Theresa-
When you first got here I recommended 1600 as a starting point-a place to start playing with your numbers-because everyone is different. You have reported eating closer to the 1400 range the past few days. How long have you been trying to stay around the 1400 range? Give it a couple of weeks before you try to drop it lower than that-because you are still a pretty long way from goal. Don't drop too much, too soon-or 10-20 pounds the line, you won't have much to go-without dropping your calories to an unhealthy level.

I personally don't like to go under an average of 1200 a day. I think it is too hard to meet your nutritional needs at very low levels. I think it is fine to cycle your calories a bit-such as aiming to be at 1200 a day when you are nearing goal-and maybe having 1100 one day, and 1300 the next, 1000 the day after, and 1400 the day after that-because that averages out to 1200 a day at the end of the week.

I also think that it is normal, if we are very busy or ill-to occasionally have a "low" day...like 800-900 calories. I don't think it is a good idea to have low numbers like that regularly.

A healthy weight loss rate is 1-2 pounds a week as well-but as we get closer to goal that also slows sometimes to only a couple pounds per month instead-and this is also normal. It is also normal for someone starting out at 250 to lose the first 10-15 pounds faster than someone who is starting at 170-180. Their weight loss will eventually slow down, as they get to a smaller number.

When you drop your calories, I find that a drop of 100 is a good increment. You don't want to drop from 1600 a day to 1200, for instance-and skip the levels in between. You also want to give each level some time before deciding to change down.

Another option besides lowering your calories-is increasing the exercise, which you mentioned.

Just things to keep in mind while you are playing with your calories-to get them at a good level for you.

Bobbolink

My average # of calories for the last 2 weeks is 1358. (from fitday).
fat and protein aveerage out about the same.

What do you think should be changed?

Aphil,
you posted at the same time as me... so I did not see your answer. I guess I will stay where I am and start walking more.

thanks :)

Good morning Ladies!

I haven't posted lately because I caught this awful virus that has been going around work and have been stuck in bed for the last three days. Needless to say I haven't been calorie counting, but I haven't been eating much either.

I only walked 4.5 miles this week versus the 7.5 I was aiming for. I'll just chalk it up to being sick and try again when I feel better.

I have lost 3 pounds this week though. :carrot: I know it's a little over the 1-2 pound a week ideal, but I think it's because I've been sick. Hopefully, none of it comes creeping back.

Diva--Good luck today with the race! I quit smoking (cold turkey) a few years ago. I did really well except for social situations until I got sick on menthols and red wine. That cured me. I can't even be around others who smoke with out getting queasy. The only thing I miss is having something to do with my hands, so now I crochet instead. :D

RockingRobin--I was looking at your signature and I'm amazed at the size you are in. I realize that everyone's bodies are different, but it really hit me when I saw you are wearing a 10-12. That is wonderful! I'm five inches taller and barely in a 14. You have come so far and I love that you don't mind being called a "big loser." I don't know about anyone else, but losing weight and maintaining seems like the biggest accomplishment possible to me. Maybe because it's so hard and weight problems effect people in every category across the board. Okay, I'll stop rambling now... it's the cold meds...:dizzy:

Bobbolink--Have you tried Ostrich before? There is an Ostrich farm about 30 minutes from my house and the meat is really good. It's a red meat (You'd think being a bird it'd be white) that is very low in fat. In fact, you almost have to re-learn how to cook a steak because it's so lean. It's no good if it's over cooked. The eggs are crazy too. They are the equivalent of 18 chicken eggs. That's a big omelet. ;)

Thanks for the welcome guys :carrot:

So far today i'm doing pretty well. My lunch was 266 calories with 10 grams of fiber. A little high on calories for my typical lunch but i slept in and missed breakfast so i guess it was fine! The hardest thing i find is to stop snacking! i snack way too much and the calories add up VERY fast!

Well, i'm going to go exercise but i'll def check in later :)

Birthday weekend report:

Although I didn't count any calories, I feel I did pretty good. Friday started with the usual for breakfast, 1/2 a sandwich (turkey and artichoke) with a southwest corn and bean salad. Dinner was Chilean sea bass with too much wine and creme brulee for dessert. Saturday breakfast was a very small continental bfast at my conference. I concentrated on fresh fruit but did have a tiny sweetroll with my coffee. Lunch was 2 small turkey and avacado on croissant sandwiches, fresh fruit and a small salad. Oh, and a brownie. Dinner was just appetizers at my party and I didn't over do any of those. I also kept the drinking to a minimum.
Today my in-laws are taking me for an early dinner, so I'll just be snacking this afternoon for "lunch". DH just went to get fast food for him and DS. DD and I had cereal late this afternoon and feel we can manage without the fast food (yeah for us!!).

My weight did climb back up to 141.5, but I'm sure it will be back to the 139 I saw Friday by mid-week. Those fluctuations don't phase me as long as the overall picture sees the downward trend (and that has been the case for the past 6 weeks--albeit SLOW downward trend!).

Allison -- Happy Birthday! Your weekend food sounds incredibly tasty, even if a little high. It's to be expected --it's your birthday. Have fun at dinner!

:bday2you:

Did an hour at the gym... I'm going to skip the exercise dvd. I did the best I could today with the gym. I actually got a little shaky, which I'm sure is a result of the lingering hangover... how embarrassing. Anyway, I did some damage control and will come in low for calories for today. I also have ziplocked 5 baggies of Fiber One to take to school to snack on. This will be my second week of doing that.

Hope everyone had a nice weekend. I'd pay good money to add an extra day to this weekend... oh well... onward to Monday!

Happy birthday Allison!

I'm low for the second day in a row. I'm seriously just not hungry. A good mother would cook a decent meal for supper tomorrow wouldn't she? Salmon sounds good.

Hey kids,

Bobbi, your Cajun fries sound good but I'm not good with that spicy stuff. I'm going to try them anyway and just cut back on the spice. Maybe substitute garlic for the cajun.

I ran in the WIND and SNOW (flurries but it's STILL snow) and FREEZING COLD. I was so beat leaving here this morning but once I got to the race, I was pumped and ready to go.

This course is hills on top of hills and I just wanted to finish this in 55 minutes or less.

I'd eaten two bananas and six ounces of yogurt in the previous ten hours and was running on no sleep in 24+ hours. And smoking stupid cigarettes. Can you believe how stupid I am?

Even so, I did it in 43:19!

Yippee for me!

I came in DEAD LAST...

AGAIN...

Which means I am CONSISTENT!!!

I almost came in NOT dead last but the six-year-old kid got his second wind or something and flew right past me at the 2.5-mile mark. I wanted to kick his butt; however, by the time I finished, he was showered and napping.

It was fun, fun, fun! I was so psyched! Burned a bunch of calories and that ounce of Gatorade someone gave me on Mile 1 just FUELED my legs like you wouldn't believe.

Got home by 12:15, showered, and met my girlfriend for lunch at 1:30. Got home at 4:00, slept until 6:00, and now I'm back at work.

Miz Claudia, I am a computer systems analyst for Pfizer. What that means is that when a server goes awry on the global level (40,000 servers worldwide), I fix it or find someone who will.

What that means to the public is that your meds are safe.

I'll post my calories after I eat dinner, but wanted to read up on all of you and tell you about my adventures on concrete.

Robin, you sound good! Really good, strong, focused. And Susan, save me some salmon. God... that sounds so good right now!

You did good Diva. I'm proud of you ... and your little competitor. Too funny!
Have a good dinner. The salmon will be ready tomorrow at about 5:30.

Calories for today were 1785 with 28% coming from fat.

1785 is unheard of for me. They put SWISS CHEESE in my grinder. Four slices! I didn't realize it until I was halfway through the thing. That alone was 426 calories. :-(

Average calories for the week are 964/day so I'm not going to let this get to me.

Considering all the exercise you did and your hectic lifestyle you mentioned, I think it will be ok:) Congrats on the run!

yesterdays tally.

Total:
Cal: 1544
Fat: 21%
Carbs: 56%
Fiber: 67
Protein: 24%


Walked 1 mile.

curves this afternoon, will do treadmill this morning.
I am depressed, still no movement on the scale at my house, will see what curves scale says.

What is your take on High protein diets vs. just reg healthy diets?

Curves diet That I start in a few weeks will either be high protein or High Carbs.

Have a sunny day.

Theresa

I believe that we need adequate protein, especially if we are strength training to support our muscle-but I don't believe in low carb diets. Confusing huh? I believe that there are too many health benefits in whole grains, fruits, and veggies to limit them so much. Good carbs are different than processed/refined/sugary carbs.

I think that WHAT someone eats is actually more important than fat grams, protein grams, carbs, etc. That is where I put most of my focal point on. I tend to try and eat pretty clean (more whole foods and nutrient and antioxidant rich foods, etc.) rather than focus on carbs, fat grams, etc.

Two people can have the same amount of carbs at a meal-but one person's may have come from a fat free pudding, and the other persons may have come from antioxidant rich blueberrries or a pomegranate...or two people may have similar fat counts-but one persons fat may have come from bacon, and the others from more nutrient dense almonds. The same is true of protein, calories, etc.-so I try to focus more on WHAT am eating, rather than so much percentage of this or that.

I try to ask myself before I eat-what is this giving my body? :)

Thanks, Grammy. I'm working on it.

But right now I'm working on getting some sleep. I think the shortbread Girl Scout cookies in the pantry are keeping me awake. I'm not a baked-goods fan, but those cookies are sooooo good with hot coffee.

Good night, ladies! I'll catch you later!

Oh, Diva~don't get me started on GS Shortbread cookies!!! LOL, thankfully, when DD bought cookies, she didn't buy those! I have been known to eat half a box in a day (with coffee, of course!). WTG on the run!

Thanks for the birthday wishes. I had a good weekend and didn't end up drinking as much as I could have (you know how St. Patrick's celebrations can end up!). I slept like a baby last night and I feel it is because I didn't have much wine yesterday. So my goal this week is to limit myself not to no alcohol, but to just one drink (cabernet) per night. It should be doable and it will really help with the overall calorie count.

Congrats DIVA on the race! You did great. Have you signed up for your next one yet? You should do one in Chicago and then we can run together.

Fiber One, hmmm what can I say about it? It's GREATTT dry. I like to eat it plain or with some dried cranberries in it. However, I like to eat my cereal with milk and Fiber One does not taste that great in milk. However, I have found a solution: 1/2 cup Fiber One, 1/2 Cup Kashi Go Lean, 5 oz soymilk and some splenda (I also like to add some more dried cranberries).

Oh, guess what!!!??? I have one the challenge with my husband. For those of you that don't remember, my husband and I were having a challenge to see who can get down to 170 pounds first. Well, I WON!!! Today (Monday is our official weigh in day) I weighed in at 168.5 and he was at 177. My prize is that he has to cook dinner for 2 weeks and wear a T-Shirt that says "I'm a big fat loser".

Now my next goal is to get to 155 pounds by May 14.

Bobbo, why does the potatoes (for the cajun fries) have to be soaked in water?

Those are some good cookies. I started buying premeasured cookie packs because I can't eat just a serving sizes out of a box, I want the it all. For some reason when its measured and I know how much I get for the calories, I can control myself.

Allison, I am glad you had a wonderful birthday. Sounds like a good idea, they say one glass of wine a night is good for the blood. Wine burns my throat and make my ears feel like they are on fire so I don't drink it. My boss said I am missing some enzyme or something, common mainly in Asian Pacificers, that causes this reaction to my system. I thought it was my imagination until he told me that.

Hello, Just wanted to give you all hugs :hug:

Sometimes all we need is a hug and a word of wisdom .
I feel better today.

I walked 1 mile, and will go to Curves in 1 hr.

Just have to forget the scale for a few weeks. I know I am eating correctly. And working out dailey. Thats the most I can do.


Theresa

Part of this is to remove the surface starch from the potatoes-in a lot of fries recipes, this affects the batter/coating/spices/crisping in the recipe for them.

Aphil,

Thanks for the words of wisdom. I do appreciate them. I have just been feeling blue. Working very hard and feeling like I am getting no where. I guess I need to give it all a little more time. Thanks...:hug:

Bobbi, prayers for you today. hope the test goes easy.

Diva, my goal for today... To be able to keep up with you in a year or two. You are an inspiration. Keep up the good job. ;)


Lara,
painting...yuk! we are doing the living room floors this summer ( refinish) Yuk! oh well I will be happy when THAT'S done.

Girl scout cookies... I told the little girl I had no money . I did not even want them in my house. She just looked at me like I was crazy. ;) yup thats me. I like the thin mints.

later :wave:

theresa

I just went to FitDay and registered, its fun. For those who use it, how accurate do you feel it is for the activity part? I put in my typical day of activity and they estimate that I use close to 3000 calories a day.

Theresa, thin mints are my favs and hard to say no to. The last time we had them in the house, I ate a row at a time. Yep, now how did I gain again? HEHEHEHE! I have a problem stopping once I get start on something. So, I usually don't even start because one taste sets me into a bing. I am getting better about it now. I have learned to savor foods.

Thin mints are also my downfall-and mint chip ice cream, grasshopper cookies, Andes mints, and anything else mint/dark chocolate. The combination is evil. :devil:

Lara~the consensus with most of us is that fitday isn't the best in the activity area. Food area, yes, activity, no--it needs manual tweaking. But it is better than nothing!

Wow, this is a long thread! I hope you all don't mind if I just jump in. I just had my third baby last week, and started my Fitday entries two days ago, as well as sloooooow walks around the block. And tonight I am headed to a TOPS meeting. I've never tried TOPS, so we'll see if its anything I'm interested in continuing.

A little background...

I am a medium build person, who is normally not heavy (except a little mom fluff). But, every time I get pregnant I balloon up 80 pounds. :D :o But, then I get on the ball and lose it. So here I am, once again, saying hello to 200 pounds (at 5'3"), and ready to head back down. I was actually 230 before the baby delivered, but lost 30 pounds of baby and water the first week. :carrot:

Congratulations on the baby!

Welcome Mom and congrats on baby #3... how exciting!

Rai, I'll let you know way in advance when I'm heading to Chicago to see my parents. I'd love to run a race with you... Lake Shore Drive would be nice, even if it isn't a race.

Lara, FitDay is garbage on activities. I don't record the living stuff, only my time running and weight lifting. I use a Polar F4 monitor that calculates calories and I enter that. If I burn 500 calories running, I enter the minutes in FitDay to get the total to read 500. As I said, it's totally whacked so I make it work for me.

The Trefoils cookies left the house by the time I woke up. There is an angel watching over me, but I must admit, I would have loved two of those little cookies with my coffee today.

I saw the race results posted on the Internet and I did NOT finish last. Someone else came in 22 minutes behind me. Never mind that he was 76 years old. And from Minneapolis (you always have yuckier results when you have to travel to the race). Next two races are April 22 (5.5 mile) and April 28 (5K). Building up to 25 miles of running per week, slowly but surely.

Took the day off from the gym (felt so good to be a lazy slob) but back at it tomorrow. Calories for the day were 1473 with 36% coming from fat.

Good night, ladies. Catch you tomorrow.

Calories today: 819
Calories burnt: 425

a little low on calories but i wasn't hungry today! I also found out that my exercise tracker- body by glamour at glamour.com is not going to work until april second! ugh! but thats ok, i write down my exercise in two other places so i'll live :)

CoolMom,
hi :wave:

Enjoy that little one, they grow up to fast. :cloud9: I know you are loving it.
Girl or Boy?


Total: Monday
Cal: 1530
Fat: 24%
Carbs: 38%
Fiber: 50
Protein: 38%


Curves 30 min.
treadmill.
1 mile in 25 min.
1 mile in 20 min.

Got weighed today.
I guess I did loose 1 lb.
MY scales are going in the trash! made me look like I had gained about 3-4 pounds.!

I am going to keep pushing to get close to 1600 cal. came close today.

later. sleep well.


theresa

Thanks for the welcome! I had my third baby boy. :)

Well, my first TOPS meeting was interesting. Its so cheap!!! And its just a support group. I still do my own thing as far as diet and exercise, but I get the accountability of weighing in weekly. So I think I will continue with it, and squeeze in between the grandmas. LOL

So far only 1400 cals today. I'm shooting for 1700. (nursing)
walked 1 slow mile.

I agree about the fitday activity section. I entered my walk and it says I burned 30 calories.