Hi all,

Im new here. I have been browsing the posts for a while now, but I havent come across one yet that answers my queries so here it is, I hope somebody can help me.

I have only got really serious about working out/ watching my diet in the last 2 weeks, and I have been counting calories as well as working out, incl weight training because I DO understand Im not going to look like Arnie!

According to my weight and height, apparently I only need 1,800 calories a day to sustain my current weight. Numerous websites have advised I should be cutting 500 calories per day, I am trying to stick to around 1,300 per day, but on average I have been more around 1,500, although there have been a few days that have ended up around 1,100 calories.

I am also following a low carb plan....or at least thats what I think it is, a personal trainer advised to incorporate plenty of protein and cut out rice, pasta and bread. (And eat 6 times a day, and drink plenty of water which I always do, and the rest of the normal pointers!)

Anyhoo, I am feeling horrible of late. Depressed, and crabby. Its not like me at all. I read a couple of posts that said losing weight wont make you feel too good....but then I wonder if its the lack of carbs that I am normally used to thats making me feel this way, as I havent exactly lost any weight as yet!

I would like to introduce brown rice to this diet....but then I also read that carbs are the first type of fuel that the body burns, so will that hinder my weight loss?

SO, then I wonder is the calories the most important equation, no matter if carbs are included? Its all so confusing.

Im only trying to lose probably 2kgs (4.4lbs) - Im not at all overweight, and I dont want to be stick thin either. I would be considered in a healthy range, Im 164cm tall (5ft 3) and I weigh 58kgs (127.6lbs). My motivation is to finally take on the personal challenge of losing my pot belly thats been hanging around all my life.

What are your thoughts? Any advice is appreciated!

Cutting out entire food groups isn't the best thing for long term success - cutting out refined flour products is probably a good idea but whole grains are part of a balanced diet...

It's your total calories for the day that have an impact on weight loss - not so much where they come from.

Now you don't have a lot to lose - are you trying to get to a specific number on the scale? that's not always a wise thing to do - or is there actual fat that you're trying to get rid of?

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5lbs, no need for low carb. Add in your rice and remove something else to maintain at least 1500 calories per day.

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How Sweet It Is

Thanks guys, exactly what I needed to hear (its the total cals not what they are made up of.)

I have cut out the refined crap just because of the health benefits, and I enjoy knowing that what I am putting in my mouth is actually a food of some sort, and not a nasty. I only cut out bread because I have finally discovered that its wheat that makes me bloated and leavese me feeling gross.

I honestly dont care what the scales say, I just want to lose my pot belly thats been around all my life...probably going to be a huge challenge but I am up for it!

Thanks again.

It is the lack of calories, not the lack of carbs. Low carb and high carb eating plans have both been found to improve mood compared to baseline...but not at that level of calorie restriction!

Michael