Calorie Counters - Newbie-needs advice from veteran calorie counters

Hi, I'm new to calorie counting and am confused (and frustrated) by my results. Based on my starting weight (190.9) and activity level (couch) my requirements to maintain is 2,470 - so to lose 1 lb a week I would need to reduce to 1,970 or 2 lbs a week to 1,470. (I started 2 weeks ago and was sick the first couple of days, so my calories were a bit lower than my target.) My plan was to keep in the 1,470-1,970 range so I would have room to go down as my weight goes down. I realize that the first few days you lose the most, but my loss really tapered down fast. I don't understand my results, on some days that I ate less than others, I either lost no weight or gained a little. I even went down to the 1,200's the last couple of days and it didn't help.
Maybe I'm not being patient enough. But, I really want to succeed at this and would like to find my calorie levels that will let me lose 2 pounds a week. (I realize that I shouldn't go under 1,200/day, so as my weight goes down, I plan to increase my activity level to increase my calorie deficit). I'd really appreciate it if someone experienced at this could look at my stats and give me some guidance.

Week 1/Calories/Weight/Results
Tues/1227/190.9
Wed/1427/189.9/-1
Thurs/1603/188.2/-1.7
Fri/1580/187.6/-0.6
Sat/1811/187.6/0
Sun/1996/187.4/-0.2
Mon/1429/188/0.6
Average Calories/Total Week
1581/-2.9

Week 2/Calories/Weight/Results
Tues/1554/187/-1
Wed/1706/187/0
Thurs/1569/186.4/-0.6
Fri/1683/186.6/0.2
Sat/1542/187/0.4
Sun/1253/186.8/-0.2
Mon/1266/186.6/-0.2
Average Calories/Total Week
1510/-1.4

Where did you get the number of 2470 to maintain your weight? That seems low to me, but there are other factors that are unknown to me. How tall are you and how old are you? Do you know how much you were eating before you started calorie counting?

When I was around 200 lbs I lost eating 1600-1800 calories. At that time I was 29 and I'm 5'5" tall. That was with little activity. I never really dropped below 1500 calories and I added walking as my daily activity.

As strange as this sounds, my thought is that you aren't eating enough.

I think you're really smart about your choices with your calorie intake. I do think that water fluctuations can be HUGE..especially in the beginning. I also think you're doing great. Those formulas are just that...formulas. Not everyone loses the same...I suggest you increase your activity level and weight resistance exercises now, instead of waiting for later. Anyway, 4.5 lbs in 2 weeks seems great to me. Watch your sodium intake. Make sure your calorie counts are accurate....things can be so deceiving. Drink lots of water. Stay active and try to eat as many fresh, whole foods as possible. If you are eating lots of frozen meals, your body will respond much differently than say if you're eating a lot of raw, organic foods. Just a thought. I'm sure you'll get tons more information. Well done so far!

I got the numbers from a book I have (3 Steps to Weight Loss, by a Director from John Hopkins University), but come to think of it, it is odd they list calorie needs only based on current weight and activity level - without consideration for age and height. I am 41 years old and approx 5'3". I don't know how much I was eating before starting my calorie counting. (I am currently a couch potato, but know I need to change that too.) Thanks!

I think at 5'3" and a goal weight of 135 a suggested maintenace level of 2470 calories is too high. We short people cannot eat the calories that a taller person would. I am a bit shorter than you , I maintain on 1400-1500 a day. I lost on about 1200-1400 days a day. We are all different, however, so it is difficult to make exact statements. Losing weight never works like we think it will. I have lost when I didn't thinlk I would and gained when I was sure I would lose. I am not familiar with the book you mention. You have made a good start. It does take a little experimenting to find what works best. You can do it.