So 2 weeks ago I decided 1,200 calories wasn't enough. Especially since I would eat just 800-900 calories some days.

I up'd my intake to between 1,500 - 1,600 calories. Many of those calorie calculators said my intake should be about 1,800 and I know this is just an estimate, so I figured 1,600 would be okay.

And man, does this work! Last week I lost a total of 3.6lbs [+about 3-5lbs of water weight due to my binge, ugh]. I got back down to 227.4lbs.

And then yesterday I did my weekly weigh-in and was down to 224.1lbs! I was shocked! I weighed myself 39483904x and then I weighed myself with two 5lb weights on each side of me. Still got the same result. Also - today I weighed myself after I ate lunch and it read 223.8 (the 5x I tried).

I believe I found my correct caloric intake and I am excited. Everyone's noticing the changes, my clothes anre getting really loose, too, and I am really feeling confident I can do this!

Thats so great!!! Congrats!!!

Yay!!! That's wonderful.

All those who say eating more doesn't work need to take note!!!!

.

That's fabulous

PhotoChick - Seriously. I was losing about 1-2lbs eating 1,200 calories. Now here I am (32lbs down from my HW, 22lbs down from my SW in Sept) losing 3 1/2lbs a week. I'm happy, full, and content! Not to mention there's more eating options when there's more calories alloted. I also try and do the snacking, which keeps me in check during the day!

Excellent news - yes you can lose weight and be satisfied!

I have been thinking I am not getting enough calories too.. I get about 1200-1300 and I have started. well been exercising 4x a week.. I am going to try to up my cals.. what type of exercise do you do?

mommamurray ~ Right now I walk A LOT. I live in the city with no car, so I walk to work, the store, etc. I get about 3 miles (4-5x a week). I will be joining the gym after the holiday madness, which I will probably up my intake about 200 cals.

Hi WormwoodDoll,

We weigh the same, don't know your height. I'm 5'5, but I tend to not eat more than 1200 cals a day when doing low cal. Seeing your response to 1600 has convinced me to up mine as well.
Thanks.

Congrats, you've discovered our secret! Calorie counters isn't about punishing ourselves, it's about being healthy and it's wonderful! I never, ever thought losing weight would be this simple and....not painful. It's a lot of work, yes, but it's not punishing or miserable, it's actually really awesome. So glad you've discovered that, it's the best feeling in the world.

I don't understand how anyone manages to stay on plan, for long periods of time, using any other method. The idea of trying to follow a specific diet that tells me what to eat each day gives me the willies. I would sooo rebel. Calorie counting is so versatile and intuitive and easy...and I am pretty sure that there is no other method that prepares you better for maintenance. We get to play with what our bodies need all the way down the weight loss ladder...eating regular food. It is like practicing many of the concepts integral to maintaining weight loss during the weight loss phase itself.

Couldn't agree more. I don't even consider it a diet, it's just the new way I choose to approach my food. Knowing the numbers helps me make better decisions and of course keeping in check helps me lose weight!

southerngrl I'm about 5'3" - 5'4". Give it a try! I don't do any major exercising, though, besides walking my butt off. So if you do, I'd advise up'ing it a bit more to maybe 1,700 - 1,800. Give 1,600 a try first and see how your progress goes with that for a bit.

cdiem4994 It is a beautiful thing. I have more options cooking wise as well. I found some delicious dinner recipes that will stay at 500 calories. Before I was eating about 300 calories and felt so deprived. I'm very happy with these results and that I found something that works for me.

Schumeany I couldn't agree more. Some people think we're crazy for counting calories, but it seems to be the easiest! I think some people just need a lot of structure. Being able to eat mostly whatever you want, just in moderation/serving sizes can scare people. They don't know where to begin. Especially picking out the relatively healthy foods for you. It is a lot to get use to.

Hi

I am new to posting here but I stumbled across your thread and wanted to just say congrats to you. It must feel good to really know what works best. I have tried so many diets for years. However, I stumbled across Fit Day the other day and their tests report that I should be eating 1800-2000 calories. So I'm gonna give it a try.

Congrats again

That's awesome!!!