TaniaMarie's Journal, 29 Sep 11

I went to WebMD to figure up my RDI. This site had mine way too high (2200 to start). WebMD put me at 1750 at 207 pounds with light activity to lose one pound a week. Now I weight 172 (I'm 5'1") and workout 5x a week and it has me at 1650 for one pound loss and it's working now that I'm actually exercising, ugh... Gee exercise works, who knew LOL. 1200 isn't a bad limit, but I personally think it's to low for you to start out with, how are you going to lower it as you lose? You don't want to go below 1200. Play around with it for a week (try 1500) and see if you lose, if so, then keep it until it stops working, then lower it by 50 or 100 calories, or... up the exercise.  

Thanks Christy. :) I'm going to go have a look and see what WebMD says :) And thanks for the buddy request I could really use all the help I can find.. :)  

I think 1200 is too low. How did you end up with that number? At 225 lbs, at rest you probably burn 1200 a day. In looking at your diet calendar I would suggest trying for a more balanced pie chart. You want about the same percentage of carbs and protein and a smaller sliver of fat, but you do want fat!!! I don't always achieve that but it seems like when I do my body likes it better. If I err on too much of something I err on the side of too much protein. If I have more carbs than protein I feel overly hungry. I also think opting for complex carbs are better than simpler carbs. So, if you are going to have bread it should be hearty, whole grain bread ... not wonder white. Every person is different though and you need to find the combo that works best for you. I struggle with eating "enough" calories ... and I think it has bitten me in the rear. Buddies here tell me I shouldn't have more than a 500 calorie deficit everyday. Many also suggest that varying the number of calories each day, so 100 or 200 up or down helps keep our metabolism in motion. Finally. Exercise to me is a MUST. It not only burns calories but it builds muscle helps with sleep and increases stamina/energy. You asked ... you have it!! Listen to your body. It will tell you what it needs if you learn to listen. 

My rdi is 2100. Sometimes barely getting to 1200. I have to agree its not enough. I notice a big change in myself when I dont get at least 1500 and I mean this for weight loss as well. The week I did lose weight my daily avg was about 15-1600. Now the scale isnt moving. I know its because I am not eating enough. And if you workout like I try to do well its not going to work at all.  

Thanks for all the comments.. I do believe at 1200 calories I'd probably starve to DEATH lol It's a trial and error for me to find what works for me....  

I try to keep my intake at 1400-- this seems to be ( with the exception of the past couple on and off days) an easy target for me and I don't feel to deprived, but I do feel like I have an attainable goal. I ate less calories for months and didn't see a loss until I started moving. So, there is my two cents :)