[Rileyy11]

So, I have been POP since I really started my journey and am super proud of myself for this, but I have noticed that I am steadily not hitting my calorie limit. Now obviously I know this could be incorrect because I don't always know the exact serving size of my homemade food (I personally do not want to weigh my food forever, and this is a lifestyle change for me) so I know some of the calories could fluctuate. What I guess I'm worried about is if I'm consistently not eating enough, I don't want my body to hold on to the fat instead of burning it!

Am I doing something wrong? I don't feel deprived except for my caffeine headaches every now and again, and I don't feel hungry all the time like I thought I would. I can be anywhere from 150-300 calories under limit per day. And like today, I'm 500 below limit. I should mention that I work 10-7 everyday without a TRUE lunch break. I do meal plan, and feel full while at work except for 6 pm, lol. Then my tummy is grumbling!

Any suggestions?!!?

[Candeka]

You should never go below 1400 calories. Yes, some people say 1200, but that is the bare minimum and that is usually best for really small women. If you are continually under, it can actually hinder your weight loss.

One way to make sure of your calories is to weigh you stuff. You DO NOT need to do this forever. After a few months, you will be able to eyeball stuff far more accurately. If you are just eyeballing it, you could actually be over, or even be under more so than you think! Yes, its a total pain in the butt, but it does take time to be able to eyeball stuff properly.

If you are having trouble reaching your limit, eat an extra banana throughout the day, add an apple to your breakfast, drink a glass of milk. These are all things that can help you reach your goal!

Also, as a student, I never get a "true" lunch break either, but eating a sandwich and strawberries is something everyone should be able to do. If you work 10 to 7, just eat your breakfast at 9, lunch at 3, and dinner at 8:30. . Lunch isn't set it stone at noon! I'm assuming that since you work 10-7 instead of like 8 to 4 that your schedule is slightly different then the "standard" one, but you still work a consistent schedule so it should be very easy to keep a healthy eating schedule.

[Vortex_VVV]

Riley, do you have an idea of how many calories you were averaging before you started?

And why don't you get a lunch break--just the terms of your job, or is it a matter of making lunch a priority? I often don't get lunch, but I'm well aware it's because I don't plan well enough, and I'm working on it....

[Rileyy11]

Hey guys! Thanks for the responses. I should mention first and foremost that my work hours are split between two jobs. I work 10-3 at job one and 3:15-7 at job 2. I do eat lunch that I pack for myself, but not on an actual break. I just eat while I'm working.

I get 1860 calories a day according to myfitnesspal. So far so good with that. I've lost 4.2 pounds so far.

Also, I do think weighing my food to start is a good idea and I will start doing so when I cook. We have two scales at home so why not use them.

Thanks for the help! And sorry if there are errors in this post, I'm sending it from my iPhone while I'm working lol.