Switching back to loss question.

Hi all,

I was sleeved in Dec. 2012 and have done pretty well until this past year. A move combined with some minor health issues and my own lack of tracking/exercise have landed me in "weight loss" mode once again.

If you've been there, how did you determine your calorie level for weight loss?  I don't think I can do 650 cals/day again and function.  I'm just wondering what guidelines to use (beyond upping protein and eliminating carbs). 

Thanks in advance for your help! 

Sarah

P.S. I'm looking at losing about 15 lbs to get to my comfortable maintenance weight.  I'm 10 lbs higher than my "line in the sand" weight right now and need to get moving!

I would track what you eat for several days and then try to decrease by about 500 calories a day, depending on what your current level is, what your weight/height currently is and what your activity level is.

Paula

I'm also working to lose some regain.  I want to reach 160... currently at 180.  Already took off ten pounds.  For me, I started with one week of liquids only to jump start the loss again, but most people probably don't do that.  

Now I try to stick to 1200 cal/day, mostly lean protein and non-starchy veggies.

Hi Sarah! 

So your first year in the PNW gave you the freshman 15, did it? No biggie. You have all the tools you need. 

I'm guessing you're somewhere around 145-150. To lose about a pound a week you're going to have to go down to about 1000 calories per day. 400 of those cals need to come from protein. 200 can come from carbs and the last 400 can come from extra protein or fats. 

or 

You can track for a few days to a week to see what you are eating to maintain the gain. Whatever your calorie level turns out to be, lower it by 500 calories per day to lose 1 pound per week.

Me, I'd just go with option #1. It's easy and won't kill you. I personally don't recommend being extreme and trying to eat fewer than 1000 calories per day this far out. It might feel punitive and backfire. Whatever you decide to do, it will have to be something that works for you in the long haul. 

I use the 500 calorie a day reduction method, but the most I've ever had to lose (to get a few pounds below my goal weight) is 6 pounds. That equals about 6 weeks. If you use that method, can you see yourself doing it for about 15 weeks?