Thinking of upping my calories?

BeautyFromPain

I am thinking of upping my calories, quite simply I am hungry ALL the time on 1240. Maybe if I just change it to 1 1/2 lb loss a week it would make the calories go up. What does everyone think? I'm thinking I NEED 1500 at the bare minimum, I am eating at 1200 but I am starving! What do y'all think I should do?

dls06

Nothing wrong with taking it slower. I think it is a better Idea because it will be easier to maintain in the long run.

melsinct

I made the mistake of originally setting my MFP goal to lose 2 pounds/week. I was eating 1200 calories, was hungry all the time, and eventually sent myself into a 2 month long plateau. I upped my calories to 1400, with no change, then again to a 0.5 pound/week loss (1700 calories) and the weight started coming off again.

If I had to do it all again, I would start from the very beginning at a 1 pound/week loss. Anything more is too aggressive, unless you have a real lot to lose.

bethdris

I started at a 2 pounds a week loss, but had a LOT to lose. They reccomend 1 pound a week. Being hungry all the time isnt a agood thing...Up your cals and lower your per week weight loss and see how you feel. Tweek as needed!

BeautyFromPain

I made the mistake of originally setting my MFP goal to lose 2 pounds/week. I was eating 1200 calories, was hungry all the time, and eventually sent myself into a 2 month long plateau. I upped my calories to 1400, with no change, then again to a 0.5 pound/week loss (1700 calories) and the weight started coming off again.

If I had to do it all again, I would start from the very beginning at a 1 pound/week loss. Anything more is too aggressive, unless you have a real lot to lose.

How much do you think is a real lot?
I am aiming for another 30ish kilos, should I put it on 1 1/2 or 1? Or on 1 1/2 now and move to 1 when I get closer?

Mawskittykat

I was also set to lose 2 pounds a week and only eat 1240. But like you, I stayed hungry all the time. Probably because I was exercising so much I needed more. I changed mine to 1 and 1/2 and it upped my calories to 1520. But I usually stay between 1350 and 1450. I am not hungry much anymore (except around my monthly time) and I have been losing more than 1 and 1/2. Usually on an average of about 2 pounds. Some weeks less some weeks more. I say change it for a couple of weeks and just see what happens. You can always change it again. Everyone is different and you have to determine what works best for you and go with it. GOOD LUCK!

Rae9911

When I spoke to my Dr back in January about losing the 3st 13lb I want/need to get rid of, he advised me not to go below 1500 calories a day, and exercise regulary. I have been doing this and my weight loss has varied from 1 lb a week up to 3lb a week depending on how much exercise I do.

millionsofpeaches

I made the mistake of originally setting my MFP goal to lose 2 pounds/week. I was eating 1200 calories, was hungry all the time, and eventually sent myself into a 2 month long plateau. I upped my calories to 1400, with no change, then again to a 0.5 pound/week loss (1700 calories) and the weight started coming off again.

If I had to do it all again, I would start from the very beginning at a 1 pound/week loss. Anything more is too aggressive, unless you have a real lot to lose.

This is a good point... You need to try out what works the best for you...

Michelle_H

Maybe take a good long look at the types of food that you're eating for those 1200 cals. Are you eating regularly, ie. 3 mains and a couple of snacks morning and afternoon? Eating enough protein and even a bit of protein with any carbs after a workout. I get occasional days where I'm hungry... but most of the time I have to ask if I'm hungry or do I just fancy something?

melsinct

I made the mistake of originally setting my MFP goal to lose 2 pounds/week. I was eating 1200 calories, was hungry all the time, and eventually sent myself into a 2 month long plateau. I upped my calories to 1400, with no change, then again to a 0.5 pound/week loss (1700 calories) and the weight started coming off again.

If I had to do it all again, I would start from the very beginning at a 1 pound/week loss. Anything more is too aggressive, unless you have a real lot to lose.

How much do you think is a real lot?
I am aiming for another 30ish kilos, should I put it on 1 1/2 or 1? Or on 1 1/2 now and move to 1 when I get closer?

Being from the US, I have to do a mental kilo to pounds conversion, lol. The whole weight loss thing is extremely personal and what worked for me won't work for everyone. I do think it is true for most that the closer you are to goal weight, the more you have to eat and the slower you will lose. If you want to lose 60 plus pounds, I would set it for 1 pound a week. If you really want it at 1.5 pounds/week, then set it as such and if you feel you are hungry and not fueling yourself well, back it down to 1 pound/week. Or wait until you are about 30 pounds from your goal weight, then back it down to 1 pound/week.

Unfortunately it is all trial and error. I found it really takes some tweaking to find where your sweet spot is where you are losing weight yet don't feel hungry all of the time. Then once you figure it out, your body will eventually adjust and change and you'll have to repeat the cycle! :laugh:

kwaters7

Agree with the above - 1-1.5 lbs a week is enough. Google what a pound of fat looks like and i'm sure you will be ok with that. Lose too fast and you might end up with loose / excess skin.

Can i offer a couple of suggestions?

1 - Up your lean protein - with eggs, lean steak, chicken etc, you will feel much fuller for longer. There is only so much protein you can eat at one time unlike carbs (think pizza - you always find space for more 10 mins later - well i did anyways

2 - If you are exercising, dont be too low anyway, your body needs energy for recovery/repair or you will get run down/injured

3 - Just remember that it's not a race even if it feels so when you're desperate to see changes fast. Like any race, go out too hard at the start, and chances are you'll tire, slow or stop all together. 1lb a week is sensible, and mentally you wont feel so constrained. If you go under on the cals every now and then, great, at least each day doesnt feel like the 1200 cal ordeal you're on at the moment.

Best of luck

PoeRaven

Instead of upping your calories, try spreading your given calories throughout the day. Break up your breakfast into two sections. Eat part of it and then eat rest of it a couple of hours later. Do the same for lunch and for supper. The key is to not let yourself get hungry. Also, if you add exercise, you can up you caloric intake.

Good luck!

BeautyFromPain

I do eat quite a bit of lean protein. I generally have 2/3 eggs with my breakfast, chicken with my dinner and turkey with my lunch. And sometimes I will have a protein shake after a workout.

I do exercise a lot... ?

And the only problem with splitting up brekky is that I would usually eat brekky straight before work and then not get a break so it's not really possible for me to eat like that? Also, I now eat a much bigger brekky than I used to. I used to only eat 1/2 of what I have now but was ravenous.

anelahm

bump. im trynna up my calories too.

Monika135

bump