Calorie Flux

futuresize8

While I've tried every diet (and sadly diet pill) known to humankind over the years, I've never been a calorie counter before.

I've been on the ultimate weight rollercoaster, soaring as high as 199 to as low as 135. And back up and down and up and down. Yeah, I know how bad this is on the body and heart!

I'm a pescaterian who eats very little processed food, avoids sugar, never drinks soda and never eats fast food. I don't even keep junk food in the house. And I've lived this way for nearly 20 years.

Yet I'm overweight. All my numbers at health checkups and screenings are awesome except one - WEIGHT.

However, I'm sedentary during the day, and have only worked out sporadically in the past. There are times when I've lost weight by doing regular cardio, but I have to do what I consider extreme - 5 miles of brisk walking five or six days a week or biking 10 -12 miles per day five days per week - just to maintain. I'm getting back on the exercise gradually.

SO! I'm trying calorie counting. Calorie counting my already pretty pure, clean diet foods. I'm suspicious of my portions, even though I eat "healthy foods", so joining up here is my way of really counting every little thing I eat. I'm measuring and recording every single little morsel.

Discipline is definitely not an issue with me. So, I'm wondering:

How big of a deal is it if you exceed calories slightly? My goal is to stay at 1200 cals. But doesn't the body get used to that?
Is it OK to throw your body a curve ball where you've got a "wild" 1600 calorie day here and there, but maintain the low cal count 99% of the time?
Does it affect your metabolism positively or negatively to eat exactly the same amount of calories each day?

Thanks for your input!

melaniecheeks

I would think it's just about impossible to get the exact same calories every day - even if you weigh everything the numbers are still only an approximation. No 2 apples will have exactly the smae amount of sugar, for instance. And don't get me started on erroneous items in the database!


My suggestion - go for strength training instead of cardio.

Welcome aboard, and good luck for your journey!

futuresize8

Thanks, MelanieCheeks!

I've been obsessing on the number and really, really trying to stay close without being a freak about it!

And I have to be honest...I am, so far, pretty hungry on 1200 cals. But I also haven't been varying what I eat, just how much and measuring. I'm guessing I was eating closer to 1800 calories a day before, and clearly that is too much for my lifestyle.

Like right now...I am totally hungry. But it's not worth it to me to eat a single calorie this close to lunchtime, so I'm just drinking water and trying to save calories.

ginnylee74

Thanks, MelanieCheeks!

I've been obsessing on the number and really, really trying to stay close without being a freak about it!

And I have to be honest...I am, so far, pretty hungry on 1200 cals. But I also haven't been varying what I eat, just how much and measuring. I'm guessing I was eating closer to 1800 calories a day before, and clearly that is too much for my lifestyle.

Like right now...I am totally hungry. But it's not worth it to me to eat a single calorie this close to lunchtime, so I'm just drinking water and trying to save calories.

It's hard to cut you calories at first. Perhaps you could do 1320 to 1350 a day instead of 1200 cals. The weight loss will be slower but you won't get so hungry and you might be able stick with it better. Have you see your doctor and had your (all of them) harmones checked. If something is out of whack it can cause weight problems Analyze WHAT you're eating. Some foods keep you more satisified and full than other. Strength training will help too.

Good luck and hang in there

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

I agree with starting with a slightly higher goal if you're hungry at 1200. It's really a pretty low goal. As you get smaller you'll require less calories and you might be able to feel more satisfied at 1200. As for your question a lot of people actually suggest varying your calories, or having a cheat day, so your body doesn't get so used to the routine you're on. Kudos on your self-discipline btw, I definitely don't have much of that going for me.