sartezalb Member

For me, meal timing is largely a matter of psychology--how much do I have to eat/at what times to feel satisfied throughout the day? When I was going through deficit eating, I found that many tiny meals throughout the day generally kept me the most sane. At maintenance calories, I found that I had to reconsider what kind…

I unfortunately got a bit lax--which also helps explain the weight gain. Keep those habits! Another important point on logging: it may be helpful to slowly ramp up your daily goals so that you can find your true maintenance level. MFP's original recommendation for me was, I think, a little high.

I will try to get my post in before this thread becomes too alarmist. I'm guessing you're of a shorter build--if 450 is your number for a 2 lb/week loss, then MFP must be calculating your maintenance calories at around ~1500. Unfortunately, as has been stated earlier, it is strongly not recommended to eat below 1200…

My main advice is this: if you really should only have 1000 calories a day, then plan for how you'll feel on those days when you're not able to meet your target. At that low a calorie goal, it'll be easy to stray from your goals--and consequently, easy to lose heart, get disappointed, and give up. On a related note: 1) If…

Being able to eyeball the number of calories in food. This has been mentioned several times, but is just so useful a skill that I don't think it can be praised enough. Being able to learn to do this is a huge debt I owe to this site.

The only difference between maintenance and weight loss is that the calorie cap is higher. All of the lessons from before--managing your appetite, staying away from foods that make it hard to stick to your diet, etc.--still apply. For example, you mentioned that you're "satisfied with less" sweets than before--think about…

Wow, was not expecting this kind of response. I was actually thinking of cheating a little today, but I checked in on this topic on a whim and decided to stick out the last few hours. So for all of you who found this inspiring: thank you for returning the favor. :-)

I generally don't answer the "weight lost" question. It usually elicits a slightly shocked expression followed by concerned advice: "Well, don't lose too much!" I find this particularly bewildering with my med school colleagues: we all have the same education, and we all have a sense of what the healthy limits are. If they…

After losing 25+ lbs the past few months, I finally fit in a tailored shirt made for me years ago. The same day, 5 separate people asked me what I'd been doing differently. Funny what clothes will do!

I actually weigh myself every day because I'm never sure when I'll find myself at a low point of the fluctuation. However, the numbers you see when you do that can range from discouraging to seemingly nonsensical. Case in point: I logged in at 170.2 about four days ago, saw my weight jump up to a steady 172-174 every day…

I think it's really cool that you started losing weight in prep for bariatric surgery but then decided you would continue your journey all the way. Super-mega-congratulations on getting your diabetes into remission!

Thank you for typing this so that I didn't have to. :laugh: I'm not at maintenance yet (keeping up a steady 2 lbs/week), but I'll probably keep logging for two reasons: 1) Keep track of my macros (particularly the protein). 2) I just really love eating, so it's mentally easier for me to know that all the stuff I'm…

It's possible that you tried too aggressive a plan too quickly--the harsher the plan, the bigger the temptation (and possible disappointment). Sometimes slowly tapering your calorie intake is an easier way (and more practical). 1) Change your MFP goal settings to "maintain weight." 2) Try logging all of your calories for a…

Don't beat yourself up on this. Yes, it was your choice to eat, but finding yourself in an "enabling environment," e.g., holidays, makes it a lot tougher to make the right choices. What *will* help is planning ahead of time to deal with the inevitable temptation. My diet plan, for instance, will take me through…

1) Are you underestimating the calories you eat? 2) Are you overestimating the calories you burn? If you're running a completely honest (and hopefully healthy) calorie deficit, patience may be the easiest solution. Body weight fluctuates with factors like water retention. While you might be burning fat, your fat loss won't…

I apologize if I seem like I was advocating for relying entirely on your doctor--I emphasize the value of medical professionals because some posters are giving me the vibe of "It's my body--I don't need anyone else's opinion. I know what I am." Every patient-physician interaction should be two-way. The physician will have…

Rock on. Hopefully, being able to draw on personal experience will give your message more punch. :smile:

*Bottom line is this:* 1) In the absence of metabolic disorders, reduction of calorie intake and/or increase in activity level (within safe limits) will slow weight gain/increase rate of weight loss with minimal adverse effects. 2) The only individuals with the formal training and tools to diagnose said disorders, as well…

1) I was amazed at how quickly and easily I became clinically overweight when I wasn't watching myself. I realized that if I want to maintain a healthy weight, I absolutely have to stay vigilant. 2) I have a tailored suit that doesn't fit anymore. It looks great, and I want to get back into it. :-) 3) Training for a career…

^ I think this is a big one. "Eating less and exercising" may be the tried-and-tested strategy, but it is literally the least sexy answer to the question of weight loss.