[NYCgirl22]

Hi all! I am new to the forum and have about 8 pounds to lose. I would like to get there before November 16th which is when I leave for Italy! I was wondering if any other featherweights are calorie counting, which I am. I eat about 1200 to 1300 calories per day. My fitday is also posted here is anyone wants to take a look. For some reason for the past 4 weeks I cannot budge from 116 so any suggestions are gladly accepted. I also walk at 3.5 mph at a 9% incline 5 days a week. Thanks so much everyone! I'm excited to be here!

- NM

[BlueToBlue]

Welcome to the featherweights forum! My first suggestion is that you have another way to measure progress because, given where you are at in terms of weight, I think you are going to find that the pounds come of really really slow. I'm a little bit taller than you and about 2 pounds heavier and it's a banner month if I can lose a pound. Also, the only time I am able to lose weight is during my TOM. So maybe once every four weeks I lose a pound. It's been like this since I got down to 120.

But despite the lack of progress on the scales, my measurements are steadily decreasing and my clothes keep getting looser and looser. So it's clear I'm still making progress, even if it isn't showing up the scale. I recommend taking your measurements once a month; you may see progress there that you aren't seeing on the scale. If you belong to a gym, you might also see if they can measure your body fat % once month. If your body fat % is going down, I wouldn't worry about not seeing progress on the scale. Knowing your body fat % would also help you verify that your goal of 108 is reasonable. See http://www.healthchecksystems.com/bodyfat.htm for more info about how you can use this measurement.

I stalled at around 123 or so and jump started my progress by increasing the intensity of my exercise. You might consider running or doing some other more intense cardio a couple days a week. When I did this, though, I did need to increase my calories from 1300 per day to 1400 per day.

- Barbara

[Goodbye Chubby]

Well, it sounds like you're in pretty good shape so far. One suggestion I might make is that you mix up your workouts a bit. If you keep doing the same thing over and over, your body gets used to it and you don't see the same results.

Do you speak Italian? I went to Rome this summer. I brought my instructional booklet with me to the gym and tried to teach myself to speak Italian before the trip. I learned enough to get where I needed to go and keep myself fed, but not much more.

Remember, you'll probably end up losing some weight on the trip just from all the walking (I did). I hope you have a great time!

[Robsia]

Well, never having been where you are, I couldn't say, but I eat about 1200-1300 cals per day and I lose on average 1 - 1.5 lbs a week.

So, for you to get down to 108 by November 16th, would mean you'd need to lose a little under 2 lbs a week.

Honestly, I don't think that's an achievable goal for you, at your weight. You're probably better off concentrating on toning.

[NYCgirl22]

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I think that I am going to cut out my cheat day once a week and stick to between 1200 to 1300 calories a day on a normal basis. I am also going to start going to a sculpt class at the gym as often as possible which will probably work out to be once or twice a week but I figure that is better than no weight training at all.

Concerning Italy, I am actually going to visit my friend who is abroad for the semester. I haven't even thought of studying up on my Italian, although I took Italian 101 last semester so I think I should remember a few bits and pieces. Once again thanks everyone!

- NM

[chicky4]

Hi be careful if you're not using FitDay b/c I just recently realized that I've been underestimating my caloric intake...thinking that a half cup of berry crisp dessert was only 200 cals (315 cals actual) and a breast of grilled chicken, I surely thought had around 200 cals as well (245 actual). 100 cals here and there and all the sudden I've gone over my limit of 1300/day.

[Lyria]

When you're at the last few pounds it's hard to shift them as we all know - it's also possible you need to increase your intake just a little and start changing up your routine.

I eat roughly 1500-1800 calories and run 5 days a week for 40-45mins and then walk into work and home again...

I've gained weight but my clothes still fit (a little more loosely if anything) which means I've lost fat but gained muscle tone through running. I had to stop panicing when I was gaining weight and made myself realise it was actually only just lean muscle mass (which is a good thing! hehe).

Maybe start a weights/strength routine to build some more lean muscle? Your weight my stay the same but your inches should decrease.

Livi