Cadetter

Hi everyone,

I'm Louise and I've gained so much weight in the last two years at college (30 lbs). I have about 3 years left and I really want to get down to 125 (currently am 167). My goal is 140 lbs by the end of summer. I've seen a lot of success with my sisters in Weight Watchers, but I can't really afford it... so I'm just trying to be at a deficit of at least 500 calories a day. I'm 5'4" so I am pretty fat.

I decided to start counting calories yesterday... I was only at a deficit of about 300 but I'll get better . For the past few months I've probably been eating at least 2100 calories a day with light exercise (w/TDEE of 1840).

Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself!

Kathy13118

Welcome, Louise!

I'm a big WW fan - I've lost weight on that diet. Calorie counting works (WW count points instead of calories, and has a different structure to the diet.)

Cadetter

Well, the thing I really love of WW is that veggies and fruits are point-free... they still have calories though.

So w/exercise (5-6 times a week), is it sensible to have a 500 calorie deficit, with minimum consumed calories of 1400? And does having one meal a week where I eat whatever (within reason) defeat the purpose?

Kathy13118

It always defeats the purpose for me! I think the reason is that a meal in a restaurant, for example, with a cocktail (two, more likely) and a shared dessert - can end up being very 'pricey.

Cadetter

So far I've lost 10 lbs. I've been exercising 30 mins - 2 hrs, 6x/week and tracking calories. I'm not tracking how much water I have but whenever I wander into the kitchen, I drink half a glass and I try to avoid getting thirsty.

These past two weeks I'm worried though: by the time I finish dinner I've only had about 1050 calories and I usually eat some yogurt and a banana before bed just to have more calories (I'm not hungry). I've been eating a fairly balanced diet minus vitamins D and E. I get plenty of vitamin D from the sun and I take a supplement for vitamin E when I don't eat enough.

I'm eating lots of veggies and chicken, which is partly why my calorie intake is so low... But does anyone have any advice on what to do? A few months ago, I had grown half an inch (mostly went through puberty 7 years ago, however). I don't want to stunt any remaining growth I may have or slow down my metabolism....

Kathy13118

I think you are doing great! If you have any worries, you could ask your doctor (the best source for healthy advice) but I can't imagine your doctor saying anything but 'Congratulations!'

Seriously, you are doing so well. Good work!

Cadetter

My next physical is in a month and a half, so I'll ask him then. So in your experience, would you keep the bedtime snack (when not hungry) or cut it?

Thanks!

Kathy13118

If I'm not hungry, I'm not even tempted to snack (it's not part of the WW program, anyway).

But what if I am? I have said to myself, 'Skip it. You'll be glad you did when you wake up tomorrow and know you didn't give in to an impulse.' BUT: if you can afford the points (calories), there's nothing wrong with just having the snack and counting it.

My favorite - easy to control the portion, easy to count - is hot oatmeal!

It sounds like you can afford the calories and you are losing weight. Find something good that fits your plan and enjoy!

Cadetter

Oatmeal is great - I also like it mixed with oat and wheat bran to get fiber. I weigh on Fridays, but on a cursory weight the last two nights I haven't lost anything yet this week - haven't gained though!

Cadetter

Well, I got down to 152 as of Friday. But today I ate a bunch of stuff while volunteering (about 1800 calories between 9am and 5pm) and still should eat something for dinner. And I won't have time to work out today...