I lost about 150 lbs with calorie counting + exercise. When I was losing I averaged about 1250 calories/day. I tracked my intake religiously, and weighed my food using a digital scale.

The good thing about a lower calorie limit like 1200-1300, IF you can sustain it, is that it forces you to eat very, very well to get all the nutrients you need and stay satisfied. I could not have sustained 1250 avg over 16 months if I was hungry all the time; I HAD to eat really well to not be miserable, and making smart choices that kept me full and satisfied became a deeply ingrained habit. When I had to lose baby weight later, it didn't take much effort to get back down to my pre-baby weight, and I didn't need to calorie count again - I just went back to my old habits, and those are what are keeping the weight off.

I've also tried using MFP, and found that the 1275 calories they suggested for me was just too hard to stick with. I become obsessive over food, and it's too easy to lapse altogether.

The calorie level on many of the applications is selected by the amount of weight and the time frame you are trying to lose it. I have found 1200 calories is not realistic for me and I end up getting home famished and then eat all the things I shouldn't. So I up my calorie intake, add daily exercise, a fitbit to keep me "honest" and then track my food intake, also have a cheat sheet with a quick check off for fruit/veggie servings. I also find that once I start exercising I'm much more likely to keep likely to stay true to my food intake - I know how hard it is to burn calories and when you see you only burned 100 calories with walking 30 minutes you realize that you can't have that slice of cake and lose weight. My best results have been - food tracking, exercise daily and weekly weigh ins. I do cheat on the weekends - like mentioned I pick one meal to give myself extra calories and then I'm back to routine for the others. I also find I'm better about food during the week and better about exercise on the weekends but keeping track of both has helped me lose weight.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Used mfp and lost 35 lbs. I was diligent about entering the calories and tried to over estimate if I wasn't sure about something. I would give myself a cheat day once a week and always increased calories during my period (advice from gyn). I've kept the weight off for 3 years. Now I only count when I feel like I've gotten too lax about it.

I'm curious why your Gyn said to increase calories during your period?

I was between 1200-1400 calories/day and gyn felt like that was a bit low for me during that time of the month. I was able to do it with no weight gain or setbacks so clearly, it worked for my body.

You actually burn more calories during your period so that would makes sense.