Facebook Pixel

Comment Reply

I agree with Tina--it is important to know how many calories your body needs to sustain itself, and one of those measures are your metabolic rates: RMR and BMR (resting metabolic rate and base metabolic rates, respectively). That is the number of calories your body needs for its tissues, organs and systems to function, including digestion and even sleep! :-) You can figure this number on your own, or get a baseline at any number of facilities (along with other health measures---it's not all about the pounds, but also body fat %, lean muscle, strength, flexibility, stamina, inches lost, heart function and lung capacity).

Here are a few other informational links for you from Empowher:
-Calculate your metabolic rate
-What is right amount of calories"

More importantly than how old you are, how much do you currently weigh, what is your height, and what is your current BMI (body mass index)? Have you bee told by a doctor that you need to lose weight? What is your goal weight, and why? I would make sure your goal is reasonable and attainable (and healthy), and there are many successful ways to lose weight without starving yourself (which 1000 calories may be extremely low, depending on your caloric needs).

It is important to have a weight loss goal of 1-2 pounds per week, and no more. Maybe my story will sound familiar to you: I have been losing weight successfully for the past 3 months (my BMI was in the "overweight category", so wasn't just for vanity's sake!). I have used weight watchers online to track my caloric intake, while maintaining enough calories to feel full, satisfied and be able to fuel my energy needs to make it through the day and exercise vigorously. Honestly, it has been the exercise and portion control that has helped the most, rather than limit my calories excessively. On the days when I did eat fewer calories, I made up for it the next day because I was hungry and did not have enough energy. It has taken me 2-3 months to know how to use food for energy, and not as an emotional comfort. My weight loss is similar to many other women's stories, and nothing like you see on the Biggest Loser TV show: one week I lose 0.5, the next week lose 1.0, then the next week I gain 0.4. It is a roller coaster of ups and downs, but there is sustained weight loss that is gradual and I can maintain it indefinitely. (So far, I've lost 15 lbs in 3 months...yeah! Only 5 more to go!). Every day has become easier, but some days are disheartening when I gain some...but I've found the online "club" helpful, because tracking my weight weekly is a visual reminder that my weight loss is continuing and gradual, but I am meeting my small goals along the way to my big goal.

So...what are your weight loss goals (how much, within what time, how will you meet your short-and long-term goals)? Are you interested in joining a weight loss support group, are you open to talking with your doctor or nutritionist or personal trainer?

June 2, 2009 - 12:32pm

Reply

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy