So, I know this is a totally newbie question...

But I'm frustrated. I'm not losing any weight, in fact,  I seem to be staying the same, if not gaining a tiny amount (1 lb. at the most, I know the rest is just sodium water retention or muscle soreness).

So the question is, in Phase one, how many calories should I be eating?

Stats:

5'6"

24 years old

169 lbs.

Average for March so far is: 1800 calories a day (roughly, some days it's way more, some days it's less, but never less than 1400)

Help X(

HI Nasuoni

I don't think the cal count has to do with what phase you are in, but more to do with your stats and the calculations in the book. The book suggests eating at maintence I believe (I only follow the workouts, not the eating plan)

I would say if you do the workouts three times a week, that 1800 cals would be a great place to be. I know alot of people are doing the program at a deficit- this means they will not build muscle, but are trying more to lose weight.

This is not a weight loss program though, so if you are trying to lose weight, you may want to do a few things differently. I know alot of the women doing the program are struggling b/c they aren't losing, but I dont think that's what the program was designed for.

I am in Stage 2 (half way through) and did Stage 1 - 3 times a week, and Stage 2 twice + cardio on top of that. I have lost only 1lb throughout this last 9 weeks...however- I can definitely see new muscles emerging, and have lost inches...

The scale isnt a great way to measure progress. I personally measure by how my clothes fit.

I think quite a few women have run into this issue with the program.  It seems like for some people it takes  several weeks for everything to get kicked into gear and the initial water weight gain to subside. 

There may be other folks who may advise a different approach.  You could try just using good old CC's tools to figure out your optimum calorie level.  I don't know how you've got your activity level set - but you may want to specifically add the weight lifting activity (use the vigorous one when you select) and make sure to eat more on NROLFW workout days.  I would start out with around a 300 calorie deficit or so - make sure to eat enough protein and if you haven't already definitely incorporate a post workout protein shake.

As a program, it's not designed for weight loss, but as long as you're eating at a deficit, at some point, it will work that way.  Also, chelslaw is right, sometimes the scale isn't the best gauge, often enough you'll see changes in how your clothes fit first - and that's ideal because it means that you're losing fat and retaining your muscle.