How important is consistency?

I know Im only 1.5 weeks in but I'm disapointed in my lack of any results at all. 

My question is: how important is consistency?  Do I need to consume and burn a very consistant amount of calories each day?

My intake fluctuates by about 200 cal/day, and my expended cal. flutuates much much more than that, could this be my problem?

Hi Rachael,

I think as long as you are staying within a decent range of calories you are doing just fine. Eating the same amount of calories all the time is not really efficient because your body will get used to it quickly and as a result you will hit a plateau quickly. I know that we you start to diet, you expect to see big numbers right away, but if you have lost anything even if it is a little, that is something to be proud of. I used to drop 7 - 10 pounds the first week of dieting, but when I started over this time, that didn't happen and I was a little discouraged about it. But I had to realize that fast success does not always equal long term success. Slower weight loss gives you time to get used to the lifestyle changes that you are making so that when you hit your goal weight you won't rush back in to old habits. Slow weight loss also decreases the chances that you will have tons of loose skin when you are done. Therefore, be proud of your losses even if they are small. Soon you will look back  and say "I have lost 70 pounds, who cares if it took me 10 months or a year to do it...I am 70 lbs lighter"! Good luck and keep pushing!

Define "results".  Pounds lost?  Inches lost?  Strength/Endurance increased?

Pounds lost will be a result of calories in < calories out.  If you are running a reasonable calorie deficit, you will lose weight. 

If you are running a deficit, but you aren't losing weight then you are either eating too few calories (1200 is the bare minimum for a sedentary, petite adult female) or you aren't accurately logging your foods.

I think I need to start measuring inches, Im going to order a tape measure!  Maybe Im getting results that Im just not aware of!

I base results on like 6 pairs of jeans I have :) Most of them don't fit. So far I have thrown out 1 pair, started wearing another and last night slightly squished into another I couldn't even force buttoned maybe 2 weeks ago. Even if they won't fit, I at least tried them and know how much they didnt fit.

Tape measure is a good idea, so is measuring % body fat - if maybe your doctor could or a trainer.

I also see when using cardio machines that I can go harder and still breath easier... or actually breathing easier when tying my shoes.

Little things make me happy :)

I agree with KDH,  look for the little battles won each day.  People say it all over the place here but the adage is true, this isn't a sprint it's a marathon, every step you take will get you closer to your desired result. 

Rachelmarie,

Don't get discouraged.  Stick with what you know is right.  Aim for your calorie target, move more, drink your water, take your vitamins, get plenty of sleep, eat more fresh veggies and fruit, decrease your salt intake, set small goals and when you reach them celebrate.  Weigh weekly, measure monthly and expect good things.