New group member - trying to figure things out
ScarlettVamp
Posts: 828 Member
Hi...just found this group from the IIFYM thread/Sara's profile. I've been struggling for a while and any feedback is greatly appreciated.
Also, would just like to say that it's really nice of you guys to help out those of us new to fitness/ trying to figure things out.
About me:
1) What's your current intake of calories, on average? I did the 1200 model for a long time, and have changed my goal to 1300 beginning of this month and 1350 this past week. Trying to inch closer to my BMR. I usually eat back 75% of my exercise calories or more.
2) What's your current average intake of protein, carbs, and fats, in grams? 100/150/40 - That's about the best I can figure from my all over the place diaries for January. Changed my macros to 40/30/30 (carbs/fat/protein) last week and am really struggling with it...primarily the carbs. I've been pushing protein, but due to severe financial constraints am not eating many fruits/veggies right now.
3) Do you use a food scale and measure everything? Yes. Unfortunately I don't have a digital scale, but a manual one. I use measuring spoons/cups/scale religiously.
4) Do you track all of your intake, daily? (Everything?) Yes...right down to chewing gum.
5) Do you take cheat days or days off? Yes. As of January 1st, I'm trying to go back to my previous habit of one "cheat" day per month. This month it was on January 22nd and I went on a pizza/cake binge. Felt like crap for 2 days after.
6) How much weight have you lost so far? 90 lbs - April 2011 started at 273...starved myself for 6 months because I didn't know better.....then found MFP. Lowest weight was April or May of 2012 at 174. Went through some personal stuff and gained back up to 191 by Thankgiving. Stopped letting personal/financial stress get to me as much....now fluctuating around 184/186.
7) What is your activity like, both exercise and non-exercise? (big difference between a construction worker and a desk job) and did you change that activity withing the last couple of months. If so, what changed. - I have a desk job and other than walking to printer/copier/restroom am basically sedentary during the day. I work out at home (no money for gym membership right now). What I do varies but I usually exercise about 4 days per week: zumba (45 min), walking/jogging with hills(60-90 min) , Level 1 of 30DS plus additional squats/dresser height push-ups/chest flies/crunches (35 min), boxing video (20-30 min). Only own 5 lb weights right now, but honestly am not in good enough shape to use heavier...for instance during 30DS.
8) How long have you eaten at your previous amount and what happened in that time frame? See answers to #1 & #6
9) What's your height, current weight and if you know it, bodyfat%? 5'5, fluctuating around 184/186, 27.5% body fat approx (using fat2fit radio).
10) If you're stalled, for how long and is it a complete stall (zero change in weight)? Not stalled per se, just not sure I'm eating the correct calories/macros to continue to progress. My long term goal is to get into a gym, learn to lift heavy, and completely change my body composition. I'm in better shape than I was a year ago, even at a slightly higher weight. Right now I'm having to make do with at home workouts with no equipment. I know it's 80% diet and 20% exercise for success, so want to make sure I'm doing my best to make the 80/20 all it can be with what I have to work with.
One disclaimer...and it's an ugly one. As much as I know I should focus on the fit of my clothes etc, gaining weight on the scale scares me and therefore increasing calories scares me. I think that's a common thing for someone like me who has been as heavy as I was for most of my life. I'm trying to change my mindset to "fueling my body" or "getting fit" vs. "low cal to get thin". But as someone who is what I term a "food addict" and can eat a large quantity of food mindlessly without even trying, it's tough to do. Being vigilant about logging is the only thing that keeps me on track with food. What can I say, I'm a work in progress!
Thanks again.
Also, would just like to say that it's really nice of you guys to help out those of us new to fitness/ trying to figure things out.
About me:
1) What's your current intake of calories, on average? I did the 1200 model for a long time, and have changed my goal to 1300 beginning of this month and 1350 this past week. Trying to inch closer to my BMR. I usually eat back 75% of my exercise calories or more.
2) What's your current average intake of protein, carbs, and fats, in grams? 100/150/40 - That's about the best I can figure from my all over the place diaries for January. Changed my macros to 40/30/30 (carbs/fat/protein) last week and am really struggling with it...primarily the carbs. I've been pushing protein, but due to severe financial constraints am not eating many fruits/veggies right now.
3) Do you use a food scale and measure everything? Yes. Unfortunately I don't have a digital scale, but a manual one. I use measuring spoons/cups/scale religiously.
4) Do you track all of your intake, daily? (Everything?) Yes...right down to chewing gum.
5) Do you take cheat days or days off? Yes. As of January 1st, I'm trying to go back to my previous habit of one "cheat" day per month. This month it was on January 22nd and I went on a pizza/cake binge. Felt like crap for 2 days after.
6) How much weight have you lost so far? 90 lbs - April 2011 started at 273...starved myself for 6 months because I didn't know better.....then found MFP. Lowest weight was April or May of 2012 at 174. Went through some personal stuff and gained back up to 191 by Thankgiving. Stopped letting personal/financial stress get to me as much....now fluctuating around 184/186.
7) What is your activity like, both exercise and non-exercise? (big difference between a construction worker and a desk job) and did you change that activity withing the last couple of months. If so, what changed. - I have a desk job and other than walking to printer/copier/restroom am basically sedentary during the day. I work out at home (no money for gym membership right now). What I do varies but I usually exercise about 4 days per week: zumba (45 min), walking/jogging with hills(60-90 min) , Level 1 of 30DS plus additional squats/dresser height push-ups/chest flies/crunches (35 min), boxing video (20-30 min). Only own 5 lb weights right now, but honestly am not in good enough shape to use heavier...for instance during 30DS.
8) How long have you eaten at your previous amount and what happened in that time frame? See answers to #1 & #6
9) What's your height, current weight and if you know it, bodyfat%? 5'5, fluctuating around 184/186, 27.5% body fat approx (using fat2fit radio).
10) If you're stalled, for how long and is it a complete stall (zero change in weight)? Not stalled per se, just not sure I'm eating the correct calories/macros to continue to progress. My long term goal is to get into a gym, learn to lift heavy, and completely change my body composition. I'm in better shape than I was a year ago, even at a slightly higher weight. Right now I'm having to make do with at home workouts with no equipment. I know it's 80% diet and 20% exercise for success, so want to make sure I'm doing my best to make the 80/20 all it can be with what I have to work with.
One disclaimer...and it's an ugly one. As much as I know I should focus on the fit of my clothes etc, gaining weight on the scale scares me and therefore increasing calories scares me. I think that's a common thing for someone like me who has been as heavy as I was for most of my life. I'm trying to change my mindset to "fueling my body" or "getting fit" vs. "low cal to get thin". But as someone who is what I term a "food addict" and can eat a large quantity of food mindlessly without even trying, it's tough to do. Being vigilant about logging is the only thing that keeps me on track with food. What can I say, I'm a work in progress!
Thanks again.
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Replies
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Just realized this should have gone in the original thread. Sorry!0
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Bumping so I don't lose it.0
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Just realized this should have gone in the original thread. Sorry!
You are good. We actually want separate threads so its less confusing. Will look at shortly.0
This discussion has been closed.