Is it true that simply cutting 500 CAL a day for 7 days would result in 3500 Cal loss and thus 1 pound loss after one week? I'd think all calories aren't the same (like those before bed are worse than those right before or after exercising). I'm walking on a treadmill every night for 50-60" and burning "700" or "800" cal according to the display. In one week, I may walk 6 times for 4200 Calories. Seems like weight should be flying off but it's going slow. What's up?
It's 3500 calories. And no it's not that simple as some will lead you to believe.
You don't mention anything about your diet so I don't actually know how many calories you're consuming on a daily basis (or what foods). The main idea is to maintain a calorie deficit so if you're not losing weight, chances are you're consuming more than your expending.
Make sure you make wise food decisions:
Try and make sure your last meal is 5 hours before you sleep. If you must have something after that point it should only be a protein shake or water. Stick to complex carbs (brown rice, potatoes) before 6pm and no carbs after 6pm. Balance acid forming foods with base forming food to optimize digestion.
Cutting 500 calories a day will do nothing if your exceeding your calorie expediture. For energy requirements, the first thing you have to do is assess your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate)& AMR (Active Metabolic Rate) to assess your daily energy requirements.
Once you have established how many calories you burn per day, your goal should then be to maintain the calorie deficit on a daily basis for gradual weight loss is achieved. If your goal is to cut back on 500 calories through exercise and your combined BMR & AMR is 3000, then you better be sure you are not consuming more than 2500 calories.
Track your progress daily in a journal and tweak either your diet or activity level according to your progress until you get it right.
It's doubtful you are burning 700-800 calories by walking 50 minutes unless you are over 250 pounds and your rate is very brisk. Use this calculator to help you figure it out.