Trying a new intake

FlaxMilk
FlaxMilk Posts: 3,452 Member
edited February 10 in Health and Weight Loss
What's a good time frame to know whether or not a new intake is right for you? What length of time is "enough" to know whether the amount you're eating can result in steady loss over time?

Replies

  • ladynocturne
    ladynocturne Posts: 865 Member
    4-6 weeks is the general rule of thumb.
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    Yeah, I would give it a month.
  • FlaxMilk
    FlaxMilk Posts: 3,452 Member
    Thank you. That was the answer I expected, just not the answer I wanted. :laugh: I am checking out whether or not I can eat more than the MFP recommendations and still lose weight. With the custom goals set, MFP predicts 0.0 loss. It's hard to stick with it when that's what I'm seeing the first week--fluctuations, yes, but most days being right around the first weigh in day. :grumble:
  • ell_v131
    ell_v131 Posts: 349 Member
    Take this as your trial/baseline time if you're just starting. Don't obsess over the number and if you're hungry just eat.

    After the 4 weeks calculate what you have eaten (total calories for all the days) and what you have lost/gained (every pound equals 3500 calories)

    For example, you have eaten 47600 calories in 28 days, that's average 1700 cals a day (that's everything you have eaten, lets not reflect your exercise)
    You have lost 2 pounds in those 28 days, or 7000 calories (2x3500).
    So lets figure out what is your maintenance. Given that you sustain the same activity level (number of gym sessions/runs, walks etc.), in order to maintain your weight you should eat 47600+7000=54600 calories in 28 days, that's 1950 daily.

    1950 in this case is your maintenance and from that you cut whatever you'd like, 500 a day for 1lb/week loss, 250 for 1/2lb per week etc.

    Recalculate this every few weeks, as if you have just started, it is likely the first number will be slightly distorted due to shifts in water weight.
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    I'd agree you need a month.

    But can you give more details- height, current weight, what calories you're on?
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