Posts by hootiemcfly

All of the advice so far has been great advice. There is one thing that I would urge you to pay attention to. I used to take in about 3500 calories a day when I was in the army, and when I tried to dip below that to lose some weight I paid the price. I got muscle cramps, didn't have energy, etc. so everyone telling you to maintain MORE calories per day seems to be right.

 What I have found matters most is WHAT YOU PUT IN YOUR BODY. If you budget 500 calories per meal (and I'm sure you know this) and you eat a piece of pizza three times a day, yes you're at 1500 but not HEALTHILY and you're not giving your b ody much good stuff to burn.

I eat CONSTANTLY throughout the day, and access is my biggest issue. I still eat things like grapes and apples and oranges, higher in sugar, and more calories, but my body loves them. They're natural and good for you. At night (late night especially) I have a little bundle of grapes (about 40 calories) and a reduced calorie (60 total) mint chocolate jello pudding cup, or substituting both of those have a Yoplait vanilla thick and creamy LIGHT yogurt - 100 calories total. In the mornings or for snacks, the same yogurt with some Grape Nuts cereal thrown in is also great. 

 So anyway, now that i've rambled, remember it's not always what calorie count, but what QUALITY you are putting into your body. And remember, adequate hydration can boost your metabolism by up to 3%. You don't have to cut out things, just monitor your intake. I have a diet coke or coffee every morning, it gives me a little boost to get everything going. I avoid rices/pastas/bigger carbs and starches after lunch time/afternoon snack time. I weigh the same, about 160 lbs on a 5'6" frame, but I'm a size 4. (I lift quite a bit.)

Best of luck, and when you're frustrated or need something sweet to kill a craving, hit me up! I find all natural LEATHER FRUIT bars to be great around workouts - 45 cals a piece, sweet, and delicious!