Advice is welcome to newcomer

CrystalFlury

Hey everyone!
I'm new to this whole calorie counting thing. I was reading a previous post from someone saying they're having difficulties losing weight. Some people mentioned it was because the user may have not been eating enough therefore slowing down their metabolism. I know it's a little early considering I'm only 6 days into my lifestyle change but I was curious if leaving 700-800 calories free is a good idea or if I'm just setting myself up for a slow (possibly unsuccessful) weight loss. I figured out pretty quickly the reason for my weight issues in the past was due to overeating so cutting back to 1,520 calories, give or take, is making me feel hungry sooner/more often. I don't want to mess this up by technically 'starving' myself.

My recommended calorie intake is 1,520 and if I exercise (which most of the time I do) obviously it's going to add calories to my allowance. Do I go ahead and get AS close as possible to the new allowance after working out OR do I try to hover around 1,500 mark?

Also, to the ladies, is it normal that I gain about a pound when on my menstrual cycle? It makes sense to me that I would but I'm curious how others react to 'that time of the month' weight-wise.

Thanks to all!

andreahanlon

Starvation mode only happens due to prolonged periods of restricting calories, so if you are occasionally below your goals, it's not a big deal. Try to eat what MFP tells you to most days though. The general rule is to eat at least 1200 calories (which includes any calories you've gained from exercising)... but again, your body won't rebel against you if you're only doing that on occasion. Times when I follow MFP exactly (meaning eating what I exercise, etc); I have lost exactly what they told me I would. The exercise calorie debate is on-going on MFP. I would suggest reading the newbie information on the general health discussion boards that have been posted by administrators.

Yes, it's normal to gain weight around the time of your period. Then you'll see a loss afterward. Try not to get upset when the scale bounces around. Consistently healthy behaviors is what leads to longterm change.

melsinct

Starvation mode only happens due to prolonged periods of restricting calories, so if you are occasionally below your goals, it's not a big deal. Try to eat what MFP tells you to most days though. The general rule is to eat at least 1200 calories (which includes any calories you've gained from exercising)... but again, your body won't rebel against you if you're only doing that on occasion. Times when I follow MFP exactly (meaning eating what I exercise, etc); I have lost exactly what they told me I would. The exercise calorie debate is on-going on MFP. I would suggest reading the newbie information on the general health discussion boards that have been posted by administrators.

Yes, it's normal to gain weight around the time of your period. Then you'll see a loss afterward. Try not to get upset when the scale bounces around. Consistently healthy behaviors is what leads to longterm change.

A wise post that I totally agree with.