Too much too fast?

Clays4
Clays4 Posts: 4
in Health and Weight Loss
I've recently started trying to lose the rest of the baby weight I gained from having my son. He's now 8 months and I still have 30lbs to lose to reach my pre-pregnancy weight. The first six months were easy and I lost the first 30lbs in 3 months (all water, baby, and little fat I know), but now I've hit a plateau and can't seem to lose anything. I'd really like to lose 10-15lbs in a month.

I started mfp a week ago and have already lost 2lbs just by drinking water, counting calories, and doing 60mins of at home work outs. All water weight I know, but I still have questions about daily calorie intake and BMR. My BMR is 1618 however mfp has had me only eating 1220...Is this too low? I've heard you should eat at least your BMR, is this true? I figured out how to get my calorie intake to 1500 which is closer to what I should be eating, is this better or should I stick with the 1220?

I also want to know about weighing in. I usually weigh myself every 2 days or so. I like to know how much my weight fluctuates from day to day to help me better watch what I eat. My weigh in day is Wednesday so I still have a day and a half before my 2nd week weigh in. My question is do you "weigh in" on the same day each week or only pay attention to the lowest scale reading in a week? Is the lowest scale reading closer to what you weigh or no? I know weight can fluctuate up to 5lbs in a week, so I'm just curious how the rest of you determine weight loss. Today I noticed my jeans are fitting looser so I know I'm finally starting to lose weight again.

Is losing 10-15 lbs a reasonable amount to lose in a month and a half if I continue down this road? Or is it too much too fast?

Replies

  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    I would aim for no more than 1 lb per week.
  • kiwitechgirl
    kiwitechgirl Posts: 145 Member
    Are you breast feeding your son still? I realise that at 8 months he's probably eating solids, but do still take bf-ing into account if you're still feeding him. I wouldn't be trying to lose any more than 1lb a week and eating more than 1220.
  • Clays4
    Clays4 Posts: 4
    Are you breast feeding your son still? I realise that at 8 months he's probably eating solids, but do still take bf-ing into account if you're still feeding him. I wouldn't be trying to lose any more than 1lb a week and eating more than 1220.

    I don't breastfeed, but I still pump roughly 16-24 ounces a day. My son still drinks 16oz of milk a day. Thanks for the suggestions. I've never counted calories before and didn't realize how low 1220 actually was until I kept trying to reach it and always ended up going over. Today I aimed for 1618 and that was definitely much easier. I'll also adjust to 1lb a week. I'll be happy to lose anything :)
  • unFATuated
    unFATuated Posts: 204 Member
    If you've set your loss goal to 2lbs per week MFP will give you a goal of somewhere around 1200 cals. For most people, this is too much too fast - too few calories means they're starving and craving nutrients, and when their losses stall they can't really reduce calories any further in a healthy way.

    I'd probably go with the 1500 at least for the next few months. You may still lose 2lbs per week eating that amount, MFP isn't a crystal ball. I was eating 1800 (inc breastfeeding calories) at first and averaging 2lbs per week for about the first 10 weeks. If you're still making milk, then you will need a bit extra to account for that.
  • eyecandyrayce
    eyecandyrayce Posts: 260 Member
    Another thing to warm you of that is common in us ladies is if you drop the weight too fast, you chance developing gall stones. One of the most painful things I've ever experienced in my life. After dropping 20 pounds too fast I developed over a dozen and now require a surgery I can't afford. I have gained the weight back from other causes and I'm now taking my time dropping the weight to avoid making that mistake a second time (I haven't had my gall bladder removed because I can't afford the surgery).
  • Clays4
    Clays4 Posts: 4
    Thanks so much unFATuated! This really helps. I've never considered pumping as losing calories I'll definitely readjust everything and continue to eat around 1500-1800 calories.

    Never heard of developing gall stones, I think I'll stick with a pound a week. Thanks for the eye opener eyecandyrayce!
  • Clays4
    Clays4 Posts: 4
    Last question. When counting calories we pay attention to the net total rather than the consumed total correct? For example I consumed close to 2000 calories but I only netted 1480 of that 2000 I would still be near my 1500-1800 goal?
  • kiwitechgirl
    kiwitechgirl Posts: 145 Member
    Yes, it's the net calories which count. On days where I have four hours of roller derby training I can eat nearly 3000 cals and still come in at my 1410 net goal...
  • 2013sk
    2013sk Posts: 1,318 Member
    Well if your BMR is 1618 you shouldn't be eating 1200!

    You need to work out your TDEE, and eat between your BMR + TDEE - I assume you would be in the 2,000 calories+.

    I would only weigh once a week due to fluctuations, water, sodium etc.

    Slow and steady wins the race!

    Also you don't want to be starving all the time

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