Comedy sometimes gets lost in translation, I guess. I've noticed the two things that don't come across well on the Internet are humor and sarcasm. Maybe that's why emoticons, although annoying, work pretty well.
GJ, yeah, you're right that many of us weren't being supportive. But, man, I just feel so strongly that it was bad advice from the doctor when you consider long-term maintenance. However, that certainly doesn't mean I should project my stuff onto someone else. Mea culpa.
It wasn't meant for long term maintenance. I didn't realize there would be such an up roar, I just figured people would chuckle. Let me explain.
The calories are just for loosing weight. Period, by the time I have lost some weight I will add to those until I am at maintenance weight.
The moolight stroll is not outside in the moonlight (those tons of women walk here after dark because that is the time they do it) . She meant, by that, to turn the treadmill down and walk realxed for 15 minutes. That way I am getting my body used to moving but not hurting the messed up joints.
The 15 minutes is only to start, when I can do that without the pain then I add 5 minutes.
She said I could eat 1850 a day, but without the exercise I just won't lose weight that way. I promise my doctor does know what she is talkign about. I just didn't present it vety well, because as I said, I was trying to be funny, not trying to present my medical facts.
I think her idea of doing this in steps makes alot of sense. I can only do one thing at a time, because if I try it all I am going to fail, I know that much abotu me, as does my doctor.
Anyway, I am very sorry for the misunderstanding. I guess I really do need to lay my humor to rest because it is dying a slow painful death, alot like my resolve not to eat that darn pile of cookies that are callign me fro the kitchen. Did ya'll know that Keebler cookies have an Irish accent?
If it makes you feel any better, I thought the original post was pretty funny. I find her advice very interesting as well, especially as you say that she is a certified nutritionist. And Robin - I hadn't realized that you were so low on cals and that was part of the plan you were using to speed through the weight loss. It's all given me much to think about. But no, Kati, I didn't know that Keebler cookies had an Irish accent. I guess that makes sense, given the similarity between elves and leprechauns. But I never really gave them much of a chance to chat with me when I was eating them - and now, they are no longer welcome in my house. So, I'll just take your word on the accent.
Don't doubt you can do it! There is no harm trying it her way. People were just concerned because lots of us have tried that 1200 calorie way and may have had some short term success, but it is really hard to substain and those of us who have a lot to lose have a long path ahead of us. That being said it's not impossible... some people can. When you increase your exercise you may want to think about adding in some of those calories so maybe your upto 1400-1500. If your finding the 1200 too hard to stick with.
I think my net calories is only around 1200 too, but I eat more like 1400-1700 because of the exercise I do.
Easing into it is a great idea though... Lots of people jump in too quickly and hurt themsleves so she's just looking out for your best interest, but no one knows what your comfortable and capable of better then you. If you think she's under estimating you based on her experience with other people... well you know what I mean I'm not going to tell you to not listen to her advice, but if walkng 2mph is getting you nowhere... my point is just make sure you increase as your skill level does.
I have to admit that her Turtle way is a bit extreme in the other direction, but hey she went to med school I didn't.
I'm chiming in a little late here. I thought your original post was cute. I think Sheila's right - those little smilie things do add a touch of humor.
Anyway, I like Robin41, have been consuming about 1200 calories for months and months now and that's with lots of exercise. I eat an enormous amount of filling, satisfying, healthy, highly nutritious food for the amount. And I absolutely never feel deprived, never. That's not to say that I haven't been a little munched from time to time, but that was because of boredom or stress or what have you. Nothing at all to do with actual HUNGER. 1200 calories is certainly not starving oneself. Not even close and has nothing at all to do with anorexia. It provides more then enough nutrition and energy to live a healthy, full life. Humans require less food then one would think *sigh*. I'm a mere 5 feet tall and my body just doesn't require an abundance of calories. I've heard of people losing their hair from weight loss and brittle finger nails. My hair is growing faster then it ever has. And I am constantly having to trim my nails. I have never had so much energy in my entire life. In fact, I am shocked, simply shocked and AMAZED at just how much energy I have. I spend much more hours awake and MOVING now.
I hear of people eating 1800 calories and I am amazed that any one could lose steadily on that amount. That's not even my maintenance level. Not even close. We really are all individuals with individual needs. Now don't get me wrong, I truly wish I WERE able to eat more calories and maintain a healthy weight - but it's not possible and I accept that and am perfectly fine with it.
Granted though, when I started and weighed 287 lbs. I didn't start at 1200 calories. I started higher and brought it down to that number a good few months into my journey.
I personally think that your doctor may be wrong here . I do think it may be possible for you to lose weight at a higher calorie level. There is absolutely no way on earth anyone can tell you for sure, just what the "right" level for you to lose on would be. I don't care how many degrees they have. It's a trial and error thing. A doctor is a doctor, but it's your body and no one knows it better then you. If I were you, and I'm not, I would probably see what kind of results you get with 1400 -1500 calories. IMO, a few weeks at that will not do you any harm, but of course that's totally your choice. It certainly won't harm you to try the 1200 calories either. But please make sure that you are satisfied with that.
And hello, if those darn Keebler cookies are calling your name, why not toss them out of the house - let them call someone ELSES name. Why make it harder on yourself?????
Everybody has to find their own way. And I'm sure you will do just that. I'm sorry that you got misunderstood. It happens. Please keep us informed. We want to know how you're doing! And please, DO keep up that sense of humor. You certainly put a smile on my face a couple of times. But I'll reserve the biggest smile for when you tell us that you're feeling marvelous due to all the exercise that you are able to do and that you've reached a healthy weight.
rockinrobin, can you please give me some ideas of food that you cook? I will be cooking for myself my 8 yo and 2 yo. I don't want to cut their calories so much as myself and the baby needs the fat of course. I would love some ideas. Thanks so much!
Granted though, when I started and weighed 287 lbs. I didn't start at 1200 calories. I started higher and brought it down to that number a good few months into my journey.
That's always made really good sense to me. If you stop losing after eating 1,200 calories for a while because your body got so efficient, where would you go from there and still maintain good nutrition and enough food so that you wouldn't be hungry all the time? I really, really don't like to be hungry--it creates major problems with me staying on my program. For me, when I've stayed really low for a while, usually because of illness, I've had a great weight loss, but once I start eating back up at what usually is a weight-loss amount of calories, I always gain weight. I lost the majority of weight while following the Weight Watchers program, and, luckily, all that's built into the program so it took the whole issue out of my hands. Now I'm obsessed by Fitday and balanced eating. But it's a good obsession.
I'm curious if you've discovered how many calories more to eat to maintain, Robin. Have you found it's about 200-300 more than you were eating to lose? More, less? I know it's different for everyone, but where did you start when you were in the maintenance phase?
I don't know much about the difference between 1250 -1800 calorie intake.
I do know that there are a lot of whole healthy foods that can leave you more satisfied then others i.e. fiber foods compared to say empty calories. So maybe you could find foods that you like that give you more bang for your buck. I eat 6 times a day small snacks but all with fiber and protein and my carbs come only from whole grain.
Also the whole taking it one step at a time I learned for me that is I have an extreme personality and need to do everything at once, meaning my diet needs to be perfect from day one, with this technique I have just failed. This time I have gradually made changes, each week I set a small goal to add to my diet, like more water then only whole grain simple things like this. This way has really helped me with the whole making this a life change. So it really depends on you. I think the important thing is not to kick yourself when you don't hit your goals exactly, just keep trying. I know you can do it!!
I am confused, the doctor said that 1850 calories was too low, but then gave you a 1200 calorie diet? Or she told you not jump into dieting, but to eat a balanced diet and start exercising more gradually, so you dropped your calories by 2/3 and cut your workouts in half?
It was kind of hard to tell from the first post whether you respected her advice (funny or not), and then you said that she did know what she was talking about, but why then the drastic calorie cut? Ok, I am mixed up here.
rockinrobin - 1800 calories actually is a little low for a maintenance calorie level. Unless you're extremely inactive, you might want to have your thyroid checked.
You can diet at the lowest calorie level you're comfortable with and then have to elevate it for maintenance. Or you can diet at the highest calorie level you're comfortable with and lower it when and if you stop losing before maintenance.
Since I tend to binge when my calories are too low, I now tend to follow the second path. I figure it starts me out with the same skills I will need for maintenance. I've mostly dieted following the first path in the past, and I failed over and over. This way is a lot slower, and sometimes it drives me crazy, but because I already consider my eating part of what "maintenance" will be and a goal in iteself not just a means to a goal, there really is no getting frustrated and giving up. There isn't anything to give up.
Kaploids, I've had my thyroid and everything else checked. Thank G-d everything is in perfectly working order. And I am quite active these days, I'm happy to say . I'm not the only one who's body needs less then 1800 calories in order to maintain. Several of our longterm maintainers also need to keep it under 1800. Then of course there are those who CAN consume more then 1800. And Kaploids, I also tend to binge when my calories are too low, but mine aren't too low. I get lots of volume with my calories.
Sheila, I tried my hand at maintenance this summer. I would say that 1500 -1600 calories would be my maintenance level. WITH at least an hour of exercise daily. I've been trying to lose a few again, so I'm back at 1200. But again, I am truly not hungry at 1200 calories. Believe me, there is NO WAY that I would stick to this if I were. I've been at 1200 calories for months and months and have not plateaued at all. 1200 calories is not considered a low amount when you're 5 feet tall. It more then fills my nutritional needs.
Kati, here's a rough breakdown of a typical day for me.
Morning - 2 fat free/sugar free yogurts with 1/2 cup Fiber One cereal - or KAshi Go LEan cereal with skim milk or oatmeal with an egg white omlette - about 200 calories
Snack- 2 egg white omlette with 2 -skinny multi grain rice cakes - about 70 calories
Lunch - Veggie burger type product and 3 cups of cauliflower, or tuna in water, no mayo and a huge salad - about 300 calories
Snack - apple or berries or grapes - about 100 calories
Dinner - chicken breast or salmon with stir fry veggies or spaghetti squash or acorn squash or roasted green beans- about 400 calories
snack - yogurt and cereal or fruit or veggies (grape tomatoes, baby carrots, cucumbers) - about 100 calories
Kati, I do yummy things with chicken breasts - lemon mushroom chicken or taco chicken - or grilled chicken with grilled pepper, onions and tomatoes.
Experiment, play around with different cooking methods, sauteeing, grilling, baking - no added fat. Use lots of spices. Try different veggies and roast them. Make up new salads - I love and eat tons of a thinly tomato, cucumber, red onion salad with an vinegar/pepper/oregano dressing and a dollop of oil.
It takes some getting used to. And I do tweak here and there. But it's become a hobby/obsession/passion of mine. And I love every minute of it. My new ACTIVE, fit, healthy sized 2, sometimes a 4, body makes it all worth while.
Rocknrobin, That's great. I wasn't judging. It's just a good thing to have checked. I wasn't saying that there aren't people who maintain on less than 1800 calories, it's just on the low end of the spectrum, so it's a red flag for thyroid problems. It's how my mom discovered she had low thyroid. Her doctor just wouldn't believe that she wasn't eating more than she said she was eating. She switched doctors, and the new doctor believed her and had her thyroid checked. On thyroid medications, mom's able to lose weight again. I also wasn't judging your calorie level, or implying that 1200 is too low. There are actually days when I eat 1200 calories and am satisfied, not many, but there are a few.
I think what is key is for people to learn to understand their individual needs. The common expectation of losing wieght in this country is for someone to seek out and follow someone else's example. Find a weight loss book or plan or program or center. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with following WW or Southbeach, or Volumetrics, or whatever, but you can't take your individual personality and needs out of the equation and just try to force yourself into someone else's "diet mold."
I don't think we stress enough that this is all a trial and error approach. You aren't worthless or stupid if you "fall off" the wagon. You may just not have found the right wagon, or might have to build your own.
Aww, have a little more faith in yourself, try, and try hard for a while, and if you can't do 1200, then talk to her again, and see if she will up it for you. I thought your post was kinda funny, Gotta love accented docs!!
I think your post was funny too! The accent you threw in there...it made me think of that stand up routine by John Pinnette. He is a VERY LARGE man who said he and his friends from Overeaters Anonymous or Weight Watchers (or something to that effect) would leave their meetings and hit the Chinese Buffet where they would spend hours. He said the owner would come over and using his best Chinese accent he says "You go now!!! You been here 4 owas! Buffet cwosed!! Have you ever seen this? He was not being offensive toward other nationalities....he was just doing the accent the best he could. The same goes for your post. So, that having been said...keep up the humor! Life is too short not to appreciate good humor. Hours go by in my daily life until I actually utter a SERIOUS word. LOL
Robin, thanks for the info. I'm going to try 1600 for maintenance and see what happens. Hey, I hear you on the 1200 calories. When I'm trying to lose, I usually stay between 1200 and 1300. Although I'm larger, I'm older and in menopause so my calorie needs are less plus when you don't have that much to lose, something's gotta give. My activity is usually 60-90 minutes so I have to ramp things up in order to lose a pound a week. I'm always happy to hear that others are starting this healthy journey much younger than me because it does get harder as you age.
I try never to let myself get hungry--nowadays, my only hunger seems to be "head hunger." Today I had a great sandwich using Sara Lee Delightful wheat bread, oven-roasted turkey, lots of grilled onions and peppers, and an ounce of shredded lowfat cheese, then I put it in a nonstick pan and grilled it. When I calculated it on Fitday, it was 240 calories and quite filling. It's amazing what you can do with lots of veggies, lean protein, whole grains and the great low-calorie, good-for-you food available today. Gotta love that Sara Lee!
Since you have all these injuries have you tried working out in water? Its alot easier since your not having to really support yourself but you have the resistance of the water.
. I do think it may be possible for you to lose weight at a higher calorie level. There is absolutely no way on earth anyone can tell you for sure, just what the "right" level for you to lose on would be. I don't care how many degrees they have. It's a trial and error thing. A doctor is a doctor, but it's your body and no one knows it better then you. If I were you, and I'm not, I would probably see what kind of results you get with 1400 -1500 calories. IMO, a few weeks at that will not do you any harm, but of course that's totally your choice. It certainly won't harm you to try the 1200 calories either. But please make sure that you are satisfied with that. 
