Diet or just eat less?

RamenNoodle16
RamenNoodle16 Posts: 3 Member
edited November 24 in Getting Started
I'm 5'10 and 248 pounds, and I've been eating 1600 calories a day. So far I've lost 2 pounds and it's working nicely for me, but should I start a diet anyways? I've been trying to eat as healthy as possible but not sure if that's enough or not.

Replies

  • 4legsRbetterthan2
    4legsRbetterthan2 Posts: 19,590 MFP Moderator
    Consider this a long term plan, and don't make changes you are not willing to live with forever. Don't get me wrong, I made all sorts of small adjustments throughout this journey, but I largely eat the same way I did before I started (don't forget you want to keep the weight off once you lose it). I just pay more attention to portion size, and try to bulk up on veggies to fill me up to stay satisfied and fit things into my calorie goal. As long as you are eating a veriety of foods you should be good to go. You don't have to go all out and completely change the types of foods you eat to be successful.
  • LivingtheLeanDream
    LivingtheLeanDream Posts: 13,342 Member
    If you've only been eating 1600 calories a day essentially you are already on a diet.
  • packersfan0103
    packersfan0103 Posts: 251 Member
    I no longer look at it as "dieting" just eating healthy as much as possible. I have an insatiable sweet tooth but i do my best.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    If you're eating less, you're dieting...so not really sure what you mean...
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    You have started a diet - a calorie restricted diet.

    Do you mean a diet with a specific name or plan? If you do mean that then why do you think that's any different, or better, compated to what you are already doing?
  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    RamenNoodle16 wrote: »
    I'm 5'10 and 248 pounds, and I've been eating 1600 calories a day. So far I've lost 2 pounds and it's working nicely for me, but should I start a diet anyways? I've been trying to eat as healthy as possible but not sure if that's enough or not.

    Enough for what? Eating at a deficit alone will affect weight loss. Building healthier eating habits (via a named "diet" or not) is beneficial for your long term health and success keeping any weight you lose off, though what constitutes healthy and/or healthier can vary person-to-person. Within the context of basic nutritional needs and any medical issues/complications you have or be trying to mitigate, you just need to decide what's "good enough" for you and your lifestyle.
  • sierrarasmussen
    sierrarasmussen Posts: 2 Member
    Average sedentary women should consume roughly 1600-1800 to maintain a healthy weight. I consume up to 1,400 cal a day, most of it being high protein and fresh veggies/fruits. I've found this associated with going to the gym 3-4 times a week is a really effective way at losing weight rather quickly and safely. I love sweets too and cantaloupe always helps me get my sweet fix.
  • Unknown
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  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    If you are eating at a calorie deficit in hopes of losing weight you are already on a diet, so I assume you mean some type of prescribed or structured diet. It's really up to you. Do you think having rules to follow would help?
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    Beta_Ray_Bill wrote: »
    RamenNoodle16 wrote: »
    I'm 5'10 and 248 pounds, and I've been eating 1600 calories a day. So far I've lost 2 pounds and it's working nicely for me, but should I start a diet anyways? I've been trying to eat as healthy as possible but not sure if that's enough or not.

    If you're 5'10" and 248lbs and actually eating 1600 calories a day, you would be dropping weight pretty quickly. Make sure you're weighing your food...

    Indeed. I started there, and I lose 2ish lbs per week at nearly twice that
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