I multiplied my weight(150) x 12(the number for a not very active person) to get 1800 calories per day to maintain, which is what I seem to be doing. I still need to loose at least another 20 pounds. This means I need to eat less and/or exercise more.

According to my pedometer, walking two miles burns about 150 calories for my age and weight. So, if I walk two miles and cut back to 1600 cal/per day, I would essentially be reducing my caloric intake by 350, right? I think it takes about a 500 cal deficit per day to loose one to two lbs a week, but I can live with less than that, as long as I continue to loose something.

I am really happy with the amount of food I am eating right now. I get hungry, but not ravenous, and I am always satisfied after a meal, so I prefer to go slowly rather than cut back drastically on my food. I am short, and medium-small framed, so I am looking at pretty low caloric intake, anyway.

I have been walking, but not two miles because my schedule and activities have been unusual for me. Also, I seem to have hurt my ankle and I need to let it heal. Do not have a clue what I did to hurt it - certainly not too much exercise . Anyway, I think I can do two miles under normal circumstances.

So, my plan is, first to actually count calories for a few days to see how much I really am eating, and then cut back some reasonable amount.

Then, when I get back to my regular work schedule, I will try to be consistent with the two mile walk.

Sorry this is kind of long, but I needed think out loud , and ask if I have neglected somthing.

By the way, I know that the pedometer reading and the weight times activity level are just ball park figures. I am just using them to direct my thinking.

Hey Gail,

It sounds like a good plan to me! Go for it!

Sorry about the ankle--do you need new shoes?

Jay

Yes, I am sure I need new shoes. That is on my list of things to do. I just can't believe how messed up my mind and everything else is just because I am working the early shift. I guess I would get used to it if it were permanent. As it is, I will do it this week and next, then I'm done.

Pumping up the exercise and cutting back the calories some should result in a weight loss. Try it and track it carefully for 2 weeks or so. After that time, you'll see what kind of results you get. You can reacess at that point.

Having the proper shoes is really important, so be sure to take care of it. Good luck to you.