Will I gain weight from starvation mode or is it all a myth?
Alyyy233
Posts: 9 Member
I'm 5'7 and 132-134 pounds. I'm a vegetarian, considering going vegan soon by the way since a lot of my meals are completely plant based. Before going vegetarian, my calorie intake was in the range of 1600-1800 and sometimes 1900. Since going vegetarian I've noticed its decreasing without me really trying. I was getting full at 1500-1600 then around 1400 and then 1200-1300 and now I can barely push past 1200 since making a majority of my meals completely plant-based (no eggs, dairy, honey, etc). Not restricting on purpose. I'm just enjoying plant-based more and more over time. But recently, I was told that if I continue to stay at under 1200 or just at 1200, especially while still maintaining the same level of activity, I'm going to go into starvation mode and gain weight/fat, and wreck my metabolism. Is this true? I don't want that to happen. But at the same time, I really enjoy eating these plant-based meals (which happen to fill me up quickly and in small amounts/volume). Please help!
Ps, another thing I just want to add out there. My protein has decreased while carbs have increased, however, protein intake is not under 100 grams. And a majority of my carbs are fiber so I have a medium-small net. Reason I write this is because I've also been told that the increase in carbs will cause fat storage.
Ps, another thing I just want to add out there. My protein has decreased while carbs have increased, however, protein intake is not under 100 grams. And a majority of my carbs are fiber so I have a medium-small net. Reason I write this is because I've also been told that the increase in carbs will cause fat storage.
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No.3
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Nope.2
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Eating an adequate diet is important for nutritional purposes, but the idea that your body clings to fat and you may even gain weight if you don't eat enough, is a myth. You gain weight by eating too many calories.3
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At 5'7 and just over 130, why would you want to eat less than 1200 calories a day? Are you trying to lose 2 pounds a week? Your BMI is already at 20 or 21, which is on the lower side of the healthy range. If you are, I would be very careful to ensure you still have the fuel you need. You can easily add olive oil, beans, corn, potatoes, and other nutrient- and calorie-dense vegan foods to your diet. Starvation mode is not a thing, but I can't imagine it would be particularly pleasant to have my body cannibalize my hair and nails to get the nutrients it needs.
Carbs do not cause fat unless you eat too many of them, same with the other two macronutrients.3 -
Ok thanks for clearing that up, everyone
The 1100-1200 calories has been going on straight for about a month. I haven't weighed myself since and haven't visited my mom lately, who has the scale lol. But last time I weighed which was the beginning of October, I weighed somewhere between 132-134. I do feel lighter though. My exercises are aerobic activity and resistance workouts. 1 -
The answer is no to weight gain / starvation modes / carbs causing fat storage etc..
The answer is also no on you eating 1200 calories and less calories a day.. you need to work on this part.4 -
Ok thanks for clearing that up, everyone The 1100-1200 calories has been going on straight for about a month. I haven't weighed myself since and haven't visited my mom lately, who has the scale lol. But last time I weighed which was the beginning of October, I weighed somewhere between 132-134. I do feel lighter though. My exercises are aerobic activity and resistance workouts.
At 5'7" you're already at a healthy weight. How much more are you trying to lose?0 -
jmbmilholland wrote: »At 5'7 and just over 130, why would you want to eat less than 1200 calories a day? Are you trying to lose 2 pounds a week? Your BMI is already at 20 or 21, which is on the lower side of the healthy range. If you are, I would be very careful to ensure you still have the fuel you need. You can easily add olive oil, beans, corn, potatoes, and other nutrient- and calorie-dense vegan foods to your diet. Starvation mode is not a thing, but I can't imagine it would be particularly pleasant to have my body cannibalize my hair and nails to get the nutrients it needs.
Carbs do not cause fat unless you eat too many of them, same with the other two macronutrients.
Am not trying to lose anymore weight. I was very overweight at one point and lost it last year but as a newly vegetarian, I now get very full at 1200 calories. Probably because of the dramatic increase in fiber and increase in veggies which are low calorie. I like this lifestyle. I personally feel more energized and less stomach issues with no meat and few-no animal by products. But that's just me.0 -
jmbmilholland wrote: »At 5'7 and just over 130, why would you want to eat less than 1200 calories a day? Are you trying to lose 2 pounds a week? Your BMI is already at 20 or 21, which is on the lower side of the healthy range. If you are, I would be very careful to ensure you still have the fuel you need. You can easily add olive oil, beans, corn, potatoes, and other nutrient- and calorie-dense vegan foods to your diet. Starvation mode is not a thing, but I can't imagine it would be particularly pleasant to have my body cannibalize my hair and nails to get the nutrients it needs.
Carbs do not cause fat unless you eat too many of them, same with the other two macronutrients.
Am not trying to lose anymore weight. I was very overweight at one point and lost it last year but as a newly vegetarian, I now get very full at 1200 calories. Probably because of the dramatic increase in fiber and increase in veggies which are low calorie. I like this lifestyle. I personally feel more energized and less stomach issues with no meat and few-no animal products. But that's just me.
If you keep eating 1200 calories or less you will keep losing weight. If you don't want to lose weight, then eat more than 1200 calories.7 -
jmbmilholland wrote: »At 5'7 and just over 130, why would you want to eat less than 1200 calories a day? Are you trying to lose 2 pounds a week? Your BMI is already at 20 or 21, which is on the lower side of the healthy range. If you are, I would be very careful to ensure you still have the fuel you need. You can easily add olive oil, beans, corn, potatoes, and other nutrient- and calorie-dense vegan foods to your diet. Starvation mode is not a thing, but I can't imagine it would be particularly pleasant to have my body cannibalize my hair and nails to get the nutrients it needs.
Carbs do not cause fat unless you eat too many of them, same with the other two macronutrients.
Am not trying to lose anymore weight. I was very overweight at one point and lost it last year but as a newly vegetarian, I now get very full at 1200 calories. Probably because of the dramatic increase in fiber and increase in veggies which are low calorie.
That's good! I agree that you sound like you are at a fantastic weight as you are.
How do you get 100+ grams of protein on a vegan diet, btw? I am not vegetarian, but some days struggle to get enough. Tips, please!0 -
jmbmilholland wrote: »At 5'7 and just over 130, why would you want to eat less than 1200 calories a day? Are you trying to lose 2 pounds a week? Your BMI is already at 20 or 21, which is on the lower side of the healthy range. If you are, I would be very careful to ensure you still have the fuel you need. You can easily add olive oil, beans, corn, potatoes, and other nutrient- and calorie-dense vegan foods to your diet. Starvation mode is not a thing, but I can't imagine it would be particularly pleasant to have my body cannibalize my hair and nails to get the nutrients it needs.
Carbs do not cause fat unless you eat too many of them, same with the other two macronutrients.
Am not trying to lose anymore weight. I was very overweight at one point and lost it last year but as a newly vegetarian, I now get very full at 1200 calories. Probably because of the dramatic increase in fiber and increase in veggies which are low calorie. I like this lifestyle. I personally feel more energized and less stomach issues with no meat and few-no animal by products. But that's just me.
Personally I feel better getting less of certain types of food, but I feel like crap when I do not get enough food in general.. So you might feel great now, but this will lessen as eating too little will not only cause more weight loss, you will start having side effects short term that can lead into longer term ones the longer you keep under eating..
Now that you have the answer to carbs and starvation mode, what can you do to increase your diet? This method does not sound like its really good for you at all..1 -
jmbmilholland wrote: »jmbmilholland wrote: »At 5'7 and just over 130, why would you want to eat less than 1200 calories a day? Are you trying to lose 2 pounds a week? Your BMI is already at 20 or 21, which is on the lower side of the healthy range. If you are, I would be very careful to ensure you still have the fuel you need. You can easily add olive oil, beans, corn, potatoes, and other nutrient- and calorie-dense vegan foods to your diet. Starvation mode is not a thing, but I can't imagine it would be particularly pleasant to have my body cannibalize my hair and nails to get the nutrients it needs.
Carbs do not cause fat unless you eat too many of them, same with the other two macronutrients.
Am not trying to lose anymore weight. I was very overweight at one point and lost it last year but as a newly vegetarian, I now get very full at 1200 calories. Probably because of the dramatic increase in fiber and increase in veggies which are low calorie.
That's good! I agree that you sound like you are at a fantastic weight as you are.
How do you get 100+ grams of protein on a vegan diet, btw? I am not vegetarian, but some days struggle to get enough. Tips, please!
Protein powder at least once a day. Either plant-based or whey since I'm not considered vegan yet. I still consume eggs and some dairy which also help. And there's high protein veggies/plant foods like kale, mushrooms, quinoa, beans, etc.
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Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »jmbmilholland wrote: »At 5'7 and just over 130, why would you want to eat less than 1200 calories a day? Are you trying to lose 2 pounds a week? Your BMI is already at 20 or 21, which is on the lower side of the healthy range. If you are, I would be very careful to ensure you still have the fuel you need. You can easily add olive oil, beans, corn, potatoes, and other nutrient- and calorie-dense vegan foods to your diet. Starvation mode is not a thing, but I can't imagine it would be particularly pleasant to have my body cannibalize my hair and nails to get the nutrients it needs.
Carbs do not cause fat unless you eat too many of them, same with the other two macronutrients.
Am not trying to lose anymore weight. I was very overweight at one point and lost it last year but as a newly vegetarian, I now get very full at 1200 calories. Probably because of the dramatic increase in fiber and increase in veggies which are low calorie. I like this lifestyle. I personally feel more energized and less stomach issues with no meat and few-no animal products. But that's just me.
If you keep eating 1200 calories or less you will keep losing weight. If you don't want to lose weight, then eat more than 1200 calories.
Any specific suggestions? "Eat more than 1200 calories" while someone is already struggling to get 1200 doesn't really help. It's like telling an injured person to walk when they're already struggling to walk.0 -
Maybe add some nut butters to up your caloric intake and also add some good protein and oils. One tablespoon will easily add 100 cals, plus it tastes great.0
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OP sounds like others have already set you straight that Starvation Mode, as you're describing it, is a myth.
Since you seem to be struggling to fit in the appropriate number of calories to maintain your weight, given the volume of low cal foods you are currently eating, I suggest looking through this great post for ideas (note, not all vegetarian/vegan friendly but surely some will work).
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10142490/a-list-of-calorie-dense-foods/p11 -
You should probably eat more calories a day...
Nut butters are an easy (and vegan) way to add calories, protein, and fat to your diet.
Also--avocados are just plain yummy.0 -
jmbmilholland wrote: »At 5'7 and just over 130, why would you want to eat less than 1200 calories a day? Are you trying to lose 2 pounds a week? Your BMI is already at 20 or 21, which is on the lower side of the healthy range. If you are, I would be very careful to ensure you still have the fuel you need. You can easily add olive oil, beans, corn, potatoes, and other nutrient- and calorie-dense vegan foods to your diet. Starvation mode is not a thing, but I can't imagine it would be particularly pleasant to have my body cannibalize my hair and nails to get the nutrients it needs.
Carbs do not cause fat unless you eat too many of them, same with the other two macronutrients.
Am not trying to lose anymore weight. I was very overweight at one point and lost it last year but as a newly vegetarian, I now get very full at 1200 calories. Probably because of the dramatic increase in fiber and increase in veggies which are low calorie. I like this lifestyle. I personally feel more energized and less stomach issues with no meat and few-no animal by products. But that's just me.
Personally I feel better getting less of certain types of food, but I feel like crap when I do not get enough food in general.. So you might feel great now, but this will lessen as eating too little will not only cause more weight loss, you will start having side effects short term that can lead into longer term ones the longer you keep under eating..
Now that you have the answer to carbs and starvation mode, what can you do to increase your diet? This method does not sound like its really good for you at all..
What method? It's a lifestyle. I made a change and love the plant-based lifestyle. I'm just having trouble getting enough calories apparently. It's a catch-22. Any tips aside from "go back to previous eating lifestyle" would be great.0 -
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Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »jmbmilholland wrote: »At 5'7 and just over 130, why would you want to eat less than 1200 calories a day? Are you trying to lose 2 pounds a week? Your BMI is already at 20 or 21, which is on the lower side of the healthy range. If you are, I would be very careful to ensure you still have the fuel you need. You can easily add olive oil, beans, corn, potatoes, and other nutrient- and calorie-dense vegan foods to your diet. Starvation mode is not a thing, but I can't imagine it would be particularly pleasant to have my body cannibalize my hair and nails to get the nutrients it needs.
Carbs do not cause fat unless you eat too many of them, same with the other two macronutrients.
Am not trying to lose anymore weight. I was very overweight at one point and lost it last year but as a newly vegetarian, I now get very full at 1200 calories. Probably because of the dramatic increase in fiber and increase in veggies which are low calorie. I like this lifestyle. I personally feel more energized and less stomach issues with no meat and few-no animal products. But that's just me.
If you keep eating 1200 calories or less you will keep losing weight. If you don't want to lose weight, then eat more than 1200 calories.
Any specific suggestions? "Eat more than 1200 calories" while someone is already struggling to get 1200 doesn't really help. It's like telling an injured person to walk when they're already struggling to walk.
There is more to being vegetarian than just eating vegetables and whatnot. Eat higher calorie foods...nuts and nut butters, full fat dairy products (I assume anyway that you are lacto-ovo), saute or roast your veggies in oil and use oils in general for cooking...typical vegetarian staple foods like beans, lentils, pastas, etc are also calorie dense.0 -
Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »jmbmilholland wrote: »At 5'7 and just over 130, why would you want to eat less than 1200 calories a day? Are you trying to lose 2 pounds a week? Your BMI is already at 20 or 21, which is on the lower side of the healthy range. If you are, I would be very careful to ensure you still have the fuel you need. You can easily add olive oil, beans, corn, potatoes, and other nutrient- and calorie-dense vegan foods to your diet. Starvation mode is not a thing, but I can't imagine it would be particularly pleasant to have my body cannibalize my hair and nails to get the nutrients it needs.
Carbs do not cause fat unless you eat too many of them, same with the other two macronutrients.
Am not trying to lose anymore weight. I was very overweight at one point and lost it last year but as a newly vegetarian, I now get very full at 1200 calories. Probably because of the dramatic increase in fiber and increase in veggies which are low calorie. I like this lifestyle. I personally feel more energized and less stomach issues with no meat and few-no animal products. But that's just me.
If you keep eating 1200 calories or less you will keep losing weight. If you don't want to lose weight, then eat more than 1200 calories.
Any specific suggestions? "Eat more than 1200 calories" while someone is already struggling to get 1200 doesn't really help. It's like telling an injured person to walk when they're already struggling to walk.
Add some full fat foods.
Add some nuts.
Eat avocados.
Add a protein powder or bar if needed.
I get that you like eating a plant based diet. That's great. But you'll need to figure out a way to fuel your body while eating the way you want.2 -
Your asking if you eat less will you gain weight? Just think about that and whether or not that makes sense.
That said you probably should eat more for health reasons. If being vegetarian/vegan makes you malnourish yourself you should probably either learn a different approach or stop.2 -
jmbmilholland wrote: »At 5'7 and just over 130, why would you want to eat less than 1200 calories a day? Are you trying to lose 2 pounds a week? Your BMI is already at 20 or 21, which is on the lower side of the healthy range. If you are, I would be very careful to ensure you still have the fuel you need. You can easily add olive oil, beans, corn, potatoes, and other nutrient- and calorie-dense vegan foods to your diet. Starvation mode is not a thing, but I can't imagine it would be particularly pleasant to have my body cannibalize my hair and nails to get the nutrients it needs.
Carbs do not cause fat unless you eat too many of them, same with the other two macronutrients.
Am not trying to lose anymore weight. I was very overweight at one point and lost it last year but as a newly vegetarian, I now get very full at 1200 calories. Probably because of the dramatic increase in fiber and increase in veggies which are low calorie. I like this lifestyle. I personally feel more energized and less stomach issues with no meat and few-no animal by products. But that's just me.
Personally I feel better getting less of certain types of food, but I feel like crap when I do not get enough food in general.. So you might feel great now, but this will lessen as eating too little will not only cause more weight loss, you will start having side effects short term that can lead into longer term ones the longer you keep under eating..
Now that you have the answer to carbs and starvation mode, what can you do to increase your diet? This method does not sound like its really good for you at all..
What method? It's a lifestyle. I made a change and love the plant-based lifestyle. I'm just having trouble getting enough calories apparently. It's a catch-22. Any tips aside from "go back to previous eating lifestyle" would be great.
I did not say go back to your old lifestyle.. Basically asked how can you change the method by which way you are eating, counting and consuming calories as they are not enough..
So forget calling it a method and just eat some additional calories that dense.. I am not sure if you are wanting validation that this is ok or not..
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jmbmilholland wrote: »At 5'7 and just over 130, why would you want to eat less than 1200 calories a day? Are you trying to lose 2 pounds a week? Your BMI is already at 20 or 21, which is on the lower side of the healthy range. If you are, I would be very careful to ensure you still have the fuel you need. You can easily add olive oil, beans, corn, potatoes, and other nutrient- and calorie-dense vegan foods to your diet. Starvation mode is not a thing, but I can't imagine it would be particularly pleasant to have my body cannibalize my hair and nails to get the nutrients it needs.
Carbs do not cause fat unless you eat too many of them, same with the other two macronutrients.
Am not trying to lose anymore weight. I was very overweight at one point and lost it last year but as a newly vegetarian, I now get very full at 1200 calories. Probably because of the dramatic increase in fiber and increase in veggies which are low calorie. I like this lifestyle. I personally feel more energized and less stomach issues with no meat and few-no animal by products. But that's just me.
Personally I feel better getting less of certain types of food, but I feel like crap when I do not get enough food in general.. So you might feel great now, but this will lessen as eating too little will not only cause more weight loss, you will start having side effects short term that can lead into longer term ones the longer you keep under eating..
Now that you have the answer to carbs and starvation mode, what can you do to increase your diet? This method does not sound like its really good for you at all..
What method? It's a lifestyle. I made a change and love the plant-based lifestyle. I'm just having trouble getting enough calories apparently. It's a catch-22. Any tips aside from "go back to previous eating lifestyle" would be great.
Add more calorie-dense plant foods to your diet -- bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, coconuts, avocados, cookies, wine, chocolate (without dairy added, of course), beer, olives, plant oils, nuts/nut butters, bananas -- these are all plant foods that can help you increase the number of calories you're eating in a day. Since you're also eating dairy and eggs, it really shouldn't be a problem to get sufficient calories if you focus on it until it is habit-strength.0 -
I gained like 50lbs eating completely plant based. It's easy to get too many calories even if not eating meat/dairy. I thought I wasn't eating all that much since my meals were basically all vegetables, fiber rich carbs but I was wrong. Your mileage may vary. Log everything and you might be surprised how many more calories you'll use once you eat vegan. Previously I was vegetarian0
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WinoGelato wrote: »
I always considered Oreos to be health food. Now it's confirmed! !!!3 -
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