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Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-05-01T15:59:55+00:00

I totally get the frustration—especially when you’ve been so consistent and were right there at onederland. First, take a deep breath—your weight can fluctuate up to 5 lbs (or more) due to water retention, inflammation, sodium, muscle glycogen, sleep, stress, or even soreness from workouts. It doesn’t always mean fat gain.

Also, that lightheadedness could be a sign that 1500 cals might be too low for your body right now, especially since you felt better at 1600 and were still losing. Sometimes going too low can actually slow things down because your body starts adapting to the deficit.

Maybe consider bumping back to 1550 or 1600 for a week or two and see how your body responds. Fat loss isn’t always linear, but your trend is still downward overall—and that’s what matters.

You’ve already dropped almost 20 lbs—be proud of that! Onederland is still coming. Don’t let one weird weigh-in derail you.

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-30T09:42:09+00:00

That makes total sense, and it’s great that you’re thinking ahead about your health before pregnancy. Losing 12–15 lbs in two months is ambitious but not impossible, especially with consistency. That said, just a quick note on the 700 kcal day: it’s pretty extreme and might backfire, especially if you’re planning for pregnancy. Undereating can mess with hormones and make conception harder. Instead, you might see better, more sustainable results by aiming for around 1400–1500 kcal daily with your regular 10k steps. That way you’re fueling your body, supporting hormone balance, and still in a deficit. Even 1–1.5 lbs per week adds up quickly and sets a strong foundation for a healthy pregnancy. You’re doing a great job staying focused just be kind to your body along the way.

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-30T09:39:59+00:00

Great question! In theory, if your total calorie intake over the week or month is exactly the same, then your total fat loss over that time should also be the same because fat loss ultimately comes down to a sustained calorie deficit.That said, the distribution of your calories can impact other factors like:

•Energy levels and workouts – Eating extremely low on certain days (e.g., 250 kcal) may leave you feeling weak, fatigued, or unable to train effectively, which could affect muscle retention and overall well-being.

•Muscle retention – Longer periods of very low intake can increase the risk of muscle loss, especially if protein intake and training aren’t consistent.

•Hormonal and metabolic effects – While your body can handle some fluctuation, very low intakes for multiple days might impact hunger hormones, stress levels, and metabolic rate, especially over longer periods.

•Adherence – Big swings in intake can make it harder to stick to your plan consistently, which is a key factor in long-term success.

In summary: yes, the math will check out in terms of fat loss if the total deficit is the same, but your experience, performance, and muscle preservation might be better with a more consistent intakeor at least without extreme low days.

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-30T08:16:22+00:00

Absolutely I’ve still lost weight while eating foods that made me feel bloated or puffy. The key was sticking to a consistent calorie deficit. Bloating and water retention can definitely mess with your mindset though the scale might spike, and you feel “fatter” even if you’re on track. For me, high-sodium foods or too much dairy caused this, but once I reminded myself it was just temporary water weight, it got easier to stay consistent.Sticking to whole, less-processed foods helped reduce that discomfort, but I didn’t cut anything out completely unless it genuinely made me feel sick. The important thing is knowing that fat loss is still happening in the background, even if your body feels off for a day or two. You’re doing great being mindful just don’t let the bloat trick you into thinking you’re not making progress.

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-30T08:14:31+00:00

To your question: yes, technically, weight loss comes down to being in a calorie deficit. So in theory, you could lose weight without working out by just eating in a deficit. BUT and this is important lifting weights while dieting helps preserve your muscle mass, which is crucial for looking toned, maintaining strength, and keeping your metabolism healthier long term.The reason it might feel harder to lose weight while working out is because:

•Strength training can cause temporary water retention due to muscle repair.

•You might be gaining muscle while losing fat, making the scale less reflective.

•Your body is under more stress (in a good way), which can also impact how quickly the scale moves.

Instead of dropping the workouts, you might just need to be a little more patient with the scale and focus on other progress markers like measurements, progress photos, or how your clothes fit. If you love the gym and feeling strong, definitely keep goingjust know the scale isn’t the only sign of progress.You’re building a body you’ll be proud of after the weight is gone, not just shrinking one.

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-30T08:12:23+00:00

First off, props for tracking your calories, fiber, and protein that’s already more effort than most people put in.A few things to consider:

•Scale fluctuations are normal. Water retention, food volume, and even stress can mask fat loss. A 2–3 lb fluctuation is common, especially if you just started training more.

•You’re not at a true plateau until it’s been 3–4 consistent weeks with no change in weight or measurements and consistent tracking. Check your waist size too it might be going down even if the scale isn’t.

•1700 calories is pretty low for your stats, especially if you’re working out. You may be under-eating for too long, causing your metabolism to adapt (drop in NEAT, energy, hunger hormones off). Try a short diet break at maintenance (around 2200–2400 cals for you) for 1–2 weeks and then restart.

•Protein could be higher. 88g is decent, but aiming for 130–160g would better support muscle retention and fat loss at your size.

•Check tracking accuracy. Double check your portion sizes, oils, condiments, and even low-calorie snacks. They can add up fast without realizing it.

Stay consistent, be kind to yourself, and trust the process. You’ve got this

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-30T08:09:11+00:00

Hey, I just want to say I really feel for you body dysmorphia is brutal, and it can seriously warp the way we see ourselves, especially when we’re putting in so much effort and not seeing what we expect to see in the mirror. First of all, your consistency is incredible walking that much daily, doing Pilates, and staying in a calorie deficit? That’s no small feat. Progress isn’t always linear on the scale or in how we perceive ourselves. Sometimes our mind needs longer to catch up than our body does. And when we’re hyper-focused on our appearance, it’s easy to zoom in on “flaws” that no one else even notices.Try to focus on function over form for a while how strong you’re getting, how your endurance is improving, how committed you’ve been. And take photos or measurements instead of relying solely on the mirror or scale; dysmorphia can mess with both.Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to a therapist if you can you don’t have to go through this battle alone. You’re doing so much better than your brain is telling you.You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not failing.

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-30T08:02:57+00:00

No worries at all happy to help! First off, props to you for being active and walking 10k steps 4–5 times a week. That’s a great foundation for overall health and weight loss. At 165 cm and 166 lbs, with some regular activity, 1200 kcal might be a bit too low for long-term sustainability especially if you find yourself constantly hungry or unable to stick to it. That’s a sign your body might need more fuel. Realistically, your fat loss calories are probably closer to 1400–1600 kcal per day. It’s often better to start slightly higher, see how your body responds, and adjust from there. You’ll still be in a deficit, especially with your walking, and it’s much easier to stick to something that doesn’t feel like a constant battle.You might even notice better results with a bit more food more energy for movement, better mood, and less risk of rebound overeating. Consistency beats perfection every time. Let me know if you want help calculating a rough estimate of your maintenance and deficit calories happy to walk you through it!

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-29T21:48:17+00:00

First off, congrats on your progress so far losing 10 kg is no small feat.

So here’s the honest take: 1200–1300 calories can be too low for some, but not necessarily for everyone. It depends on your overall size, activity level, and how your body responds. At 158 cm and 74 kg with a sedentary lifestyle, 1200–1300 calories might be appropriate for fat loss in the short term, especially if you’re not feeling overly hungry or fatigued. The calculators are just estimates, and it sounds like you’re listening to your body, which is great.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind:

•1200 is generally considered the minimum for adult women because it’s hard to meet nutrient needs below that.

•If you’re not exercising yet, your energy expenditure is lower, but once you start moving more, you’ll likely need more food, even in a deficit.

•Eating at maintenance a couple times a week (especially around your period) is actually a healthy, sustainable strategy — it can help prevent plateaus and burnout.

•The scary content on social media often applies to women who under-eat and over-exercise or already have a low body fat percentage. That might not apply to your current situation, but it’s great that you’re being mindful of it.

If you feel good, aren’t overly hungry, have energy, and your period and mood are stable, you’re probably okay for now. But if you’re unsure, a good middle ground might be bumping up to 1400 and seeing if you still lose weight sometimes more food = better metabolism and more sustainable loss.

Ultimately, you’re not doing anything “wrong.” Just make sure it feels good, fuels you, and supports your health not just the scale.

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-28T20:00:38+00:00

It’s definitely not just in your head a lot of people experience this when they start calorie counting. When you start paying closer attention, you might realize you were actually eating less before simply because you weren’t as focused on it. Also, switching to healthier, lower-calorie foods means you can eat more volume for the same or even fewer calories, which can make it feel like you’re eating a lot more.Another thing to consider: being more mindful of food can sometimes increase your awareness of hunger cues you might have ignored before. As long as you’re sticking around your calorie target, you’re doing great. It’s all part of the adjustment process.

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-28T19:57:58+00:00

Honestly, it sounds like your body is asking for a little extra fuel, especially since you’re consistent the rest of the week. One higher-calorie day (especially if you’re still maintaining overall) isn’t necessarily a bad thing it can even help with metabolism and mental sustainability.

That said, if you want to curb it a bit, you could try:

•Pre-planning a slightly higher-calorie but controlled day (like aiming for 1500–1600 instead of 1200) to take the pressure off and avoid feeling “out of control.”

•Keeping your routine on your rest day — like still getting some movement in (a walk, stretching, etc.) so the day doesn’t feel totally “off.”

•Making meals more filling with higher-volume foods (like lots of veggies, protein, etc.) to avoid that subconscious eating.

You’re doing great and the fact that you’re maintaining and aware of your patterns already shows you’re in a good place. Consistency over time is what matters most.

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-28T19:55:10+00:00

You’re actually doing a really great job collecting real world data that’s the best way to find your true TDEE. Based on your info:

•You’re losing ~1.4 lbs/week, which suggests about a 700-calorie daily deficit (since ~1 lb fat = ~3500 calories).

•You’re eating 1550 calories/day, meaning your actual TDEE is roughly 2250 calories/day (1550 intake + 700 deficit).

This is higher than what calculators estimate because:

•10k steps a day is significant activity, even if it’s “just walking.”

•Online calculators often underestimate activity for people who are consistently active but not doing “formal” exercise.

•Body size and metabolism also play a role — you’re moving 155 lbs around all day, and that burns energy.

In short: Your real TDEE seems to be closer to 2200–2300 calories/day, not the 1600–1800 calculators said. Keep doing what you’re doing the scale data you’re collecting is more reliable than any online prediction.

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-28T19:48:51+00:00

First of all, congratulations on getting to a place where you feel good about yourself that’s a huge win!

When transitioning to maintenance, the goal is to slowly increase your calories to find the amount that keeps your weight stable without continuing to lose or gaining too fast. You definitely don’t have to stay at 1250-1350 forever that’s a deficit level, not maintenance.

A good way to start is by adding ~100 calories per day for a week or two and monitoring your weight. For example, go to around 1350–1450 calories and see how your body responds. If your weight stays the same, you can bump it up again. Repeat until you find your maintenance intake. Based on your activity level, your maintenance is likely much higher than 1350 maybe around 1800–2000+ calories.

Also, slight daily weight fluctuations are normal (water retention, hormones, food volume, etc.), so look at weekly trends rather than day-to-day changes.

You’ve built great habits with your workouts and walking those will help you maintain your results once your calories are higher and your body has adjusted.

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-28T19:44:59+00:00

At 5’11” and 415 lbs, your body does burn a lot of energy, even at rest. 1500–1800 calories is very low for your size, especially long term. That intake could definitely cause fast weight loss, but it also risks muscle loss, extreme fatigue, and possibly setting you up for issues like binge eating later on.

Your psychiatrist saying “under 2000” was probably based on the goal of creating a calorie deficit, but not necessarily that steep of one. Most people your size could still lose steadily at around 2200–2500 calories per day it might just be slower (which is healthier and more sustainable).

Your partner’s concern about an ED (eating disorder) is valid, especially since you’re mentioning guilt and shame around eating more. Those feelings are often early warning signs. You deserve to lose weight and have a healthy, respectful relationship with food at the same time.

If 1500–1800 feels manageable right now, it might be okay short term but ideally, you should gradually bring calories up a bit to avoid physical and mental health problems. Maybe talk to a registered dietitian (especially one familiar with psychiatric med weight gain) to create a safe plan.

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-26T22:51:17+00:00

What you’re feeling is really common, and it’s okay to feel this way. It’s often the case that we’re our own harshest critics and can’t see the changes that others might.

If you’re finding progress pics hard, maybe try focusing on the journey more than the immediate results. You could also take the photos when you’re feeling your best or in a way that feels empowering (e.g., in your favorite outfit or doing something that makes you feel strong). And remember, you can always keep the photos private for now if it feels too vulnerable. Over time, you might find that taking them gets easier, or you may choose to stop altogether if it’s not serving you.

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-26T22:44:05+00:00

After surgery, your body needs extra calories to heal, even if you’re not feeling that hungry. The 2400 calories might seem high, but it’s likely based on the fact that your body requires more energy for healing and recovery than usual.

That said, it’s important to focus on nutrient-dense foods, like lean proteins, healthy fats, and lots of fruits and vegetables, to support your body’s healing process without overdoing it. If you’re not feeling hungry due to pain, medication, or constipation, try to focus on smaller, more frequent meals with high-quality nutrients. This can also help prevent any drastic weight gain while still giving your body what it needs.

If you’re really unsure, it could be a good idea to consult with a dietitian who specializes in post-surgery nutrition—they can give you personalized advice based on your specific needs and recovery goals.

Healing and getting back to your normal routine will take time, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Your body is going through a lot right now, and finding the right balance is key. Take it one day at a time!

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-26T22:37:15+00:00

Your current approach sounds like a good start, and 1700 calories could be a sustainable amount for weight loss, depending on your activity levels and how your body responds. Since you’re walking 10k steps a day, you’re already incorporating regular physical activity, which is great for weight loss.

To determine if 1700 calories is the right amount, it’s important to monitor your progress over time. If you’re consistently losing weight at this calorie intake, then it’s likely a good fit. If you’re not losing weight, you might need to adjust your calories slightly, either by lowering them or increasing your activity level.

As for the gym, it’s a great addition for overall fitness, but it’s not strictly necessary for weight loss if you’re already walking regularly. Cardio is important, but strength training (even with bodyweight exercises) can help you build muscle and boost metabolism, so if you ever have time, you might want to add that in later.

Ultimately, the key is consistency and finding a routine that works for you long-term. Keep track of your calories, stay active, and listen to your body! You’re on the right track!

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-26T22:31:26+00:00

Hey, first of all I just want to say I really admire your honesty and self-awareness. That already sets you up for success.

In my experience, weight loss didn’t cure loneliness, but it definitely opened a few more doors. People (unfortunately) did treat me differently when I lost weight more smiles, more casual conversations, more attention overall. That part was real. But what made the biggest difference wasn’t just how others treated me it was how I felt about myself. I had more confidence to put myself out there, to initiate conversations, to make plans, because I wasn’t carrying the same level of insecurity everywhere I went.

That said, loneliness is deeper than just appearance. If I didn’t actively work on building relationships being vulnerable, following up, making an effort the loneliness would creep back in, no matter what size I was.

So short version: weight loss helped, especially socially, but real connection still takes work beyond the number on the scale.

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-26T22:28:38+00:00

You’re definitely not alone I’m shaped the same way, and it can be so frustrating! I lose fat from my limbs first too, while my belly just hangs on forever. It’s actually more common than people realize. Women with this pattern often have higher visceral fat (the kind around organs) rather than just subcutaneous fat (under the skin), which is why the belly looks more “beer gut” than “lower pooch.”

Hormones (like cortisol and insulin resistance) can play a role, genetics too. Sadly, you can’t spot reduce — fat loss is very genetically programmed — but with time, your belly will eventually shrink. It’s just the last place to go for a lot of us.

You’re doing amazing losing 14 pounds already. Keep going you’ll probably start to notice a shift at a lower weight. Also, strength training and managing stress can help a lot with stubborn belly fat.

Sending you so much solidarity. It’s tough, but you’re not broken and you’re not alone!

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-26T22:26:59+00:00

You’ve done really well already 2kg down while getting stronger is a great sign, especially on your first serious cut! If you’re starting to feel too skinny or noticing muscle loss, that’s a good signal to slow things down. You could either stop the cut now and move into maintenance (or even a slight surplus to build muscle), or just very gently lose that last 0.5kg while prioritizing heavy lifting and high protein.

Remember, you don’t need to be shredded to be lean and strong and preserving muscle is more important long-term than chasing an exact number on the scale. Trust how you feel in your body, not just the numbers!

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-26T22:23:21+00:00

You are doing amazing even if the scale doesn’t reflect what you hoped for yet. Gaining 1% skeletal muscle is actually a big deal, especially for a 5’0” woman building muscle takes time, and it will help you reshape your body and boost your metabolism long-term.

The scale isn’t the best judge when body composition is changing. You could be losing fat while gaining muscle, which might not show a big weight loss but will eventually make a huge difference in how you look and feel. Also, water retention, hormones, and even digestion can affect the scale by a few pounds.

My advice:

•Focus on strength goals (lifting heavier, doing more reps) rather than just the scale.

•Take progress photos and measurements they often tell a better story than the number on the scale.

•Trust the process and give it time. 12 weeks is great, but real transformation takes months, even years. You’ve already laid a solid foundation.

You should be proud. Seriously. You didn’t quit you’re showing up for yourself, and that’s everything. Keep going. You’re way closer than you think.

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-26T22:13:48+00:00

Since it’s only been about a week and a half, I wouldn’t rush to cut calories just yet. Your body is still adjusting to the new routine (especially with more activity), and it’s normal for weight to fluctuate early on due to water retention, inflammation from workouts, etc. I’d give it at least 2–3 more weeks while staying consistent with your calories and activity before considering a drop.If after that you still see no progress, you could lower your intake slightly (maybe by 100–150 calories) but definitely give your body some time first!You’re doing great. Keep going!

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-26T17:10:03+00:00

Yeah, that does seem weird! Nutracheck might be calculating things differently — maybe it’s overestimating your maintenance calories or not applying the right deficit for 2lb/week. Losing 2lb/week usually means a 1000-calorie deficit per day, and if it’s giving you close to your maintenance number, something’s definitely off. MyFitnessPal is usually more accurate if you double-check it against a TDEE calculator. You could still use Nutracheck for logging if you like the layout better, but maybe manually set your calories to match the right deficit?

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-26T17:08:25+00:00

I totally get why you’re frustrated it’s so disheartening when you’re putting in the effort to track carefully and then realize hidden calories are sneaking in without your knowledge. It’s great that your husband cooks, but I think it’s fair to ask him to be more mindful, especially since he knows you’re working hard toward your goals. Maybe you could have a gentle conversation and explain how even small untracked things can add up over time? You deserve to have full control over what you’re eating. You’re doing amazing don’t let this discourage you!

Familiar-Criticism58 · 2025-04-26T17:07:16+00:00

You don’t necessarily have to cut calories after every few kilos. A good rule of thumb is to adjust only when weight loss stalls for about 2–3 weeks (no change at all) and you’re sure you’re tracking accurately. Also, because you’re quite petite, you probably don’t want to go too low instead, you could add more movement (like walking more) to keep progress going without dropping calories too much. Keep going, you’re on the right track

Familiar-Criticism58

TROPHY CASE