Changing weight loss goals?

lklein

So I’ve just changed my weight loss goal from 1lb per week to .5 per week and my calories goal went up about 210 calories, previously at 1200. I did this because I haven’t lost any weight in a while (about 2 months to exact and I still have 15lbs left to lose). I know I haven’t been eating the healthiest lately even if I’m within my calorie goal, and I’m now doing something to change this (weekends are pretty bad for me). I also try to eat back some of my exercise calories but don’t always get all of them in.

What I would like to know if is this was the right move for me to make to try and jump starts my weight loss again? I would love to hear from those who have done this and the effect it had (positive or negative), or if you have some advice on how I could get things moving again. Constructive criticism only please. Thanks.


5'3", CW 134-135, SW 145 on Jan. 10, first 10lbs lost by March.

plain_jane

I made the same change last week, because my weight loss had slowed to .5 pound per week anyway. I dropped two pounds! I am still hesitant about what will continue to happen, but if I continue to lose, even slowly, while worrying less about restricting my calories, it will be awesome. Also, it's a good step toward figuring out maintenance as well, since, like you, I'm not that far from my goal. Give it a try, wait a couple of weeks to give it time, and you can always go back if it's not working or if you see a gain.

ladyhawk00

In a word, Yes. When you are close to goal, you should have a very conservative deficit. The body prefers to have a cushion, so to lose the last few lbs you need to let the body KNOW it's ok to burn fat - and the way to do that is to fuel it sufficiently.

If you haven't seen it, here's a great thread on figuring out good cal goals/deficits -

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/61706-guide-to-calorie-deficits

Also, one on what to expect...

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/9433-expectations

robin52077

I couldn't finish my journey and get to where I wanted to be until I started eating MORE. I now eat 1600-2000 a day to maintain at about 106-109 lbs.
At 1200 I was STARVING, 1500 dropped a bunch, and the last ten came off at 1600 (of GOOD food, not "diet" food) Your body needs to know it is getting the nutrients it needs in order to let go of those last few.