GilliB's Journal, 05 October 2012

At your current weight, there is no reason you can't eat 1500 calories a day and still lose (unless there are medical reasons). A diet has to be sustainable for life or it will come back on. You really can't tell if a diet or certain caloric intake will work unless you stay with it for a few weeks. The scale is constantly fluctuating because our bodies are made up of 60% water. Google "why the scale lies" for insight. Low calories also cause your metabolism to slow way down causing a vicious cycle of loss/gain. Try zig zagging your caloric intake to keep your metabolism going. If you do 800 one day, than 1000 1300, etc. Getting on the scale only once a week and after a low caloric day is good too. If you weigh daily, you need to expect to see the scale go up and down (no matter how good you have been). Good luck!  

hun - your body can't survive on 800 cals/day - you will start burning muscle instead of fat, because your system thinks you're starving it...I've been on SO many different programs over the years - low cal, medically supervised fast (never try that again lol), weight watchers...pre packaged meals...you name it - and the only thing i've had real success with is the low carb...I've lost 30 lbs in 2 1/2 months. I know a lot of people say negative about Atkins, but you can really tailor it to your lifestyle. Yes, in the very beginning, I really missed my breads and pastas, fruits...but I'm slowly starting to add them back in, in moderation. Ultimately, you will find something that works for you, but until you do, make sure you give what you're trying a fighting chance! I've found on the Atkins, that I've been averaging between 1200-1600 cals/day, and i'm still losing (5'4", started out at 245). Best of luck to you, Sue