Total calories
 

I just started this week because I wasn't losing like I thought I should and I have lost 2 pounds...I had been the same for a couple weeks. I had counted calories in the past and lost 30 pounds, so I know it works. I like SB because we really need to change what we were eating in addition to how much. I keep a notebook and calculator in the kitchen and write down what I eat and the amount of calories. I don't track anything else as far as % of carbs, protien...

I try to get around 1500 calories per day

Thank so much for asking this question! I've been getting in the 1300-1400 range and have never felt hungry. Do you guys think that is a good amount? I tried to do optifast the first week or April and ate less than 1000 calories a day, but I didn't lose any weight and I was starving. So I decided SB sounded much better.

I did track my calories for a while...you can see it if you click on my fitday link and go back to sometime last year (probably before October). I don't do it currently--but I'm thinking of starting again. I lost most of my weight without looking at one calorie count and that was one of the things I loved about SBD! But when I finally stalled for a long time, I wanted to know what I was eating, so I started tracking it in Fitday. I think my usually cals were 2200?

From what I've heard and personally experienced, the goal is a 30/30/30 split with protein/carbs/fat on fitday. I usually had a bit more protein and a bit more fat than carbs because of the types of food we eat. :shrug:

It's a great way to become more aware of what you're doing, especially if you're having trouble, but don't feel like you have to do it, okay? :hug:

I eat no less than 1,200 calories a day and keep it below 1,500. That seems to be my optimal weight loss area.

Also, I would like to add that this is pre-working out! After I get really rocking working out I am sure I will consume more calories. I am just listening to my body for the most part.

:eek: less than 1000??? Hon, you were literally starving!!! When you eat that little, your body often shuts down and stubbornly refuses to give up any more than it has to...it's a poor way to lose weight. Regardless of size, you should eat at least 1200 calories a day. That's WITHOUT exercising...if you exercise, you need to up it. I'd think around 1500-1700 should be good for someone of your height and weight who's exercising. Just my humble opinion. I'd think 1300-1400 is a bit too low. Can you add some healthy oils to your diet? Are you eating nuts every day? Both are good additions and will up your calories in a healthy way. :D

Thanks so much for the info. I do exercise. I walk at least a mile a day. I know that's nothing compared to most of you, but I like it. I like to walk on my treadmill and watch tv. I usually sprinkle some sunflower seeds on my salads and eat a handful of peanuts here and there. I'm so nervous during the day that I'm going to overeat that I wind up a little short on calories at the end of the day.. Guess I'll sprikle a little more sunflower seeds on my salads from now on...

So far, I've not needed to track my calories...Thank God! What a pain in the neck. But, if my weight loss plateaus for a bit, I will track them again on Fitday and make sure I'm staying in line.

I had to track my calories. My weight loss stopped. I was logging between 1000-1200 calories during phase 1. The problem was that I was also working out at least 4x's a week burning about 300-400 calories a workout. This week I decided to cool off on the working out and to add more carbs to my diet. I lost 4lbs. Go figure! I figured out I need to eat at least 1800 calories a day if I want to work out the amount I like to. I definitely wasn't getting enough calories. I didn't realize I was at such a deficit because I was eating so much. You should definitely track your calories at first to see where you are at. During phase 1 you probably won't be getting more than 1400 cal a day.