I am so determined to make this work this time! The only real worry I have is if I am too hard on myself. I don't want to be that person that slaves to my eating and exercise, but then falls off the bandwagon.

I am eating 1200 calories a day, because a few websites I went to said that should be my intake in order to lose weight. I am 5'7", and 199 pounds. I work out in some way everyday. Most days it's the gym, but when I go visit my boyfriend, I have to settle for jumping rope, a jog, etc., but no matter what, I fit it in somehow. On the treadmill and elliptical, I burn at least 400 calories a day (combined), and I am a 2nd grade teacher which means I am chasing my kids around all day!

I guess I am just asking you knowledgable people if I am on the right track. I sometimes feel like I am being to hard on myself, because I never really give myself that chance to "cheat" on eating or exercise. Everytime I contemplate it, I end up feeling way too guilty.

Am I doing ok so far? Any tips or suggestions?! Am I burning enough to see results?

Thank you so much in advance!!

You may have cut you calories back to far and are in starvation mode. Are you curently loosing weight? As far as the cheating I have set sat. as my cheat day. that really helps me to stick with the program

you want to make sure you've got enough calories in your plan that you aren't going hungry - and that you can fit in your favorite things so that you don't feel theneed to cheat...

check out FitDay - Free Weight Loss and Diet Journal -- they should give you a decent estimate of where you should be.

just take it day by day - sounds like you're doing fine so far - give yourself some credit for each day you make yourself proud

Thank you both!

The Star... (I forgot the name) website that I have seen a lot of you talk about is where I got the 1200 from. Well, there, and a few other sites. They all pretty much said from 1200 - 1500, so I went with the 1200. I do have to admit that sometimes I have a hard time fitting snacks in that 1200, and I know I am supposed to be snacking throughout the day.

I guess I was just in the old fashioned way of thinking... the fewer calories, the more lost, but now that I am here, I am starting to realize that may not be the best way for me.

I weighed in on Monday, and it said 199.8. I weighed in again this morning for the Feb. challenge, and it said exactly the same thing. I was hoping for a few ounces gone, but I should be happy there are no more there. I have decided to change my weigh days to Thursday for this competition, so we'll see what happens on February 8th!

Thanks again for the replies!

1200-1500 is a range for 'extreme weight loss'. I would start upping your calories to the higher end of that. It'll give you more snacks, and the opportunity for the occasional treat.

Im having a problem actually getting in the 1200 calories right now! But.. thats a problem Im fixing! Anyways.. during my weight loss so far I have let myself cheat on occasion. If I deprive myself of all things I like it will only be easier for me to fall off the wagon so to speak. Of course its within moderation and also the 100 calorie packs I found to help me alot with my portions on those days when I wanted something "non-healthy" the cheeto's are pretty good I need to up my calories but I've stuck with the 1200-1500 calorie plan since the beginning. When I did Jenny Craig and weighed 300lbs they actually started me at 2200 calories! I went to 1200-1500 when I stopped them (great plan but way too expensive) just remember to let yourself have some of things you crave every now and then

I'm trying the new ghost ridin method it's getting pretty popular

http://www.youtube.com/v/YPNJjL9iznY