Honestly, I don't count calories at all. I eat until I am full and I eat when I am hungry. However...I've been trying to put things into fitday because I want to keep my fat ratio high and keep an eye on things because I know its easy to let things creep if you don't keep a good eye out.

Anyway....I have noticed that my calories are staying pretty much between 1200 and 1300 per day. I had a day or two that was just under 1200 (like 1180) and I had one day where I hit around 1850 (oh those nuked pepperonis dipped in sour cream are heavenly for a snack!!!!)

I'm a bit worried about my body thinking I am trying to starve it! I am not! Dr. A said that Atkins won't work if you try to do a low cal version. I just don't know where I could eat any more than I already am.

Will I be okay on around 1,300 calories???


Thanks,
L

Most people suggest 10x your weight in calories; but if you're losing weight, feeling satisfied, and pretty OK with how you feel, then I don't know if I'd worry too much about actual calories. I'm pretty sure according to the 10x's thing I'd fall short too. If you feel you need to add more however, then fat's the way to go. Smother veggies w/ butter. Cook with olive oil & butter. Use full fat dressings & sauces on foods. Use heavy cream in sauces. Leave the skin on chicken & pick fatty cuts of meat, which are usually cheaper & more flavorful bonus. Good luck.
God Bless,
Amy-Lynne

Are you sure you're getting your portions right? It's easy to get them wrong on fitday or maybe you aren't "eyeballing" them right.
But it's not necessary to stuff yourself, so if you're comfortable with what you're doing, then keep doing it!

Yup...the portions are right. I have been doing some reading since I posted originally and it appears that most people figure 1200 is okay, but anything lower will put you into starvation mode...actually...I think the consensus is 1,000 calories will do it and 1,200 is acceptable.

It probably is true that I'm getting extra calories in things I don't count...like the butter used to fry my eggs, etc.

Thanks!

Laura

I was in a month long stall. I dropped my calories from around 1500 to about 1300 more or less with 70% fat and 20-25 grams of effective carbs. In other words, all I reduced was the amount of protein. I started losing again.
I think all this is due to my slower metabolism due to my age and my excess body fat.