After raising cals. when do you start noticing loss?

LoveCode3 · 07-06-2008, 05:54 AM

Hi Ladies (and guys that lurk here too

)

I read the boards every day but don't get a chance to post a whole lot, but I have learned so much from all of you.

I have been struggling with my muscle gains and finally decided to actually count my calories. I was surprised to find out I have been averaging only about 1200 calories a day as far back as I can remember! (no wonder I'm always exhausted!!)

Anyways, I have upped my calories now to about 1800-1900 a day...all clean foods for about 2 weeks now.

About how long will it take before I start to notice muscle gains and some small fat loss?

Any input would really be appreciated

Ps. for exercise, I do 4 full-body workouts each week (every other day) and I run about 2 miles every day (so...20 minutes of cardio)

freebirdmac · 07-06-2008, 07:24 AM

It took me about 4 weeks to see a change in the scale. I could feel however, almost from the start, an improvement in the gym. That was going from about 1200 to 1800. Fast forward 7 months, my metabolism has improved/recovered, and a needed increase in cals stimulated weight loss within a couple of weeks. In other words, damaged metabolisms respond slower.

LoveCode3 · 07-06-2008, 07:52 AM

That's good to hear there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm sure I've damaged my metabolism to a certain extent.

I have noticed a small amount of muscle gain in the past 2 weeks but know I have a long road ahead of me. I never imagined how hard to would be to force myself to eat MORE. It's not as easy as I thought it would be

freebirdmac · 07-06-2008, 08:04 AM

You're not kidding. I was very uncomfortable trying to get all of that food in me at the start. Fortunately my tummy eventually adjusted. But boy was that unpleasant at times

If you don't sense a weight change in a couple of more weeks. Up the cals again.

HudsonHicks · 07-06-2008, 08:04 AM

I know this is the female section, just thought you'd like some input...

I found whenever raising cals (started at 2800, now on 3400, increased in 200 jumps) that you feel slightly bloated for the first week or so and visually your stomach looks bigger - this is scary at first and makes it harder to stick to a higher calorie diet. However, perservere and your body adjusts and metabolism increases promoting fat loss, as long as the majority of your food is clean.

Also, make sure you are taking a good multivitamin and fish oil capsules, and allow yourself a cheat meal periodically to keep yourself sane.

good luck with your muscle gains/fat loss.

kaspar_19 · 07-08-2008, 10:26 AM

I'm in the same situation right now! I've been eating about 1,200-1,300 for at least a good four months (before that it was about 1400-1500) and just upped my calories to about 1600. I want to gradually make the change instead of shocking my body -- is that a good idea? Or should I just go straight up to 1800 calories? I FEEL so much FATTER right now, and I don't know if my metabolism is just messed up or what. I'm a really active person, and I'm pretty sure that the difference between my intake and expenditure kind of set my body into some form of starvation mode. I'm pretty sure I've been gaining weight, I'm just scared to actually step on the scale... I'm really hoping that this will pass, as I really don't feel that great when I'm bloatey and like I'm constantly gaining weight.

freebirdmac · 07-08-2008, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaspar_19

I'm in the same situation right now! I've been eating about 1,200-1,300 for at least a good four months (before that it was about 1400-1500) and just upped my calories to about 1600. I want to gradually make the change instead of shocking my body -- is that a good idea? Or should I just go straight up to 1800 calories? I FEEL so much FATTER right now, and I don't know if my metabolism is just messed up or what. I'm a really active person, and I'm pretty sure that the difference between my intake and expenditure kind of set my body into some form of starvation mode. I'm pretty sure I've been gaining weight, I'm just scared to actually step on the scale... I'm really hoping that this will pass, as I really don't feel that great when I'm bloatey and like I'm constantly gaining weight.

I went straight up. And yeah, that bloaty, fatty feeling phase sucks. But it passes as you get your body straightened out.

LoveCode3 · 07-08-2008, 04:33 PM

Yes! Went through the fatty bloated phase for about 2 weeks. It's finally starting to go away. It's very discouraging!! I have so much more energy though, it's so worth it

and my arms are starting to get really cut

Just hang in there

BatsyWatsy · 07-08-2008, 07:58 PM

I've been reading Tom Venuto's Burn The Fat Feed The Muscle and I used the TDEE and BMR calculators that he provides. It said that to maintain my weight, I should be eating 1,985 cals a day! Unfortunately, after tracking what I eat on a day of lots of eating...I only eat around 1200-1300 calories. I am eating nutrient dense food, I guess it just isn't very calorie dense. So anyways, I am trying to burn some fat so I used T.V.'s calculator which told me I should eat 1,588 calories (for 3 days, then back up to maintenance for 1 day.) So I know I need to up my calories. What's the best way to do this without gaining fat in the meantime (because my metabolism is probably pretty sluggish...)? Should I bump up my calories by 100 cals a week? And should I just bump them up to the 1,588 cal level or do I need to spend some time at maintenance before I can bring them down and see fat loss results? This is the part that confuses me everytime. Hope someone can help! You guys are great!