[Just Deb]

I am just getting started counting calories and have gotten I some great info and motivation from your chats. So to begin with let me say thank you very much!

I have decided to start at 1600 calories per day. I think that is about right. Today I have had about 1200 calories which I do think is low. However, I think that is do-able during the week, but the weekends will be harder when my husband is cooking and we have friends over. Is it ok to save up calories from the week to use during the weekend? Or I am I better off maintaining the same count every day?

[srmb60]

Hi Deb, what counts is your average over time. As long as your week adds up to something reasonable divided by seven ... and ends up a reasonable amount ... you'll be fine.
Some folks zigzag ... eat 1200 one day, 1500 another ... that kind of thing.

[Kilketay]

Deb, it's fine to do that - just be careful not to let yourself go crazy and eat everything in sight on weekends. The average calories is what matters.

That said, most studies find that people who are pretty consistent over the week and weekend in keeping to their diet are the most successful. Doesn't mean you can't be successful scheduling higher calorie days on the weekend (many people are) - just means you have to be careful. So, try it out, see if it works for you.

And I agree (as someone at your height who started off not too far from where you're at) that 1600 calories is probably a good place for you to start.

[Just Deb]

Thanks for the info. I agree that it would probably be easier to be consistant. But I cook during the week and my husband cooks on the weekends and he is definately not calorie conscience. So I think if I plan ahead for some extra calories for Saturday and Sunday dinners it will be more managable. And I won't feel like I am missing out - Wow! is he a good cook.

Thanks again for the feedback.

[MelKnee]

I've read that eating more calories every now and then can help keep your body from going into starvation mode.