I just did my profile and it says that I should be eating 1800 calories a day.  I find it difficult to eat all of that.  I went with the 1200 calories.  Am I sabotaging my alli plan by doing this? 

 There are a couple of posts regarding this.  They are listed just above this thread and explain why you should eat the calories and fat recommended.  It makes sense but like you, I thought is was too high.  I have stuck with it and lost 11 lbs over the past month.  That isn't as much as I had hoped it would be but have had some personal setbacks that sabatoged my diet.  My husband's sister pasted away and we were out of town for three days.  Eating while traveling is difficult for me but I have managed to survive.  I gained a couple of lbs but managed to lose them again.

Good luck and stick with the plan, it does work.

Carolyn

 Yes, by lowering your calorie level drastically (1200 calories is for small petite people or sedentary people), you will be slowing your metabolism and preventing your body from getting essential nutrients provided with sufficient calories needed for every day activities .  The active you are the more calories you will need.  alli has accounted for your weight loss when calculating calories and activity level.  If for some reason your weight stays the same after a couple of weeks(and you have not exceeded your calories and fat) then you may go down in increments of 200 calories - 1600 is your next level down. 

When you have a minute read the two top post in this forum, they will help you understand the importance of reaching your calories and fat on most days.

Hope this helps,

Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, LDN, CPT - registered dietitian

PS: As a side note most people consume about 3,000 calories but don't even know about it.  Calories add up super fast, even when you are eating healthy so enjoy your 1800 can make the best out of your plan. 

 I'm with you.  I plan the weekly menu every Saturday morning before grocery shopping and try to add a few items to bring the calories up without adding the fat.  I've been able to stick to around 1500 calories with the 60 fat grams per day and have lost 12 lbs.  I gained some back but lost that.  As you continue with the program you will begin to recognize healthier choices.  Add more fruit and vegetables to bring up calories without adding excess fat.   I have made a ritual of eating an apple every day at 2:00 p.m at work to stave off hunger pains before dinner.

Good luck.  And like the moderator said,  1200 calories is really pretty low.   Keep trying!!  You can do it.  I am doing it!

I went back to Milwaukee to visit family and friends for 5 days and was very careful while I was there but after 9 weeks on the program, it didn't take a lot of effort to eat good stuff.   I didn't lose that week but I did NOT gain.  And this week I dropped 3 lbs!

The plan works!

Hi Sylvia,

 I also am supposed to take in 1800 cals.  I very rarely do that.  I average about 1550-1700.  I was wondering though, that was the calorie limit set when I first started Alli.  I have since lost 30 lbs, so should my intake be adjusted?

Stephanie

 Hi Stephanie,

Congratulations on your weight loss!!  I am very impressed at your commitment. 

Yes, your calorie level should automatically get adjusted as your weight goes down.  Are you doing your check-in's?  That's when your calorie intake automatically should go down.  However, sometimes your calorie level may get adjusted later as you lose more weight...everyone is different so try to keep up with your check-in's. 

Your calorie intake is not way off so unless you are losing more than 3 pounds/week consistently, you may stay at your current (lower) calorie level.  Hope this helps.

Keep up the good work,

Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, LDN, CPT - registered dietitian

 Hi Slyvia,

Thanks for the reply.  I do check in FAITHFULLY each week.  Alli has not changed my caloric intake.  It has however given me my calorie gap which is 279, so I cut my calories but 279..bringing me to 1521 cals per day.  Was this what I was supposes to do?  According to Nextphase (which is what I am in), I am supposed to cut my cals by this much and/or exercise more to fill the gap.  I am trying for both.  I hope I am doing this right.

Thanks,

Stephanie

 Hi Stephanie,

You are correct -

Continue with your recommended calorie intake and exercise routine unless you start to lose weight consistently for a few weeks.  Then we may have to increase your calorie level in 200 calorie increments until your weight is stable and you are able to maintain your goal weight.  Hope this helps.

Keep up the good work :)

Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, LDN, CPT - registered dietitian