[stacysreadytolose]

Hey all! I just starting counting calories on Wednesday. So far it has been a huge success, and it was much easier than I thought. But, at 285 I started out at 1800 calories a day, and one site even recommended 1600. At 1800 I have already lost 6 pounds, and it is only Saturday. While I am beyond thrilled, according to the information I have that is too much. So what do I do? I'm glad to have lost so much, but at the same time if this is going to hurt my ultimate goals I want to correct it now.

Also I don't always know how to count all my calories. When I fix a meal I'm not sure how to exactly calculate my total. I have the total calories of everything that goes into it, but how do I get the calories in my exact portion? For example tonight for dinner I had stir fry vegetables and baked chicken that I mixed together. How do I know the ratio? Am I overthinking this? I just divided the total by 4 because it was four servings, and I ate one serving. Does the same go for the oil or do I count all the calories? I counted all of them to be on the safe side.

Thanks for replying!

[rockinrobin]

Hey, congrats on the GREAT loss!!!! Way to go!!!

I wouldn't be overly concerned about losing 6 lbs in such a short time though. It most likely won't happen again. First week losses are usually much higher then the remaining weeks you've got ahead of you. Lowering your calories and changing up your diet usually results in water loss that first week. If it were to happen weeks and weeks in a row, that would be another story, but again, that is most unlikely. As long as you are feeling full and satisfied, I wouldn't change a thing just yet.

Another thing. Those 1 - 2 lb loss averages that are recommended are not necessarily meant for those who have a larger amount of weight to lose.

As far as the recipe goes, I don't think you're overthinking at all. You're being aware and consientious, which is what will help get you to goal and then keep you there. One really has to be on top of things in order to maintain a healthy weight. I commend you! So yes, definitely count ALL the calories. Because all the calories matter. Oil has 120 calories per tablespoon, so you'd definitely want to add that in. calorie-count.com has a great feature called "recipe analyzer". You can plug in all the ingredients, the number of servings and they will figure it all out for you.

Don't forget to get in some exerice as well as counting your calories. You want to lose fat, not muscle and give yourself the best chance for success, while toning up your body.

I wish you much continued success!!!

[Taurie]

Congrats on your 6 lbs loss and your new lifestyle. I agree with Rockinrobin. Don't change your calorie intake if it's working. If you don't lose for 2 weeks in a row then thats is when you want to adjust calories.

As far as counting calories when you're cooking... count everything that goes in then divide by the number of servings... including the oil. So for that particular recipe, dividing everything by 4 is perfect.

[stacysreadytolose]

Thanks everyone for the information. I've already gotten the hang of determining my calories from my dinners, and would much rather overestimate than underestimate! I just keep chugging along.

[Melly30]

Just wanted say congrats on your 6 lb. loss ! That's great! I'm starting calorie counting too. I first started before vacation..and got off track.. but I'm back on the wagon! I use the dailyplate.com site to count calories and add in exercise and a food diary. I also went to Books A Million and bought my self a pretty little journal to keep a food diary and keep it with me at all times. Sometimes just writing down what I plan to eat BEFORE actually helps me to make better choices in the end.
Ok well guess that was my 2 cents worth..lol Again congrats!!

Melly

[Shannon in ATL]

I've got a bad habit of not counting the oil used in cooking - I've figured out loads of recipes on a spreadsheet, and in looking at them, not one has the oil I know I use... Man...

[aphil]

Something that needs to be mentioned, is that it is very common for someone over 200 pounds to have large losses per week at first. You are not doing anything wrong (or too severe) if you lose 3-6 pounds per week, the first few weeks, or first couple of months. It is normal. However, once you get to a lower weight, the losses per week will become smaller-down to 2 pounds or so per week, and then even down to 1 pound, or 1/2 pound per week as you get thinner and fitter.

If you are currently losing at 1800 a day, then there is no reason to lower it to 1600. Save that for when you get a ways down the road, and are no longer losing, Even at that point, I would not do a 200 calorie a day drop. Instead, at that time go to 1700 per day. Save 1600 for the next plateau.

You did the stir fry just right. If it made 4 servings and you divided it and ate one, then you write down the calories for 1/4 of the total recipe.

[Beverlyjoy]

Just wanted to say congrats on your weightloss and beginning calorie counting.