What works for me....

janlee_001

As much as I desire to lose 2 lbs a week, I know I have to stick to what I can master first. According the my settings I would have to reduce my caloric in take to 1200/day which is just not enough for me and then when I don't succeed I feel beat up and discouraged.

I'm finding by changing my goals and allowing myself more calories, I eat less and when I don't go over I feel much better mentally that makes me aim for eating less of my goal per day and thus I will lose the weight.

yoovie

you know if you exercise you get to add more calories to your daily budget right?

Also what is the question?

yo_andi

Okay, but are you still eating at a deficit from your maintenance calories? Because if not, you're kind of treading water, my friend.

janlee_001

you know if you exercise you get to add more calories to your daily budget right?

Yes

Also what is the question?

There wasn't a question.

auroranflash

http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/bmr/

This should help you figure out what to aim for calorie-wise. You are correct in assuming 1200 is too little, in all likelihood. Few people can squeak by healthily and satisfied on that amount, although MFP often sets you there to start with because of the information you enter at the beginning. Many people aspire to lose 2lbs a week when it's not fair to yourself or realistic to expect such.

Run your numbers and go from there. Give your new calorie goal a few weeks or even a month or two to gauge whether or not it is working for you. If you are used to a lower number (1200) and then raise it (1600)*, expect to gain or maintain at first. Have some patience and adjust as necessary.

Best of luck.

*Caloric numbers given were just an example, not a suggestion.

janlee_001

Okay, but are you still eating at a deficit from your maintenance calories? Because if not, you're kind of treading water, my friend.

Yes. I am eating a deficit. It's merely more psychological to me.

janlee_001

http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/bmr/

This should help you figure out what to aim for calorie-wise. You are correct in assuming 1200 is too little, in all likelihood. Few people can squeak by healthily and satisfied on that amount, although MFP often sets you there to start with because of the information you enter at the beginning. Many people aspire to lose 2lbs a week when it's not fair to yourself or realistic to expect such.

Run your numbers and go from there. Give your new calorie goal a few weeks or even a month or two to gauge whether or not it is working for you. If you are used to a lower number (1200) and then raise it (1600)*, expect to gain or maintain at first. Have some patience and adjust as necessary.

Best of luck.

*Caloric numbers given were just an example, not a suggestion.

Thank you - I think you understand :flowerforyou:

yo_andi

Okay, but are you still eating at a deficit from your maintenance calories? Because if not, you're kind of treading water, my friend.

Yes. I am eating a deficit. It's merely more psychological to me.

In that case, that's great that you've found something that works.

There are whole movements in the world of health and fitness dedicated to eating more to weigh less. You've discovered the secret on your own. Well done!

Just_Ceci

My calorie goal is 1200. Most days I don't have too much trouble sticking to that. It helps me to have a healthy low calorie snack between meals. I try to basically ignore the extra calories I get by exercising. I do allow an occasional high calorie day, hoping I don't crash my metabolism.

lporter229

As much as I desire to lose 2 lbs a week, I know I have to stick to what I can master first. According the my settings I would have to reduce my caloric in take to 1200/day which is just not enough for me and then when I don't succeed I feel beat up and discouraged.

I'm finding by changing my goals and allowing myself more calories, I eat less and when I don't go over I feel much better mentally that makes me aim for eating less of my goal per day and thus I will lose the weight.

Way to go! Sensible posts make me happy!!