It only took me about a month to go from 150 to 125, then it took me over a year to go from 125 to 121-122. The original weight loss was easy because I ate about 1000 or less calories a day, but it wasn't sustainable because my live-in bf was constantly giving me grief about not eating enough and the few times I went over on my calories I felt like I would collapse under the burden of guilt. Really, I would feel like I had just shot someone if I ate 1200 instead 1000.

So I ate more normally for awhile and my weight stabilized, but now I really want to lose about 12lbs. I managed to lose like 4 pounds by eating 900 calories a day, but it was soooo much harder than it was the first time around and I realized if I was going to look toned when I got to my goal weight I needed to exercise.

So I revamped my plan and this is what I did this week

Day 1: 1,100 calories
I did 35 minutes on the treadmill at max incline (15) going at a speed of 4.4. Then I ran at a speed of 5.8 for 10 minutes

Day 2: 1,120 calories
I did 30 minutes on the treadmill on max incline, then did 30 minutes lifting weights. Used the machines because I've never done free weights, but I did about 3 reps of 10 for each machine. And it was hard to finish those reps.

Day3: 1,140 calories
I did 25 minutes max incline on treadmill going 4.5, power walked for 5 minutes on 0 incline, then did 20 minutes on incline of 3 where I ran at a speed of 6.3 for 2 minutes, walked at 4.5 for 3 minutes, and so on

Day 4: 1019 Calories
I did 30 minutes on the treadmill and lifted for 30.

My question is am I doing enough?? I feel super sore and lethargic but it might just be because I lead an otherwise pretty indolent life as a student/card player. I feel like I should do more since I have so much that I want to lose, but more what? Faster,longer,etc. I've never really exercised before so it's all really new to me

Hi pokerfreek,

I don't mean to be harsh, but it sounds like you are doing too much. I mean, your exercise looks good mostly. But the way you approach eating sounds unhealthy to me. You are 5'6" and appearantly in quite a hurry to get to 110. But eating so few calories just is not good for your body.

Counting calories is no exact science, so the difference between 1,100 calories and 1,120 is nonexsistent. I would suggest you cycle between 1,100 calories one day and 1,400 the other (or maybe even more!). A 1 to 2 lbs loss for a person that is as close to goal as you are is already a GREAT achievement. You really shouldn't be pushing yourself this hard.

My question would be for you to really look at what you are doing and why you are crash-dieting in this way.

Goodluck, and I hope you can find a healthy (mentally and physically) approach to getting the body that you feel comfortable in.

Considering the amount of exercise you're doing you may be eating too little. I eat about the same as you but I'm not exercising like that. The exercise you're doing looks really great, but when you're exericising you might want to consider increasing calories a bit more. I'm no expert, this is just based on some articles I've read in the past. Most articles I've read don't suggest going below 1,100-1,200 calories. The exercise you're doing is effectly pushing you below this minimum. I use livestrong to track my calories and if you track exercise it actually adds the calories you've burned to your alloted calories for the day.

You are just pounds from being underweight, I definitely don't want to encourage that! I believe you are doing too much for the amount of calories you are eating.

I really waned to share a pic with you, but I have to make 5 more total posts before I can share links. Its a photo of a girl who actually gained weight due to muscle gain but looks better at the higher weight. I just want to make a point that at the weight you're at, making the number on the scale go down may not be what you really want!

This. Also, I did a quick BMI calculation for your height and goal weight. It was 17.5 A healthy standard it 18.5 at the minimum..

Assuming you're a real person the answer is that you most likely suffer from body dysmorphia and are likely well on your way to developing an eating disorder if you don't already have one.

1) Honestly, I don't think you need to lose anymore weight. You are 5' 6" tall -- I have friends who weigh between 130-140 at the same height and they look quite slim.

2) I think you are eating too little -- 900 calories a day IS too low. Try 1200-1400 instead.

3) I think your BF is concerned about your welfare; that you don't eat enuff and are getting too thin. He can see you in person; listen to him.

4) you are making comments that sound like someone who is obsessed and has an eating disorder (anorexia).

5) you say you are super sore & lethargic; I'm not surprised. You need to eat healthier and rest a bit more. Just walk normal for a while instead.

6) if you want to tone, then do toning stretches and exercises; start light and build each day.

7) You need to think about getting some counselling.

You are not eating enough for what you are doing. It won't be sustainable over the long haul. Losing all that weight in one month was totally unhealthy. Your BF is right!