increasing calories
louh555
Posts: 2 Member
Ive been trying to research this as much as I can but have not found any answers, about 5 months ago I went through an upsetting time and ate less food, overall I lost 3 stone and because of this I have a huge fear of gaining weight as I like the new weight and size I am. Due to this fear I still try to eat less which leaves me hungry and I am only consuming around 600 calories a day which I know is unhealthy but the fear of weight gain prevents me eating more. I am just wondering if there is anyone else who has advice on how I can increase this to 1,200 calories a day and if I will gain body fat or weight in doing so. I am not worried if my weight increases for a short amount of time and is unnoticeable, it is just is I increase body fat where others will be able to tell. Any advice or people who have experienced this?
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if you are not gaining weight now you are not eating 600 calories a day and if you aren't losing quickly you are eating more than 600 a day as well.
I suggest logging accurately and consistently with a food scale/measuring cups what you are eating first to see where your calories sit...then work from there.0 -
Do some research on Lepton and the role it plays in your metabolism.
When you starve yourself, your Lepton level drops and your metabolism hangs on to every calorie. An occasional spike in your caloric intake can get these levels back in sync and trains your metabolism to believe that food is plentiful and hanging on to calories is not required for survival.
What I refer to as a spike is 800-1000 extra calories maybe every 7-10 days, but choose them wisely (i.e. vegetables, meat etc. not simple carbs.)0 -
You need to visit your doctor, who will tell you what you should eat and the effect it will have on your body. Get a referral to a dietitian and a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. When you have anxiety about food, that kind of therapist is the right one to see, even if you don't have an ED, they can help you.
Go see the doctor before you end up very bad off. It's the smart thing to do. Do it.0 -
Do some research on Lepton and the role it plays in your metabolism.
When you starve yourself, your Lepton level drops and your metabolism hangs on to every calorie. An occasional spike in your caloric intake can get these levels back in sync and trains your metabolism to believe that food is plentiful and hanging on to calories is not required for survival.
What I refer to as a spike is 800-1000 extra calories maybe every 7-10 days, but choose them wisely (i.e. vegetables, meat etc. not simple carbs.)
There is no such starvation response. Your body doesn't need to "believe food is plentiful"
Are you suggesting she continue to eat 600 calories?0 -
Doctor/therapist!!! Not random internet people.0
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If you believe that then perhaps YOU should research the role Lepton plays.galgenstrick wrote: »There is no such starvation response. Your body doesn't need to "believe food is plentiful"
Did I say that? I don't think so.galgenstrick wrote: »Are you suggesting she continue to eat 600 calories?
The higher levels of Lepton are a direct result of higher levels of caloric intake.
Elevated Lepton levels lead to a healthier caloric intake level on a daily basis without a resulting weight gain.
Is that a clearer, more understandable definition?0 -
If you believe that then perhaps YOU should research the role Lepton plays.galgenstrick wrote: »There is no such starvation response. Your body doesn't need to "believe food is plentiful"
Did I say that? I don't think so.galgenstrick wrote: »Are you suggesting she continue to eat 600 calories?
The higher levels of Lepton are a direct result of higher levels of caloric intake.
Elevated Lepton levels lead to a healthier caloric intake level on a daily basis without a resulting weight gain.
Is that a clearer, more understandable definition?
Perhaps you should look into the Minnesota starvation experiment and learn a bit more about the "starvation response" before quoting some junk about lepton you found out of some fad diet book.0 -
You need to tell this to your doctor and get his/her recommendation of help.
You will starve and eventually kill yourself if you are truly only eating 600 calories.0 -
My profession involves working with Nutritionist on a daily basis but I'll be sure and let them know they are all wrong.galgenstrick wrote: »Perhaps you should look into the Minnesota starvation experiment and learn a bit more about the "starvation response" before quoting some junk about lepton you found out of some fad diet book.
Thanks for pointing that out.
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It's better they learn it late than never learn it.
My profession involves working with Nutritionist on a daily basis but I'll be sure and let them know they are all wrong.galgenstrick wrote: »Perhaps you should look into the Minnesota starvation experiment and learn a bit more about the "starvation response" before quoting some junk about lepton you found out of some fad diet book.
Thanks for pointing that out.
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My profession involves working with Nutritionist on a daily basis but I'll be sure and let them know they are all wrong.galgenstrick wrote: »Perhaps you should look into the Minnesota starvation experiment and learn a bit more about the "starvation response" before quoting some junk about lepton you found out of some fad diet book.
Thanks for pointing that out.
Nutritionists aren't experts. It saddens me that you think that. It's best to find your information from scientific studies and not hearsay from some people that paid 20 to take an online exam on nutrition for their credentials.0 -
Nutritionists aren't doctors. Registered dieticians, on the other hand, at least here and in most places, have to have at the very least a bachelor's degree in this stuff...in other words, i put no faith in a nutritionist.0
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Thanks for the advice, it sounds stupid but I wasn't sure if you could go to the doctor for that sort of thing, I also just want to know if I will gain weight once I increase my calorie intake.0
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These Nutritionists do have Phd. level backgrounds but I'll let them know that all of the research and findings don't hold up to the scrutiny of such a scientific community as this.Blueseraphchaos wrote: »Nutritionists aren't doctors. Registered dieticians, on the other hand, at least here and in most places, have to have at the very least a bachelor's degree in this stuff...in other words, i put no faith in a nutritionist.
Sorry I interrupted, Doctor?
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My profession involves working with Nutritionist on a daily basis but I'll be sure and let them know they are all wrong.galgenstrick wrote: »Perhaps you should look into the Minnesota starvation experiment and learn a bit more about the "starvation response" before quoting some junk about lepton you found out of some fad diet book.
Thanks for pointing that out.
Well, let them know the hormone is called Leptin. Lepton is a subatomic particle.0 -
I was in your position a few years ago and honestly you just have to do it slowly! I did it on my own then later found out its called Reverse Dieting. Really beneficial! Start by adding 50 cals 5-10g carbs per week. Or if you still need help look up Ledbetter.com0
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JustineMarie21 wrote: »I was in your position a few years ago and honestly you just have to do it slowly! I did it on my own then later found out its called Reverse Dieting. Really beneficial! Start by adding 50 cals 5-10g carbs per week. Or if you still need help look up Ledbetter.com
This. reverse diet, you won't get fat, or gain any fat by doing this. However you may benefit from eating a bit more to start.0 -
Do some research on Lepton and the role it plays in your metabolism.
When you starve yourself, your Lepton level drops and your metabolism hangs on to every calorie. An occasional spike in your caloric intake can get these levels back in sync and trains your metabolism to believe that food is plentiful and hanging on to calories is not required for survival.
What I refer to as a spike is 800-1000 extra calories maybe every 7-10 days, but choose them wisely (i.e. vegetables, meat etc. not simple carbs.)
I think you mean leptin and the role of refeeding to help control hormone levels.
Personally, I think the OP would be far better off slowly raising calories over time and getting some help (either with the help of a professional or through personal research) to deal with her fear of eating more rather than trying to introduce an approach which will have marginal benefits.0 -
YellowApple666 wrote: »
My profession involves working with Nutritionist on a daily basis but I'll be sure and let them know they are all wrong.galgenstrick wrote: »Perhaps you should look into the Minnesota starvation experiment and learn a bit more about the "starvation response" before quoting some junk about lepton you found out of some fad diet book.
Thanks for pointing that out.
Well, let them know the hormone is called Leptin. Lepton is a subatomic particle.
win
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And OP -- unless you are very short and very thin already, 1200 calories/day will not make you gain visible weight and won't make you gain visible fat. If you've been eating ~600 calories for at least a couple of weeks, your muscles may hold onto some water weight at first but it should only be a few lbs (water is HEAVY, remember that) and will go away probably within a week or so. 1200 calories will not make you gain weight (unless your BMR is less than that, but that's only if you fit the two conditions I mentioned at the start, or have a thyroid/metabolism issue) -- it may not even be enough to keep your body at maintenance (but it's certainly better than 600 cals/day), depending on your age/weight/height/gender. Try increasing slowly, like another poster said -- 50 cals/day, or even every few days if that's easier for you. And try to find support to help you through it. I've struggled with EDs and know the intense fear and anxiety that you are experiencing... you can message me or any other people if you need help or someone to talk to. Best of luck.0
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galgenstrick wrote: »Do some research on Lepton and the role it plays in your metabolism.
When you starve yourself, your Lepton level drops and your metabolism hangs on to every calorie. An occasional spike in your caloric intake can get these levels back in sync and trains your metabolism to believe that food is plentiful and hanging on to calories is not required for survival.
What I refer to as a spike is 800-1000 extra calories maybe every 7-10 days, but choose them wisely (i.e. vegetables, meat etc. not simple carbs.)
There is no such starvation response. Your body doesn't need to "believe food is plentiful"
Are you suggesting she continue to eat 600 calories?
Agreed. Starvation mode is a myth. If you google it there are dozens of reputable articles that confirm this.0 -
Just a hunch....sounds like depression and anxiety, which in case can lead to weight loss from swings in eating habits. The issue is, balanced eating helps normalize the chemical imbalance that causes anxiety and depression, so it is important to maintain a proper healthy intake. With depression and anxiety though you also want to modify certain types of things, like limiting sugars and caffeine, which can further trigger issues.
So go see your doctor and get his recommendations, but also be honest with yourself about any issues you might have. They can steer you right.
All the best.0 -
Either double your calories (minimum), or seek professional help for the eating disorder you have developed.0
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YellowApple666 wrote: »
My profession involves working with Nutritionist on a daily basis but I'll be sure and let them know they are all wrong.galgenstrick wrote: »Perhaps you should look into the Minnesota starvation experiment and learn a bit more about the "starvation response" before quoting some junk about lepton you found out of some fad diet book.
Thanks for pointing that out.
Well, let them know the hormone is called Leptin. Lepton is a subatomic particle.
I agree.
-Doctor Blue0 -
I'd like to add that you should really see your doctor about this, since even 1200 calories a day will have you losing weight (unless you're still trying to lose weight). There are plenty of websites that can help you figure out your caloric needs to maintain weight. This depends on your activity level. In my case, at 5'4", 35 years old, current weight of 168.8, to maintain this weight i would need to eat 2,300 calories at my activity level. Even sedentary, I'd need around 1800. But your doctor can refer you to an expert in the field of weight loss and nutrition and help you better than the internet can. So it really depends on your goals here, but 1200 isn't a realistic goal to stick with forever because at some point, you'll have to start maintaining weight instead of losing it, and it sounds like you have developed some disordered thinking about everything..0
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Idk what everyone else said because I'm too lazy to eat but you needs to eatsss moreeeeeeee.0
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