Suggestions from Experts?

meima

My goal is to lose 42 lbs in about 5.5 months before my September 17 wedding.

Right now I am running 3 times a week (15+ km/week) which will be increasing gradually, as I start a 10k clinic in May, and a 1/2 marathon clinic in July. 

I will also be biking between 40-75 km/week starting as soon as the weather improves, as I train for a duathalon in August.

Now, my question is, is 1200 calories a day enough?  I only lost 1/2 lb last week!  that put me in a really miserable mood today.

I don't eat processed food, I weigh and calculate calories for everything I eat, but I don't feel like I'm losing fast enough. 

I'm getting depressed, and considering more drastic methods.  I just need someone's encouragement that this IS possible, and that I AM on the right track...

TIA

feinicstine

1200 total or 1200 after workouts?  Mind you, I am NOT an expert and this is NOT medical advice, but 1200 is really low.  I've always heard that that's the minimum your body needs, which means that it's not going to like being kept there all the time.  (it's closer to 1800 for men, they're the lucky ones.)

I would try upping your calories with some lean protein and veggies.  Do NOT take more drastic measures.  Anything you consider drastic = bad in the long term.  Seriously, it is entirely not worth it.

raynes

Heck to the no 1200 is not enough!  I have to leave work or I'd expand on that, but if you're going to be exercising that much 1200 is definitly not enough.  I wouldn't even recommend that you NET that low.

meima

I was doing 1400 calories /day, and dropped it to 1200.  I wouldn't go lower than that without dr. intervention, because I know that's the lowest for proper body/organ function. 

But, you figure, the lower the calories, the higher your calorie deficit per week, and the more weight you lose, right?

I just feel like it's not coming off fast enough, and I'm getting frustrated and sad.

GBroc22

You would think that your theory of "the lower the calories, the higher your calorie deficit per week" makes sense, which it does...until you dip too low in the calorie department.  Your body will go into starvation mode, and it will hold onto fat stores to protect itself.  Also, it can lead to dark eyes, poor skin, even hair loss...horrible for anyone, especially a bride to be who's trying to look her best (the irony!).  Be safe!

MyWedding13

1200 is way, way too low. You sound like you are burning off a lot, so keep your calories around 1500-1600 at least. You have to remember that you have a basal metabolic rate in addition to exercise, so you are still burning fuel.

kristinanddan

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_suggestions-experts?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:c7e8b91f-9d30-413a-853a-71bcff250b22Post:8b78003a-7bf4-4bce-a7f2-a8e9b3778ae8">Re: Suggestions from Experts?</a>:
[QUOTE]I was doing 1400 calories /day, and dropped it to 1200.  I wouldn't go lower than that without dr. intervention, because I know that's the lowest for proper body/organ function.  <strong>But, you figure, the lower the calories, the higher your calorie deficit per week, and the more weight you lose, right?</strong> I just feel like it's not coming off fast enough, and I'm getting frustrated and sad.
Posted by meima[/QUOTE]

NOT TRUE at all. Don't take in enough calories and your body goes into starvation mode. It will hold on to every calorie it possibly can because you aren't giving it enough. 1200 is way too low for just about everyone. My BMR alone (what my body would burn on its own if I stayed in bed all day) is over 1400.

smokeybailey

I highly suggest adding weight lifting to your regimen.  That will help peel off the pounds.  Just running really isn't enough (I have run 5 halves and 1 full marathon).  Eat a balanced diet (more than 1200 calories) and get your work out in.  If you overtrain on running, you may miss out on the full benefits of working out. Mix it up and definitely add the weights in.

Muscle burns fat for you.  No joke...so build your muscles and it will help you lean out.

asialee2

You need to ramp up your calories.. I would say try to have 1500 a day. If you are not eating enough then your body will start retaining what it can, (i.e.: fat,) - and you will have to work even harder to shed the pounds. 

You do need to add some weight training in there as well. As smokeybailey said muscle does burn fat. As wonderful as cardio is, (trust me I would rather do cardio any day over weights,) you need a well rounded work out regime and weights will help with that and shed the pounds! 

Good Luck!  

amnevills

Disclaimer: Not a an expert!!!
OK Meima: 1200 calories...seems really low. What is your height and weight currently (you don't need to answer on here)? You need to look up what your BMI should be (Body Mass Index). Plus if you don't eat enough you WON'T lose weight because your body will go into starvation mode and keep what you ingested (basically that becomes fat); which is probably why you only lost 1/2 lb. What you need to do is up it to probably around 1500 calories. What is most important is WHAT you're eating not necessarily how MUCH food you're eating. Veggies, proteins, fruit...Quinoa (pronounced Keen-wa) seed is great because it's a protein and kind of like rice! You can use it for a lot of stuff! Lean proteins are great; things like chicken (not fried) and salmon are really god for you. Protein shakes are great to help you build and tone your body. Also, I have heard that eating the amount of protein (in grams) will help you either gain or lose weight. So if you want to be 130 lbs then you need to eat 130 grams of protein. PLease remember that I am NOT an expert but I think that you may even want to consult a nutritionist or dietician to help you. The most importan thing is to ensure that you are safe and not losing weight too quickly. You should only lose 1-3 lbs a week. any more than that can hurt you and even potentially kill you. Please be safe!

meima

Right now I'm 192 lbs and 5'2 (I carry it well, fortunately).

I am going to up my calories back to 1400, and eat back some of my burned calories if I do an exceptional amount in a day (ex: Sunday, I mucked stalls, cleaned water buckets, and went for my run, then edged my front garden!)

I do have a few videos for my free weights, and will start those again too, on my off-days from running

Thanks for enlightening me everyone.  I appreciate the clarity!

PS:  Quinoa and spelt are two of my favourites!!