Update: Went and saw a nutritionalist... uh what?

lulz14

See previous topic: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1001615-went-and-saw-a-nutritionist-uh-what

Did not expect such an overwhelming response! And so much judgement....

Some clarification:
- I don't know the exact qualifications the nutritionist holds but believe it is something to do with naturopathy which I don't normally buy into that alternative medicine side of things but there was a promo through my gym and was highly recommended by friends and my PT who I trust very much. Apparently she specialises in weight loss, she was very friendly, not a bad appointment
- My breakfast and lunch as outlined in the post are normal, she just recommended I change dinners, removing all pasta and replacing with meat and veg only. My normal breakfast and lunch usually comes to around 500 or 600 cals so at night is my big meal. I would not be able to eat 1000cals at dinner with just veg and meat (I rarely eat meat as it is)
- She said around or less than 1000 calories is the right amount of calories, knowing how much I exercise
- Specifically barely any pasta/potato/starchy veg
- I realise there aren't professionals on this site etc. but thought maybe people have had this experience where they eat a very low calorie diet for a period of time as a diet starter or something?

But anyway, this is probably the post that hurt the most:
"The OP is a 240 pound female. She is more likely to die of heart disease tomorrow than eating 1k calories, which is why I see nothing wrong with the 1k recommendation. If someone can make a case that 1k calories can actually kill you than I could agree but the fact of the matter is that the OP could drop dead any moment due to her weight, not 1k calories."

Uhh this is a weight loss forum right? Supposed to be getting support, not told "you're a fat pig about to drop dead." Yeah I actually use and post on this site for help and support, how are comments like that warranted in any way.

I realise I am about 30kg overweight but I'm not about to drop dead--- I am fairly tall with a big frame so am not planning (or able) to end up being 50kg, in fact I'd be pretty happy being 70 - 80kg and fit. I have some excess weight but I am TWENTY ONE. Maybe if I continued this lifestyle for another 20 years I'd be about to drop dead, but at the moment it's pretty much a cosmetic thing.

Rant over.

I think the overall message is that 900 cals plus exercise is too low. I intend on changing my diet to include more meat and veg and less pasta and aim for cals of 1200. Thanks for the advice, of those who were supportive.

jmadams111

Keep in mind there are as many opinions on here as there are people; not all of them correct and many not particularly nice. Just gloss over the "rough edges" on some of the posts/responses and read for content, not tone.

ThriftyChica12

people on here can be jerks. get a second opinion from another professional re: such low calories. try the plan for a couple of weeks, keeping a journal of how u feel. if u can, get an at-home BF% tester to keep track of your BF and, therefore, your lean muscle mass. make sure u are not losing lean muscle while u do this. i could NEVER subsist on calories that low, but that's me.

Pnuke77

I'm new to this forum and was actually quite surprised by some of the negativity in some of the posts.

dbmata

But anyway, this is probably the post that hurt the most:
"The OP is a 240 pound female. She is more likely to die of heart disease tomorrow than eating 1k calories, which is why I see nothing wrong with the 1k recommendation. If someone can make a case that 1k calories can actually kill you than I could agree but the fact of the matter is that the OP could drop dead any moment due to her weight, not 1k calories."

Uhh this is a weight loss forum right? Supposed to be getting support, not told "you're a fat pig about to drop dead." Yeah I actually use and post on this site for help and support, how are comments like that warranted in any way.

While it hurts, and could hve been said better, it's marginally accurate. Your risks for heart related death are probably exponentially higher than your risks from death from a reduced calorie short term diet.

The person is a naturopath, I could put a shingle out tomorrow saying the same. It sounds look you got took, and I'd see a dietitician for a second opinion. Second opinions can't hurt.

djshari

There are plenty of people here that post just to be nasty. That's it. They don't give a **** about anyone else or their health but they will certainly use it as an excuse. There is a big difference between "tough love" and being a jerk. Making assumptions on health based on weight usually means talking out of your *kitten*... . Most extreme cases where someone is severely underweight or obese need the help of a qualified professionals, not a bunch of know it alls on the internet anyway. I agree with calling people out on bad behavior and that includes giving harmful or nasty "advice" but for the most part they are just looking for attention.

Sqeekyjojo

The comment about weight and the risk of heart disease, compared to the risk of eating 1000 kcal in a day wasn't an emotionally laden statement.

You've interpreted that poster's representation of the bald facts as their calling you a greedy pig. Which they didn't, and isn't their fault - they're not responsible for your internal dialogue. Facts are not character assassinations and you don't have to be defensive about that.


Fact is, no matter what your age is, you, like many of us, are running significantly greater risks from remaining morbidly obese than we would encounter during the process of a lower calorie diet. People don't just get heart disease or diabetes when they're in their forties, fifties or sixties, they can get them when they are far, far younger. Largely, if not entirely, as a direct result of being morbidly obese.


By focusing on what you believe they've said about you as a person, rather than what they said about your vastly increased risk of death at an early age compared to the risks from dieting, you're deflecting away from the fundamental issue, which, in my (inexpert) opinion is that making the choice to eat a more appropriate level of food, and therefore losing a long used coping mechanism, is scaring you. Just as the prospect of not eating pasta (which has considerable effects upon mood, so is a common thing to use to change emotional state) makes you uncomfortable.



NONE of this is a comment or reflection upon you as a person or your worth. Feeling uncomfortable hearing something you've used regularly to make you feel better is actually not something you need right now, and feeling uncomfortable when somebody states plainly that you would be better placed to focus upon the risks your previous lifestyle hold for you, is perfectly normal.

Unknown

This content has been removed.

aliciagetshealthy

The comment about weight and the risk of heart disease, compared to the risk of eating 1000 kcal in a day wasn't an emotionally laden statement.

You've interpreted that poster's representation of the bald facts as their calling you a greedy pig. Which they didn't, and isn't their fault - they're not responsible for your internal dialogue. Facts are not character assassinations and you don't have to be defensive about that.


Fact is, no matter what your age is, you, like many of us, are running significantly greater risks from remaining morbidly obese than we would encounter during the process of a lower calorie diet. People don't just get heart disease or diabetes when they're in their forties, fifties or sixties, they can get them when they are far, far younger. Largely, if not entirely, as a direct result of being morbidly obese.


By focusing on what you believe they've said about you as a person, rather than what they said about your vastly increased risk of death at an early age compared to the risks from dieting, you're deflecting away from the fundamental issue, which, in my (inexpert) opinion is that making the choice to eat a more appropriate level of food, and therefore losing a long used coping mechanism, is scaring you. Just as the prospect of not eating pasta (which has considerable effects upon mood, so is a common thing to use to change emotional state) makes you uncomfortable.



NONE of this is a comment or reflection upon you as a person or your worth. Feeling uncomfortable hearing something you've used regularly to make you feel better is actually not something you need right now, and feeling uncomfortable when somebody states plainly that you would be better placed to focus upon the risks your previous lifestyle hold for you, is perfectly normal.

I have to agree with this statement. When I first read the paragraph you were highlighting, I read it with a complete lack of emotion...so, I was in turn, rather surprised at your reaction/summary. Please don't take it to heart. I don't believe for a minute, just on the statement content, that it was made as a personal attack, but rather a simple stating of risk factors.

Best of luck on your quest for a healthier you.

toscarthearmada

The comment about weight and the risk of heart disease, compared to the risk of eating 1000 kcal in a day wasn't an emotionally laden statement.

You've interpreted that poster's representation of the bald facts as their calling you a greedy pig. Which they didn't, and isn't their fault - they're not responsible for your internal dialogue. Facts are not character assassinations and you don't have to be defensive about that.


Fact is, no matter what your age is, you, like many of us, are running significantly greater risks from remaining morbidly obese than we would encounter during the process of a lower calorie diet. People don't just get heart disease or diabetes when they're in their forties, fifties or sixties, they can get them when they are far, far younger. Largely, if not entirely, as a direct result of being morbidly obese.


By focusing on what you believe they've said about you as a person, rather than what they said about your vastly increased risk of death at an early age compared to the risks from dieting, you're deflecting away from the fundamental issue, which, in my (inexpert) opinion is that making the choice to eat a more appropriate level of food, and therefore losing a long used coping mechanism, is scaring you. Just as the prospect of not eating pasta (which has considerable effects upon mood, so is a common thing to use to change emotional state) makes you uncomfortable.



NONE of this is a comment or reflection upon you as a person or your worth. Feeling uncomfortable hearing something you've used regularly to make you feel better is actually not something you need right now, and feeling uncomfortable when somebody states plainly that you would be better placed to focus upon the risks your previous lifestyle hold for you, is perfectly normal.

Amen! I read the statement without emotion and didn't get the same internal dialog. These are people on the internet that you will never encounter or talk to again. I wouldn't stress it.

UsedToBeHusky

Wow! I'm so sorry someone posted that. Obviously, this was an idiot that happen to sign up for a free website and posted in a free forum. Please don't blame the site or the community for this experience. The world is wrought with *kitten*.

Best of luck! I was 300+ when I started but I'm 3 or 4 inches taller than you. I guess I could have dropped dead at any minute. I kind of did VLCD initially, but eventually, I had to switch to TDEE-20% method as I wanted to change my body composition and not just focus on weight loss.

I hope your future experiences using this site are far better than what you experienced today. Save your money on nutrionalists. It sounds like you were managing your diet just fine on your own.

UsedToBeHusky

The comment about weight and the risk of heart disease, compared to the risk of eating 1000 kcal in a day wasn't an emotionally laden statement.

You've interpreted that poster's representation of the bald facts as their calling you a greedy pig. Which they didn't, and isn't their fault - they're not responsible for your internal dialogue. Facts are not character assassinations and you don't have to be defensive about that.


Fact is, no matter what your age is, you, like many of us, are running significantly greater risks from remaining morbidly obese than we would encounter during the process of a lower calorie diet. People don't just get heart disease or diabetes when they're in their forties, fifties or sixties, they can get them when they are far, far younger. Largely, if not entirely, as a direct result of being morbidly obese.


By focusing on what you believe they've said about you as a person, rather than what they said about your vastly increased risk of death at an early age compared to the risks from dieting, you're deflecting away from the fundamental issue, which, in my (inexpert) opinion is that making the choice to eat a more appropriate level of food, and therefore losing a long used coping mechanism, is scaring you. Just as the prospect of not eating pasta (which has considerable effects upon mood, so is a common thing to use to change emotional state) makes you uncomfortable.



NONE of this is a comment or reflection upon you as a person or your worth. Feeling uncomfortable hearing something you've used regularly to make you feel better is actually not something you need right now, and feeling uncomfortable when somebody states plainly that you would be better placed to focus upon the risks your previous lifestyle hold for you, is perfectly normal.

The problem with claiming that the poster was stating a "fact" is that it wasn't a "fact". People don't just drop-dead because of obesity and the OP never claimed to have heart disease. However, the implication was directed at her. While the comment may have had a valid point, it's delivery was exceptionally poor and completely inaccurate. The person posting that comment may have had good intentions, but the delivery method was callous and meant to be harmful (as if to give OP a 'wake-up' call) something OP didn't need to get motivated because she is already taking action to improve her health.

Confuzzled4ever

opinions are like *kitten*..everybody's got one..

I weighed more then 240ish when I started.. i was eating a dangerously low amount of calories.. People told me I was going to die of starvation. (look at me now.. 50 pounds lighter and living and ****...) Dont' let it get to you.. just ignore the people who can't make a constructive commnet or critism. peopel who have to talk like that usually have thie own demons to deal with and get off making others feel like crap. i didn't look terrbile I didn't feel bad. I felt great and i looked pretty good. (or so I thought! I look and feel much better now! LOL)

we all know the implications of being overweight.. I'd imagine thats why we are here.. I read that statemnt wihtout knowing anythign and I would have found it extrememly negative and extemely unhelpful.

A nutritionalist can help but you have to find one who has the a belief system you can live with. I went to one and they wanted to put me on weight loss pills, specific vitamins and thier own brand of powders and bars (never mind I told them my goals were to not need pills, powders, bars or suppliments)

Basically it's simple. eat healthy whole raw foods, cook from scratch, cut out as much added sugar as you can and exercise often. That's all it takes. It seems like a lot, but it's not. And trust me.. you'd rather pay for the healhty food then the doctors bills that will eventually come if you continue to live an unhealthy lifestyle (3500 in my case after insurance! and I had no idea I was that unhealthy!!)

Anyway.. my diary is open and my blog on here is full of yummy healthy recipes. I love to eat, but I still struggle with eating enough. But I am doing much much better. (I am still told i'm going to drop dead of starvation though. *sigh*) You get there too. Just do babystep. Change one thing at a time and before you know it.. the weight will be gone, you wont' crave sugar and you'll have all healthy foods in your kitchen. :~)

dbmata

People don't just drop-dead because of obesity and the OP never claimed to have heart disease.

People do, daily, for being overweight.
Obesity is a major contributor to heart disease, and overweight people are in a class of, "if you don't have it now, you'll have it soon enough."

I get it, weight can be a contentious issue. This is the internet though, can't have a thin skin.

susannamarie

People don't just drop-dead because of obesity and the OP never claimed to have heart disease.

People do, daily, for being overweight.
Obesity is a major contributor to heart disease, and overweight people are in a class of, "if you don't have it now, you'll have it soon enough."

I get it, weight can be a contentious issue. This is the internet though, can't have a thin skin.

But why phrase it in a way that is more likely to get someone hurt than to help them?

Wording it as "In the long run, obesity is far more dangerous than a short-term diet designed to get you into the healthy zone quickly" is far more likely to help someone.