Afraid to eat :(
Thomaskerrya
Posts: 34 Member
After 6 disastrous weeks on WW, I've just started calorie counting with MFP. However, due to my lack of weight loss since the new year, despite being 100% on the plan, I am now finding myself scared to eat 
I know starvation mode is real because I've been through it several times, yet my brain is screaming, 'you're not losing weight, stop eating!' Supposed to be having a day out with my DH today, shopping, lunch and cinema. He's very supportive and is researching the restaurants for me, but I feel like throwing my hands in the air and saying, 'what's the point, I should just go without'. How do I overcome this fear???
I know starvation mode is real because I've been through it several times, yet my brain is screaming, 'you're not losing weight, stop eating!' Supposed to be having a day out with my DH today, shopping, lunch and cinema. He's very supportive and is researching the restaurants for me, but I feel like throwing my hands in the air and saying, 'what's the point, I should just go without'. How do I overcome this fear??? 0
Replies
-
If you think starvation mode is real and think you've experienced it as well as are afraid to eat then you might need more help than random people on the internet can provide.0
-
It is real. I tried a VLCD twice; 600 calories a day meal replacements, and I didn't lose hardly any weight. I've calorie counted before, and if I go below 1000 calories, I don't lose weight. If I eat between 1200-1300 calories, it drops off! I've had all the doctors blood tests going, I'm as healthy as an ox, despite being overweight; low cholesterol, low BP, etc. I am partially disabled so exercise is difficult. But still, for a 4st overweight woman, being on the WW plan and not losing weight should be an impossibility. Hence moving back to calorie counting. Just a bit traumatised, thanks Oprah!!!0
-
To find out what "starvation mode" really is, google ---Minnesota study, starvation mode. If you fit those criteria, then you've had it.. Relax. This is something you'll be doing for the rest of your life. You want to change eating habits and that takes a while. Take things slow. Buy a digital scale, weigh and measure all food and sauces, plug your stats into MFP, stay within your calorie goal everyday. If you go over now and again--no panic. Pick up the next day and go on. Be consistant, move as much as you can. If you are still in a panic, as Beachgod said-get professional help.0
-
People on 600 calorie diets are not overweight. Not physically possible. Not even if you are in a coma.
You have only logged for a few days. These days of your diary show (1) you are not below your goal and one day you were actually way over your goal (which is reasonable since your goal is very low, but makes no sense for someone afraid to eat) and (2) many entries that do not seem accurate (in pieces, cups rather than grams).
Tighten your logging, set a goal you can keep up with, and reevaluate after a few weeks.0 -
Well, we never encourage very low calories here, anyway, so it should work out
Most people here try to lose 1 or even 0.5 lbs a week. Eat to your calories (very accurately) for a while and just see how it goes. Only eat back about half of your exercise calories, though, because the burns listed on here tend to run high. Welcome and good luck! 0 -
Hi I've done vlcd many times all they do is make you fatter hence profile pic of myself
I don't lose fast & I weigh measure everything but I don't drink much water and water is the key plus weighing measuring everything.
Go on healthyeater.com be honest with your activity level use calculators to work out your calories & macros
Eat protien and healthy foods one treat a day
Drink 8 glasses water a day
Exercise your body need muscle to burn calories quickly
Don't eat under 1400 calories
Tape measure is more accurate than scales measure once a month
I lose slow mines through yoyoing weight you need time to let your body adjust to a plan
Stop fad diets
Stop diets
Find a lifestyle plan
Drop the word diet it makes you feel deprived if you think your on a diet
I'll add you and support you as I've 4 to go too0 -
-
I have quite a number of questions for you that I'm genuinely curious about.
"I know starvation mode is real because I've been through it several times, yet my brain is screaming, 'you're not losing weight, stop eating!' I tried a VLCD twice; 600 calories a day meal replacements, and I didn't lose hardly any weight. I've calorie counted before, and if I go below 1000 calories, I don't lose weight. If I eat between 1200-1300 calories, it drops off!"- If the weight "dropped off" eating between 1200 and 1300 calories, why is your brain telling you not to eat?
- If you "know starvation mode is real", why is your brain telling you not to eat?
- If you lost weight easily on 1200 to 1300 calories, why did you join Weight Watchers to lose weight?
You need to be honest with yourself about the methods that you've used so far. Regardless of what may or may not be accurate in your posts, the fact of the matter is that you clearly state you lost more weight when eating between 1200 and 1300, so why in the world would you not want to eat knowing it didn't bring you any success?0 -
Coming off WW is the best thing you can do....0
-
Hey, ill offer some help as you actually asked for help not to be told that your opening statement is wrong!
Firstly do not fear, eating does not make you fat. Eating too much will! You can eat lots and still loose, you can eat pretty much all veg to your hearts content. Just log everything you eat and there is no way to overeat! Getting a little obsessive with it is good for some, it's you taking control of your food and nutrition and body, not letting your 'fat' control you anymore!
Put it this way, using MFP accurately will not make you gain more, your current way isn't working so what do you have to lose? No pun intended! If you need ideas look at other people's diaries but I wouldn't recommend looking at super buff people's as all the protein suppliments may be confusing at the beginning for you!! Add me if you like! Good luck!
0 -
Whoever invented the term 'starvation mode' has a lot to answer for. It has done nothing but create confusion amongst frustrated and naive dieters. The body cannot overcome its own energy balance requirements and make you hold onto or gain weight when you take in less than you require. If you could manage that, you'd be getting studied by scientists to try and find out how you produce energy with no fuel source.0
-
Well it is help to be told when the way one is thinking about something is messed up. OP you need to really be honest with yourself. And you may need counseling to figure out a proper relationship with food.0
-
I've had spells where I've reduced to VLCD in my life. I've lost weight using them, and maintained on around 1000 - 1200 cals a day. Then I started gaining and lost it. I couldn't sustain that low level of food for life, and it was damaging my health. I ended up with T2 diabetes as well.
One diagnosis of underactive thyroid later, and medication for it, and I am losing weight on a steady approx average 1200 or so calories a day. I sometimes eat back half my exercise calories, sometimes I don't. I had some silly spells a few months ago of eating too little, but I've got my sensible head on now and am doing C25K and some weights now.
My mother, however, lives with us, and is largely immobile. It depends on the disability, but I've had to also get her to reduce her weight. I got to the point that I could no longer lift her off the floor if she fell.
I walk her round the room a few times a day, and we do light exercises with her arms while sitting. If her arms are a little weak, I help support the weight, as the movement is what's important, not the weight she can hold. She's losing at a steady couple of pounds every month or two. It's not a lot, but over time, it adds up to a saver for my back, and she doesn't feel deprived or hungry, although she does sometimes make a face at whichever healthy food I give her for meals. She's not adventurous, and yes, I do make sure she has her desired chips, chocolate and crisps within her food, as she likes them.
My recommendation would be to weigh all food, log it, and don't weigh more than once a month if the scales worry you. Go slow, and recognise that your body might be adjusting to your life change. Take your measurements with a tape measure instead. For my first 2 stone of weight loss last year, I did not weight once. I only know my highest weight, as my doctor recorded it, and I asked him once he said I'd lost 2 stone. I can cope with the scales now, but at the beginning, it would have demoralised me to do it. I even got rid of my scales by giving them to a friend until I was ready to cope with weighing myself.
I still feel that temptation not to eat at all when my scales don't move for a couple of weeks, but I've just pushed on, and they've dropped weeks later. All my body had done, was hold water in the fat cells that were lost, possibly in case I fill them up again quickly. After a while, that water goes, and it makes me look like I've lost nothing for weeks, then perhaps 2-3 pounds in the space of a couple of days.
Go easy on yourself, and enjoy the process, focusing on health before weight loss, and the rest will come.
Good luck.
:-)0 -
Thomaskerrya wrote: »It is real. I tried a VLCD twice; 600 calories a day meal replacements, and I didn't lose hardly any weight. I've calorie counted before, and if I go below 1000 calories, I don't lose weight. If I eat between 1200-1300 calories, it drops off! I've had all the doctors blood tests going, I'm as healthy as an ox, despite being overweight; low cholesterol, low BP, etc. I am partially disabled so exercise is difficult. But still, for a 4st overweight woman, being on the WW plan and not losing weight should be an impossibility. Hence moving back to calorie counting. Just a bit traumatised, thanks Oprah!!!
Could you clarify your height, weight and weight loss goal?
4 st = 56 lbs and unless you are shorter than 3'4" that is not overweight or even a healthy weight at all. Is this a typo?
Calorie counting is a great tool. Choose a reasonable goal of 1 lb a week. With MFP you are supposed to eat all the calories they give you. If you earn calories from exercise you might eat only half in case your calorie burn is overestimated. Log as accurately as you can. Weigh and measure everything. Choose correct entries. If you aren't losing check your logging first. If you are sure that is as accurate as can be then see your doctor.
I find pre-logging my whole day helpful. It requires planning your meals for the day but you can see that food fits your goals and not be afraid to eat. You can plan what you will eat from restaurants as well.0 -
Thomaskerrya wrote: »But still, for a 4st overweight woman, being on the WW plan and not losing weight should be an impossibility.
Could you clarify your height, weight and weight loss goal?
4 st = 56 lbs and unless you are shorter than 3'4" that is not overweight or even a healthy weight at all. Is this a typo?
She means she is 56 pounds overweight.0 -
I think the 4 stones is the overweight, not the total body weight.0
-
I have quite a number of questions for you that I'm genuinely curious about.
"I know starvation mode is real because I've been through it several times, yet my brain is screaming, 'you're not losing weight, stop eating!' I tried a VLCD twice; 600 calories a day meal replacements, and I didn't lose hardly any weight. I've calorie counted before, and if I go below 1000 calories, I don't lose weight. If I eat between 1200-1300 calories, it drops off!"- If the weight "dropped off" eating between 1200 and 1300 calories, why is your brain telling you not to eat?
- If you "know starvation mode is real", why is your brain telling you not to eat?
- If you lost weight easily on 1200 to 1300 calories, why did you join Weight Watchers to lose weight?
You need to be honest with yourself about the methods that you've used so far. Regardless of what may or may not be accurate in your posts, the fact of the matter is that you clearly state you lost more weight when eating between 1200 and 1300, so why in the world would you not want to eat knowing it didn't bring you any success?
I am with this!!!!
You lost weight eating 1200 - 1300? What's the issue?
Stay completely way from VLCD period.
I too will not arm chair ED either, but I clearly see by the post, there is disordered thinking at bay.
All I am going to say is take care of your body and its nutritional needs otherwise loosing weight is pointless.0 -
Thomaskerrya wrote: »But still, for a 4st overweight woman, being on the WW plan and not losing weight should be an impossibility.
Could you clarify your height, weight and weight loss goal?
4 st = 56 lbs and unless you are shorter than 3'4" that is not overweight or even a healthy weight at all. Is this a typo?
She means she is 56 pounds overweight.
That certainly would make more sense wouldn't it? I'd like to believe that no one thought themselves overweight at 56 lbs.
It would be nice if she could clarify her actual height, weight and her weight loss goal if she wants help figuring this out though.0 -
Ok, let's ignore everything else about this entire conversation for a second.
If you know that you lose weight eating 1200-1300 calories per day then eat 1200-1300 calories per day.
There. Glad we got that cleared up.0 -
Carlos_421 wrote: »Ok, let's ignore everything else about this entire conversation for a second.
If you know that you lose weight eating 1200-1300 calories per day then eat 1200-1300 calories per day.
There. Glad we got that cleared up.
You always cut to the quick.
0 -
Carlos_421 wrote: »Ok, let's ignore everything else about this entire conversation for a second.
If you know that you lose weight eating 1200-1300 calories per day then eat 1200-1300 calories per day.
There. Glad we got that cleared up.
My thoughts exactly.
Honestly, with all the yo-yo dieting and VLCDs, it is good that you can still lose on 1200-1300. Just do that.0 -
I did not read all these replies, but I know exactly what you're talking about. If I don't eat enough, my weight loss slows down. Not eating is also unacceptable for me. I like to eat. I hate to be hungry.
When I began MFP, I set my target as 1 lb a week. And then I ate all of my calories (and often a lot more) and I have lost steadily, at first about 2 lbs a week, now about 1 lb a week. But I had a LOT of weight to lose. It's harder if you have less to lose, or only a little.
In any case, if you follow the plan, you should lose weight, but maybe not as quickly as you'd like. And why should it be fast? Every study shows that most weight loss doesn't last and that quick weight loss is almost always gained back and is unhealthy. So pushing yourself to lose quickly is a good way to sabotage your best efforts.
I will tell you what has worked for me. I tried Weight Watchers many times. I would lose twenty pounds and then stop because I'd get angry, or bored, or tired of the whole thing. But there are two things that set MFP apart.
No POINTS. Points are just calories in disguise and they are a good way to play games with yourself and try to cheat the system which is really just Calories In = Calories Out. For me, it's easier to just record my food and let MFP count the calories.
The other HUGE difference is the message at the end of each day--"If Every Day Were Like Today, You'd Weigh "X:" in Five Weeks. This message, for me, has made all the difference. It's a little bit of accountability.
I have also stuck to weighing ONCE a week. NO more. And I don't play "games with the scale." I don't weigh and then move it to the right and then weigh again, then move it forward and weigh again. I get on the scale, see my weight, and record it. This is important for me because I become easily obsessed with the scale and will allow it to control my mood. That's why it's so important for me to never weigh more than ONCE a week.
This is what has worked for me. You will find what works for you. It may not be MFP. It may be something else. But I am confident that you will find something and it will work if you commit yourself to a serious lifestyle change.
One more thing--you may want to see your doctor if you don't lose weight after a couple of months.
-Rebecca
0 -
Hey OP. I totally get having anxiety about food.
I recently bumped up my calories to try and hit some macro recommendations and start lifting weights. Stressing me out for sure. I know I should expect to at least not lose for a week or two. Hate it.
And what do I usually do when I'm stressed? Comfort eat. It's a sticky wicket.
Dealing with all the noise in your head is the biggest struggle. If 1200 - 1300 works then definitely just do that.
As far as VLCD (not recommending it) I suspect that it isn't something you could stick with for very long. That's normal and perfectly okay. But if you did do it, you would lose. I did 800 calories for 3 months followed by 1000 for another 6-7 and lost 100 pounds. To me 600 doesn't sound like a doctor supervised program...it sounds like a quack HCG drops type of thing.0 -
Carlos_421 wrote: »Ok, let's ignore everything else about this entire conversation for a second.
If you know that you lose weight eating 1200-1300 calories per day then eat 1200-1300 calories per day.
There. Glad we got that cleared up.
+1
Of course none of this was mentioned in post #1, just starvation mode and fear of eating, which has "eating disorder" written all over it. Now I'm Oprah! Holy lack of pertinent information, Batman!0 -
Thomaskerrya wrote: »It is real. I tried a VLCD twice; 600 calories a day meal replacements, and I didn't lose hardly any weight. I've calorie counted before, and if I go below 1000 calories, I don't lose weight. If I eat between 1200-1300 calories, it drops off! I've had all the doctors blood tests going, I'm as healthy as an ox, despite being overweight; low cholesterol, low BP, etc. I am partially disabled so exercise is difficult. But still, for a 4st overweight woman, being on the WW plan and not losing weight should be an impossibility. Hence moving back to calorie counting. Just a bit traumatised, thanks Oprah!!!
Sounds like you should eat between 1200-1300 calories. If you've found the sweet spot what works for you, why would you be afraid to eat at that level?
And if you believe that eating less causes you not to lose, why in the world would you ever want to say 'what's the point, I should just go without'??0 -
Thank you all so much! I am overwhelmed by how helpful everyone is even those that are alarmed or disbelieving are showing they care. I definitely don't have an eating disorder, I am however impatient and frustrated! When you've wasted six weeks on a plan that doesn't work, you either feel like giving up and eating everything or giving up eating altogether! Not saying I will, of course not, that's just how frustrating it is.
BUT I have learnt from my previous attempts and failings. Hence being here, and starting on a sensible journey, even if it won't get me there in a hurry. Just FYI, I am 44, 5'5", long-term injured (but not permanently, hopefully) so on pain meds, and want to lose at least 56lbs, with a stubborn body! I think it just doesn't like all the messing around I've been doing with it (food/diet wise) over the years. I have a list of excuses and reasons as long as your arm, but the short of it is that I want & need to lose weight so I will stick to my 1200 calories, wait a week without hopping on and off the scales and see how it goes. It nothing happens then maybe I'll see the doc again.0 -
Thomaskerrya wrote: »I will stick to my 1200 calories, wait a week without hopping on and off the scales and see how it goes. It nothing happens then maybe I'll see the doc again.
How about sticking to it for two months, logging all food every day, weighing once a week, to see how it goes before seeing a doctor? You can print out your food and weight log to take with you.0 -
TheBeachgod wrote: »If you think starvation mode is real and think you've experienced it as well as are afraid to eat then you might need more help than random people on the internet can provide.
Qft0 -
ModernRock wrote: »Thomaskerrya wrote: »I will stick to my 1200 calories, wait a week without hopping on and off the scales and see how it goes. It nothing happens then maybe I'll see the doc again.
How about sticking to it for two months, logging all food every day, weighing once a week, to see how it goes before seeing a doctor? You can print out your food and weight log to take with you. [/quote.]
You're quite right, they wouldn't listen after a week anyway. And tbh after a couple of months, it probably will have worked anyway!0 -
thorsmom01 wrote: »TheBeachgod wrote: »If you think starvation mode is real and think you've experienced it as well as are afraid to eat then you might need more help than random people on the internet can provide.
Qft
Love it! Lol0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.3K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 424 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions