why do I feel like I am eating to much.

mike37130

So today is the first day I started my diet. I am a big guy and I run around 375 pounds. The fitness app tells me I need to eat 2710 calories. I feel like I have had to much to day. But I am only up to 2243 calories.

Is it normal to feel like you eaten to much when you first start off? Can I really trust the app?

mjrkearney

Do you feel like you have eaten more or less than normal? If you're eating more bulk with more nutrients and less crap, bravo. If you're hungry after 2000 calories of fried chicken, you may have missed the point somewhere along the line.

If you don't trust the lists, measure and prepare your own food and run the math yourself.

janimei

Adding one more food item per day could take you to the limit--e.g., a healthy smoothie, nice lean steak, or fruit salad.
I don't compel myself to eat all of my calories IF I feel good, but always try to be within 250 of the goal. Once you've lost a few pounds, the calorie target drops, then drops, then drops---I thoroughly enjoyed my first 2-3 weeks of extra calories (long gone, sigh).

mike37130

I would say I am more conscious of what I am eating. I have cut out all sugar drinks like coke and sweet tea. I was going to eat a small pot pie for lunch until I checked the calorie count and found it had 1500 calories. So ya I think your right. I am eating the same amount but watching what I am eating at the same time.

BarackMeLikeAHurricane

Odds are you used to eat more calorie dense foods than you are now. I could totally eat 1,000 calories of pizza in one sitting without batting an eye, but there's no freakin' way I could eat 1,000 calories of egg whites and vegetables.

teagirlmedium

It is normal to feel that way. Maybe drinking some of the calories will help. Drinking fruit juices, vegetable juices or milk may help.

mike37130

Odds are you used to eat more calorie dense foods than you are now. I could totally eat 1,000 calories of pizza in one sitting without batting an eye, but there's no freakin' way I could eat 1,000 calories of egg whites and vegetables.

I think you are right. It is not just the amount of food I was eating but the quality of the food I was eating as well. I'm looking at all the stuff I like to eat and I am shocked at how bad it is for me. Looks like I am going to be cleaning the fridge out tonight...

LexiAtel

I feel this way all the time. It's hard to meet my calories unless I actually eat "bad" stuff. I FEEL fine, so I don't fret much about it. I eat when I am hungry, I don't eat when I am not.

tonadayuu

That's probably because you eat healthier and less calorie foods.

I just started and for the last two days, I felt I was eating more than before. But calories-wise, it's less.

elyelyse

isn't it great to see that you can eat within or under your calorie goal and be satisfied, just by selecting the right foods!

don't forget that there are plenty of calorie dense, healthy, nutritious foods if you find yourself coming in way under your goal: nuts, avocado, full fat dairy... and hey and there's nothing wrong with having a not-so-healthy treat once in a while too if you stay within your calorie and macro goals (and it doesn't trigger you to keep eating)

mike37130

Thanks everyone for all your help. I am glad I joined this site.

MommaWheezy

I've noticed if I'm too tired to eat all my calories and just go to sleep, I'm super hungry the next morning and add an extra snack. Listen to your body.

alanlmarshall

I don't think you should eat that much. The app is not ideal for very obese people. Try eating at 90% BMR or at your goal TDEE, whichever is lower. Recalculate every 10 pounds lost until that gets closer to what MFP recommends, then switch to your future (but not yet goal) TDEE -20%.

mike37130

I don't think you should eat that much. The app is not ideal for very obese people. Try eating at 90% BMR or at your goal TDEE, whichever is lower. Recalculate every 10 pounds lost until that gets closer to what MFP recommends, then switch to your future (but not yet goal) TDEE -20%.

Ok what is BMR, TDEE and MFP

gracikle

nuts raw nuts. good oils, good proteien and high in calories.
i used to buy raw cashes get an olive oil spray and roast my own so no added salt

or i also believe that very dark chocolate is a good one- one of the 70% cocoa ones.

i love this site, the community helps really well

buggings

I wouldn't worry about TDEE, BMI, BMR, etc.

This is your first week. Any and all positive changes you are making to your diet or exercise regime will produce results, trust me! I wouldn't worry about that stuff until/unless what MFP isn't working!

Goodluck!

alanlmarshall

I don't think you should eat that much. The app is not ideal for very obese people. Try eating at 90% BMR or at your goal TDEE, whichever is lower. Recalculate every 10 pounds lost until that gets closer to what MFP recommends, then switch to your future (but not yet goal) TDEE -20%.

Ok what is BMR, TDEE and MFP

BMR - basal metabolic rate
TDEE - Total Daily Energy expenditure
MFP - My fitness Pal (or the app on this site)

Understanding your BMR and TDEE are good tools for losing in a healthy, balanced way, I'd recommend googling the terms and doing some research. That being said, I agree that worrying about it excessively would be counterproductive and that making some moderate positive changes is a good start while you learn more. It is important to be patient.

Saucy_lil_Minx

If I did my math right @ 375 pounds you burn 5,250 calories a day naturally without any exercise to get this I took 375 multiplied by 14 = 5,250 (this is a ruff estimate. You want about a 30% deficit that would be about 1,575 calories more or less. So If you are sedentary (like me a desk job where I sit all day, and I do mean all day) you would eat about 3,675 calories a day. Again this is the formula I was taught, and it is a way to estimate, not an exact. Then keep in mind you may lose a lot at first, but as you get closer to your goal the weight loss does slow down naturally, and so does your metabolism (simply b/c you will not need as much energy to maintain a lesser weight). You also should recalculate you calorie intake every ten to fifteen pounds. Again this is b/c the closer you are to you goal weight the less calories you will need to maintain that energy level.

alanlmarshall

If I did my math right @ 375 pounds you burn 5,250 calories a day naturally without any exercise to get this I took 375 multiplied by 14 = 5,250 (this is a ruff estimate. You want about a 30% deficit that would be about 1,575 calories more or less. So If you are sedentary (like me a desk job where I sit all day, and I do mean all day) you would eat about 3,675 calories a day. Again this is the formula I was taught, and it is a way to estimate, not an exact. Then keep in mind you may lose a lot at first, but as you get closer to your goal the weight loss does slow down naturally, and so does your metabolism (simply b/c you will not need as much energy to maintain a lesser weight). You also should recalculate you calorie intake every ten to fifteen pounds. Again this is b/c the closer you are to you goal weight the less calories you will need to maintain that energy level.

^^^A morbidly obese person should eat at well below BMR for this reason, until you are no longer morbidly obese, roughly speaking. Plug your goal weight into the calculator here at maintenance (not losing), that will give you a ballpark for calories to start.

Saucy_lil_Minx

What formula would you recommend? Rapid weight loss of more than 1 to 2 pounds a week, can be potentially dangerous (without the supervision of a healthcare provider). A person who is losing more than that per a week may not be losing fat, but water weight, and/ or lean muscle tissue. Fat loss is not an easy thing to do. One pound of fat lost in a week is ruffly equal to 3500 calories, or approximately equal to burning 500 calories more a day, than he/she is currently burning. It is more likely a person will maintain weight loss if it is slow, and steady. Also,safer in the long run to prevent potential issues that can occur from rapid weight loss. Honestly, anyone who is morbidly obese should consult their doctor prior to starting an exercise, and diet program to ensure there is not other health issues that may need to be considered in their program.

missymakayla

Remember you don't have to eat all of your calories, and if your full, stop. Listen to your body. You may have to adjust your cal intake, everyone is different.. Good luck with your journey....

Saucy_lil_Minx

Another thing to consider in your weight loss journey is maintaining proper hydration. Consuming the proper amount of water is important to help your body void the toxins, and fat lost in your transition. A person should not go by the standard 8/8, as this is only valid for those who are approx. 128 lbs. You need to have half your body weight in ounce of water a day to ensure healthy hydration. That means for you @ 375 pounds should have approx. 180 to 187 oz. of water a day, or 22 to 23 - 8 oz. servings of water.

alanlmarshall

What Formula would you recommend? Rapid weight loss of more than 1 to 2 pounds a week, can be potentially dangerous (without the supervision of a healthcare provider). A person who is losing more than that per a week may not be losing fat, but water weight, and/ or lean muscle tissue. Fat loss is not an easy thing to do. One pound of fat lost in a week is ruffly equal to 3500 calories, or approximately equal to burning 500 calories more a day, than he/she is currently burning. It is more likely a person will maintain weight loss if it is slow, and steady. Also,safer in the long run to prevent potential issues that can occur from rapid weight loss. Honestly, anyone who is morbidly obese should consult their doctor prior to starting an exercise, and diet program to ensure there is not other health issues they may need to considered in they're program.

All true unless one is morbidly obese. A 400 pound person can lose much more than 1 or 2 pounds per week, and should if possible. 1% of body weight per week is a better guideline. I'm not suggesting a dangerous crash diet. For example I am 6 foot, 1 inch, 47 years old, and moderately active. If I were the OP I would eat 2500 calories a day. Well below BMR for a very large person, far from dangerous. The OP's goal TDEE will vary by age, height, exercise, and non-exercise activity.

Some doctors tend to recommend extreme diets like medifast. Many are much less knowledgeable about weight loss than you are.

Saucy_lil_Minx

What Formula would you recommend? Rapid weight loss of more than 1 to 2 pounds a week, can be potentially dangerous (without the supervision of a healthcare provider). A person who is losing more than that per a week may not be losing fat, but water weight, and/ or lean muscle tissue. Fat loss is not an easy thing to do. One pound of fat lost in a week is ruffly equal to 3500 calories, or approximately equal to burning 500 calories more a day, than he/she is currently burning. It is more likely a person will maintain weight loss if it is slow, and steady. Also,safer in the long run to prevent potential issues that can occur from rapid weight loss. Honestly, anyone who is morbidly obese should consult their doctor prior to starting an exercise, and diet program to ensure there is not other health issues they may need to considered in they're program.

All true unless one is morbidly obese. A 400 pound person can lose much more than 1 or 2 pounds per week, and should if possible. 1% of body weight per week is a better guideline. I'm not suggesting a dangerous crash diet. For example I am 6 foot, 1 inch, 47 years old, and moderately active. If I were the OP I would eat 2500 calories a day. Well below BMR for a very large person, far from dangerous. The OP's goal TDEE will vary by age, height, exercise, and non-exercise activity.

Some doctors tend to recommend extreme diets like medifast. Many are much less knowledgeable about weight loss than you are.

I do agree that an obese person can easily lose weight more rapidly @ the beginning of any program simply b/c of cutting back sodium, and sugar intake. However, I am concerned that any person who needs to lose a large sum of weight may go too low, or about their weight loss in the wrong way. I also agree, many doctors are not educated well enough on weight loss issues(this was an issue of mine), and so I suggest working with a doctor who has a partnership with a nutritionist, that can develop a personalized plan to meet that persons specific needs (i.e. Diabetes, Congestive Heart Failure, and or other Weight related issues). Forums may not be the best place to start looking for calorie intake advice. Many of of us (including me) are devote to their methods, and many are not open to changing their opinion. Forums tend to be a peoples pulpit, and providing too many confusing ideas, and/or advice that may work for one, and not another. The best place to start is probably on the slower side of weight loss and/ or consulting a professional on what is safe for that particular individual.

mike37130

I think there may be a misunderstanding here. I am a big guy and I am obese. BUT I am also built big. Long ago when I went to see my doctor I was told by him that a safe body weight for me is 230 to 240. I am active at work. I walk up to 6 hours a day 5 days a week at work but not fast enough to call it exercise. I am not the super obese guy you see at the stores that can barley walk. Don't get me wrong I am 150 pounds over weight. My main problem was the over use of soft drinks and sweet tea. I never drank enough water like I needed to. My target is 1 to 2 pounds a week no more no less. I do appreciate all the input and will take your advice and see my doctor. I need to see him any to for a prescription to help me quit smoking.

alanlmarshall

I do agree that an obese person can easily lose weight more rapidly @ the beginning of any program simply b/c of cutting back sodium, and sugar intake.

I'm talking about fat loss. Sodium's effect on scale weight is meaningless and averages out over time. Eating less sugar is no different than eating less calories from any other source.

It is safe to lose 1% of body weight a week.

However, I am concerned that any person who needs to lose a large sum of weight may go too low, or about their weight loss in the wrong way.

I agree, but force feeding yourself 3500 calories a day because the mfp app is not designed for the very obese is just as much the wrong way to do it as a crash diet imo.

Everyone should be responsible for their own life. it is not a good idea to rely solely on internet advice or on a single so called expert, many of whom are as misinformed as anyone.

lcfairbairn74

I would just follow the calories you've been given on here. I felt full too at the beginning because you suddenly become aware of exactly what you are putting in your body. 2000 calories of nutrient dense food fills you up better than 2000 calories of less healthy food (I hate the term junk food) and soda.

You sound like you are doing well to me! Your calorie requirements drop as you lose weight so I'd enjoy eating as much as you can at the moment!

Best of luck :drinker:

conniedj

Odds are you used to eat more calorie dense foods than you are now. I could totally eat 1,000 calories of pizza in one sitting without batting an eye, but there's no freakin' way I could eat 1,000 calories of egg whites and vegetables.

I think you are right. It is not just the amount of food I was eating but the quality of the food I was eating as well. I'm looking at all the stuff I like to eat and I am shocked at how bad it is for me. Looks like I am going to be cleaning the fridge out tonight...

Good for you! Your good attitude toward food is already leading you to making healthier food choices . I am impressed!

Saucy_lil_Minx

I think there may be a misunderstanding here. I am a big guy and I am obese. BUT I am also built big. Long ago when I went to see my doctor I was told by him that a safe body weight for me is 230 to 240. I am active at work. I walk up to 6 hours a day 5 days a week at work but not fast enough to call it exercise. I am not the super obese guy you see at the stores that can barley walk. Don't get me wrong I am 150 pounds over weight. My main problem was the over use of soft drinks and sweet tea. I never drank enough water like I needed to. My target is 1 to 2 pounds a week no more no less. I do appreciate all the input and will take your advice and see my doctor. I need to see him any to for a prescription to help me quit smoking.

Good Luck, and I do hope you find what works for you! :happy: I really wish you luck on quitting smoking. I battled that too, and have been a non-smoker for three full years.

harphy

Get some friends here with similar weight and goal and look each other diaries together and also give advice when you need it. 1-2 pounds per week is a very sensible goal.

Saucy_lil_Minx

I do agree that an obese person can easily lose weight more rapidly @ the beginning of any program simply b/c of cutting back sodium, and sugar intake.

I'm talking about fat loss. Sodium's effect on scale weight is meaningless and averages out over time. Eating less sugar is no different than eating less calories from any other source.

It is safe to lose 1% of body weight a week.

Sodium reduction can make appear you are losing more weight at first, but as I said before losing fat is hard to do, and generally losing more than 2 pounds of fat a week can cause health issues for some losing weight rapidly, and unlikely to do in most cases, unless supervised by a professional.

However, I am concerned that any person who needs to lose a large sum of weight may go too low, or about their weight loss in the wrong way.

I agree, but force feeding yourself 3500 calories a day because the mfp app is not designed for the very obese is just as much the wrong way to do it as a crash diet imo.

Everyone should be responsible for their own life. it is not a good idea to rely solely on internet advice or on a single so called expert, many of whom are as misinformed as anyone.

That is what I am saying about forums in general. There is a lot of info that is hard to sort through for newer users, and most people are teetotalers, and will run an extreme gambit of advice, in which they can not be swayed one way or another. As far as force feeding yourself 3500 calories. It is pretty easy to get there with a lot of food choices. Honestly, if it wasn't easy for us all to go over our ideal calorie intake (whatever that amount maybe) we would not have gotten to the places we are at now. What makes MFP, and other food journals so great is that we become more aware of just how much we do eat. I will still eat a doughnut, or a hamburger, even pizza. Now I just don't eat all three in the same day. However, I was raised with some very large, tall men. None of which were morbidly obese, and they could easily put down 3000 to 3500 calories just for maintenance. My brother's both are 6 ft. 5, two uncles nearing 7 ft., and a 6 ft 2 husband who use to body build. So it's not as hard as you think to eat that many calories. Now, I get most people are not that tall, but using the argument of having to force feed yourself 3500 calories a day.....not so hard...think about this how many people will sit down at McDonald's and eat a double quarter pounder meal, large fry, and large coke.... thats something like 3400 calories, and then let look at a bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos...how many people sit there and eat a whole bag of them in front of the TV ...that's 2,380 calories....or one more for good measure... Pizza Hut hand tossed Supreme Pizza 4 pieces is 1,080 calories. I know a lot of people who can eat this easily. Consuming calories is not the problem, it's over consuming calories for your natural body weigth that's the problem. I'm just saying that @ 375 pounds it takes 5,250 calories a day to maintain that weight so eating that many calories was not an issue for him before...dropping it by 1,575 would not hard to do, and just doing that would start to reduce his waistline at an acceptable rate. Sure he could drop calories even more and lose it faster, but how fast is to fast? thats up to him and his doctor.