NSV - don't be afraid to eat!

Frankietb

Hello everyone! Wanted to share this with you all because reading the many threads here has helped me and I wanted to reciprocate.

I started a few weeks ago following TDEE - 15-20% and increased my net calories to 1800 and to be honest, the first couple of weeks were difficult because the scale did not budge and I didn't feel very different body wise and I was starting to panic. I was used to eating below 1200 calories and then binging, then undereating and binging etc. I kept on with my new plan and read daily the threads on this site to encourage myself that this was the way to go. I'm getting better and better at eating to meet my macros but it's still a work in progress (40%c, 30%p, 30%f). I don't deny myself any food group and eat chips and chocolate often and even drink alcohol on weekends.

I don't eat back my exercise calories and don't track my exercise because I'm just lazy that way.


This is me in a nut shell taken from my profile:

42 years of age
5’3”
155 lbs (goal is 135) (started at 160.5 in February 2013)

Set to net between 1600 and1900 calories/week as per TDEE - 20% (depends on what type of exercise I do that day - if any - average is 1800 net calories)

Been lifting weights for years and completed NROLFW over 2 years ago but continued to weight train using various programs (I can lift heavy enough) – started up with NROLFW again in Feb and I'm at the end of stage 3 now.

Exercise regime (average 350 calories burned a session but don't eat them back)

Strength training - 3 days a week

Cardio (elliptical or running) 1 day a week (45 minutes)

Vinyasa Yoga 1 day a week (90 minutes)

I have a desk job and exercise at lunch.

I don't exercise on the weekends unless it's nice out and I can fit in something)

Well, I am thrilled to report that I have lost 2 lbs this week but more importantly, my body composition is changing for the better and to my great surprise and delight, the strapless bra that I wear when I work out will have to be put away because it slipped right off today while I tried to put in on! Even at the tightest eyelets!

Again, I just thought I'd share for those who are still doubtful about TDEE-20%. Don't be afraid to eat and exercise; you'll feel better and it really works. I was VERY unsuccessful with undereating/binging (with exercise). This is the first plan that has worked for me and I will stick with it.

Thanks for reading.