Do I Need More Calories, Less Calories, More Exercise Or More Rest?

by Melanie Boyd
(Kapiti Coast, Wellington, New Zealand)

Hi there. I was doing the Jenny Craig program and was on a 5000kj menu plan per day. I was walking 30 minutes moderately each day and around every second or third day was doing a 20 min Turbo Jam session. I lost 1kg in the first week and then my weight seemed to plateau. My consultant moved me from 5000kj menu to the 6400kj menu. I have in total lost 7.4kgs in 9 weeks following the 6400kj menu but again have hit a plateau even though I have increased my exercise. I am no longer on the Jenny Craig program but I am counting calories/kj's every day to ensure I'm not eating too much. My weight is now 70kgs and my goal weight is 58kgs. I am doing a 40 minute Turbo Jam session 5x per week at around mid-morning and then do moderate strength training every second evening for approximately 30 minutes. I have not lost anything in 4 weeks. Do I again need to increase my kj intake per day or do I need to exerceise more? Do I need to decrease my kj intake or rest more? I'm very confused and need some assistance PLEASE!! Also, what should my diet be made up of? I am eating copious amounts of fruit, veges, wholegrain bread, low fat cheeses and yoghurts and lean meat cuts.