This plateau has got me thinking again about how many calories I should be eating a day. Sometimes it just doesnt seem like 1200 is enough. And therefore, I want to snack because that 1200 isnt satisfying. The sheet at the gym says 1200 a day for 6 days and then the 7th day is a free day to indulge. Okay...I will tell you this... I know myself, and if I give myself a "free" day I am more than capable of eating enough calories to ensure there will be a gain on weigh in day even if it is a week later. So, really what I need to figure out is what calorie range is good for me to lose weight with the exercise I am doing. I was eating 1300-1400 calories a day and even though it wasnt a ton more than 1200, it felt more doable to me. But I wasnt sure that was working for me, and honestly I still dont know because we threw a few vacations and non counting days in the loop so it really is hard to tell. I am making much healthier choices and not splurging on much, and at the end of the day I am usually shocked with the amount that I DIDNT eat that day. Isnt that odd? What amazes me really is the amount of food I used to eat. And I feel that for my healthier choices and reduction of calories I should be seeing results with my exercise. BUT then I look and see that when I am following a 1200 calorie diet I am usually snacking here and there (a very nasty old habit that needs to disappear) and that throw the calorie count for the day. It also makes me feel a little out of control when I snack, even though it is just a bite.
So...here it is. I am going to allow myself between 1300-1400 calories a day along with my exercise. And, I will count every single little crumb that goes in...at least for now while I am on the weight loss part of my journey. This is serious business at this point. The only one suffering from the mind games of having "just a bite" 10 times a day is ME. I measure and sometimes even weigh my food. Its a great step in the right direction but by snacking here and there and not counting it what the point??? With the added calories I hope to feel a little more satisfied and figure it out by getting an accurate count(by not omitting anything from my food log). Thoughts?
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You know when you think about it, 1200 calories is not a lot. I think you should do exactly what you are planning to do and see what happens. I give up with what the scale says and am going with how I look and feel. We all want to be healthy, look good and eat well too, but sometimes you just want to have something that may not be that good for you. But you know what...splurging once in a while is not a horrible thing. Especially if you are good most of time, than you deserve it. I don't think you can go the rest of your life without splurging here and there. We are only human and you know what...if I want some cookies, I will eat them. If I want some ice cream, I will have that too. If I want some fries from Wendy's (my favorite) you bet I will have those too but in moderation and not everyday. I don't think eating this stuff in moderation and once in a while will cause a weight gain. It's all about control and to not make those your daily habits. You can't completely cut out that stuff.
That last post is from me...not sure why it says anonymous??
I think you are working out a good plan there. It must be hard to keep track of every little thing you eat, but then again, you don't want to mindlessly put things in your mouth all day long! I commend you for being on top of it!!
Thanks for your comments on my posts. :)
I am aware of not wanting to over-exercise before I lose all my weight... so I am holding off a little. But I am enjoying just being more active!!
So I am looking forward to becoming a runner and doing those things... so I'm not too far behind ya!! :)
Thanks for begin such an awesome supporter and cheerleader. That means a lot.
~Margene
It's hard to figure out why we plateau. I've tried almost everything - calorie cycling, eating less one day, more another, changing up my exercise, the time of day I exercise, etc.
But, I have learned so much from my plateau. I encourage you to do the same. Enjoy the resting time and we will be losing again soon.
If I do 1200, I am hungry. Yesterday I did about 1200 and I was hungry. If I eat the right kind of food, 1400 is good for me. I am usually satisfied. I am also heavier than you though. So in theory, my body "needs" more calories. Even 1400 can be hard for me if it isn't enough protein.
Yesterday we ran out the door so I just ate a granola bar instead of my usual eggs and I was SUPER hungry by lunch. If I was home, I totally would have ate more, I wasn't in an area with food so of course I didn't. We went to Culvers after and it was all I could do not to scarf down a double cheeseburger and onion rings. I did good and just had a small chicken salad wrap but I swear I felt hungrier after I ate it!! About an hour later I was fine though. Anyways, just do what feels comfortable with you. You're doing great!
good luck sweetie. You will find that magic number. smile
Have you tried any of the on-line diet websites? I use www.411fit.com.It tells you how much you can eat. I was doing the same thing. If I eat 1200 calories. I was starving and then binging the next day. With this I am eating about 1500 and am finally losing. You also input your exercise. I try to have a deficit of 500 calories a day to lose 1 lb a week. The cool thing about this website is that it gives you a letter grade. I guess something that has carried over from school...have to get that A!!
I think I'm the same way, that if I have a "free" day, it always ends up costing me. To really lose weight, I have to stay on track, and exercise, and not snack all the time. It's tough!
Sounds like you've got a good plan. Now go execute it! :)
Does your calorie count take into account the days that you exercise? Or do you keep the count stable regardless of the type of activity you get in? I can see how I'd be satisfied with 1200 on a day without exercise, but I'd be starving with that amount on a day that I worked out for an hour or two...
Questions I ask myself when I've hit another plateau: Am I drinking enough water? Am I eating too much salt? I also try to eat more protein because it keeps me satieted longer. I hope this helps.
Come on i dare you ...... a maybe is a yes in my books and I've added you to my list ;-) you will thank me later LOL!
But in all seriousness I have added you for the time being if you want out let me know - no pressure!
I think you are on the right track with the calories. 1,200 isn't alot. I am so like you! Give me a free day and I will go wild~!!!!
I have been walking everyday and have cut out all snacks. I have lost 7 pounds. 60 to go. But , it's a start! Thank you for your encouraging comment on my blog today!
Have a pretty day!
Kristin
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