Calorie counting while low carbing

CaliDreams27

Hey guys:) Just wanted some opinions from people who have been through this exact same thing. I started lowering my carbs last monday, generally staying between 25 and 40 a day, and I've already lost 10 pounds in one week. This would normally be a joyful occasion but honestly I'm a little worried because I'm seeing significant drops about every 2 days. In the past when i've done a low carb diet, I lost it fast in the beginning but never this fast and I'm wondering if it could be the combination of staying under my calorie limit everyday combined with the low carbing thats causing it. I'm just so terrified of dropping a ton of weight overnight and it not being TRUE weight loss. I definitely don't want these pounds to come flying back with a vengeance so I'm considering adding more calories to my daily goal intake and also eating the majority of them by the end of the night which i'm not doing right now because my hunger level is so little (how's that for a super run on sentence lol). Anyway, have any of you experienced this before? Is this normal and healthy? Or should I increase my caloric intake? My other concern is that I really want to get some cardio in every day but have been scared that i'll put my body into shock on top of the low carbing and calorie counting.

I want this to be the last time I lose this 50 pounds and I want to maintain it for the rest of my life. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

ojell

I'd like to know this as well. So far in my weight loss I have lost it by simply watching my calories. Recently, I've been turned on to the idea of low-carbing, but I don't exactly know how to go about it with calories as well.

mountainmare

In the beginning much of the loss is water weight. Low carb diets have a diuretic effect so it is very very important to drink water. In Atkins the question of calories is addressed, with the suggestion of aiming for 1500-1800 cal/day for women. Of course this is not set up like MFP where you eat back your exercise calories. I am foloowing MFP guidelines for a loss of 1 pound/week and eating my exercise calories as much as I can, but that is still usually in the 1500-1800 total calorie range.
I'm 62 and in March did the 30 Day Shred in 31 days, I did feel weaker than normal (I am a regular walker/jogger) and upped my calories and carbs a little which helped. At the time I was getting 20 carbs, so a little bit less than you, now I hope for around 40-60 per day and feel great. All you can do is go by what you feel and do drink tons of water.

TXBelle1174

My Dr. put me on a low carb diet similar to Atkins - I have to stay under 50 Net carbs per day (Carbs minus Fiber). He also said for me to stay at 1600 calories or lower but not lower than 1200 per day. I have medical issues that require me to stay away from unhyealthy carbs (sugars, etc.) I started out at 257 and am currently at 231. I have lost the 26 lbs in less than three months so its coming off pretty fast. I think I lost the first 10 in 2 weeks. I have to make SURE that I eat as much protein as possible or the weight loss stalls out, I feel tired, etc. I dont worry so much about the fat. Every thing I eat that has more than 10g carbs, I balance with a protein. This is something that works for me personally through trial and error. I stay as close to my calorie goal as possible - most days I am slightly under. Some days a little over. I dont stress about either one. I would just be careful not to eat too little calories. Set your weight loss goal for 1lb or 1/2 lb per week and see what happens. I have found that with the low carb plan, you will lose at a faster rate, even though you stay at your caloric goals. Agree with other posters - make sure you get your water in!!!