newbie help!

kimstrawberry

Hi there! I have 20kg to lose. For past 3 weeks I've been doing 1200 calories a day, and I'm also in final weeks of couch to 5k so running alternate days (where I eat extra calories)
Firstly, this week I've put on 700g, not much but psychologically very disheartening. Is this muscle from exercising? Also yesterday I was 100 under on calories, can I go 100 over today? Had a latte when out with parents :-(

ajnb88

One day isn't going to kill you. In fact, I find that (for some reason) I lose weight the days after eating waaay over my goal. Not sure why.

Sweating over 100 calories while you're evidently getting fitter (running etc) is just going to weigh you down. Focus on beating your bests, staying active, and just eat with more consideration rather than just cutting everything out.

_HeartsOnFire_

Everything I've learned in 2.5 years...

Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice.
-Wayne Dyer

It's about moderation not deprivation. There are no good/bad foods, only bad eating habits. Do or do not, there is no try. You have to want it, you have to work for it, you have to realize that only you can do it.

Read these:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1346163-change-your-mindset

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819925-the-basics-don-t-complicate-it

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1235566-so-you-re-new-here?hl=so+you're+new+here

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/872212-you-re-probably-eating-more-than-you-think

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1217573-so-you-want-to-start-running

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/974888-in-place-of-a-road-map-2k13

TL:DR the link right above this one then ->http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/975025-in-place-of-a-road-map-short-n-sweet

Excuses??? http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2014/06/02/the-no-excuses-play-like-a-champion-challenge/

If you have 75+ lbs to lose 2 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 40-75 lbs to lose 1.5 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 25-40 lbs to lose 1 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 15 -25 lbs to lose 0.5 to 1.0 lbs/week is ideal
If you have less than 15 lbs to lose 0.5 lbs/week is ideal

Want to lift heavy things?
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

Stronglifts Summary
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/560459-stronglifts-5x5-summary

Stronglifts Womens Group
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

La5Vega5Girl

One day isn't going to kill you. In fact, I find that (for some reason) I lose weight the days after eating waaay over my goal. Not sure why.

Sweating over 100 calories while you're evidently getting fitter (running etc) is just going to weigh you down. Focus on beating your bests, staying active, and just eat with more consideration rather than just cutting everything out.

I agree with this. a latte is ok. just not 20 lattes.
just move forward and try not to stress too much. from what I have learned, everything will equal-out eventually. if you go "over" 100 calories today, you can either withhold 100 calories tomorrow, or you can just have a little over for that day and move on. also, gaining muscle does sometimes cause you to gain, as does excess water and during your cycle if you retain water.

DianaLynnBB

Try not to stress yourself out too much. That will likely cause you to overeat. Look @ your calories as 1200 per day or 8400 total for the week. Plan for the days when you know you will eat more calories by eating less the days before and after.

As long as you work your plan the weight will come off. Look @ it as a marathon, not a sprint...you'll be much happier in the long run.

kimstrawberry

I am trying not to get too obsessed about the numbers but it's difficult. Especially with putting on weight this week. I'm trying not to get too worried about it :-(

disturbed_s

I feel your pain! I feel like I'm obsessing as well and I weighed this morning (official weigh is tomorrow) and have put on
600g despite 1200cals and exercising every day bar one. It is so disheartening and wonder what I could be doing wrong. Sorry I have no advice just wanted to let you know your not alone ????

WalkingAlong

I am trying not to get too obsessed about the numbers but it's difficult. Especially with putting on weight this week. I'm trying not to get too worried about it :-(

It never comes off in a nice straight line downward. We all have some 'up weeks' sometimes. It sucks but you learn you can't do anything but forge ahead or quit, and quitting just lands you back where you started.

One thing that makes it less gut wrenching is to select a diet that's not quite as punishing. 1200 is tough. If you don't lose, you feel robbed. Consider if there's a calorie level for you that will let you somewhat forget the scale but also still lose. 1500 works for a lot of women.

Good luck!