Thinking about how much I should lose

IMO- Using little bit of natural fat is much better than the artificial fat in spray bottle.

I often use little bit of chicken stock with some good fat (coconut, avocado oil, or other natural fat)

The best inexpensive protein option out there is chicken leg quarters. I can find them often in a 10# bag for $6.90. That's only 69¢/pound. You can roast or boil it all and then segment it out for different meal recipes. One of my favorite ways to cook it is to (skinless or not) sprinkle it all with garlic powder and rosemary, then pour a half/half mixture of soy sauce and water. Bake at 350 and baste every 15 minutes for about an hour.

I don't have as much to lose as you, but I am 13 years out. I lose 1-2lbs per week, maximum on approx 1200 calories per day.

I don't think 900 calories per day is realistic long term, nor is 30lbs per month loss. I have lost 29lbs in 4 months and I think that's awesome for this far out. I have been low carb (30g per day from vegetables and dairy) and 100 per cent compliant.

I would recommend that you aim for dense protein, like meat and fish and leafy green veg. No one this far out needs protein shakes. Spend your money wisely if you are on a limited income.

Good luck

Great job - I need to get on it and lose what I need to get to my maintenance weight. Thanks for the inspiration....

You're welcome! It is definitely hard but worth it!! We can do it!

My dietitian put me on the 900 calorie a day diet. I am thinking it is just to get me started. I am gonna call her and ask her a couple questions. Thanks

I am almost 10 years out and agree with the others. In the beginning you will lose more, but after that around 2 pounds per week is probably the best you can hope for if you plan to do this long-term. Yes, if you stick to 500 a week you can probably lose more, but is that realistic for the long-haul? I don't think so. I go back to Weigh****chers when I need to lose a few pounds and 1-2 per week is my average.

This is a marathon, not a sprint. Good luck.

Are you ok having just 3 oz of food per meal? I know long term I would be hungry.

When I try to lose I aim at 4 oz of proteins with up to 1 oz of fat and small amount of veggies 3 tines a day, and 2 smaller snacks.

Eggs are great and they are rather inexpensive. They can be sauted, hard boiled, or added to other foods to increase proteins in a dish. I.e when I have leftover veggies - I use that to make a nice omelet or egg bites.

As others said - chicken can be bought on sale. In a store near you ask the manager of the meat department if they discount meats and if so when, then go there and get what's on sale. If you have a friend with sams or Costco membership - ask if you can join them and get less expensive items.

Don't forget about Aldi. Their prices are rather good. Buying less tender cuts of meet and using a crock pot or pressure cooker can make them very tender and tasty.

Be careful with milk - milk has only 8 gr of proteins for 12 grams of sugar (Lactose). To me, milk is more carb heavy food rather than proteins rich food.

Initially we lose faster, later on It is realistic to lose 2 lbs a week. More than that may not be so.

Good luck.

I am okay with the 3oz for now just to get me started. Later on probably need to increase. Right now I'm on liquids cause of stomach flu but cravings are bad right now.

The people on TV can lose 30lb in a month because they weigh 600lb, so it's a smaller percentage of their body weight. They're also taking in 10,000 calories per day, so it's a very drastic reduction.

You have probably lost 7lb in a week because of the drastic change, as well as some water weight. From here on out, you can safely expect to lose 1 - 2 lb per week.