question about calories guys.....

How many calories should I consume a day?  I need to lose 100 pounds but my first target is 50.  I want to keep it off this time, so I want to see results fast, but want to do whats right to keep it off.  I have started on my plan a week ago, but I have been taking in anywhere from 98-1100 a day, plus I do a 20 minute Pilaties tape everyday.

Thanks

Rose

Hello Rosepress,

So nice to meet you.  I suggest you go to Tools and then Calorie Target.  The program will give you an idea of what you should take in to lose 1-2 pounds a week.

I am just going to come out and say it....you should give up thinking about losing weight fast.  You didn't gain it overnight and you won't lose it overnight either. 

People who lose fast, generally give up when the weight loss starts to slow, and slow it will.  Then they gain it back with more (yoyo dieting).  Just set your mind on losing sensibly and taking it off forever.  You will have to make it a long term committment to lose it and keep it off.  You don't want to be here again in 6 month heavier than ever, so do it right this time.

I also suggest that you break down that first goal into even smaller goals, like 5 pounds or even 10 pounds.  Then when you reach that goal, celebrate.  Reward yourself with something pretty.  New shoes, new purse, magazine subscription.  One member here rewards with a celebration treat she has been denying herself.  I plan to buy myself a copy of Finding Nemo when I reach my next goal (4 lbs away).  I love Dora who says Just Keep Swimming.

You are in good company.  We are all on the same road and know what you are going through.  Holler if you need something.

Definitely do the Calorie Target, and you can always go a little lower to lose weight a little faster, but anything less than 1200 calories is usually unsafe and will backfire ultimately because you will easily gain back the weight you lost with such extreme measures. I got to my lowest weight ever eating like that, and I swear it took me a week to gain it back. Your body might also go into starvation mode and start refusing to drop any weight. How tall are you? I'm 5'9" and when I started losing weight I was eating anywhere from 1800-2200 cal / day to lose 1-3 lb a week. Now I try for 1700-1800. If you're shorter you might need to go lower. Good luck!