I had a thought today about my caloric intake. Been on this WOL for 4 months or so. I have been eating 10-12X my weight in calories most days. Now that I'm losing weight my calories have to go down but I am still just as hungry. My tummy hasn't shrunk yet I don't believe. So should I not worry about this.. eat until I'm content as always, or as I start to lose weight, maybe take out some of the fats, oils and such that I've been adding to up the calories/fat. I know eating LESS should not be an option if I'm still hungry. Not a big worry, more I'm curious what others have done. Thanks in advance

Kirsten =)

Hi Kirsten, Your situation regarding reducing calories brings up my big quarrel with equating calorie intake to 10-12 times body weight: As we lose the weight, do we have to go on a 'diet' and lower calories so we are in line with the 10-12 guideline? There is a discussion on this topic over on the Atkins board that might be helpful to you.

I don't count calories at all, but even if I did, I would never ascribe to the 10-12 suggestion--either as a limit to calorie intake or as a 'forced' maximum. I eat good, non-processed low-carb, adequate protein, veggies, etc...until I feel full.

It is really not unusual to "stop losing" temporarily after you have lost a LOT of weight. And you've lost about 50 pounds in that time. WOW!

This temporary halt may last from 1 to 6 months as your body adjusts. I'd really question whether reducing calories will start the losing again. Your body may just not be ready to lose more for a while.

If you do decide to cut down, don't go below 1500 calories or you just guarantee that your body will hold onto every asset it has = no loss of weight.

There are some other ideas you might consider. Change your exercise. Or start if you haven't been doing any. Walking is great. Weight training really helps build muscle and use fat. The scales may not change much but the inches could really show a difference in how your clothes fit.

The other idea is to change the foods you are eating. Stick with fish for a few days; or eat chicken instead of beef; or watch the glycemic index of your veggies; or cut out fruit for a few days if you've been eating it; or cut out even the 'legal treats' or desserts if you've been eating them. Just some ideas to change the things that your body has gotten used to in the past 4 months.

But it is certainly possible that NOTHING will make you start losing until your body is good and ready. Wouldn't it be great if we knew what rules the body was following?