Going over by around 500 calories every day?

For the last two-three weeks I have hardly been working out and I've constantly been going over my calories by around 500. The scale hasn't moved too much but I do think I feel my clothes not fit as loosely, which might mean I'm losing muscle and gaining back the fat? Or could I just be seeing things? I think eating 500 calories extra would be my maintenance level but I'm not sure. My calorie limit is usually 1,200 calories a day.

Just wanted to see how much does over eating like that every day could ruin the diet or if I'm just stressing out too much.

Diet finally continues again today, btw.

you need to know your TDEE - I suspect that even with 500 extra you are still under your maintenence calories.

Mad respect to you.
I cut at around 2400, can't imagine doing 1200

I am going to give you my honest opinion based on the 5 or 6 days I looked at in your diary, in addition to my expirience... I will be the first to tell you, that I do not ALWAYS make the best food choices.

Getting healthy is a life long struggle, and we can't always have perfect days. That being said, mindful and balanced choices are what you should be striving for each day. There were days in your log that if you had said "no" to just ONE item, you would have been under your calorie goal!

I noticed that you have Starbucks almost everyday. Why not make your own coffee with SF creamer and Splenda? It's a calorie and money saver!

Also, I personally feel that 1200 calories a day is not nearly enough for the average person. I had weight loss surgery and still eat at least 1400 calories a day! Have you thought about changing your goal from losing 2 pounds a week to 1 pound a week?

Slow and steady wins the race... You didn't put the weight on overnight, you won't lose it overnight either.

Keep your chin up! You'll get there!

Slow and steady wins the race... You didn't put the weight on overnight, you won't lose it overnight either.

Well put! I'd stay away from sweeteners though! Sugar is natural, so you're better off with sugar is anything, but perhaps try less of it!

But yeh, drop the slimfast for breakfast - have something with some complex carbs in - porridge, or most cereals! (I personally think slimfast etc.. is a con, and a waste of money!)

Drop the ice cream and cheesecakes, and trade them for something a bit healthier! And as for the coffee, buy a cafetier, some ground coffee and a flask. Make your own coffee - and save money too!

I am still trying to figure out how my body handles these cycles. I never ate regularly and 1200 is forcing me to do so. I'm eating back workout calories and still gaining a pound or two (water, fat? Who knows?) I'm having to learn over time what's going on. I hope you can figure it out and get back to us on this!

Before, I ate more fat, but went longer between meals. It will be interesting to see what happens when I want to switch back to maintenance!

And excellent book on nutrition I'm reading - spells it ALL out!

www.amazon.com/Chris-Carmichaels-Food-Fitness-Carmichael/dp/0425202550

Get it second hand!

It looks more to be the quality of the food, oppose to being under/over Should be easy to rectify!

You're probably still under your maintenance even 1700/day, or at least you would be if you were still training. Don't stress about it. Get back on the horse, keep training, and watch the results come. Also 1200 is very low. If you haven't read (http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/912920-in-place-of-a-road-map-3-2013), I recommend that you do.

2,400 - I think with all my training, I'm around that... come July it's going up to 3,500-4,000-kcal a day!

Same... I'm cutting on 2500 now and should hit my goal weight around July, then I'm on that clean bulk time.

If you want your sugar fix, maybe try something different? Fruit will have the same simple carbs (quick burning) as the sweets you eat.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

Overnight, your glycogen stores (maybe that one) in your liver will be depleted, so you need to replenish them with some complex carbs - maybe start with a small breakie, and build it into your routine?

You will defiantly notice a difference! I think, and don't quote me on this, but it might start your metabolism - but that could be BS...

I guess it all depends what you're used to!

But considering the recommended (here in the UK) for a woman is 2,000, it's 40% off that! essentially starving ones-self! I'm no nutritionist - but it doesn't sound healthy!

The scale hasn't moved too much but I do think I feel my clothes not fit as loosely, which might mean I'm losing muscle and gaining back the fat?

If your clothes are fitting tighter it does mean that you are adding something, and it could be some water retention or some fat gain. I have always been told that 10 lbs is a size, so a little gain you will notice it in your clothing. I personally find it is more like 20 lbs is a size, but I am a guy so that might be different.

Glad you are getting back on plan before it gets out of control.