I'm not on any diet, but I do keep an eye on calories because I'm casually trying to get back to my pre-baby weight. (140 lbs vs. my current 150.) My protein and carb intake vary from day to day, depending on what I'm doing for exercise that day or the next day. I typically try to get a little more protein on the days I lift weights (alternating days) and I tend to do more carbs the night before a long run, and on my run days in general. i don't think it really matters what you do on a daily basis if in the long term, you're eating well and getting all the nutrients you need.

Anonymous wrote:you all relaize that by cutting your calories like that you are losing lean body mass and not fat

You're ignorant. Refrain from giving advice.

Anonymous wrote:you all relaize that by cutting your calories like that you are losing lean body mass and not fat

Really? Because that is not the case according to the body fat % test that I take every 2 weeks. I'm down to 22% body fat from 28%-My goal is 17%. Losing weight has also increased my running speeds, I run an average of 30 miles a week outdoors and have increased my time on my 8-10 miles weekend long run from 9:30mm to 8:45mm.

For strength, my baseline test has always been pull ups. 15lbs ago I used to max out at 12 overhand pull ups, I'm up to 18. I don't know many women who can do any pull ups at all.

I'm not sure how jacked I will look at 19% and might increase my calories if I start to look like a man, but all I know is eating a lower calorie diet has decreased my fat and increased my athletic performance. I think if I can shave off even more weight and continue to train, I will be able to qualify for the Boston Marathon, which would be an 8:23 pace. Considering how much this low calorie eating has improved my strength and endurance, I might actually get there when I run Chicago in October.

BTW if you know anything about MFP, you would know that you eat your exercise. For instance, I am on a 1300cal base with no exercise given my sedentary job. At lunch I ran 7 miles. That earned me 1000cal. I get to eat 2300 cal today.

Someone who is NOT exercising like the OP and if she is generally sedentary, 1200cal is probably about right for weight loss. Lack of movement destroys your metabolism.

you all relaize that by cutting your calories like that you are losing lean body mass and not fat

That is strange. One pound a week was my target too! I am finding the 1200 manageable - so I will stick with it for now.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks - didn't know they had forums too!

No, not tiny! I am 5'6" and 165lbs. I think I only get 1200 calories because I am just focused on food for the next couple weeks, then i am hoping to add some exercise back in and that should up my total.

That is so strange. I'm 5'9" and 152 and I get 1400cal a day if I do no exercise and this is to target 1lb a week (which is working out amazingly).

Yes, the forums are a great resource and a great source of inspiration. I love reading the success stories.

However, there is a crazy pro-ana girl on there, I like reading her responses because she is such a loon.

Thanks - didn't know they had forums too!

No, not tiny! I am 5'6" and 165lbs. I think I only get 1200 calories because I am just focused on food for the next couple weeks, then i am hoping to add some exercise back in and that should up my total.

I would go to the myfitnesspal forums, lots of information there.

I'm doing MFP as well and I'm eating as I normally do, but just WAY less of it. I never tracked carbs/protien but find it interesting that I naturally eat low carb high protein. I will say, though I have stopped eating chips. I do not pay attention to the details charts because I'm a firm believer that a calorie is a calorie, no matter what. I would think if most people were imprisoned in a death camp and food severely limited all would become skinny, even if they were only thrown a few slices of bread a day.

You must be TINY to only get 1200cal a day!

I get almost 1500. I have found that if i do not incorporate exercise, I don't get the same results as when I do exercise (and even eat more as a result).

I have been using myfitness pal to log all my food this week. I am staying under the 1200 calories but not really meeting the guidelines they set for carbs/fats/proteins. Some days I am way higher on protein and lower on carbs and other days the opposite. fats have stayed at about 30-40g a day. I have done great at eating all 'natural' - cooking lots of veggies, meat, eggs, and staying away from sugars,white carbs, processed food and soda. I am eating dairy but not a ton of it. I haven't been hungry and my sugar/carb/sweet craving is getting better already. Last night I had one small cookie with my tea and was able to just stop at that.

Does it matter if my carbs/proteins jump around? Do I need to be more consistent in eating the same amount each day? As long as the total calories is under 1200 does it matter what they come from - carbs or proteins?