I'very increased my calories, how long to re-adjust

RawCarrots

I've been logging for nearly 6 weeks and weight was dropping off pretty fast, but 1350kcal is just too little for me and I'm spending too much time every day obsessing over can I eat those five cashew nuts or will I go over. Plus, last time I tried mfp I stalled after 6 weeks on similar daily amount.

So I bit the bullet and thought I'd increase and see if I can relax a bit. I've upped them now to 1550. In my head I can hear the voice of logic that I'm still under TDEE and even if I gain couple of pounds it would probably be water (seeing that I've only increased with 200, so 1400 extra weekly), but the irrational part of me is worried sick that magic ly I'd wake up next week with all 12lb back on:blushing:

If you've increased your cals how did it go? How long did it take your body to adjust?


I have my profile filled in, would love some friends who are on a similar journey as me :-)

AmyRhubarb

Gotta give it at least 4-6 weeks before making changes. When I upped mine, I can't remember gaining, so if I did, it was minimal, the usual 2lbs or so that I go up and down on a normal week anyway. And the progress has been pretty steady over the past year - I'm either losing inches & fat (yay!) or pounds all the time.

Stick with it!

RawCarrots

Thanks Amy, will be patient then! And will keep telling myself that my meals are way healthier than they were two month ago, so even if I stall or gain I'm still getting healthier and stronger

Man, this is hard work. I was prepared for the food cravings and withdrawals, I didn't expect the emotional side of it! My whole life seems to be revolving around calories lately :huh: :frown:

RawCarrots

So far so good, only few days in but I'm still losing and enjoying the extra food

(I weight in daily and monitor the trend, so it has been continuing as before. I know it's early days but makes me quite optimistic!)

257_Lag

My sister was eating at 1250 and was stuck for about 5 months. She had lost 30 lbs through weight watchers during the prior 6 months.

Through what I have learned on this site I got her to up her intake to 1600 and eat her back at least half her exercise. (I recommended eating back all her exercise but she won't do it) She didn't move for 4 weeks but then lost 2 lbs in a week and is now trending 1/2 lb per week which is what our target was. We are thrilled!

Edit she is about your age with similar numbers. She was 170 when she was stuck. 166 now 6 weeks after upping her intake.

RawCarrots

Thanks bgmgreg! Glad she is managing well and finally started to loose again. I will increase mine slightly more in a month, just can't face too big of a jump at the start. I also eat my exercise calories back (about 80% of them anyway!)