Newish here and have some questions.
gypsydogmama
Posts: 24 Member
Hey there!
Hope everyone is having a great weekend. I am 5'2 127 pounds. I would like to be back to 110 because on my frame that's what looks best. My stomach/hips and thighs are thick right now and I am very self conscious especially with my husband touching my stomach. I also just need to eat better (was eating tons of fast food & honestly don't know a whole lot about good nutrition) and work out in general so this app. is perfect for me.
Now my questions....
My fitness pal currently allows me 1200 calories a day. I set it that I want to lose 2 pounds a week and I have it set on "lightly active" work wise. I've noticed that on days that I do not exercise, I get fairly close to my calorie goal (but rarely go over). When I DO work out I work out for 50 mins on the elliptical or go hiking or walking/jogging and try to burn 500 calories each workout. (Tracking the calories/heartrate with my polarf4) On those days...I have so many extra calories (like 900) and Myfitnesspal keeps getting on to me and telling me I need to eat more. I would think having extra calories remaining would be a good thing? I take an anti depressant that has really lowered my appetite. So with all that being said I'm wondering if I'm going to be able to lose weight if I'm not eating enough or consuming the amount of calories myfitnesspal wants me to? It won't even give me my "if every day were like today...you'd weigh..." thing when I have so many left over calories.
Should I force myself to eat extra healthy snacks and maybe smoothies low in sugar...
Any tips, healthy snack ideas, really anything would be appreciated!
Thank you!
Kristin
Hope everyone is having a great weekend. I am 5'2 127 pounds. I would like to be back to 110 because on my frame that's what looks best. My stomach/hips and thighs are thick right now and I am very self conscious especially with my husband touching my stomach. I also just need to eat better (was eating tons of fast food & honestly don't know a whole lot about good nutrition) and work out in general so this app. is perfect for me.
Now my questions....
My fitness pal currently allows me 1200 calories a day. I set it that I want to lose 2 pounds a week and I have it set on "lightly active" work wise. I've noticed that on days that I do not exercise, I get fairly close to my calorie goal (but rarely go over). When I DO work out I work out for 50 mins on the elliptical or go hiking or walking/jogging and try to burn 500 calories each workout. (Tracking the calories/heartrate with my polarf4) On those days...I have so many extra calories (like 900) and Myfitnesspal keeps getting on to me and telling me I need to eat more. I would think having extra calories remaining would be a good thing? I take an anti depressant that has really lowered my appetite. So with all that being said I'm wondering if I'm going to be able to lose weight if I'm not eating enough or consuming the amount of calories myfitnesspal wants me to? It won't even give me my "if every day were like today...you'd weigh..." thing when I have so many left over calories.
Should I force myself to eat extra healthy snacks and maybe smoothies low in sugar...
Any tips, healthy snack ideas, really anything would be appreciated!
Thank you!
Kristin
0
Replies
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absolutkristin wrote: »
My fitness pal currently allows me 1200 calories a day. I set it that I want to lose 2 pounds a week
The wall of text made me stop reading here. Don't set it to 2lbs per week. Enthusiasm makes people do that but they just get disgruntled because they are hungry and what not, over eat, don't log, and yell about how they are't losing. Set it to 1lb per week and re-evaluate after a month or so.0 -
ncboiler89 wrote: »absolutkristin wrote: »
My fitness pal currently allows me 1200 calories a day. I set it that I want to lose 2 pounds a week
The wall of text made me stop reading here. Don't set it to 2lbs per week. Enthusiasm makes people do that but they just get disgruntled because they are hungry and what not, over eat, don't log, and yell about how they are't losing. Set it to 1lb per week and re-evaluate after a month or so.
Agree.
Also MFP sets ALL females to 1200 if they choose 2lb/week. Clearly demonstrative of MFP being a flawed system.0 -
With only 7 pounds to lose aiming to lose 2 pounds a week is too much. I still have 19-20 pounds to go and I've dropped myself to lose 1 pound per week. I'd say go with .5 pound per week.
http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/
Using that calc, putting you at 1-3 hours a week of light exercise and a 10% calorie reduction you could eat 1684 per day and still lose.
Your BMR is 1360, and that's the caloric level you don't want to eat below.
Also feel free to do some reading of awesome posts with solid advice...
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p1
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1235566/so-youre-new-here/p10 -
What do you mean wall of text? The rest of my post is important. Here's the rest:
and I have it set on "lightly active" work wise. I've noticed that on days that I do not exercise, I get fairly close to my calorie goal (but rarely go over). When I DO work out I work out for 50 mins on the elliptical or go hiking or walking/jogging and try to burn 500 calories each workout. (Tracking the calories/heartrate with my polarf4) On those days...I have so many extra calories (like 900) and Myfitnesspal keeps getting on to me and telling me I need to eat more. I would think having extra calories remaining would be a good thing? I take an anti depressant that has really lowered my appetite. So with all that being said I'm wondering if I'm going to be able to lose weight if I'm not eating enough or consuming the amount of calories myfitnesspal wants me to? It won't even give me my "if every day were like today...you'd weigh..." thing when I have so many left over calories.
Should I force myself to eat extra healthy snacks and maybe smoothies low in sugar...
Any tips, healthy snack ideas, really anything would be appreciated!
Thank you!
Kristin0 -
absolutkristin wrote: »What do you mean wall of text?
I saw the rest but it was a wall of text.0 -
ncboiler89 wrote: »absolutkristin wrote: »What do you mean wall of text?
I saw the rest but it was a wall of text.
Yup. TL;DR. Sorry, but it's almost 11pm. either add more paragraphs or make this into a bulletpoint.
I work in retail part-time. Trust me, we don't need your life story in order to help you out, despite what people seeking help seem to think
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PrizePopple wrote: »With only 7 pounds to lose aiming to lose 2 pounds a week is too much. I still have 19-20 pounds to go and I've dropped myself to lose 1 pound per week. I'd say go with .5 pound per week.
I have 17 pounds to lose not 7. I'm really confused because I feel like no one is answering my questions about food intake vs lots of remaining calories.0 -
ncboiler89 wrote: »absolutkristin wrote: »What do you mean wall of text?
I saw the rest but it was a wall of text.
Wow, Now I know why I never wrote in here before. You guys are extremely rude.
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absolutkristin wrote: »
I have 17 pounds to lose not 7. I'm really confused because I feel like no one is answering my questions about food intake vs lots of remaining calories.
Can you shorten your question then? Like, what is your primary question?
17lbs = 1lb/week or 0.5lb/week goal because losing 17lbs in about 2 months is probably not feasible at your weight.0 -
absolutkristin wrote: »ncboiler89 wrote: »absolutkristin wrote: »What do you mean wall of text?
I saw the rest but it was a wall of text.
Wow, Now I know why I never wrote in here before. You guys are extremely rude.
Sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. And I am only one person not "you guys". There are many helpful people here - including me I hope - I just call it like I see it. Some people are much more tactful than me. I seriously hope you keep posting here and just ignore me if you don't like me. Like I said there are a lot of helpful people here.0 -
absolutkristin wrote: »
I have 17 pounds to lose not 7. I'm really confused because I feel like no one is answering my questions about food intake vs lots of remaining calories.
Can you shorten your question then? Like, what is your primary question?
17lbs = 1lb/week or 0.5lb/week goal because losing 17lbs in about 2 months is probably not feasible at your weight.
- On the days I workout I have so many extra calories (like 900) and Myfitnesspal keeps getting on to me and telling me I need to eat more. I would think having extra calories remaining would be a good thing? I take an anti depressant that has really lowered my appetite. So with all that being said I'm wondering if I'm going to be able to lose weight if I'm not eating enough or consuming the amount of calories myfitnesspal wants me to?
-Should I force myself to eat extra healthy snacks and maybe smoothies low in sugar...
Any tips, healthy snack ideas, really anything would be appreciated!
I don't see how I could spell it out any clearer. These are my questions/concerns if you will.0 -
Yeah I totally didn't read it all either. Short attention span on my part. Also, when you see someone so close to their goal setting their loss to 2 pounds per week you pretty much stop reading. That's not an appropriate setting for the amount you want/need to lose, end of story.
And damn, I read that as 7 pounds but *did* enter the info on Scoobys Workshop correctly. Though your ticker does say a 5 pound loss is your end goal.
I think I need to go to bed now. I has the derp.
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ncboiler89 wrote: »absolutkristin wrote: »ncboiler89 wrote: »absolutkristin wrote: »What do you mean wall of text?
I saw the rest but it was a wall of text.
Wow, Now I know why I never wrote in here before. You guys are extremely rude.
Sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. And I am only one person not "you guys". There are many helpful people here - including me I hope - I just call it like I see it. Some people are much more tactful than me. I seriously hope you keep posting here and just ignore me if you don't like me. Like I said there are a lot of helpful people here.
I was referring to both you and ana3067. Obviously I know you aren't two people. I am extremely new to this, extremely depressed -which is why I started working out in the first place to hopefully help that and also help me have a healthier lifestyle and this is my first post ever in here so I am sorry if I don't write or say the exact things you want me to.0 -
absolutkristin wrote: »absolutkristin wrote: »
I have 17 pounds to lose not 7. I'm really confused because I feel like no one is answering my questions about food intake vs lots of remaining calories.
Can you shorten your question then? Like, what is your primary question?
17lbs = 1lb/week or 0.5lb/week goal because losing 17lbs in about 2 months is probably not feasible at your weight.
- On the days I workout I have so many extra calories (like 900) and Myfitnesspal keeps getting on to me and telling me I need to eat more. I would think having extra calories remaining would be a good thing? I take an anti depressant that has really lowered my appetite. So with all that being said I'm wondering if I'm going to be able to lose weight if I'm not eating enough or consuming the amount of calories myfitnesspal wants me to?
-Should I force myself to eat extra healthy snacks and maybe smoothies low in sugar...
Any tips, healthy snack ideas, really anything would be appreciated!
I don't see how I could spell it out any clearer. These are my questions/concerns if you will.
MFP uses net method. Meaning that whatever your calorie goal is set at, that is how much you should eat every day to lose weight. If you do added exercise on top of that, you need to log it and eat at least half of those calories back.
You should eat to your calorie goal. "Healthy" and sugar have no bearing in weight loss. Eat food within your calories. I've lost over 30lbs eating jelly beans, chocolate, pizza, etc.
So... eat whatever food you enjoy and that oyu plan to eat once you are in maintenance.0 -
Enter your data into MFP and consume to the goal. If you exorcise then eat back some (half'ish) of these calories. Don't eat below 1200 calories.0
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PrizePopple wrote: »Yeah I totally didn't read it all either. Short attention span on my part. Also, when you see someone so close to their goal setting their loss to 2 pounds per week you pretty much stop reading. That's not an appropriate setting for the amount you want/need to lose, end of story.
And damn, I read that as 7 pounds but *did* enter the info on Scoobys Workshop correctly. Though your ticker does say a 5 pound loss is your end goal.
I think I need to go to bed now. I has the derp.
I don't even know what a ticker is.0 -
Also adding, the Scooby Workshop number *include* exercise, so no eating back calories (which is what MFP has you do).0
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absolutkristin wrote: »PrizePopple wrote: »Yeah I totally didn't read it all either. Short attention span on my part. Also, when you see someone so close to their goal setting their loss to 2 pounds per week you pretty much stop reading. That's not an appropriate setting for the amount you want/need to lose, end of story.
And damn, I read that as 7 pounds but *did* enter the info on Scoobys Workshop correctly. Though your ticker does say a 5 pound loss is your end goal.
I think I need to go to bed now. I has the derp.
I don't even know what a ticker is.
0 -
absolutkristin wrote: »PrizePopple wrote: »Yeah I totally didn't read it all either. Short attention span on my part. Also, when you see someone so close to their goal setting their loss to 2 pounds per week you pretty much stop reading. That's not an appropriate setting for the amount you want/need to lose, end of story.
And damn, I read that as 7 pounds but *did* enter the info on Scoobys Workshop correctly. Though your ticker does say a 5 pound loss is your end goal.
I think I need to go to bed now. I has the derp.
I don't even know what a ticker is.
Found the ticker after prizepopple mentioned it. Had no clue what it was or that it showed up. Jesus.0 -
absolutkristin wrote: »Jesus.
Yes?0 -
Thank you.ncboiler89 wrote: »Enter your data into MFP and consume to the goal. If you exorcise then eat back some (half'ish) of these calories. Don't eat below 1200 calories.0 -
absolutkristin wrote: »absolutkristin wrote: »
I have 17 pounds to lose not 7. I'm really confused because I feel like no one is answering my questions about food intake vs lots of remaining calories.
Can you shorten your question then? Like, what is your primary question?
17lbs = 1lb/week or 0.5lb/week goal because losing 17lbs in about 2 months is probably not feasible at your weight.
- On the days I workout I have so many extra calories (like 900) and Myfitnesspal keeps getting on to me and telling me I need to eat more. I would think having extra calories remaining would be a good thing? I take an anti depressant that has really lowered my appetite. So with all that being said I'm wondering if I'm going to be able to lose weight if I'm not eating enough or consuming the amount of calories myfitnesspal wants me to?
-Should I force myself to eat extra healthy snacks and maybe smoothies low in sugar...
Any tips, healthy snack ideas, really anything would be appreciated!
I don't see how I could spell it out any clearer. These are my questions/concerns if you will.
MFP uses net method. Meaning that whatever your calorie goal is set at, that is how much you should eat every day to lose weight. If you do added exercise on top of that, you need to log it and eat at least half of those calories back.
You should eat to your calorie goal. "Healthy" and sugar have no bearing in weight loss. Eat food within your calories. I've lost over 30lbs eating jelly beans, chocolate, pizza, etc.
So... eat whatever food you enjoy and that oyu plan to eat once you are in maintenance.
Thank you.0 -
absolutkristin wrote: »Hey there!
Hope everyone is having a great weekend. I am 5'2 127 pounds. I would like to be back to 110 because on my frame that's what looks best.
Welcome to MFP. There are a lot of great people on here. A lot of people find it helpful to connect with friends who are in the same boat, as they can offer good advice. If you are interested in healthy eating, there is a "clean eating" group where you can get advice on healthy eating.absolutkristin wrote: »
My stomach/hips and thighs are thick right now and I am very self conscious especially with my husband touching my stomach.
I also just need to eat better (was eating tons of fast food & honestly don't know a whole lot about good nutrition) and work out in general so this app. is perfect for me.
Now my questions....
My fitness pal currently allows me 1200 calories a day. I set it that I want to lose 2 pounds a week and I have it set on "lightly active" work wise. I've noticed that on days that I do not exercise, I get fairly close to my calorie goal (but rarely go over). When I DO work out I work out for 50 mins on the elliptical or go hiking or walking/jogging and try to burn 500 calories each workout. (Tracking the calories/heartrate with my polarf4) On those days...I have so many extra calories (like 900) and Myfitnesspal keeps getting on to me and telling me I need to eat more. I would think having extra calories remaining would be a good thing? I take an anti depressant that has really lowered my appetite. So with all that being said I'm wondering if I'm going to be able to lose weight if I'm not eating enough or consuming the amount of calories myfitnesspal wants me to? It won't even give me my "if every day were like today...you'd weigh..." thing when I have so many left over calories.
Should I force myself to eat extra healthy snacks and maybe smoothies low in sugar...
Any tips, healthy snack ideas, really anything would be appreciated
Thank you!
Kristin
Since you have less than 20 pounds to lose and you don't weigh a whole lot, the general recommendation is that your weekly weight loss goal be a little less ambitious than someone who weighs more than you -- perhaps .5 to 1 pound per week.
One thing to remember about calorie burns is that they are just estimates. A while back I read about whether you should eat your exercise calories back, and it seems like the general rule is to only eat half of them back because you can't be sure if the calorie burn is accurate.
It sounds like you are wondering if you need to up your calories to preserve your metabolism. As someone else mentioned, in some circles there is a general belief that you should not eat below your BMR. I would do a little reading on this to see if you agree with this principle. I'm sure that a lot of people do eat below their BMR and lose weight.
Since your calories are fairly low, you could try eating back half of your exercise calories for the next month, and see where you end up. Then you can make adjustments. Trial and error and a lot of persistence will get you to your goal!
Good luck!
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GoPerfectHealth wrote: »absolutkristin wrote: »Hey there!
Hope everyone is having a great weekend. I am 5'2 127 pounds. I would like to be back to 110 because on my frame that's what looks best.
Welcome to MFP. There are a lot of great people on here. A lot of people find it helpful to connect with friends who are in the same boat, as they can offer good advice. If you are interested in healthy eating, there is a "clean eating" group where you can get advice on healthy eating.absolutkristin wrote: »
My stomach/hips and thighs are thick right now and I am very self conscious especially with my husband touching my stomach.
I also just need to eat better (was eating tons of fast food & honestly don't know a whole lot about good nutrition) and work out in general so this app. is perfect for me.
Now my questions....
My fitness pal currently allows me 1200 calories a day. I set it that I want to lose 2 pounds a week and I have it set on "lightly active" work wise. I've noticed that on days that I do not exercise, I get fairly close to my calorie goal (but rarely go over). When I DO work out I work out for 50 mins on the elliptical or go hiking or walking/jogging and try to burn 500 calories each workout. (Tracking the calories/heartrate with my polarf4) On those days...I have so many extra calories (like 900) and Myfitnesspal keeps getting on to me and telling me I need to eat more. I would think having extra calories remaining would be a good thing? I take an anti depressant that has really lowered my appetite. So with all that being said I'm wondering if I'm going to be able to lose weight if I'm not eating enough or consuming the amount of calories myfitnesspal wants me to? It won't even give me my "if every day were like today...you'd weigh..." thing when I have so many left over calories.
Should I force myself to eat extra healthy snacks and maybe smoothies low in sugar...
Any tips, healthy snack ideas, really anything would be appreciated
Thank you!
Kristin
Since you have less than 20 pounds to lose and you don't weigh a whole lot, the general recommendation is that your weekly weight loss goal be a little less ambitious than someone who weighs more than you -- perhaps .5 to 1 pound per week.
One thing to remember about calorie burns is that they are just estimates. A while back I read about whether you should eat your exercise calories back, and it seems like the general rule is to only eat half of them back because you can't be sure if the calorie burn is accurate.
It sounds like you are wondering if you need to up your calories to preserve your metabolism. As someone else mentioned, in some circles there is a general belief that you should not eat below your BMR. I would do a little reading on this to see if you agree with this principle. I'm sure that a lot of people do eat below their BMR and lose weight.
Since your calories are fairly low, you could try eating back half of your exercise calories for the next month, and see where you end up. Then you can make adjustments. Trial and error and a lot of persistence will get you to your goal!
Good luck!
Thank you so much for reading my "wall of text". Your reply is very helpful!
I hope you have a great weekend!! 0
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