jenrn, I think most people ignore the calories they burned in exercise and just count those as a bonus. I think many calorie counters just focus on what they are consuming. I would definitely recommend eating more then 900, especially if you are getting hungry.

I just wanted to add that I love calorie counting too. I think if you are going to calorie count the best thing you can do is find a site online you like to log your foods into. Also, calorie counting does allow you to make room for a treat.

jenrn- First, be weary of the calorie estimates on the fitness machines -they are an average and are usually overestimating. That said 600 -10-15% is still a lot of work. For someone your starting weight, 1200 a day is on the low end. You can probably up that to 1500 average and still lose at a good clip while having somewhere to go if you need to go lower. Now as to eating back exercise calories, there are many ways of going about that. I prefer not to. What I do is eat my 1200 (I had to scale down to maintain loss) and then exercise off about 250. If you are working off 600 actual calories (I recommend either a heart rate monitor to track this, or just underestimating the machines by 10%) I would not want to go below 1500 a day average for now. If that doesn't show loss after 2-3 weeks then consider adjusting lower. I would recommend against 900 cal days, especially if you hit the gym as well I would consider adding a source of protein and calories to put you above 1000.

Hope that helps, and way to go hitting the gym that hard. I could never.

Thanks girls!! soo much! I just wanted added ideas, from those who have had weight issues and what has worked for him. No dont get me wrong 600 cal burned is NOT in one machine! I would die of boredom. I usually do 30 min elliptical and 20-30 on treadmill and 20 min on bike, or some type of combination with minimum cardio of 30-45 minutes. I know the calorie expenditure is an estimate, but was wondering with the calorie count if I should be using it or not. But prior to my work outs I usually have a greek yogurt! I love cho! if you haven't tried it I love it!, higher in calories but so worth it 140-160 in the container and it is filling. And then I always have my banana post work out!. I was just so concerned with going into "hibernation mode" if my intake and my workout net was only 700 cals, but good to see that shouldn't matter!

thanks again!

I say if you really really want something have a small portion of it. Or see if you can find a way to make a much healthier version of it that will still satisfy your craving. other then that all I can say is that you have to BE READY and REALLY WANT it and be willing to change your life. If you are not you wont succeed. Also surround yourself with as many good choices as possible so as to limit temptation GOOD LUCK! And I know you can do this

Yeah Jen, that's really good. Do not dip below 1200...I agree with fromthebox. Don't go under 1500. That way, if you hit a plateau in a few months when you're almost at goal weight, you can just cut a few more cals. If you eat less than 1500 and you're working out so much you will go into starvation mode and that is baaaaaad stuff.

Awesome work keep at it!!!!!!!