I agree 1800 is too much, I will give it a try again and try the 1200 calories a day to start. But is it normal to feel hungry at first? For the first week or 2? I do eat very healthy.

Thanks,
Georgia

1,800 is a LOT of calories for someone your size, FYI.

Give it a serious try and then get back to me.

Jim

I almost feel like I can get through a workout unless I eat enough to fuel my body and the 1200 seems so low.

Ok, admittedly, I did not give the strength training my full effort and not for very long, like 10 days but the issue was I couldn’t get through even one session without feeling really weak. Not tired like you should after a workout but weak. And when I try to lift lighter weights I barely feel like I got a workout. I can’t seem to find the ideal weight to lift.

What do you think the issue might be? I really want to change my body’s composition, not so much lose a ton of weight, I am really petite but like I said very flabby.

Thanks for your help!
Georgia

Georgia, I just spotted your post so thought I would weigh in (parden the pun) – Hope that’s ok Jim.

You dont sound asthough you need to lose weight, you may just need to tone up. I’m 5′3 also and 140lbs. 111lbs is a low weight for you already. In fact, your BMI (Body Mass Index) is ‘just’ in the healthy range (19.5), losing much more would put you in the underweight range. BMI is alittle dubious as it doesn’t take into account muscle etc, but it is a useful pointer.
See here: http://www.nhs.uk/tools/pages/healthyweightcalculator.aspx?tag=

thanks,
Davinda

How many calories a day are you eating now? How long did you give the 1,200 calories a try and did you lose weight on it?

My take is that given your size, 1,200 sounds like the right number, but you know your body better than I do.

It also sounds to me as if you have done very little strength training given your body’s composition. How long have you been hitting the strength training hard?

Please get back to me as I do want to help.

Jim

I am STARVING on your weight loss plan. 1200 calories a week is too little for me!

I am 5′3, small boned, 111 lbs but FLABBY. Mostly around my thighs and butt.

If I feel starved, my body is just going to hold onto the fat and I don’t see how I can build muscle if I’m not eating enough.

What should I do?

Thanks,
Georgia

1. Weigh yourself both days first thing in the morning.
2. Exercise both days
3. Move more – walk more, take a bike ride, climb the stair twice, anything that keeps reminding you that you are NOT going to overeat this weekend but remember, this is NOT exercise. This is extra credit.
4. Pound water
5. Make lunch both days a big salad with protein and very low calorie dressing
6. Keep a piece of paper is your pocket that says “don’t overeat” and take it out and reread it if you start to.

I know you can get to the low 130s. Just stay focused.

Jim