Does this seem balanced and realistic with my tendencies in mind?

1500 cals a day, lower carb, lower glycemic to get control of my cravings and also learn how to cook up some yummy foods that can fit in this category when I do have a bad craving. I want to learn how to moderate.

Exercise - 3-4 times a week cardio and some interval workouts with my elliptical machine and pushing the stroller with a couple of kids. Once a week at least I want to do some dance dvds for fun more than anything. I want to learn how to dance and I thought I could get the kids going with me, just for fun.


This is what I set up on fitday:


Your Calorie Restriction Estimate
(goal is by my 35th birthday, next June)

Time Span: 34 week(s) 5 day(s)
Pounds to Lose: 55
Pounds per Week: 1.58
Pounds per Day: 0.23
Cal. Restriction per Day: 792


Based on the guideline that a restiction of 3,500 calories results in one pound of weight loss, to acheive your goal of losing 55 pounds in 34 week(s) and 5 day(s) you should restrict your calorie intake by 792 calories per day.

CONGRATS!! what a fantastic first step!!!

i am not sure how much you are consuming in calories now... I know my therapist says never to go below 1800cal but that is for me, i exercise really hard every day so I am burning 400-600 cal just in my work out alone. so i eat between 1800-2000 a day in "maintenance" and ate 1800 to lose the majority of my weight.

it sounds like a good, solid plan... doesn't sound too crazy for me... things i would add maybe:
- protein at every major meal to help feel full, longer
- fibre at every major meal to help feel full, longer
- LOTS of water
- cut out as much caffeine & carbonated drinks as you can

Just my thoughts...

It really sounds like a good plan to me... not too different than what helped me lose the weight myself!

good luck!!! what a great first step!!!

it sounds like a good, solid plan... doesn't sound too crazy for me... things i would add maybe:
- protein at every major meal to help feel full, longer
- fibre at every major meal to help feel full, longer
- LOTS of water
- cut out as much caffeine & carbonated drinks as you can


Thank you so much Kim. Today went well, some challenges and temptations but well. I am definitely taking your suggestions. I logged everything in fitday. I came out short on calories though. But I did eat well. I budgeted for three meals and snacks in between but we went out of the house and I missed my snacks. So, I'll try harder tomorrow to eat my calories. I hope to get so good at regulating my eating that I don't have to log!

1500 calories feels low given your activity goals. See how you feel - if you are finding that you start having cravings or are sluggish during your workouts, you may need to adjust upwards.

Otherwise, I think it looks good. I especially love that you will get your kids involved in your activity. Good for mommy AND for them! I need to do a better job at this. I tend to squirrel away & take it as "me time". A nice break for me, but I want them to learn from exposure the importance of formal exercise as well as just living an active lifestyle.

If you aren't already, may I suggest taking a multivitamin & calcium? I think both are important when we are restricting calories - especially if exercise is to be a significant factor in your weight loss.

Keep us posted on how it is going! You sound like you are in a great place emotionally & ready to go, go, go!!