How many calories do you eat?

In the calorie counting "game" of weight loss - there seem to be so many different aspects! We all know that, while super low calories LOOK logical - starving ourselves is NEVER gonna work and we'll end up gaining whatever is lost! I have the Richard Simmons Food Mover and, according to that, at my height/weight I am supposed to consume 2000+ calories TO LOSE WEIGHT! My "dieting" mind (formed over years and years of playing "yo-yo") refuses to let me believe that! So, I was thinking, as to not sabotage myself but also to fool my mind, I would try and stick to 1800 calories (1600 on the low end) and see what happens! I dont' actually USE the food mover daily, but do use it as a guide and I use some of the recipes, etc. So, that was a lot to say just to ask you guys how many calories you stick with. At the high end of your weight (beginning, shall we say) how many calories did you start with to lose weight? How many calories are you consuming now, at this point in your weight loss? Have a great day folks! Kandy

I don't count calories, but portion sizes. Right now, I am eating to maintain. It is funny because it is exactly the same thing I was eating to loose when I weighed 300. As I got smaller, the amount of food I needed to loose slowly decreased. Now I am adding back in food to stop loosing weight. Here are the portions I am at now and at the beginning of my weight loss. 2 1/2 servings protein 350calories 4 servings non starch vegetables 150calories ( at the most) 4 servings fruit 400 calories 2 serving carbs 100 calories these are small portions 2 serving fat 180 calories 2 dairy 160 calories 2 La Lite Bars 360 calories That's around 1700 calories. I would say I get 1700 - 1900 calories each day depending on the particular food choices I make. I am still loosing though. At a slower pace, but right now I am at the point that even if I lost only 1 pound a month, by the end of the year, it will be too much. I am very strict, and I don't deviate from the foods I allow myself to have. I may have to throw in some higher carb foods to stop the weight loss. Lynette

Kandy, I don't "count calories" per se but I am so aware of the calories in food and I tend to eat the same things a lot so I manage to stay within a certain calories range just by making good choices. My target range is 1000 - 1300 with 1500 being an occasional accepted lid. Yesterday was a struggle for me with a lot of head hunger. When I added the calories at the end of the day (which I only do when I think I am way over or way under the target) I was at 1475 for the day. My focus is more on portion size (that is my Achilles heel) and staying away from refined carbs, sugar, & junk. Blessings, Maren

I don't really gauge my calorie intake.... I count my grams of protein and carbs, really. I try to take in at least 100 grams of protein a day, and less than 30 grams of carbs (carbs all taken in before noon). This has seemed to have worked so far! --CJ 250/173/140

Kandy, I count calories. When I started this way of life, I was consuming an average of 1,500 calories daily. Now I consume 1,750. I also exercise one hour to two hours daily. I add that because for this nonop, it's a two-part lifestyle -- diet AND exercise. Best of luck. Kasey 365/210 (nonop)

Hi Kandy, I don't count calories either. I focus on low carb and low fat. I have tracked my food through self.com and I found that I mostly end up around 1000 calories a day. I am finding this isn't enough to continue to lose, which is highly frustrating, so I have been adding a few things a day. A cheese stick here, an apple there, a protein bar eaten throughout the day, etc. I have been at this calorie count since July when I started my program. I honestly have gotten to the point where I am not hungry anymore, so the small amount of food consumed is actually fine for me. You have to find a point where it works for you and you aren't feeling deprived or constantly experiencing hunger. Your research will pay off. Donna

When I first began losing weight, I was on Adkins, which proported that you didn't have to count calories, just carbs. So I did; and I lost some weight, but that plan became more and more difficult to live with. So, as of Jauary 28th of this year, at 258#, I decided to go with a 1500 calorie/day diet. In theory, 1500 calories daily will bring my weight down to 150 pounds; In theory. I eat these meals in small, usually 300 calorie meals plus two light snacks like popcorn (105 calories) or a light english muffin with sugar free jelly (110 calories.) I'm down 8 pounds since January 28th. So this 1500 calorie/day plan is my eating plan from now on. When I reach my goal of 175, if I feel that I want to continue to lose, and I am able, then, what the hell: I'll go for the 150...but I'm just not convinced that this body will ever see 150 pounds. I'd be in shock, people!!! Along with my 1500/cal/day, I do 90 minutes of cardio, 5 days a week. I do weights three times a week, too. So, with all of these interventions, can a girl get a break and lose some weight?!!! Jessica