So, I posted a way more complicated version of this question on the general questions thread and while in many ways the answers were helpful, in other ways they only made me more confused (I’m pretty easily confused ). So, just a quick “poll” if you gals wouldn’t mind . I know everyone is different, but I’d just like to see what’s working for everyone else so I can hopefully make an educated guess for myself :/
How many calories do you average per day? And What’s your average weight loss per week?
Thanks

My average changed as I lost weight. I started at around 1500-1600, and ended up at 1200.

My weight loss over the whole year was 1.71 lbs. per week. That being said, it was faster in the beginning and slower at the end.

Most lost in one month - 13 lbs.
Least lost in one month - 4 lbs (last month of my weight loss)

And - a contributing factor - I'm 50+ and post-menopausal - which slows things down quite a bit.

HTH

I shot for 1800, and I've lost 9.6 pounds in three weeks. I exercise an average of 70 minutes/day (walking and exercise videos).

Without trying, I lost 40 pounds in the four weeks after I gave birth, then couldn't lose at all. Counting calories is the best!!!

I do 2000 a day and exercise off at least 300. Lately I've been more like 1600 because I no longer eat junk food and find it hard to get up to 2000, but I've invested in some olive oil and avocado and am trying to eat more grains and I think I can get back up there! If you start TOO low, you have nowhere to lower to later, which is why it's easier to start higher, in case you plateau later.

The thing that helped me figure out how many to eat was signing up for Sparkpeople.com (there are others fitday, dailyplate, etc.) Basically you enter your current weight, what your goal weight is, what your exercise plans are and it will give you the calorie range to eat, and set your exercise goals. It takes all the guess work and math out of it.

Thanks for the thoughts . I did go on the daily plate last night, and I'm going to give 1500-1600 calories a try for this week. I know I'll be disappointed if I don't lose next week (or worse, if I gain), but I'm more worried that I'l permanently destroy my metabolism. So it's worth a try.

I aim for 1400-1500 and run most days.

Earlier on my weightloss I was probably @ 1200. In the beginning, I didn't execise at all. I lost 20 pounds just changing my intake. Then I thought, what the hay! I will get some movement too. That's really when I had success! I started walking, speed walking and then finally running.

I would really URGE you to not waste the time I did. I was eating frozen WW meals and the like--I was so much more satiated and felt so much better when I went to whole foods. I do not eat red meat or use cows milk, everything else is fair game.

Don't get frustrated after a week - give your body a few weeks to adjust.

My goal is to get my diet to the point where the majority of it consists of healthier whole foods eventually. I've been incorporating lots of whole foods here and there, and trying to eat healthier snacks. My meals however, do consist of a bowl of ceral, a bowl of soup (though I've started alternating that with salads) and yes, frozen meals. For now, this method is just helping me to control my portions without having to think too much, because my mind just isn't there yet.

As far as exercise goes, I haven't quite found my motivation yet . I did strength training one day this week, and like to aim for 2-4 days a week. I'm also hoping to start a walking routine, or maybe take some dance classes soon - but unfortunately, as I said I haven't quite found my motivation to get moving!