Should I increase or decrease my calorie limit?

jessysmith421
jessysmith421 Posts: 12
in Getting Started
Hi, I'm a 21 yo female who is 5'7. I currently weigh 160 and am aiming to get down to 135. I started my weight loss journey a month ago, with an initial calorie limit of 1200 cals (didn't know any better) and while doing some cardio 3x week. Two to three weeks ago I started to slowly increase my calorie intake to 1400-1500 plus my exercise calories. At this time I also started the 30 day shred and stopped doing cardio. My only concern is that I haven't noticed any weight loss or inch loss after I stopped doing my 1200 cal-cardio diet. During those first 2 weeks, I lost 4 lbs, but since then any weight loss/ body changes have stalled. After all this hard work I'm doing both controlling my hunger (I was having huge hunger cravings until I upped my protein- it's now under control) and exercising, it's been really discouraging to not see any changes at all in my body. I feel like I should decrease my calorie intake as maybe my current limit may be too high, but I'm hesitant to go too low. I also read that it's a good idea to increase the amount of food you eat if you start strength training (sort of incorporated in the shred), but I feel as if I'm getting an adequate amount of protein/fat as is on most days anyways. Am I just being impatient? Or do you think I should increase or decrease my daily limits? I'd appreciate any advice please!! Thanks!!!

Replies

  • scrounger888
    scrounger888 Posts: 17 Member
    For the first few weeks after starting strength training some people see a temporary stall or even short term regain because your body isn't used to that kind of activity and retains extra water. Keep at it and your body will sort it out and you'll be stronger and fitter.

    Its also possible that you're underestimating what you're eating. I'm good at underestimating food so I had to buy a food scale to get a better idea of portion sizes.
  • KLangleydoula
    KLangleydoula Posts: 1,494 Member
    I agree that when starting weights it is common to hit a plateau. I would hold steady and see what happens. I am always looking for friends, feel free to add me.
  • jessysmith421
    jessysmith421 Posts: 12
    I do have a food scale so I try to regularly weigh what I eat. I think ill stick it out for a bit and try to be more strict with what i eat to make sure I'm accurately reporting my calories. Thanks for the advice!
  • jtorrens01
    jtorrens01 Posts: 15
    I would recommend keep the calories the same but increase protein and cycle your carb intake. Also, lift heavy so you can build muscle
  • nikkisnewbod
    nikkisnewbod Posts: 3
    I would eat more I used to eat 1200-1400 calories a day and I ruined my metabolism and would gain if I ever went over that, I slowly started eating more and now I eat at least 1650 and I'm losing:)) I'm your height btw and could never imagine eating what I used to idk how I would function lol
  • jessysmith421
    jessysmith421 Posts: 12
    Thanks for the tips! I'm going to stick to 1500 cals but increase my protein. Hopefully I'll start to see some results soon!

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