Cinemaster's Journal, 21 March 2011

Question: Are you going on FatSecret's computed RDI, or another website's? While FatSecret is AMAZING as far as its database and community, it's BMI calculator is rather universally agreed to be off, and to err on the side of UNcaution. One that is oft suggested is WebMD's calculater, which you can find at this address: http://www.webmd.com/diet/calc-bmi-plus Also, it may just be that you ARE gaining muscle. Especially if you have markedly LOST muscle mass over the years. If at any time in your body you have worked hard at increasing your muscle mass, the new fibers never really go away once you stop, they just kinda deflate (And flab out. Poor, poor Arnold.). However, it is MUCH easier to regain your muscle mass than it was to build it in the first place. This could account for your early gain. Once you get a correct BMI, KEEP AT THIS. Also, in my opinion, don't just count calories and be done with it. Concentrate on also eating foods with a small to medium glycemic index and foods that are not calorie dense. This has two big benefits. You can eat more for the same calories, and thus your metabolism gets worked out more, and your blood sugar levels will not spike and dip, keeping you in optimum fat burning range for longer periods of the day. This DOES work! Keep at it! =D 

Okay, so FS ate the address. That's fine. Just Google WebMD BMI Calculator, and there you be. =P 

I was going to say if you are using an RDI, you need to use it as a guideline to weight loss. If you are not losing, then you need to adjust your caloric intake. Try a week of 1800 a day for a week and see if you get a loss. It's trial and error. Some RDI's are just too high for people.  

I looked at your diet calendar, and you seem to be on an RDI of 2000 calories? This to lose 10 pounds from 185? I weighed in the 300s, and 2000 calories is MY daily RDI to get to 250. Now, you may be more active than me, but I really do think your RDI is set too high. Also, eating one big meal in the middle of the day with high GI foods (tacos=either corn or flour tortillas) is likely giving you a massive blood sugar bump. And fat free flavored yogurt that is not also SUGAR free can't help but do that either. When your blood sugar is high, it doesn't matter if you're running a marathon, you will NOT burn fat. Instead, spread the eating out in 500 calorie or so chunks throughout the day, and steer clear of foods that that have a High GI and contribute to your blood sugar. Simple Googling will get you any number of lists. That, and cutting your RDI to a realistic level via WebMD's BMI Calculater should get you turned around.