I got 99 problems and my weight is one!

Tash_Bgosh

Hi All,

I've been on MFP for two weeks now. My first week Its like I was possessed and went to the gym every day like a semi maniac and sticking to a 1200-1300 caloric diet. Now at the end of week two, I havent gotten to the gym becasue ive had a lot to do with holidays and birthdays comming up, but I have been doing mini work outs at home (crunches, jumping jacks, walking the stairs! lol). I plan on starting up with my cardio regimen on Monday but I guess I'm feeling a litle discouraged this week. I know results wont change years of bad habits overnight but I want them!!!

Few Questions:

1. is a 1200 calorie diet still good even if im not working out?
2. what are you guys having for lunch, that seems to the hardest decision for me during the day and im sick of turkey!?
3. should I try workout videos? I feel more motivated at the gym but im feeling inspired by everyone on here who loves them.

Thanks for listening!

xoxox
Tash

erickirb

1. Yes, if you exercise you have to eat more than 1200 cals.

lessertess

Don't be discouraged. You're right a couple of weeks won't change a lifetime of habits and you are in this for the long haul.

1. 1200 calories is a random number that is usually assigned as the very MINIMUM that a woman should eat in order to maintian basic bodily functions and nutrition. So, unless you're very petite, you should not go under 1200. It is more likely that with exercise you should be eating more than 1200.

2. Be creative with lunch. I find that leftovers from dinner work really well. I like salads with added protien and, especially this time of year, I really like soups. (yes I realize the sodium police will immediately caution about high sodium content, but I have very healthy blood pressure, drink plenty of water and get enough potassium).

3. Exercise videos can be great if you find some that you like and if you are motivated to work out on your own. I have some that I really enjoy and they are great for those times when I can't make it to the gym. But, I have to admit, I'm more motivated going to the gym. I find that I'm not as distracted, work harder and enjoy the interaction with the other people in class and with the instructors. However, everyone is different. Buy one or two and see how you feel.

Good luck!

ErinMarie25

1200 is fine!
Usually for leftovers, I'll make a salad, turkey sandwich, or just eat leftover. Ham and cheese bagel melts are good too! Yum!
I do Beachbody at-home DVD's. I've done Turbo Jam, CLX, and am on the last 2 months of TurboFire. I love doing DVD's because I have a 1 year old so it's easier for me and I just like to workout by myself in the comfort of my own home and it's great during the winter since it's cold and no one likes going out in the cold!

ashlee954

I agree with the other posts. 1200 really is as low as you should go unless of course a doctor has cleared/suggested otherwise. Also, exercise is only 10-20% of weightloss success. Your diet is the other 80-90%. It is 100% possible to lose weight without exercise. It is of course a very healthy hobby to adopt, however. AND has so many added health benefits. But if you're concerned about your weightloss just know that it won't affect it TOO terribly much, especially if you're only eating 1200 cals. As far as workouts go- to each their own. You need to find what works best for you. Change things up here and there. The important thing is to keep pushing yourself and not let yourself get bored with a set routine. Lunches? I eat a lot of turkey too. And sweet potatoes, hard boiled eggs, chicken breasts, tuna steaks/sandwiches, sushi, salads, etc. Good luck!

jamie1888

Yes, 1200 is the minimum you should consume on any day.

Lunch can be anything... there's nothing magical about turkey! Stop eating it for awhile if you are sick of it. Any lean protein will do at lunch time.
* I use a lot of ground turkey or groun pork to make patties or use to make a quick & healthy chili (lean ground meat, any low sodium canned beans that i have on hand (adds more protein and fiber), a can of no salt added diced or stewed tomatoes & a little seasoning.
*I've been buying boneless skinless chicken breasts on sale and keeping them in my freezer for use... bake the breasts and slice thin for sandwich meat, or shred/cut into strips to make some tacos or fajitas or throw on top of salad greens. Or top the breast with a little spaghetti sauce or canned diced tomato and sprinkle with cheese, heat in the micro until the cheese melts.
*Bring leftover dinners

Stick whatever workouts you are more comfortable and motivated with! You can get just as an effective workout at the gym as you can doing a video at home. Just do circuit training where you keep your heart rate up constantly and don't stop moving!

sgirl29

Don't get discouraged....
Although you can't get to the gym you're doing mini workouts and that's a plus. Exercise DVDs are nice to do at home. I myself have been exercising at home using either the exercise TV channel or exercise on demand. Anything that keeps you moving is good... Without exercise if you're eating around 1200 calories a day you'll still loose weight, if you're exercising you want to eat back some of those exercise calories so your body won't go into starvation mode. Hang in there Girl, you're doing fine. Feel free to add me as a friend if you'd like..... Good Luck!

superwmn

You're doing great! Working out at home is way better than not working out at all.

Clearly you HAVE seen changes overnight: you're eating right and working out on a regular basis. That's a HUGE accomplishment. CONGRATULATIONS!

My lunches vary, but I usually do some or all of the following:

- 5 slices mesquite turkey on 1/2 an Arnold's sandwich thin (100 cal).
- Soup. My faves are Select Harvest Light
- Salads are your friend. I only count the protein and dressing.
- There are a lot of great recipes on here. Make enough for the week and grab one each day. Today I'm having pork tenderloin and roasted veggies that I made for this exact purpose.
- Cottage Cheese with your choice of toppings: cinnamon and raisins, peaches in water, pears in water, insert-your-fave-fruit-in-water...
- I always pack a cheese stick and keep almonds at my desk (14 roasted, unsalted almonds = 100 cal and keeps me full WAY longer than a 100 calorie snack pack).

As far as workout videos go, I do WAY better in classes at my gym. Life happens and we can't always make it to the gym so it's good to have a few (or a ton) of options at home. People on this site rave about the beach body offerings.

YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Charmagne

Tash_Bgosh

Thanks everyone for your advice!