Upped Calories with Positive Results???

RSD73

I decided to lose weight this past August after seeing one too many picture of myself that made me cringe. I cut back portions, made smart choices and worked out 5-6 days a week (lots and lots of fast walking). It was very slow but by Jan 1st I had lost 20 lbs.
I seemed to have stalled at that point and was happy to discover MFP. I am enjoying the food tracking and it has really helped me learn what true portion sizes are. It's made me very accountable! I lost a bit of weight at the get-go but then stalled out again. I researched TDEE/BMR etc to death and decided that perhaps I wasn't eating enough calories (1310 a day). I have since then upped my calories based on the numbers I got from calculating my TDEE/BMR to 1600-ish (not eating back exercise calories as they are already factored in). It's been a few days I feel like I am eating a whole lotta food! It's nice to not have that ravenous feeling all the time, I do admit but I am freaking out that I am going to undo all the work I have accomplished the past many months. Someone please reassure me I am doing the right thing here! If not...tell me! I'd love to hear from other who have upped their calories and seen weight loss.
SW-179 lbs
CW - 156 lbs
GW - 140 lbs
Height 5'8"
Age 40

nano83

This's exactly where I am right now..
I share your exact fare of undoing all my previous loss..

rezn8

You are definitely doing the right thing. People can lose weight rapidly on the low calorie diets but it is temporary. If you continue for long periods of time your body adjust it's metabolism. If you want to lose weight long term and keep it off you have to boost your metabolism by slowly adding calories as you begin to plateau in your weight lose. I started at the 1200 number lost some weight, plateaued and jumped up to 1500 and lost weight the very week I added. I have since done the same and I went to 1800 calories and again saw a loss. I also add calories for workouts so most days i'm eating about 2400-2600. It's actually hard some days to get enough. You also need to adjust your protein/carbs/fat percentages depending on your workouts.

blues4miles

Well you've had way more success than me already but I'll post my "so far" story...

I started at 1340 in August, same time as you. Was losing about a half a pound a week. I upped that to 1450 sometime Novemberish. Continued to lose a half a pound a week. Now I'm eating 1600ish (same as you, TDEE-adjusted, so not eating back exercises) and have continued to average...a half a pound a week since January. So I can eat more, and more, and continue to lose the same. However, you've lost almost twice what I lost in the first six months and we have similar starting weights sooo...I wouldn't worry too much. 3+ lbs a month is more than I've ever seen. Don't be surprised if your weightloss slows a little, but maybe because you are getting close to goal. I'd bet you can continue to eat at 1600 and effectively lose at the same rate.

RSD73

Thanks! I so appreciate the encouragement. I am just so impatient. I didn't put this weight on overnight so I can't expect it to come off super fast either. Must just plod on!