I am suppose to be eating more than I am, but when I started 12 weeks ago, I didn't know any better than to starve to try to loose. So I upped my calories. But I still need more than 1000 it says. I am good at 1000 and not hungry (after being on 700 for so long it feels like I am eating way too much) I DO want to do this right and now that I have been on 1000 calories for a month, I am so scared to up it to 1400-1500 that I may loose nothing. As it is, I only lost a pound this last week. Has anyone else started too low but added in more calories and still lost, or did the whole thing throw your body into chaos?

Now, I am NO expert- so this is just what I have learned from years of trial and error with calorie counting. I think if you started too low, it is going to take some time to recalibrate your metabolism. I would up your calories to 1500-1600 for a while until you start losing. Yes, you may not see any results for a few weeks- but it will benefit you in the long run to lose weight on more calories. Especially once you hit your goal weight- you don't want to be maintaining on less than 1000 calories- how would you be able to live like that! That is my two cents! Let me know if it works for you!

Just because you are not having stomach pangs does not mean you aren't hungry--are you short tempered, have trouble paying attention, tired? That is what hunger is like for me, and that is what is really unsustainable--I get so tired of being emotional and cranky all the time, and break down and eat.

1000 calories is way too low. I agree that you should up your calories and let your body get adjusted. Where are you going to go when you plateau?

Good luck.

Just wanted to share with you (since our starting weights and current weights are so similar) that I've been averaging 1400 to 1500 calories a day, since January 21stish. Some days 1200, some days 1600-1800...most days around 1400. I've been doing this for 10 1/2 weeks. I'm not exercising nearly as often as I should...but I'm losing. Yay! Let your body adjust, and eat more. Give it fuel to keep the metabolism burning

Thank you all so much for the encouragement. I am still trying to learn. I ate 1453 calories today, which seems so much. I am believing you all and will continue to eat this way. I will keep track and see if I can see any changes.

Terri, We are very similar. Thanks for the time topost this to me. How much are you losing a week?

I haven't kept up with a weekly number...now I wish I had! But, you know...I don't have a certain timeline in mind this time...because this time is Forever! I've averaged a couple of lbs a week....of course, faster the first few weeks.

I'm also using a GoWear Fit (or BodyMedia FIT, now) to calculate what I'm burning daily, and I LOVE, love, LOVE it! Gets me moving more doing regular daily activities (parking far away from the door, taking more stairs, etc.) to see the burn go up. Now if I can just get the workouts going....it'll happen, because I feel sooooo much better with 22 lbs gone, can't wait to see how good I feel with 10 more gone, and 10 more, and 10 more...

I don't really know what a gowear fit really is but you said it tracks what your burning. Too cool. I do 2 15 minute low cardio's a day and walk for 30 minutes. Up to this week I have only weighed twice since starting in mid January. I have not owned scales in 20 years, so I am really not all about the pounds either. I did purchase some this last week though -they are digital.
I started this healthier life style to feel better and be able to stay up with my husband who is 10 years older. lol.

Maybe try gradually upping your calories? If you are eating 1000 now, up it to 1200 this week, then a bit more the next? At your weight, a 1 pound weight loss is not bad! You are supposed to lose no more than 1% of your body weight per week. I am of the mindset any week I stay the same or lose anything is a victory!

Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. I have lost and gained probably a thousand pounds in my life, and the only way I've kept it off is a slow, steady drop with a healthy lifestyle change!

Well I have ate 1400 calories the last 2 days and today I have scheduled about 1200. It feels strange eating so many calories now but I keep telling myself, this is the better way. Not sure what I might have done to my metabolism and how long before I regulate out of starvation mode. Not giving up though.... I am determined to get it right. Thank you all for your support.