That's exactly how Stage 1 worked for me. I ate at maintenance for about half of it, and at a small deficit for the other half. I just started Stage 2 and will be doing the HIIT. I'm trying to stay positive and hope for better results and more fat loss as I get further into the program. I would also like to know how others are faring.

I'm almost done with stage one, I only have the special workouts left, and according to the book's cals, I'm eating either at or above maintenance and I've lost 5lbs and about 16" overall. But I'm also obese and have a lot to lose, so take that for what it's worth!

How are you going to do the HIIT? I do not run, so I'm thinking I will stick to the arc trainer and just move a lot faster for the high intensity parts.

I do HIIT on the stair master. 30 sec at level 15. 90 sec at level 7. I do 8 rounds = 16 minutes.... I use an interval program on my phone to track the time. Gymboss.

Calories are a guessing game. Even when you calculate your BMR using the formulas or calculators, it is still just an estimate. So you may or may not be eating at a deficit of 300. If the scale is not moving the way you want, then you need to change. You may be eating too much or you may actually be eating too little. Just make a change and give it 3-4 weeks to see the true effects. You didn't say where you were on calories, but my suggestion would be if you are eating at 1500 or below that you actually increase your calories by 300-500 and see what happens. If you are already eating at 1800 - 2000, then you might lower them just a bit (maybe 100-200) and see what happens.

I'm 5'4" and my calories range anywhere from 1500 - 2400 depending on the day. I'm no longer in "weight loss mode" and have been maintaining a 125 lb weight loss for almost 2 yrs now. When I first started NROL4W I was totally stressed out about the additional calories, but I have since relaxed and just gone with it. I have found an eating routine that works for me (typically around 1500 base) and adjust for how hungry I am that day. But the adjustments are made in real, wholesome foods like nuts, fruit and such. I eat very little processed carbs, or at least try.

Trying to figure out the calories is very frustrating and a lot of hit or miss. Just stick with it, you will eventually find what works for you. Good luck.

I'm almost done with stage one, I only have the special workouts left, and according to the book's cals, I'm eating either at or above maintenance and I've lost 5lbs and about 16" overall. But I'm also obese and have a lot to lose, so take that for what it's worth!

16"?! That is AWESOME!

Thank you:) Yes that's overall loss from my hips, waist, thighs, and calves, and chest. It's mostly come from my hips/waist. My profile pic is a comparison pic from the day before I started NR and this last Monday, 5wks in. I'm taking pics/measurements again on Monday and I'll post my final numbers then:)