How to eat my calories

stephc71885
stephc71885 Posts: 50 Member
edited September 25 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi all! I've been on MFP for almost 2 weeks now and I just love it! My question is this... should i be more cautious of how I am eating my calories? I usually come in just under my goal (1200 + exercise cals). I try not to leave too much of a deficit and I haven't gone over yet. But I do still tend to eat foods I love that may not be the greatest options. I love sugary cereal and tend to have a bowl as a snack. Again, I'm not over my calories, but is that really the most important thing? Should I really just be aiming to be under my calorie goal or would I better with a bigger deficit and healthier snacks?

I've had great success in the first 11 days or so. I lost 5 pounds the first week and 1/2 inch off my waist plus 1 inch off my neck! (i tend to carry a lot of weight in my face and neck and lose there first).

Anyway- just asking your opinions on the matter!!

SW: 190
CW: 185 (on 3/20/2011)
First mini-goal: 180 (4/16/2011) for my commencement ball
2nd mini-goal: 175 (5/21/2011) for graduation from pharmacy school
3rd mini-goal: below 170 (6/12/2011) for vacation in Mexico
4th mini-goal: 160 by 7/18/2011 for my 26th birthday :)
GW: 145

Replies

  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    Quality of nutritional intake is certainly important - but so too is not depriving yourself of the things you really love. If you can find a balance that gives you a good intake of protein, dairy, and good carbs, plus allow for a little treat here and there, under your calorie limit - you're doing fine!
  • audjrey
    audjrey Posts: 360 Member
    Sounds like you're off to a good start and that you are aware of what changes you need to make in future if and when you hit a plateau (ie: substituting sugary cereals for less sugary ones). Good for you!!
  • kao708
    kao708 Posts: 813 Member
    I say, eat what you like in moderation. Just try to make small changes that you know you can live with for life because you don't want to have a drastic change in your diet once you get to goal!
  • seadog1
    seadog1 Posts: 86 Member
    You might want to consider a Mulit Vitamins. Make sure you are getting enough Potassium.
  • AnnaPixie
    AnnaPixie Posts: 7,439 Member
    I agree, make sure you get the balance of carbs, protein and good fats - fruits & veg. Then snack on what you fancy as long as you stay under you should still lose weight! :bigsmile:

    That's what I do anyhow. My theory is I have to eat what I enjoy otherwise I wont stick to it long term.

    But I DO eat lots of lean meats, veg and fruit!! And very little white carbs, so I can afford the sugars, I think :wink:

    good luck :flowerforyou:
  • dfulgoni
    dfulgoni Posts: 18 Member
    My two cents... just keep going with it if it's working for you. The quality of the overall calories (protein, fiber, fat, carbs, etc.) is important, but a bowl of sugary cereal here an there isn't going to side track you, especially if you're still hitting your overall calorie goal. It will probably help you stick with the plan in the long run.

    Good luck!!
  • stephc71885
    stephc71885 Posts: 50 Member
    thanks everybody!! i was thinking that allowing myself to "indulge" and stay under my calories is probably healthier than starving myself now and binging on all of it later and gaining weight back! i'm really trying to change my life as well as lose weight so i don't really want just a quick weight loss (although, that has been a nice benefit so far :)).

    Also, thanks for the tip about the potassium. I just looked back at my diet for the last week and i am WAY under the daily recommended amount. Plus i do have a heart condition (i have a pacemaker/defibrillator) so I really should watch my potassium closer! i do take a multi-vit but i'm not even sure if it has potassium. i am going to check now!

    Thanks again everyone. This website absolutely rocks.
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