Am I eating too many or too little calories?

  •   #1  
    Softykins's AvatarSoftykins , 05-19-2012 07:01 PM
    Happy May long weekend, everyone!

    I'm at a weight of 292 and I'm not sure if I'm eating the right amount of calories,
    as my weight loss has slowed down in the last three weeks.
    I'm eating 1800 cals per day - too much, too little? I get in at least 30 mins
    of walking 5 days per week. I thought you calorie counters would have
    some ideas
    This calorie intake is a tricky balance, indeed.
    Reply
  •   #2  
    crazygurl61's Avatarcrazygurl61 , 05-19-2012 07:20 PM
    Sometimes it's not always the number of calories but what you are "spending" them on. Why don't you post a sample menu do we can help you!
    Reply
  •   #3  
    bargoo's Avatarbargoo , 05-19-2012 07:34 PM
    1800 sounds about right. Weight loss is unpredictable , you have made a good start, don't give up.
    Reply
  •   #4  
    EatMoreCelery's AvatarEatMoreCelery , 05-19-2012 07:41 PM
    Softykins,

    I say hang in there another week and see what happens. If still not satisfied with the scales then adjust.

    Anyhoo, way to go on that healthier lifestyle and good luck!
    Reply
  •   #5  
    Softykins's AvatarSoftykins , 05-19-2012 08:13 PM
    Thanks guys -

    Here is a sample of one of my days of calories:


    Breakfast
    Country Harvest - Stone Milled Whole Wheat Bread, 2 slice
    Kraft - Smooth Peanut Butter, 2 TBSP

    Snack
    Almonds, 15 almond

    Lunch
    Quinoa - Ancient Harvest - Quinoa, 1/2 cup cooked
    Chicken Breast, Boneless, Skinless, Frozen, 8 oz (113 grams)
    Bell Peppers - Sweet, red, raw, 1 tbsp
    Onions - Raw, 1 tbsp chopped

    Dinner
    Dairyland - Butter - Unsalted, 0.33 tbsp
    Salmon - Atlantic Salmon Baked In Oven, 8.25 oz
    Broccoli - Steamed, 1.5 cup

    Snack
    Country Harvest - Stone Milled 100% Whole Wheat Bread, 1 slice (45g)
    Kraft - Smooth Peanut Butter, 1 T
    Almonds, 15 almond

    TOTAL:

    1,781 cals
    Reply
  •   #6  
    Only Me's AvatarOnly Me , 05-19-2012 09:09 PM
    The number of calories sounds fine for your size and activity level. You said weight loss had slowed, not stopped, right? I think that's pretty normal after the first few weeks. Slow and steady is good.
    Reply
  •   #7  
    EatMoreCelery's AvatarEatMoreCelery , 05-19-2012 09:59 PM
    Softykins, your diet looks good! Just keep on keeping on and see!
    Reply
  •   #8  
    beth4365's Avatarbeth4365 , 05-20-2012 10:47 AM
    Hi Kristy,

    I'm a calorie counter but to lose weight, for whatever reason, I *always* have to stay on the low end of the alloted calories. I'm fairly active, yet I need to keep my calories between 1200-1400 per day to lose even half a pound per week.

    I'd always heard that 1200 was the lowest you should go. I actually worry that at some point, I'll have to go lower than that to lose.

    Anyway, I'm saying this because I think figuring out what calories to take in is a very individual thing. I learned by doing 1600 for a week or two. Then 1500. Then 1400. Then 1200. I actually read this advice from someone here a long time ago and I settled in around the 1300 range. I also try to calorie cycle, but only within a hundred calories or so. Anymore than that and for some reason, I get all kinds of negative issues.

    Hopefully, you'll find what works best for you very soon!
    Reply
  •   #9  
    freelancemomma's Avatarfreelancemomma , 05-20-2012 11:28 AM
    Sounds like you're on a good eating plan. The only thing I might suggest adjusting downward is the evening snack. Perhaps you can choose between the almonds and the bread with PB.

    F.
    Reply
  •   #10  
    sontaikle's Avatarsontaikle , 05-20-2012 03:26 PM
    How do you feel?

    If you're losing (even if it's slower than before) then you're not eating too many calories.

    If you feel weak, lethargic and you don't have enough energy then you're not eating enough calories or you're not eating the most nutritious foods.
    Reply
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