Reassurance

heathl39
heathl39 Posts: 46
in Getting Started
I have been struggling with my weight for years now. My heavest was 254 when my daughter was born. I was on bed rest and literally did nothing for 5 months. I have always been able to maintain 135-145lbs prior to the major weight gain. I am not a eater and never have been. I have had food issues my entire life. It takes a lot for me to sit and enjoy a meal. When people would tell me I wasn't losing weight because I was not eating I got it, but I was so programmed in my thinking. So now I am 194lbs and I did loose it the wrong way. I didn't eat and sunk into that same bad habit.
I had not lost a pound in months, I actually gained 6 pounds. Well, I am now on board with filling my days with eating as close to 1200 calories a day and go to the gym at least 4 days a week. What should I realistically expect to loose each month? I know I need to eat and I think I have that part down. I just have this running thought that all this food is going to make me gain weight. Also, do I have to eat back the 600 calories I burned at the gym?

Replies

  • sweebum
    sweebum Posts: 1,060 Member
    1200 calories is too low for 194lbs plus exercise. Bump it up to 1400.
  • heathl39
    heathl39 Posts: 46
    I had a feeling with adding exercise I would have to eat more. I do cario, weights, and add circuit training at least 3 times a week. On a regular day I will burn 400 cal and on the circuit days 650-700.
  • ValeriePlz
    ValeriePlz Posts: 517 Member
    You can adjust your goals on MFP to how many pounds you want to lose per week. I was at 1 lb. per week until I got close to my goal weight, at which point I slowed down to .5 lb. per week.

    Edited to add: I eat back MOST of my exercise calories, but I try not to eat back all of them in case the estimates are too high.
  • heathl39
    heathl39 Posts: 46
    I don't particularly like eating and now that I am forcing myself to do so...maybe I also need to be more aware of the foods I am eating. Eating back some of the calories makes sense. Thank you
  • Etherlily1
    Etherlily1 Posts: 974 Member
    Depending on your metabolic profile food choices may make a major difference as to how you lose weight. It can be hard to eat when you are essentially afraid that every morsel is going to make you gain weight or keep you where you don't feel comfortable. I've struggled with that as well. If you have been restricting a lot you may see an initial bump up in weight, but do not be alarmed by it as it's just your body trying to level back out. One reason for the weight gain is you will be carrying around more waste than before. Lots of carbs and lots of sodium can result in false weight gain through water retention. 1400 sounds like a good place to start. As for eating back exercise calories talk to a professional. My doctor and dietician (sp) told me not to eat back my exercise calories.
  • heathl39
    heathl39 Posts: 46
    Your right, I get paranoid and tend to step back and it is just another set back. I'm am over the set backs! Thanks for the support, it is nice to know someone else understands! I am hoping that I will have this down a bit better in a couple of weeks. Thank you again! Have a good night!!

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