not working out, I guess I'm sedentary.
4. MFP tells them 1200 calories, and they don't even eat that.. then they work out on top of it.. creating an even bigger deficit.
5. Lose a lot, fast, brag about 1200 calorie success.
6. Come back in a few months trying to figure out why they're dizzy, tired, not losing weight.
7. Get on the forums, ask why they aren't losing.
8. Get two responses (I eat 1200 and lose) (I eat 2200 and lose)
9. Argument ensues about who is right.

Now. That being said. These threads happen hundreds of times per day. Most times, and I mean really.. seriously.. 95% of the time.. people get the 1200 number because they don't put the right information in when they set up the account. There are a great number of people that are trying to help. I'm one of 'em.

I'm a hardcore advocate of actually finding out what works for the individual.. by means of other calculators, averages, time, practice, and patience.

Blanket prescriptions of 1200 calories "because it worked for me" is more harmful to the generic new user than the "figure out what you need to eat." Unfortunately, one is a LOT easier to type.

Find out what you need: http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/
Take the tips, links, and info above and make the cart more manageable.

The TL;DR answer to your question? Yes. You should eat more than the 1200 if you're working out that much.

ndj1979

you are going to have to experiment and see what works for you ..

eat more to weight less works for some, and then you will see posts from others who say that they gained five pounds. It all boils down to what works for you and your body.

You said that you just joined, so how long have you been doing your current regimen? If less than four weeks, then you should stick with what you are doing for at least four to six weeks and see how what you are doing, works for you ...if you do not like the results after 6 weeks then make some adjustments..

I will say that 2lb a week seems a little ambitious and you may have better luck with 1/lb per week loss ...

coreyiscrazyful

Well if you're on a 1200 cal diet and you say lose 400 with physical activity, you eat 1600 calories a day. It depends on how many calories your body needs to maintain your weight, and it depends if you're still hungry. If you're still hungry LISTEN TO YOUR BODY eat.

EvgeniZyntx

Here ya go.

1. don't trust the initial setup that MFP provides. If you put in the wrong/inaccurate information, it'll tell you to eat an amount that may not be applicable.
2. Make sure you eat enough.
3. Figure out what works for you and is sustainable/healthy/long term.
4. avoid fads. don't buy in to any "Hey, try the twinkie and vodka diet"
5. Don't cut out anything now that you don't plan on literally giving up forever.
6. GET A FOOD SCALE. Weigh everything. No, seriously.
7. Get an HRM with a chest strap. You'll at least have a better idea of what you're burning. It'll be more accurate than the generic info in the exercise database.. and even more than the cardio machines. This is great for steady state cardio (run/walk/etc)
8. Don't go balls out. You'll burn out. I see 300 lb people show up here, instantly start working out and cutting their intake SEVERELY... trying to cut out all of their carbs at once.. whatever. Take it slow. Figure out how much you need to eat FIRST in order to lose.. then incorporate exercise.
9. Don't cardio yourself to death.
10. Take the information on the forums with a grain of salt. A lot of people that have been here for a while.. and have been successful, may seem jaded. They give out GREAT advice day after day, only to be met with people that refuse to listen.
11. Eat real food. Not diet food. Not "low fat, sugar free, now without X." It's easier to get/find/count.
12. don't set time restrictions.
13. measure yourself weekly. Don't just weigh. Measure and take pictures.
14 BE PATIENT.
15. Avoid forum topics that have "1200" in the title. It's just full of butthurt. Lots of it.
16. This isn't a game, it's about changing your lifestyle. Do that.

pretty much that.

...and don't fall into the "1200 calorie" vertigo of suck because of:

the typical MFP users does this:
1. I wanna lose weight, let's try MFP.
2. OH! Wow, it tells me I can lose 2 lbs a WEEK? AWESOME!
3. I just sit at a desk when I'm not working out, I guess I'm sedentary.
4. MFP tells them 1200 calories, and they don't even eat that.. then they work out on top of it.. creating an even bigger deficit.
5. Lose a lot, fast, brag about 1200 calorie success.
6. Come back in a few months trying to figure out why they're dizzy, tired, not losing weight.
7. Get on the forums, ask why they aren't losing.
8. Get two responses (I eat 1200 and lose) (I eat 2200 and lose)
9. Argument ensues about who is right.

Now. That being said. These threads happen hundreds of times per day. Most times, and I mean really.. seriously.. 95% of the time.. people get the 1200 number because they don't put the right information in when they set up the account. There are a great number of people that are trying to help. I'm one of 'em.

I'm a hardcore advocate of actually finding out what works for the individual.. by means of other calculators, averages, time, practice, and patience.

Blanket prescriptions of 1200 calories "because it worked for me" is more harmful to the generic new user than the "figure out what you need to eat." Unfortunately, one is a LOT easier to type.

Find out what you need: http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/
Take the tips, links, and info above and make the cart more manageable.

The TL;DR answer to your question? Yes. You should eat more than the 1200 if you're working out that much.

excellent post, trog.

trogalicious

excellent post, trog.

Thank you, sir. I keep it on my clipboard so I can just copy/paste it all over.

Morninglory81

4. avoid fads. don't buy in to any "Hey, try the twinkie and vodka diet"

Please don't avoid fats, they are essential to your health.

The rest is sound advice!

trogalicious

4. avoid fads. don't buy in to any "Hey, try the twinkie and vodka diet"

Please don't avoid fats, they are essential to your health.

The rest is sound advice!

lol. You almost got me there.

Morninglory81

4. avoid fads. don't buy in to any "Hey, try the twinkie and vodka diet"

Please don't avoid fats, they are essential to your health.

The rest is sound advice!

lol. You almost got me there.

:laugh: sorry guess I need to check my reading comprehension! Coffee?

dylisla

Wow! Thanks for that! It's good to see I am doing some things right eg focusing on health eating, investing in a hrm. Obviously I have cut my cals back over the last few week so should I up them slowly or just begin eating my TDEE - 20%?

trogalicious

I double posted like a derp, so I'm editing this one!

trogalicious

4. avoid fads. don't buy in to any "Hey, try the twinkie and vodka diet"

Please don't avoid fats, they are essential to your health.

The rest is sound advice!

lol. You almost got me there.

:laugh: sorry guess I need to check my reading comprehension! Coffee?

Wow! Thanks for that! It's good to see I am doing some things right eg focusing on health eating, investing in a hrm. Obviously I have cut my cals back over the last few week so should I up them slowly or just begin eating my TDEE - 20%?

You could go either way. If you're more comfortable with increasing it daily versus jumping right in, do that.

dylisla

Like all those things - will give them a try. Thanks

kendragetshealthy

Here ya go.

1. don't trust the initial setup that MFP provides. If you put in the wrong/inaccurate information, it'll tell you to eat an amount that may not be applicable.
2. Make sure you eat enough.
3. Figure out what works for you and is sustainable/healthy/long term.
4. avoid fads. don't buy in to any "Hey, try the twinkie and vodka diet"
5. Don't cut out anything now that you don't plan on literally giving up forever.
6. GET A FOOD SCALE. Weigh everything. No, seriously.
7. Get an HRM with a chest strap. You'll at least have a better idea of what you're burning. It'll be more accurate than the generic info in the exercise database.. and even more than the cardio machines. This is great for steady state cardio (run/walk/etc)
8. Don't go balls out. You'll burn out. I see 300 lb people show up here, instantly start working out and cutting their intake SEVERELY... trying to cut out all of their carbs at once.. whatever. Take it slow. Figure out how much you need to eat FIRST in order to lose.. then incorporate exercise.
9. Don't cardio yourself to death.
10. Take the information on the forums with a grain of salt. A lot of people that have been here for a while.. and have been successful, may seem jaded. They give out GREAT advice day after day, only to be met with people that refuse to listen.
11. Eat real food. Not diet food. Not "low fat, sugar free, now without X." It's easier to get/find/count.
12. don't set time restrictions.
13. measure yourself weekly. Don't just weigh. Measure and take pictures.
14 BE PATIENT.
15. Avoid forum topics that have "1200" in the title. It's just full of butthurt. Lots of it.
16. This isn't a game, it's about changing your lifestyle. Do that.

pretty much that.

...and don't fall into the "1200 calorie" vertigo of suck because of:

the typical MFP users does this:
1. I wanna lose weight, let's try MFP.
2. OH! Wow, it tells me I can lose 2 lbs a WEEK? AWESOME!
3. I just sit at a desk when I'm not working out, I guess I'm sedentary.
4. MFP tells them 1200 calories, and they don't even eat that.. then they work out on top of it.. creating an even bigger deficit.
5. Lose a lot, fast, brag about 1200 calorie success.
6. Come back in a few months trying to figure out why they're dizzy, tired, not losing weight.
7. Get on the forums, ask why they aren't losing.
8. Get two responses (I eat 1200 and lose) (I eat 2200 and lose)
9. Argument ensues about who is right.

Now. That being said. These threads happen hundreds of times per day. Most times, and I mean really.. seriously.. 95% of the time.. people get the 1200 number because they don't put the right information in when they set up the account. There are a great number of people that are trying to help. I'm one of 'em.

I'm a hardcore advocate of actually finding out what works for the individual.. by means of other calculators, averages, time, practice, and patience.

Blanket prescriptions of 1200 calories "because it worked for me" is more harmful to the generic new user than the "figure out what you need to eat." Unfortunately, one is a LOT easier to type.

Find out what you need: http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/
Take the tips, links, and info above and make the cart more manageable.

The TL;DR answer to your question? Yes. You should eat more than the 1200 if you're working out that much.

This- EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Morninglory81

4. avoid fads. don't buy in to any "Hey, try the twinkie and vodka diet"

Please don't avoid fats, they are essential to your health.

The rest is sound advice!

lol. You almost got me there.

:laugh: sorry guess I need to check my reading comprehension! Coffee?

That looks like espresso! I think I'm in love.

LumpySpacePrincess1

"16. This isn't a game."

amybluehat

Ditto that.....

I am intersted in a twinke vodka diet......:happy:

hmrey76

Here ya go.

1. don't trust the initial setup that MFP provides. If you put in the wrong/inaccurate information, it'll tell you to eat an amount that may not be applicable.
2. Make sure you eat enough.
3. Figure out what works for you and is sustainable/healthy/long term.
4. avoid fads. don't buy in to any "Hey, try the twinkie and vodka diet"
5. Don't cut out anything now that you don't plan on literally giving up forever.
6. GET A FOOD SCALE. Weigh everything. No, seriously.
7. Get an HRM with a chest strap. You'll at least have a better idea of what you're burning. It'll be more accurate than the generic info in the exercise database.. and even more than the cardio machines. This is great for steady state cardio (run/walk/etc)
8. Don't go balls out. You'll burn out. I see 300 lb people show up here, instantly start working out and cutting their intake SEVERELY... trying to cut out all of their carbs at once.. whatever. Take it slow. Figure out how much you need to eat FIRST in order to lose.. then incorporate exercise.
9. Don't cardio yourself to death.
10. Take the information on the forums with a grain of salt. A lot of people that have been here for a while.. and have been successful, may seem jaded. They give out GREAT advice day after day, only to be met with people that refuse to listen.
11. Eat real food. Not diet food. Not "low fat, sugar free, now without X." It's easier to get/find/count.
12. don't set time restrictions.
13. measure yourself weekly. Don't just weigh. Measure and take pictures.
14 BE PATIENT.
15. Avoid forum topics that have "1200" in the title. It's just full of butthurt. Lots of it.
16. This isn't a game, it's about changing your lifestyle. Do that.

pretty much that.

...and don't fall into the "1200 calorie" vertigo of suck because of:

the typical MFP users does this:
1. I wanna lose weight, let's try MFP.
2. OH! Wow, it tells me I can lose 2 lbs a WEEK? AWESOME!
3. I just sit at a desk when I'm not working out, I guess I'm sedentary.
4. MFP tells them 1200 calories, and they don't even eat that.. then they work out on top of it.. creating an even bigger deficit.
5. Lose a lot, fast, brag about 1200 calorie success.
6. Come back in a few months trying to figure out why they're dizzy, tired, not losing weight.
7. Get on the forums, ask why they aren't losing.
8. Get two responses (I eat 1200 and lose) (I eat 2200 and lose)
9. Argument ensues about who is right.

Now. That being said. These threads happen hundreds of times per day. Most times, and I mean really.. seriously.. 95% of the time.. people get the 1200 number because they don't put the right information in when they set up the account. There are a great number of people that are trying to help. I'm one of 'em.

I'm a hardcore advocate of actually finding out what works for the individual.. by means of other calculators, averages, time, practice, and patience.

Blanket prescriptions of 1200 calories "because it worked for me" is more harmful to the generic new user than the "figure out what you need to eat." Unfortunately, one is a LOT easier to type.

Find out what you need: http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/
Take the tips, links, and info above and make the cart more manageable.

The TL;DR answer to your question? Yes. You should eat more than the 1200 if you're working out that much.

^^^^love everything you said...an i so want to be on that twinkie vodka diet haha. According to your link I should be at 1732/day...i am eatting at my BMR and eatting back my exercise calories. Guess if I don't lose anything this week, I will bump up my intake to lose! it sounds crazy but it may just work!