myawethinTICself's Journal, 03 October 2013

Hello, Just food for thought. It seems to me (just from observance) that when people cut out one of the three (fat, carbs, protein) they lose a lot of weight (at first) and it doesn't seem to matter which one, but this is difficult to maintain for most people. The problem is, from what the nutritionist at my Dr's office told me, that the human body needs all three but the right kinds. She told me to stay away from saturated fats, eat lean proteins including vegetable proteins and more complex carbs (whole grain, brown rice, veggies) than simple carbs (white breads, sugar, and such). Unfortunately what percentage of each seems to vary from person to person and you may have to find that out by trial and error. I eat a lot of carbs but usually the complex kind, that seems to work for me but won't work for everybody. And, when on occasion, like this evening, I eat not one but TWO biscuits from Red Lobster :-), I try not to beat myself up. I allow myself simple pleasures once in a while. I hope this helps. Hang in there! 

RM, the little green arrows mean that you are burning more calories than you are eating, the read arrows mean you are eating more than you are burning. You want the little green arrows. Also, your RDI is what your daily calorie intake is, like 1800 calories a day. I think you should reset your daily intake to 1800, because 1200 calories is a little bit restrictive. It basically is a starvation diet, and that isn't a good thing to do. You have too much tendency to give up. Any time your RDI is red, that means you went over your daily calorie limit. The pie chart will tell you how much carbs, fats, and protein you have gotten for the day. You want that as even as possible, with the fats and protein a little more than your carbs. I hope this helped you!!  

I wish I had a good answer for you. Our bodies are so complex that what works for one does not always work for another. I wish I knew why but I guess that is why there are so many "plans" out there. That is where the journal helps me so much. I can see where something in my day can effect what I see on the scale. However, I am not one that can eat those two yummy RL biscuits and not see an up in my numbers that will take several days to get back off. However, I can eat the same amount in a steak and not have a problem. Like the above posters, I love a good treat but personally, I am doing better about having that one serving a week instead of my nightly bowl of ice cream (even though I could keep the calories and carbs within the RDI) Another idea, try upping your portions of green, low carb veggies and protein (even if you get close to 1800-2000 calories) you might be surprised to see the scale go down. Hey, the weekend is coming, worth a try! 

thanks Kitten but I dont feel restricted on 1200. I do eat way more than I need just because I like food & I like the process of eating. I DID have my RDI set at 1800 until I checked out what it should be for a person my height& my frame structure. Then I reviewed my Food Diary & noticed SOME days I didnt even eat the allotted amount & didnt feel deprived. I think I'll try 1200 & see how it goes,if I find it not what I want,I'll change it back. Appreciate the heads up on it,though.Thanks. 

Glad to hear that RM. I know what you mean too. I have mine set at 1800, and I do have those days that I can't make that 1200!! The important thing is, don't make less than 1200 a habit. You need that many calories at a minimum to function properly. I'm getting better with that, and have been doing better increasing my protein for the day. Note what you've eaten on those days, and add a little too it and you should be great. a good tip too, is give yourself a "permission of indulgence" day. That day, you can eat what you want, within reason, lol. If you want a cupcake, eat it, but just one!!! Eat it very slow, and take the time to actually taste it. That helps me when I crave something. Most times it is enough, and the craving is gone!!  

I just finished calculating my percentages for cal's,fats,pro's,carb's according to my age,height,weight,frame structure,gender,& activity levels. At this moment in my journey I need to taking in(to LOSE weight)1200 cal's per day,48% from carb's & pro's with 61% from pro's. Doing this will allow me to lose 1.48 lbs a week & reach my goal weight by Aug.8,2014(which is within my MAP I set up to follow for myself in My Ultimate Jump Start Challenge! I found this to be very exciting & motivating :) I also calculated these %'s according to increasing activity levels I will be doing the stronger & healthier I get along the way.....I can't wait to hit the highway!!!