Discouraged-Long

I downloaded myfitnesspal app and started calorie counting and eating 1200 cal./day about 3-4 weeks ago.

I needed to change my habits and start paying attention to the foods that I put in my mouth.

I put EVERYTHING that I eat/drink into the app. Maybe 1 day in a week i go over 1200 (by like 15 calories).

The scale hasn't budged other then 3 lbs. the first week.

I don't exercise regularly and I know I should, but I do have an active job (I am never sitting down or standing still at work) and I run around after my 15 month old.

I eat basically the same thing every day. I'm thinking that I need to change my foods to kick start the weight loss? I just don't have ideas of what to eat on a small budget with minimal prep/cooking time.

I am so lost on what changes to make. My only thought was maybe I have too much sugar b/c I'm eating fruits everyday?

BFast: Fage greek yogurt
Lunch: Salad (mixed greens, celery, carrots) with chicken and goat cheese. (Dressing is 60 cal)
Dinner: Usually cook chicken cutlets and fill up on veggies
Snacks: fruit (various kinds), handful of almonds.

Thanks for "listening" and I appreciate any advice!

Re: Discouraged-Long

Ok question--you didn't specify amounts of everything you are eating, but you are tracking those? What is the macro nutrient range of each?(how many grams fat, protein, carbs per day?)

And that doesn't sound like 1200 calories to me unless your portions are pretty big?

Re: Discouraged-Long

I think your idea of switching things up a bit with your food could help.

I recently (a week ago) started using myfitnesspal.com, too, and I have started doing the c25K running program, too. But truthfully, I think exercise can help speed up weight loss a bit, and can make it easier to maintain your weight, but I don't think exercise is necessary for weight loss. You can lose weight based on what you eat alone (I lost 40 lbs that way in 2005).

But I used to do WW, and I remember that the weeks where I had a big party or a meal out, I seemed to lose more than when I stuck to the same amount of points every day. For me, using the extra flex points (esp. using them all at once on a big splurge) helped. And whenever people hit plateus in WWs, the suggestions were always to change it up... eat a bigger breakfast and a smaller dinner, eat 6 smaller meals instead of 3 big ones, incorporate new foods (e.g, if you always have oatmeal for breakfast, try eggs), etc.

And I agree with the previous poster to make sure you are eating the full 1200 calories. That is the bare minimum, and it can slow your metabolism if you aren't eating enough. Myfitnesspal actually gave me around 1500 calories per day... and I don't have that much weight to lose. I'd be in the healthy range for my height if I lost about 10 lbs, but my goal (based on where I look and feel my best) is to lose 20. I chose the "lost 1 lb a week option" so it wouldn't be too restrictive for me to stick to.

Also, are you watching your sodium intake? It doesn't look like you would be getting too much from the menu you posted, but if you rely on things like frozen entrees, bottled salad dressings, etc. a lot, your sodium could be a factor.

Re: Discouraged-Long

If you have an active job and are running after a toddler, it sounds like 1200 isn't enough. You may be slowing your metabolism down if you're not eating enough calories.

Re: Discouraged-Long

It looks like you aren't eating enough. Add in high-fiber foods like a black bean burrito. It gets your system moving. Switch to whole grain fiber cereal for bf or add more fruit.

Discouraged-Long

Thanks for the replies everyone!! I really really appreciate it!

I am eating 1200 calories a day for sure. Most of what I eat I can scan in using the barcode scanner. I am measuring my portions etc.

I looked over my menus for the last 2 weeks and it seems like I am eating most of my calories in snacks (fresh fruit, almonds, fiber 1 bars etc).

I looked at the macronutrients and it seems like I am close to going over my sugar each day and carbs.

I am going to switch it up this week and see what happens.