Exercising when not eating enough
kaylamariia
Posts: 41 Member
I struggle with eating a healthy amount of calories per day. I believe it is because of my medicine, but regardless there are days when I can't even get myself to 1,000. Is it okay to exercise on those days? If I were to exercise and log it, it would look like I barely ate anything at all 
I also breastfeed but I don't log it, so that is even more calories I'm burning.
I also breastfeed but I don't log it, so that is even more calories I'm burning.
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Replies
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It's always OK to exercise...
Do you use a food scale? Without it, most of us are underestimating our intake
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Why not eat some more calorie dense items and then exercise? I don't think I'd be able to move much on 1000 a day.0
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It's NEVER okay to eat 1000 calories or less, as your body is not getting the necessary nutrients.0
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Depending on your energy levels, yes you can exercise. If you are not weighing and measuring your food daily, you may be eating more than you think..
Exercising will certainly help you feel hungrier too.0 -
Not exactly answering the question, but have you spoken w/your physician about this?0
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I am not going to encourage the low calories, but the advantage to exercise is that it can make you hungrier. You will also build muscle which is good.
FYI, not healthy, but if you are really struggling with calories throw in something small but high calorie. My daughter has one soda a day just so she won't lose weight when she doesn't feel well or can't eat. I am not recommending it regularly, but did help her.0 -
Liftng4Lis wrote: »It's NEVER okay to eat 1000 calories or less, as your body is not getting the necessary nutrients.
This. However, I would also second the question about using a food scale. Do you really know that you are getting less than 1,000 per day?0 -
Liftng4Lis wrote: »It's NEVER okay to eat 1000 calories or less, as your body is not getting the necessary nutrients.
This^
Eating calories back is designed to help minimize lean muscle loss. Healthy weight loss helps you reduce your body fat percentage. Google skinny-fat.0 -
I have only been using math and measuring cups, but if that isn't reliable I will definitely try a good scale. I know it isn't healthy or okay, but I can't always eat more. I haven't talked to my doctor yet about it0
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KaylaAnderson0511 wrote: »I have only been using math and measuring cups, but if that isn't reliable I will definitely try a good scale. I know it isn't healthy or okay, but I can't always eat more. I haven't talked to my doctor yet about it
There are a few things you can do to increase your calories relatively easily, include more fat (throw some oil or butter on veggies, snack on some nuts), drink some calories (like an ensure shake), or add in a calorie dense treat every day like ice cream or chocolate
If you really can't bring yourself to eat more then definitely let your doctor know and get a referral to a dietitian to help you to increase your kcals and make sure you are getting sufficient nutrition.
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How is your milk supply? The minium recomended calories per day while breastfeeding is 1800. Otherwise your milk supply will suffer.0
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Okay I will try that. Thank you I appreciate it!girlviernes wrote: »KaylaAnderson0511 wrote: »I have only been using math and measuring cups, but if that isn't reliable I will definitely try a good scale. I know it isn't healthy or okay, but I can't always eat more. I haven't talked to my doctor yet about it
There are a few things you can do to increase your calories relatively easily, include more fat (throw some oil or butter on veggies, snack on some nuts), drink some calories (like an ensure shake), or add in a calorie dense treat every day like ice cream or chocolate
If you really can't bring yourself to eat more then definitely let your doctor know and get a referral to a dietitian to help you to increase your kcals and make sure you are getting sufficient nutrition.
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fannyfrost wrote: »I am not going to encourage the low calories, but the advantage to exercise is that it can make you hungrier. You will also build muscle which is good.
FYI, not healthy, but if you are really struggling with calories throw in something small but high calorie. My daughter has one soda a day just so she won't lose weight when she doesn't feel well or can't eat. I am not recommending it regularly, but did help her.
You can’t build muscle while eating at a deficit, with the possible exception of newbie gains due to a heavy lifting program.
When I’m not up to my caloric goal, I like to drink some milk (or eat some cheese). A big glass can really help, and it’s nutrition and high in protein. Otherwise, there are loads of calorie-dense foods (i.e. avocado, nuts) you can schedule into your day. A food scale is a great idea - you might be eating closer to your goal than you think.0 -
KaylaAnderson0511 wrote: »I have only been using math and measuring cups, but if that isn't reliable I will definitely try a good scale. I know it isn't healthy or okay, but I can't always eat more. I haven't talked to my doctor yet about it
Well, measuring cups can be quite inaccurate--I use a 1/2 cup to scoop my oatmeal and even below the line, it still gives me about 20% more than the serving size--but a breastfeeding mother needs more than 1200 calories. How about introducing peanut butter or cheese to your day?0 -
KaylaAnderson0511 wrote: »I struggle with eating a healthy amount of calories per day. I believe it is because of my medicine, but regardless there are days when I can't even get myself to 1,000. Is it okay to exercise on those days? If I were to exercise and log it, it would look like I barely ate anything at all
I also breastfeed but I don't log it, so that is even more calories I'm burning.
You are breastfeeding and eating less than 1000 calories and want to exercise on top of that?
Hmm, not to good at all.
Get your diet straightened out.
Exercise is great, but fuel your body and your baby.0 -
Liftng4Lis wrote: »If I were to exercise and log it, it would look like I barely ate anything at all
If that's the case, there is likely considerable error in your logging (either food or exercise), because it is extremely difficult to maintain vigorous activity on a "barely" level of net calories.
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Liftng4Lis wrote: »It's NEVER okay to eat 1000 calories or less, as your body is not getting the necessary nutrients.
I definitely understand and agree. But to everyone telling me this, I already realize this truth, but assuming my calculations are about right it is difficult for me. I can't really eat when I feel nauseous or full. I'll follow these tips and I'll have to talk to my doctor about this issue. Im currently trying to tone, so exercise is crucial to me for that purpose0 -
Liftng4Lis wrote: »If I were to exercise and log it, it would look like I barely ate anything at all
If that's the case, there is likely considerable error in your logging (either food or exercise), because it is extremely difficult to maintain vigorous activity on a "barely" level of net calories.
Hey, my maiden name is Knight lol. I only do 1 hr vigorous exercise two times a week and 20 minutes on all other days. Apart from not using a food scale, I do everything else that I can to maintain accuracy0 -
You will not 'tone' anything at 1000 calories. You'll probably lose muscle, and not feed your baby adequately.
Eat more calorie dense foods.0 -
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EvgeniZyntx wrote: »KaylaAnderson0511 wrote: »I struggle with eating a healthy amount of calories per day. I believe it is because of my medicine, but regardless there are days when I can't even get myself to 1,000. Is it okay to exercise on those days? If I were to exercise and log it, it would look like I barely ate anything at all
I also breastfeed but I don't log it, so that is even more calories I'm burning.
You are breastfeeding and eating less than 1000 calories and want to exercise on top of that?
Hmm, not to good at all.
Get your diet straightened out.
Exercise is great, but fuel your body and your baby.
Yes...
And I would add to this, talk to your doctor. The most important thing is that your baby and you are getting the nutrition you need...this includes the requisite energy (calories) required to feed both of you as well as quality nutrition.0 -
fannyfrost wrote: »I am not going to encourage the low calories, but the advantage to exercise is that it can make you hungrier. You will also build muscle which is good.
FYI, not healthy, but if you are really struggling with calories throw in something small but high calorie. My daughter has one soda a day just so she won't lose weight when she doesn't feel well or can't eat. I am not recommending it regularly, but did help her.
You can’t build muscle while eating at a deficit, with the possible exception of newbie gains due to a heavy lifting program.
When I’m not up to my caloric goal, I like to drink some milk (or eat some cheese). A big glass can really help, and it’s nutrition and high in protein. Otherwise, there are loads of calorie-dense foods (i.e. avocado, nuts) you can schedule into your day. A food scale is a great idea - you might be eating closer to your goal than you think.cwolfman13 wrote: »EvgeniZyntx wrote: »KaylaAnderson0511 wrote: »I struggle with eating a healthy amount of calories per day. I believe it is because of my medicine, but regardless there are days when I can't even get myself to 1,000. Is it okay to exercise on those days? If I were to exercise and log it, it would look like I barely ate anything at all
I also breastfeed but I don't log it, so that is even more calories I'm burning.
You are breastfeeding and eating less than 1000 calories and want to exercise on top of that?
Hmm, not to good at all.
Get your diet straightened out.
Exercise is great, but fuel your body and your baby.
Yes...
And I would add to this, talk to your doctor. The most important thing is that your baby and you are getting the nutrition you need...this includes the requisite energy (calories) required to feed both of you as well as quality nutrition.
Okay thanks will do. I try doing what I can, I give my baby 1 supplement feeding per day and I make sure to take vitamins daily. Her pediatrician is pleased with her growth and health so I'm hoping it doesn't negatively impact her.0 -
you are starving yourself and more importantly your baby, if you are indeed eating that few calories.0
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I think that exercising is always good unless your doctor recommends to avoid it.
Can you add something that's nutrient and calorie dense to your eating, so you take in more calories and nutrients without greatly increasing food volume and feeling too full?
Some foods I consider in this category, somewhat high in calories but with redeeming nutritional value vs being 'empty' calories:
Beef
Whole-milk dairy products
Salmon
Nut butters/nuts/seeds
Avocado
Coconut or Olive oil
Dark Chocolate
Protein or supplement shakes
Smoothies with real fruit and yogurt or milk (dairy, soy, almond, whatever milk)
Maybe you can get a visit with a nutritionist if you haven't had one, to give you more experienced advice on it.0 -
KaylaAnderson0511 wrote: »Liftng4Lis wrote: »If I were to exercise and log it, it would look like I barely ate anything at all
If that's the case, there is likely considerable error in your logging (either food or exercise), because it is extremely difficult to maintain vigorous activity on a "barely" level of net calories.
Hey, my maiden name is Knight lol. I only do 1 hr vigorous exercise two times a week and 20 minutes on all other days. Apart from not using a food scale, I do everything else that I can to maintain accuracy
Interesting. I suspect you are eating about a third more than you think are. A scale will defs help with accuracy - and could potentially be quite revelatory.
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girlviernes wrote: »It's always OK to exercise...
Do you use a food scale? Without it, most of us are underestimating our intake
I just got one of those things. Imagine my joy when I realized I typically WAY underestimate how much protein I could eat. I've been happily eating good portions of fish, chicken, and beef for the last two weeks.0 -
Awesome. Food scale. Adjust my diet. Pretty simple and will do, thanks everyone. I do think this is medicine related and this is actually a new issue with me. I haven't always had this problem.0
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callsitlikeiseeit wrote: »you are starving yourself and more importantly your baby, if you are indeed eating that few calories.
I realize this, but thank you. She is in very good health, I stated somewhere that her pediatrician is very happy with her growth and health. She thankfully isn't deprived of anything she needs0 -
KaylaAnderson0511 wrote: »Liftng4Lis wrote: »It's NEVER okay to eat 1000 calories or less, as your body is not getting the necessary nutrients.
I definitely understand and agree. But to everyone telling me this, I already realize this truth, but assuming my calculations are about right it is difficult for me. I can't really eat when I feel nauseous or full. I'll follow these tips and I'll have to talk to my doctor about this issue. Im currently trying to tone, so exercise is crucial to me for that purpose
You added that you're breastfeeding. Oh you need way more nutrients, to keep that baby fed. Add more nutrient dense foods to your diet. Avocados, nut butters, nuts, oils, cheeses.0 -
You might find some ideas of what to add to your diet here: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10142490/a-list-of-calorie-dense-foods0
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