Poll-how many calories do you eat

Nope - not a typo and I have the pics to prove it. Many of my adventures have been with our local Scout Troop or Venture Crew. The kids get me involved in many things and I've found I can do the increased exercise and then can eat more. On a weekend of Rock Climbing, I can burn off 2800 calories a day -which means I can eat that much and not gain. Same with white water rafting - a 3 hour run down the river means I can double my intake for the day and still be ok. The hard part is coming home and having to cut back. I've maintained for over 4 years so it's working for me. I have to be careful on days I sit more that I don't overeat, as I'm not burning up enough calories to justify big meals or snacks. Those days I try to stay around 1200 calories or even less. Jenni

Very impressive! Continued success in the best of health! Karen PS: Not that I doubt your reply, but I was interested in the pictures you mention...is there a secret to accessing your profile?

When the weather's nice I hike, bike, kayak, canoe, rock climb (there's a calorie burner), white water rafting, horseback ride, mountain biking, I regularly go on camping trips where you carry your pack and canoe on portages inbetween paddling, mountain climbing ( I met a goat last summer at 11,400 ft.), I've done high desert hiking, participated in a cattle roundup and regularly ski and once in a while snowboard. I'm hoping to get out this winter yet and do some dogsledding up north. (I live in MN.) In the winter there's winter camping and because you have to keep moving all day to keep warm you can really burn off the calories. I tried white water canoeing and although it's a great workout for the arms, it's a bit scary for me. I'll stick to my kayak. The hard part is coming home and going back to 1200 calories a day. I'm finally living my life and luckily hubby is thrilled to do all this stuff with me. (except the kayaking - he hates going upside down in the water.) We're having a blast and wondering what we can do next. We did each buy Harley Davidson's last year but that's just fun - not exercise.

Wow, that is impressive. I am exhausted just reading your post. No wonder there is such a range in calorie intake. You must be so proud of yourself. You would love living on Maui. The weather is so nice year round and we have so many outdoor activities here. Thanks for sharing but most of all thanks for inspiring. Hugs

Wow - I though peddling our bikes around the bike trails near our house was good exercise for my husband and I. Seems pretty tame now that I read your post. Makes me want to do more - I have so many sedentary years to make up for. Thanks for posting your activities. Myrtle.

Mitzi, Sorry to come in so late on this one, But have you "run your numbers?" try- http://www.caloriecontrol.org/calcalsm.html Hope this helps! Best Wishes- Dx

Holy Guacamole, I love that website. I have never heard of it. According to the calculator I need to consume 2500 caloires a day to maintain. Problem is, when I eat more than 1500 calories a day I gain. Go figure??? Thanks for posting the site, I earmarked it under favorites.

Mitzi, My Dr told me with our new plumbing we do need less calories than most people....I believe he said he would need 2200 to maintain his weight but if I was his height and weight I would need to be around 1600. I forgot to ask the question why???? My next visit I will hit on that because I am curious about it now...I was bummed when he said it and I thought well I will never eat 1600 calories...well I hate to say it but I do now....Can you say not fair. Debbie

Boy the logic of that escapes me, especially when you consider that many of us increase our metabolic output and we malabsorb "some" fraction of what we eat...I'd be most curious to hear his answer!

I found this article that may be what he may be referring to... http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/332/10/621 It was an interesting read if nothing else. I do have a call into the office to see if I can get a better explanation. I will let you know what I find out.