Been eating less than 2,000 calories a day for a week and gained weight

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Replies

  • ritzvin
    ritzvin Posts: 2,860 Member
    retro_gamer wrote: »
    I’ve been eating 1 meal a day every night for dinner for the past week and it’s the same meal every night at Wendy’s I calculated the meal based on the nutritional information on their website that I get 92 grams of protein and a little less than 1500 calories

    I order 2 double cheeseburgers
    1 chicken sandwich
    And a large chili and I drink water

    All stuff on the value menu

    I think I might have metabolic syndrome because I used to eat very little calories and very little protein but a lot of carbs

    My question is why am I gaining weight when I’m eating 1500 or less calories a day, maybe the nutritional information on the website is inaccurate or maybe it’s all the meat... whatever it is it breaks my motivation that I’m not losing anymore weight and in fact am gaining

    So tonight I will not be eating that meal again seeing as it’s making me gain weight the only other thing is, I feel a lot better I don’t have anymore headaches or hunger pangs, I sleep better at night and my anxiety levels are down. But to summarize I used to eat mostly junk like frozen food and carbs like chips and ice cream but I was losing weight but was getting very little protein. Now I’m eating a higher protein diet but from fast food but still around the same amount of calories and my weight has actually increased.

    Any major change you are seeing within a single week is probably water weight. Considering exactly what you have been eating, a huge amount of water weight would be expected (that stuff is practically a salt lick).
  • ritzvin
    ritzvin Posts: 2,860 Member
    Alatariel75 wrote: »
    Why... why are the patties square? That's really messing with my sense of order...

    I always just kind of assumed they rolled them out in huge sheets and stamp/roller cut them or something- theoretically more efficient than doing round patties. I have no actual idea though.
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    ritzvin wrote: »
    Alatariel75 wrote: »
    Why... why are the patties square? That's really messing with my sense of order...

    I always just kind of assumed they rolled them out in huge sheets and stamp/roller cut them or something- theoretically more efficient than doing round patties. I have no actual idea though.

    Fresh patties are easier to regulate when square than round.

    Wendy's and Whataburger both use square patties and both also use fresh vs frozen meat.
  • lalee115
    lalee115 Posts: 185 Member
    edited November 2017
    For what it's worth, I noticed the other day that the calories listed on the web site did NOT match the calories that my Wendy's listed on their menu. Everything I checked was listed at a higher calorie count at the restaurant menu than the online menu claimed. Some items by as much as 50+ more.
  • iamthemotherofdogs
    iamthemotherofdogs Posts: 562 Member
    This whole thing is making me thirsty, just reading it.
  • Go_Deskercise
    Go_Deskercise Posts: 1,630 Member
    I mean, you are kind of answering your own question here.
    Help, I'm eating all this fast food listed and gaining weight ....

    Cut something out as you're obviously eating too many calories.
    Still hungry after cutting something out?? - Duh, eat healthier so you can eat more.

    Even being your only meal of the day, this seems like a lot to consume in one sitting.
    Eat slowly and learn when your body is full.

    I just don't fully understand why you would limit yourself to 1 meal a day and make that 1 meal fast food... everyday?
  • Wynterbourne
    Wynterbourne Posts: 2,225 Member
    ritzvin wrote: »
    Alatariel75 wrote: »
    Why... why are the patties square? That's really messing with my sense of order...

    I always just kind of assumed they rolled them out in huge sheets and stamp/roller cut them or something- theoretically more efficient than doing round patties. I have no actual idea though.

    If you read a couple posts down from the question you'll see I already answered it.
  • lucerorojo
    lucerorojo Posts: 790 Member
    lalee115 wrote: »
    For what it's worth, I noticed the other day that the calories listed on the web site did NOT match the calories that my Wendy's listed on their menu. Everything I checked was listed at a higher calorie count at the restaurant menu than the online menu claimed. Some items by as much as 50+ more.

    I was going to mention the accuracy too. I don't eat at Wendy's but I'm not sure how much I would trust what these fast food places say is in their food. For years McDonald's hid what they were REALLY doing with the hamburgers and the mcnuggets, so I'm not inclined to believe them on the calorie counts or nutritional information either. Some have a way of "twisting" the truth.
  • NJGamerChick
    NJGamerChick Posts: 467 Member
    Alatariel75 wrote: »
    Why... why are the patties square? That's really messing with my sense of order...

    If I remember the ad correctly back in the 80s, it's because they don't cut corners. It's an implied quality thing. HAHA! It was awesome back then, well that and the "Where's the beef?" campaign.

    https://youtu.be/Ug75diEyiA0
  • jnmalsch
    jnmalsch Posts: 21 Member
    depending on your lifestyle even if you were calories only it may be too many, You aren't accounting for the sneaky calories did the workers use more oil, how much oil did the fried chicken absorb, how much chili is in the cup, are you adding toppings etc... In addition how many calories do you burn a day? weight does fluctuate, you are probably holding water due to the sodium, and since you are getting the carbs to fuel your body all the fat in the food is being stored by your body.
  • sgt1372
    sgt1372 Posts: 3,997 Member
    edited November 2017
    Without knowing anything else, I would have guessed at least 2000 cals for 2 double burgers, a chicken sandwich and a large chilli.

    The 6 pieces of bread alone would be 600-700.

    As for the rest depends on how much meat and the % fat in it, whether the chicken was fried or grilled/roasted, how big and fatty a bowl of chilli, cheese or no cheese on the burgers and chilli and what condiments and/or dressings were added to the burgers and sandwiches.

    Assuming the worst, that could easily add up to far more than 1300. For a total of over 2000 cals for such a meal.
  • lucerorojo
    lucerorojo Posts: 790 Member
    This is an old article, from 2014, but it does show that the reporting on the online calorie counts is usually not accurate. It is not so off, and in some places it is less than what they put online. A lot could depend on how things are done at individual chain restaurants:

    https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2013/03/how-accurate-are-chain-restaurant-calorie-counts/index.htm
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    Much of the differences come down to proper training.

    There's a correct technique and an incorrect technique for applying condiments.

    Additionally, many franchises butter their buns, which is generally not the standard from corporate.
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  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    retro_gamer wrote: »
    For everyone who says I’m not getting the right nutrients from this I have been taking a men’s multi vitamin every day since I’ve started this.

    So anyway last night I didn’t go to Wendy’s instead I ordered Chinese food, I ordered the combo special of boneless spareribs, pork fried rice, and an egg roll, but yeah today I weighed myself and I still didn’t lose any weight in fact I am the exact same weight as I was yesterday morning AND I went on a 6 mile walk yesterday in the cold.

    I feel like my body is so used to me giving it crap food like chips and donuts when I eat something more substantial and healthy it’s fighting against me.

    I still feel a lot better health wise like I said yesterday I have no hunger pangs my anxiety levels are reduced, no more pains and headaches.

    But yeah I’m still not losing weight.
    To everyone who wants to know how much weight I’m up. About 5 pounds.

    5 lbs in a week... on 2000 calorie a day IF.

    Water weight.

    Drink more water
  • Ready2Rock206
    Ready2Rock206 Posts: 9,487 Member
    nutmegoreo wrote: »
    Alatariel75 wrote: »
    Wynterbourne wrote: »
    Alatariel75 wrote: »
    Why... why are the patties square? That's really messing with my sense of order...

    According to a Business Insider article:

    “Wendy's founder Dave Thomas "wanted to make sure that the patty sticks out of the bun so that everyone can see it, see the juiciness," Frank Vamos, director of brand communications for the company.”

    Never bothered to inquire before. Hehe

    Well, there you go! I just don't know if I'd have to eat it by first nibbling all the corners off to make it tidy....

    I don't know why, but I've never been a fan of Wendy's and I strongly suspect it's because of the square patties. I've made my peace with my quirks.

    I refused to eat at Wendy's for years because of those square burgers. Then I finally ate there. I love Wendy's. Not as much as OP but I was wrong to judge the squares.
  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    retro_gamer wrote: »
    For everyone who says I’m not getting the right nutrients from this I have been taking a men’s multi vitamin every day since I’ve started this.

    So anyway last night I didn’t go to Wendy’s instead I ordered Chinese food, I ordered the combo special of boneless spareribs, pork fried rice, and an egg roll, but yeah today I weighed myself and I still didn’t lose any weight in fact I am the exact same weight as I was yesterday morning AND I went on a 6 mile walk yesterday in the cold.

    I feel like my body is so used to me giving it crap food like chips and donuts when I eat something more substantial and healthy it’s fighting against me.

    I still feel a lot better health wise like I said yesterday I have no hunger pangs my anxiety levels are reduced, no more pains and headaches.

    But yeah I’m still not losing weight.
    To everyone who wants to know how much weight I’m up. About 5 pounds.

    Have you tried buying groceries from a grocery store (lean meats, veggies, fruits, healthy fats, etc) and cook or prepare some delicious home meals and see how your body responds? And do this for say 4-6 weeks?

    If not, would you be willing to try it?
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  • Spliner1969
    Spliner1969 Posts: 3,233 Member
    CindyWard2 wrote: »
    Fast food is crazy high in sodium.

    This. Drink more water and add 20% to the calories they give you on their website. It doesn't take into account how much ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc. they put on these things, nor can it possibly account for variances in bun size, the amount of toppings, etc. etc. Usually their nutrition guide will state how many grams their calculation is based on, have you ever tried weighing the food they give you on a food scale? For instance I frequently buy the same sub made the same way at Subway. Each time they put a different amount of meat, more or less vegies, and eyeball the sauces I ask for. The nutrition guide says it is 850 calories, but it also says that's for a 482g sandwich. I have NEVER seen this thing be less than 500g when I get it home and weigh it. Hell I've seen it hit almost 600g most days. The people that make it for me see me frequently and tend to give me extra meat and toppings. I'm sure that's not the case at Wendy's but I'd wager the food they are giving you is more calories than what is listed on their website. All fast food generally has between 100% and 200% the daily value of sodium in one. single. meal. That's going to mean water weight unless you drink a crap ton of water to counter balance it, and even then you're still going to retain some water while your body tries to flush it all out. Food for thought.
  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    retro_gamer wrote: »
    RoxieDawn wrote: »
    retro_gamer wrote: »
    For everyone who says I’m not getting the right nutrients from this I have been taking a men’s multi vitamin every day since I’ve started this.

    So anyway last night I didn’t go to Wendy’s instead I ordered Chinese food, I ordered the combo special of boneless spareribs, pork fried rice, and an egg roll, but yeah today I weighed myself and I still didn’t lose any weight in fact I am the exact same weight as I was yesterday morning AND I went on a 6 mile walk yesterday in the cold.

    I feel like my body is so used to me giving it crap food like chips and donuts when I eat something more substantial and healthy it’s fighting against me.

    I still feel a lot better health wise like I said yesterday I have no hunger pangs my anxiety levels are reduced, no more pains and headaches.

    But yeah I’m still not losing weight.
    To everyone who wants to know how much weight I’m up. About 5 pounds.

    Have you tried buying groceries from a grocery store (lean meats, veggies, fruits, healthy fats, etc) and cook or prepare some delicious home meals and see how your body responds? And do this for say 4-6 weeks?

    If not, would you be willing to try it?

    Yeah I occasionally buy chicken breast at the store and have made salads before.

    So why can't you forgo the fast food restaurant foods, and try this for a longer term?

    You said your body is so used to you giving it crap food that you think healthy food is fighting against you? You realize this makes no sense? I bet if you do this for 4-6 weeks you would feel so much better and you would not have to monitor and constantly worry about excess sodium in your diet, and being unsure of calorie counts from fast food restaurants.
  • sgtx81
    sgtx81 Posts: 466 Member
    Assuming you mean two double stacks + a crispy chicken + your large chili, you're taking in over 3500mg of sodium a day. It's quite possible you're retaining water. And you're only getting 1430 mg of potassium. You should be taking in more potassium than sodium. If that's all you're eating and you're not at least taking a multivitamin, your micronutrients are crap. I wouldn't make that a longterm thing.
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