I got stuck at a plateau for over four weeks, but my workouts were intense. SparkPeople upped my calories, but I wasn't sure it was right, so I didn't change at first. I was stuck for a couple more weeks. I decided to "trust" this site and learn from it. Since I upped my calories two weeks ago, I've lost four pounds. They really do know what they are talking about. :)
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I've struggled with this concept also. I have found that I lose more when my intake is at the top of my range.
LAM_MURPHY4/14/2011 8:35:00 AM
I have been working out and watching what I eat very closely for 16 months. I just started SP for the first week last week and while tracking my food I found I was way short of my calorie count. I began to increase my calorie count to what they recommended. I did not gain or lose the last nine weeks. My first full week I dropped five pounds. Wow!!! This has really helped me get to the root of the problem. Thank you for all the help. I Love it. Fifty pounds down and well quite a few more to go. One pound at a time.
BENDIEB4/5/2011 8:24:00 PM
SPARK will change your calorie goals if you change your fitness goals (or just re-save the ones you have) if the activity level warrants it . I had the same thing happen to me and ignored the increase, just like BLESSEDMARZARS. I have been on a six week plateau, although it has been accompanied with being "off the program" off and on due to a family crisis so I'm not sure what calorie or activity range I was in during those times. I let SPARK readjust the calorie count. I'll be interested to see what happens.
DIANEFISHER474/5/2011 3:05:00 PM
that is so great. When you say sparkpeople upped your calorie intake, who and how did you get in touch with them. By upping your calories you went from how many to how much per day. I am at 1200 to 1300 per day (now), my info given to me says I can eat between or up to 1550 calories. I have been on a plateau for very very long. I would appreciate some help, thanks
NEWKAREN433/16/2011 9:19:00 PM
I struggle with this as well, I keep thinking "I'm eating calories that I'm just going to have to work off later"! But it does not work that way...weight loss math is not like any other math I've tried!
NEVADASUE3/16/2011 5:11:00 PM
SHANNONHOFMAN3/20/2012 4:14:00 PM
How does Spark People adjust your calories? Do you have to ask for help. This is 2 1/2 weeks for me and I lost 7 pounds week one and nothing since. I only needed to lose 15 pounds total, but I'm really bummed that the scale won't budge. I'm eating 1200- 1500 cal per day, usually 1250- 1400 and have excercised a ton, 2 hours yesterday of running and playing on my women's soccer team and have exercise at least an hour everyday. Are my calories set too low and is my body storing everything????? Help!
ISMILETOO5/18/2011 6:38:00 PM
I'm afraid to eat more. I will readjust my exercise because I do 30 minutes cardio 7 days a week. I would rather cut back on exercise and not increase the food.
HUNGRYWOMAN24/29/2011 5:13:00 AM
There is an inkling I should do this too. However, everything in me is resistant. I see so much about this it surely works, so if staying where I am isn't working why not try something different and take the plunge?
BOBBYSGIRL054/17/2011 11:44:00 PM
I have been hearing this alot lately so will be giving it a try.
SUNRISE144/13/2011 5:11:00 AM
K_FUHRMAN4/12/2011 12:49:00 PM
Ok so I tried writing a response and it was too big :)
How did you get your calories increased? I've been on Spark People for over three years. I lost all the weight I needed but then gained much of it back. I have been exercising like crazy and trying to keep my calories at the lower end of the spectrum. I do realize that sometimes I cheat terribly like when I had Girl Scout cookies. I am just getting discouraged.
RMULLIS3/23/2011 9:33:00 PM
Thanks all, I feel better about having the fat free refried bean taco snack I just had:) I'm only halfway through my calorie range for the day and hated to add anymore! But I will have faith that it works!!!
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