calorie update

May 27, 2011

We've been having some great discussions on a message board post I did and on a blog post Jennifer M did about daily calories and food journaling.  Here's a brief recap, and an update.

This whole thing started a few days ago.  Our program nutritionist does not want us counting calories.  She said we'll be fine if we're eating the way they want us to.  We may be slightly higher or lower on certain days, but their feeling is that it all evens out in the end and they don't want us developing obsessive behaviors in relation to exercise or eating.  You probably know that there is a high rate of transfer addiction in people who've had bariatric surgery so she actively talks to us about the importance of eating right and exercising regularly, but also stresses that we need to be careful.  She really wants us to focus less on food and more on living our lives.  I love her.  And that philosophy sits well with me.  So anyway, our program 'bible' has no mention of how many calories are appropriate, but it does have a lot of information by stage about what types and quantities are appropriate and has some sample menus (mostly relating to the earlier stages)

Compared to other people here, I think I lose on the slow side.  I'm honestly not too terribly concerned about it (usually) but it does make me wonder if I'm doing something wrong.  Am I eating too much?  Not exercising enough?  Or, is this just how my body works?

We had our monthly support group meeting a few days ago and the Nut was unable to be there that night (she usually runs the meetings).  I asked how many calories people were eating and most people said under 1000.  I said I could easily eat more than 1000 and some people there were horrified.  Several people kind of jumped on me and I was feeling really bad when I left.  When I got home I sent my Nut an email and told her what I'd eaten the past few days and waited for her response.  She replied yesterday and said I am right where I should be and doing great.  She said 1200 calories a day is fine as long as I'm exercising at least 30 minutes a day.  And she said it was fine to have a protein based snack if I was really hungry, even though it might push the calories up over 1200.  So I am now officially done freaking out.  I knew I was eating well and get a balanced diet but I was really concerned about the calories.  Not anymore. Thanks to everyone on those threads who replied.  It was a great discussion.

I've met some amazing folks here and I love that we all support each other.  A very special shout out to Jennifer M., JoAnne Lockey-Sarrault and Seattle_Maui.  Thank you, ladies!  From the bottom of my heart.   If you're not following these women... you really should be.  They'll rock your world.  I'm going to make it a point to highlight other folks going forward who have been especially helpful to me.

On a related note, who should I be following?  I'm sure I must be missing out on some amazing blogs because I simply don't know they exist.

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