Dieting...I think I finally get it?

Question

Ok, I need some confirmation here. I am learning this LATE in life lol. I am 36 and always used to crash diet but then my weight came back as soon as I started eating normal again. I love to eat btw. BUT, I love healthy foods so it's all good. OK so, I figure out my calorie intake. I subtract anywhere from 500-1000 from that to lose weight. I had started at 1200 calories. However from what i am reading I should have started somewhere around 1800 and worked down so that my body didn't adjust so quickly. So, I compromised...I'm taking in 1400 calories per day. I'm doing cardio 3 times per week and strength training to 2 times per week just trying to get my body used to exercising again and then I will increase. Now, this has to be a lifestyle change not just a quick fix....I get it! I get it! Do I get it? And any other tips to help me? Also, will I see a large amount lost at first or just the 1-2 lbs per week. I know I just started but I feel good about myself! I'm eating healthier and my body feels healthier in just this last week. I can't wait to weigh myself. Any suggestions to help me along my way? OH and I have signed up for http://www.sparkpeople.com what a great site.

Answer 1

try not to weigh yourself more than once a week, that's a good way to get discouraged. try every 2 weeks if you can. your body can fluctuate from day to day. other than that you seem to get it and are on your way. keep in mind while you are exercising and strength training your body may not show on the scales as much as in your clothing and body shape.

Good luck

Answer 2

Stop Staring Please:

I hate to be blunt, but you're dead wrong!

I'm a 46 year old programmer who used to be overweight all my life until I got the science behind weight loss/gain.  All the weird diets now make me laugh!

If you really want to get it and learn how to eat well, boost your energy, stay healthy and just get smart about it all I have one and only one suggestion for you!

http://www.stripthatfatdiet.com is based on the "ZONE" by Dr Barry Sears.  I live and swear by it..

Stop counting calories and start learning how to be a food pharmacist if you will.  It's all about keeping your fat burning switch on by keeping your insulin levels low for sustained periods of time.

Insulin is secreted when you eat HIGH GLYCEMIC INDEX foods.  And you know what?  Rice cakes are low calorie but will absolutely keep you from burning fat.  Here's something else, diet-coke has no calories but the caffeine breaks down into byproducts that make your body secrete insulin.  Insulin turns off your fat burning switch.

Sorry to say it, but calories are only a minor part of the weight loss game.  I'm glad you feel better and healthier, but I guarantee you will feel and do even better with the science.

Answer 3

Wow, that's awesome.  I've been doing a lot better myself but I haven't been counting calories.... I guess I should... would you be interested in a weight-loss buddy? Just to talk and share progress. If so, email me [e-mail] -- I could benefit from what you've learned and I can hopefully help you in some way too :)