How long was it for you?

Glenruth

I started in November 2011 at 256lbs with a target loss of 65lbs in mind. Careful dieting and some exercise (mostly golf now the weather is getting better) now has me at 68lbs lost(187lbs). I am starting to slowly come off my diet and increase calories to around 1600 per day. Will probably settle at around 1900-2100 with a hope of reaching about 175lbs. No hurry though, just trying to change habits of a lifetime and eat more sensibly. I also try to drink plenty of water. Only problem is new wardrobe is costing me a fortune as all old clothes that are too large have now gone to charity shops or rubbish bins. No way am I going back to them. I am having difficulty accepting that I have gone from XXL to medium sizes. Can't ever see me as small but who knows.

I also find that Fat2Fit (www.fat2fitradio.com) to be very motivational with good measurment methods. Like many on this site, i did find it strange to think i neeed to increase my intake to keep losing weight but it seems to be working nicely.

Good luck to everyone, stay positive, and beleive in the new you.

QMHayden

1000 calories a day probably isnt healthy, u need to up ur intake and focus on long term changes. You will poop out if u try to maintain off of 1000 calories.

Chris_acc_can

Tons of hate/concern on this thread. She didn't ask your opinion on her calorie intake. She simply asked how much weight you have lost and over what period.

Information is power:

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/reference_calorie.asp

People here are a little much and tend to force their opinions/knowledge on others (even when not asked). Check out the link if you like, it gives information on calories and may provide some insight into other posters, who have the right intentions but the wrong approach.

I've lost just under 20LBS in 7 months. I have a muscular (athletic) body, I've set myself to lose 1/2 LB a week so that I can retain my lean muscle mass while shed fat. To date it has been working well as my strength has remained consistent/gotten stronger and I haven't lost my size (except around midsection and butt). My calorie intake is usually around 2500 calories a day (includes workouts) and I'm usually within 100 calories of this goal (over or under). I started out at around 190 and am now at 170.

cindylou_21

Today is my 110th day on MFP and in this weight loss journey and I have lost 59 lbs so far.

My approach is a little different then yours. I eat well over 1200 cals a day, and I exercise a minimum of 30 minutes a day. I eat as clean as I can and drink a TON of water. I don't take weight loss supplements at all, of follow any strict meal plan... OR even have a gym membership. I workout at home... I make up my own exercises daily and just follow through.


Congrats on your weight loss... although I will say, you may want to consider eating a minimum of 1200 cals... 1000 in daily in the long run isn't healthy and not really sustainable after a long period of time. Last thing you want is to gain it back later on.

This is what I do as well...nice to see someone doing the same thing. Encouraging.

laurasimmons

I have been doing this for a couple years. But I have taken several breaks during that time (stupid on my part).

landorki

NOT GOOD.... women need at LEAST 1200 a day (unless you are a Weight Loss Surgery Patient)... more if you are exercising... If you are serious about weight loss, then you will want to do it the healthy, and SAFE way. Listen to what MFP tells you to take in and eat back most of your exercise calories.

(You will not get many positive responses here... fair warning... your method is not safe)

deadstarsunburn

I eat 1400 and SHOULD be exercising 4 times a week at least for half an hour but I've been lazy lately.

Anyway I've lost 40 pounds in a year and hope to lose the last 40 by this time next year.

QMHayden

Tons of hate/concern on this thread. She didn't ask your opinion on her calorie intake. She simply asked how much weight you have lost and over what period.

Information is power:

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/reference_calorie.asp

People here are a little much and tend to force their opinions/knowledge on others (even when not asked). Check out the link if you like, it gives information on calories and may provide some insight into other posters, who have the right intentions but the wrong

I hope u c more concern than hate, to my understanding this site is about support as well.

firstnamekaren

I know this is kind of off topic, but someone brought Panera for breakfast this morning (breakfast sandwiches, yogurt parfaits, pastries, juice, etc) but I stuck with the parfait and a couple of morningstar sausage patties from home. When someone saw me, they were like, "Why aren't you eating these things. Oh yeah, you're on that diet".

I got kind of offended, and embarrassed, because to me it's more than that - it's just better eating. I think people use tones and phrases like that to feel better about justifying their choices. Maybe I'm just being super sensitive.

taramhouston

I am now in maintenance however it took me 8 months to loose the 50 pounds I wanted to loose (Feb '11-Oct '11).

In achieving my goal I have not given up anything, taken any "miracle pills", and I have not starved myself. Here's some information that I've learned and some changes that I've made in my life:

1. Portion control: I believe this is one of the biggest reasons why people are overweight. Even healthy food can make you gain weight if you eat too much of it.

2. Moderation: You can eat any food you want as long as you practice moderation. Personally I'm a strong advocate for eating at least one delicious and unhealthy meal a week to remain sane and to avoid binging later.

3. Eat vegetables and fruits: They're low calorie and healthy.

4. Drink lots of water: Besides being healthy, replacing other drinks with water will make a huge difference if you're trying to lose/maintain weight. Sugary coffee drinks, soda, and many juice drinks contain an absurd amount of calories (not to mention fat and sugar).

5. Complete (at minimum) some exercise each week: I personally walked everyday during my lunch break, used the gym at my office (mostly treadmill and weight machines), and completed two rounds of Jillian Michael's "30 Day Shred" DVD (which I highly recommend).

Last but certainly not least...

6. Calories: 3,500 calories = 1 pound. For every 3,500 calories that you burn (or don't eat) you will lose an average of 1 pound (and for every excess 3,500 calories that you eat you will also gain an average of 1 pound). Personally I never realized that I was consuming way too many calories until I started keeping track of what I eat. MFP can help you set the correct number of calories based on your size and weight loss goals.

marycmeadows

You'll need to eat more. 1000 calories a day isn't enough for healthy/normal body functions, without exercise. so with exercise you should be NETTING at least 1200. I never eat less than 1600 calories, and sometimes up to 2100 or so, depending on the day, but I usually average 1800 or so. I've lost 111.2lbs since January 1, 2011. I have made a total lifestyle change in the way I eat, and also I work out 6-7 days a week - and the key to maintaining that is to keep it interesting so you don't get bored. On days I don't go to the gym, I make sure to get active -- walking, bowling, mowing grass, etc. anything to get up and get moving.

marycmeadows

I know this is kind of off topic, but someone brought Panera for breakfast this morning (breakfast sandwiches, yogurt parfaits, pastries, juice, etc) but I stuck with the parfait and a couple of morningstar sausage patties from home. When someone saw me, they were like, "Why aren't you eating these things. Oh yeah, you're on that diet".

I got kind of offended, and embarrassed, because to me it's more than that - it's just better eating. I think people use tones and phrases like that to feel better about justifying their choices. Maybe I'm just being super sensitive.

And don't worry - there will always be haters. they're just jealous they don't have the same self control. You are making smarter choices. good for you!

Chris_acc_can

There are ways to be supportive without crushing someone who is making a change in their life and is excited about their progress in the first 5 days.

The intentions aren't bad but how the message is delivered is.

Here is more on Starvation Mode/Diets (this is a blog... not medical):

http://fattyfightsback.blogspot.ca/2009/03/mtyhbusters-starvation-mode.html

She is new to MFP, we should be providing unbiased information so she can learn and make her own conclusions about a meal and exercise plan that is best for her. PPL are quick to dismiss/discourage other people who are losing weight under a method different than their own. There are thousands of ways to reach your goals. All are valid.

Jezebel_Barbie

PPL are quick to dismiss/discourage other people who are losing weight under a method different than their own. There are thousands of ways to reach your goals. All are valid.

I see your point; different people do indeed lose weight in different ways and have different methods they are comfortable with. Me? I love food. I could probably lose more weight more quickly if I ate less, but I love food so I'm gonna do it my way even if it takes longer. Some people wouldn't be comfortable with that; it works for me.

The concern here is not that she's using a different method, it's that she's using a method that's unhealthy and unsustainable.

sarah2954

I've been eating 1200 cal/day for 101 days and have lost 42 pounds. I don't exercise but am active.

Chris_acc_can

I understand the concern, but reading the first page of posts I couldn't help but feel bad for the OP.


The main issue with dropping below 1200 calories is that you are less likely to fuel your body with all the nutrients it requires. This can be alleviated/mitigated with a multi vitamin or by having a very lean but strict diet. I know ppl who eat well over maintenance but refuse to eat a vegetable or fruit. Despite consuming their calories the same issue of not properly fueling with proper nutrients still exists.

Dropping below 1200 aka entering starvation mode will slow your BMR as your body tries to retain as much mass as possible. Weight loss doesn't stop, you will lose weight, you weight loss just won't be optimal.

Cmonnowguys

I know this is kind of off topic, but someone brought Panera for breakfast this morning (breakfast sandwiches, yogurt parfaits, pastries, juice, etc) but I stuck with the parfait and a couple of morningstar sausage patties from home. When someone saw me, they were like, "Why aren't you eating these things. Oh yeah, you're on that diet".

I got kind of offended, and embarrassed, because to me it's more than that - it's just better eating. I think people use tones and phrases like that to feel better about justifying their choices. Maybe I'm just being super sensitive.

I know EXACTLY how you feel. I get it all the time from people at work. Rather than accepting that I want to be healthy and despite the fact that they know I work out 5x a week and have made progress they continue to make comments like "You're STILL counting calories?" "You work out too much" "I'd rather eat, drink and be happy, than diet." etc

it is sooo irritating. It's the worst when they make these comments in front of people I don't know, because I feel like now rather than seeing me as a healthy person, they think I'm one of those people who does crash diets.
As for not wanting to be like me because they want to "be happy." I just assume that they have negativity associated with being healthy because for a lot of people being healthy goes hand in hand with eating bland veggies or shakes all day. I love being healthy and eating the way I do. It's not something that I dread. They don't realize that for me being happy includes getting in my hour at the gym, having deilcious salmon and potatoes for dinner and a chocolate treat every day. My happiness doesn't come from a Taco Bell bag.

I guess the best way to prove these people wrong is with results. They can stick to having their pastires every day and in 6 months I wonder who will look better AND be happier...

stephyy4632

I will be at this for one year on May 1st and I haven`t weighed myself since March but at that time I was 170 even and in a size 10jeans

I now comfy in my size 8 jeans same brand so I`m sure I have lost some



currently
I eat 1600 plus my exercise cals
workout 40min 6days a week one rest day (doing insanity right now)
and in one year I`ve lost over 43pounds and gone from a tight size 16jeans to my current size 8jeans in the same brand

watboy

I lost 58 lbs in a year kept it off for 4 years now. did gain back a bit but due to my busy season at work but I lost it again. I lost it by eating roughly 1400 calories a day give or take and at first I was going to the gym 6 days a week now I got 3-4 on average. Cardio and weightlifting every session. Last week though I decided to start the 5 x 5 stronglift routine.

Blaireli

I've lost 22.3 pounds in 64 days. I stick with the MFP suggestion and stay right at 1400 calories per day, factoring in more when I exercise (which is about five days per week). I'm not looking at this as a diet, but a lifestyle change. I don't deny myself foods that I want, just watch portion sizes and not go overboard.

roachhaley

I've lost 20 pounds since January, but every day hasn't been a deficit, I hit around maintenance level a couple times a week.

Jezebel_Barbie

I understand the concern, but reading the first page of posts I couldn't help but feel bad for the OP.


The main issue with dropping below 1200 calories is that you are less likely to fuel your body with all the nutrients it requires. This can be alleviated/mitigated with a multi vitamin or by having a very lean but strict diet. I know ppl who eat well over maintenance but refuse to eat a vegetable or fruit. Despite consuming their calories the same issue of not properly fueling with proper nutrients still exists.

Dropping below 1200 aka entering starvation mode will slow your BMR as your body tries to retain as much mass as possible. Weight loss doesn't stop, you will lose weight, you weight loss just won't be optimal.

She's a big girl I'm sure she can take the comments. Since she offered her own personal way of losing weight in addition to the question despite it not actually being neccessary to mention it, you can't then get annoyed if people choose to respond to that part of it. Lots of people try to lose weight her way and struggle to turn into a permanent lifestyle, there's no harm in pointing that out. That said I hope the OP does manage to get and stay healthy, because that's what we're all here for, right?