[Breannaj1215]

im having such a problem with food. I calorie count and then when i lost 20 lbs i binge and dont stop til i gain like 15 back. im getting nowhere and my clothes arent fitting like they used to. WTH!!!!! Why do i do this to myself i refuse to spend one more year fat. Anyone have advice?

[joyfulloser]

Start by making changes you can LIVE with for the rest of your life. Too often people go from eating fast food everyday to eating 800, 1,000 or even 1,200 cals. per day. This is unsustainable long term.

Start making some "informed" decisions about weight/nutrition and how they effect one another. Add a balanced exercise plan (again, don't go from couch to working out 7 days a week...this is a recipe for inevitable failure). Perhaps start with 20 mins cardio 3 day/week. Work up slowly, maintaining for at least 2 weeks your current workout schedule.

There is much advise you can get right here from just reading the many threads here at 3FC's calorie counting section with all types of info to help you figure out where you need to be.

If you want to weight off, and you don't want to lose muscle, expect to lose safely between 1-3 lbs/week. A safe starting caloric range for most is between 1500-1600 cals/day.

Hope this helps.

[mom2gbsb]

Breannaj1215...the advice given by joyfulloser is awesome advice. Don't set yourself up for failure by taking your calories to low. Someone posted this is not a diet. This is a way of life! So true. Enjoy your journey. Include foods you enjoy (fast food variety included..but to a minimum) so you don't feel deprived, however, make healthy wise choices for your daily caloric intake. STOP SABOTAGING YOURSELF!! This is your life .. you take charge of it...YOU CAN DO IT...you have so many successful losers on this board to assist you.

Also...start slow with the exercise...you will find success..but never leave this board...bc these people know what they are talking about.

Wishing you success!!

[Shmead]

Right. What is this plan that doesn't work? Instead of trying to change who you are, change the plan to one that works with you.

ETA: We tend to think we are fat because we are bad people, and when our plans fail, it's because we were weak and pathetic. But sometimes it's the plan that needs changing.

[reptogirl]

yup what they said.. i am allowing myself 2000 cal a day for my weight, most days i don't get there, and my average after week one, was like 1500 cal, and i lost 5 pounds but more importantly it doesn't have to feel like a diet just a series of informed choices..good luck to you!