Is the calorie target right?

drshona

Hi all, I just started this week. I've never calorie counted before as such - I've done weightwatchers and always found I could eat loads on it. I'm aiming to lose 2lb a week for the first couple of months (I know that's at the upper end of what's suggested, but my bmi is About 35, so I think it should be safe enough to lose a bit more rapidly to start.

Thing is, I'm feeling pretty discouraged (3 days in!) that I haven't managed to stick to the suggested 1200calories any day so far. And to be honest, 1200 just doesn't sound like a lot to me.

I still need to add in exercise, so that will help, but I don't think there's any way I will do enough exercise to compensate for how far over my calories are.

Is 1200 realistic or too low? Should I adjust my target and aim to lose only 1lb a week?

Shona

climbing_trees

Welcome to MFP! ^__^

1200 is probably too low. How tall are you? How much do you weigh? I'm 5'4" and 135, my bmi is 24 and I eat about 1400/1700 a day, depending on how hard I work out.

I started on 1200 and did lose weight, but I was tired all the time. And I was always hungry, so anytime food was readily available, I binged. Then to compensate, I worked out until I couldn't stand or starved myself the next few days. It sucked and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone!

That being said, the beginning is always hard, especially if your body is used to eating 2000+ calories and all of a sudden you're only getting 1200. Go slowly, maybe for the first week or two decreasing your normal amount by 200 cal. Then after that decrease again. Try different calorie limits, macro amounts, and see what makes you feel best. Nothing is going to happen overnight, so be patient and don't ever give up!

drshona

Thanks for the reply. I'm 5ft5 and weigh 15stone1 (eek!) as of last monday.