SusanStyles's Journal, 19 January 2015

This is my first official diet day. My whole adult life I've maintained between 145-150 pounds without trying. Over the last year I've gained 15 pounds. Because I'm 6' tall no one has noticed the weight gain. I feel the difference in the way my clothes fit and physically I notice I'm feeling less energetic. So I've decided that today's the day that I'm going to start working on me and feeling better. 

Does anyone know what to expect from a low calorie (1200) diet? How quickly will I lose weight if I stick to it? 

Welcome! To your question, depends on a lot of things, including your BMR and activity level. But know that FS seriously overestimates your BMR. Calculate it elsewhere and then use FS to track what you eat. Good luck. :0 

I'm no expert but that seems pretty low to me so it would definitely be a lose weight fast goal...which isn't always the best way to go. Around 1500 - 1700 would probably be a lose weight gradually goal according to calculators on-line. It all depends on your activity level. My biggest problem is measuring home made foods so I think I underestimate calories. The other problem is muscle building which seems to counter act the weight loss making the weight goals frustrating. Good luck...and stick with it. 

Thank you for the responses. My BMR is 1463.8. I will try to stay between 1200-1500 calories per day and definitely plan to stick with it. I was hoping to lose at least 1lb per week with my goal weight reached in 4 months. Then I will need to figure out how to maintain the goal weight. 

You have to keep track of your activity and your food. For every 3500 calories of deficit you will lose about 1 pound of weight. At the present time assuming you are 45 years old and 165 pounds, you are at 22.5 BMI. Which places you at about 31 percent body fat content. (This varies depending on activity level) I have put you at lightly active since you are gaining weight. If you are highly athletic this would be way wrong. There is a limit to the harvesting of energy from fat stores per day, so as you lose weight the calorie deficit needs to get less or you start to metabolize muscle.  

I am 48 and weigh 160 pounds. I go to work M-F (mostly sit at a desk), walk the dog 30 minutes and 200 sit-ups per night so I would say I'm def not very active. It doesn't look like losing a pound of weight per week is possible.  

Your BMR calculates to 1468 calories per day. That is what your body burns to stay alive. If you walk with the dog 2 miles that burns 199 calories at your present weight and age. If you are getting 10 sit ups per minute you are burning about 250 calories. So your daily burn sans the desk work, is about 1800 calories per day. If you want to lose a pound per week. Start eating 1500 calories per week in 6 meals per day. Starting with Breakfast, then a snack, then lunch, then a snack, then dinner, then a snack. 6 AM, 930 snack, noon lunch, 230 snack dinner at 6 PM, snack at 8 PM. Keep the sugars to a minimum. Walk the dog 45 minutes and go three miles. You will get real close to one pound per week. No Alcohol for the first two weeks. 

wow!!! you really know your stuff Bbally!!! You just described how I usually eat on the nutrisystem diet plan. Which is really helping me learn portion control and healthier food choices. I am also trying new veggies and fruits to widen my choices!!  

wow!!! you really know your stuff Bbally!!! You just described how I usually eat on the nutrisystem diet plan. Which is really helping me learn portion control and healthier food choices. I am also trying new veggies and fruits to widen my choices!!  

Thanks bally!! I really appreciate you helping me understand how to reach my goal. I'll try everything you recommended. 😆 

Welcome! BE blessed as God guides you through this season of adventure!