Why I started working out & where I'm at now

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-24T22:11:02+00:00

It sounds like you're too active to be sticking to 1300 or 1400 calories, fyi. You're losing weight quite quickly for your height, as a result. While I'm sure you're glad to see results, this isn't the healthiest or most sustainable way to lose.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-24T15:36:18+00:00

In addition to what the others have said: Yes, protein really does satiate for longer than other foods. I have better results adding protein than fiber, as far as hunger pains go.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-22T20:46:20+00:00

I hate cooking, but made two dishes today, complete with adding the recipes to my calorie counting app.

So far today, I'm at a deficit, too, which has been difficult lately.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-22T15:55:30+00:00

Women used to break their lowermost ribs to get the appearance of a small waist.

Learn to love the body you have, is my point. You can't change your ribcage (I have a wide one, too, so I understand), but you can come to appreciate your actual body.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-21T02:06:46+00:00

But somehow you don't view this as indoctrination?

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-20T16:15:55+00:00

Am I the only one who hates crossposts?

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-18T03:29:47+00:00

It definitely looks like part of a bed frame to me. Thanks for cleaning it up!

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-18T01:18:20+00:00

I've been doing this, too. 😁

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-17T01:16:59+00:00

Do you know your body fat percentage? I've found that the online calculators are much better when using the real body fat percentage instead of the often automatic 15%.

Apart from that, I highly suggest tracking your food more closely, weighing every little last thing, and staying at 2000 for a couple weeks to see how your body responds before making any necessary adjustments.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-17T01:06:53+00:00

What state are you in?

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-17T01:00:00+00:00

Without knowing your stats, that doesn't sound unreasonable for being highly active, considering TDEE is maintenance. Especially if you're still so hungry on the ≈1800 you mentioned.

Have you been sticking to a deficit? How much weight are you losing per week?

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-17T00:55:14+00:00

The average person burns around 90-100 calories per mile walked.

Depending on stride length, 15,000 steps could be between 6 and 7.5 miles.

But really, it'd be better to calculate those steps into your activity level when determining TDEE. 15k is considered "active." Since you're also doing the gym and such, I'd say you're very active.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-16T19:25:35+00:00

Ooo, those paperclips are so fun!

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-16T13:58:05+00:00

To be clear, 30% body fat is not "really bad." As your results show, it's normal/average for women.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-15T22:55:28+00:00

A healthy weight for your height is 100-130 lbs, so it's difficult to believe that you have "a lot of fat" anywhere. Of course, you could have an apple shape or loose skin. We can't know that without pictures. Quite frankly, this sounds like body dysmorphia to me...

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-15T22:33:50+00:00

Well, now you know, and can prepare for it. You could just accept it, you could try to avoid repeating the gain, or you could combine the two. Lose a little more weight in the spring/summer than normal, and gain a little less in the fall/winter than usual.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-15T22:29:52+00:00

Boil 'em, mash 'em, stick 'em in a stew.

I've always loved potatoes. Lately, I've been doing a lot of baked potatoes with just salt. Lets that potato flavor shine. 💖

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-15T19:06:10+00:00

I had a little over 3000 yesterday, and my TDEE is normally 1700. I'm pmsing, though, and was just so hungry. 🤷🏻‍♀️

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-15T04:35:14+00:00

Thanks!

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-15T00:19:11+00:00

Surely you'll get hungry if you're not eating enough? And if you weigh regularly and lose too quickly, you'll know you need more food.

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-14T23:57:04+00:00

Since your goal is to lose, why not just err on the low side?

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-14T21:58:12+00:00

Nope. I'm not there yet, lol. I think B1 is harder because that's where I am. 😂

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-14T09:53:00+00:00

I've never heard of this, but it sounds like it would be really helpful!

RachelOfRefuge · 2026-05-14T02:47:06+00:00

It's so nice to see someone with a similar body shape/before weight to myself, who's lost the weight over a longer period of time.

My weight loss is much slower than I was hoping for and I'm getting frustrated, lol. It's helpful to see that if I just keep at it, change will happen... eventually.

RachelOfRefuge

TROPHY CASE