Caloric Intake (Pretty Low, But Not That Low)

onedayatatime12

I'm consuming 1200-1300 calories a day and I feel more energetic, alert, and I'm performing better academically. I can focus so much better too.
But when I tried to consume a strict 1200 a few weeks ago, I couldn't do it. I'm not sure why the change is so sudden, and why my body can tolerate it now but it couldn't tolerate it earlier? Would appreciate any thoughts on this. Thank you!

trogalicious

You're just getting used to not eating enough. Doesn't mean it's a good thing, necessarily.
Eta: you're doing it wrong. You're 18. Do yourself a favor and do some research on tdee/bmr. You're undereating by a fair margin. Far too little.

Update your goals on here at least back to .5 lb loss per week.

heybales

You feeling fully fed and your body actually being fed fully are 2 entirely different things.

And it'll probably slow down again and you'll be right back in the same boat again.

Keep doing that, and eventually it won't speed up again because it knows what is next.

In addition, you'll have less muscle mass for it even to speed up with.

onedayatatime12

Okay, I know I don't want to lose muscle mass, so I'll just go ahead and keep consuming more fresh fruits, veggies, yogurt, and nuts to load up on more calories. Thanks!

heybales

Okay, I know I don't want to lose muscle mass, so I'll just go ahead and keep consuming more fresh fruits, veggies, yogurt, and nuts to load up on more calories. Thanks!

Got some specific protein in there?

Nuts is not good protein source, because you can't ignore fact fat is 2-3x the amount of calories as protein.
Yogurt can be decent, but you got nothing else in that short list - so just confirm you are meeting your protein goal, if using MFP's suggested amount, need more than that even.

onedayatatime12

Okay, I know I don't want to lose muscle mass, so I'll just go ahead and keep consuming more fresh fruits, veggies, yogurt, and nuts to load up on more calories. Thanks!

Got some specific protein in there?

Nuts is not good protein source, because you can't ignore fact fat is 2-3x the amount of calories as protein.
Yogurt can be decent, but you got nothing else in that short list - so just confirm you are meeting your protein goal, if using MFP's suggested amount, need more than that even.

Yes, I eat lean meats like turkey, fish (salmon), chicken, etc! No red meat for me- I don't like it anyways. I'm doing a 45-35-20 carb-protein-fat ratio. I think that sounds alright for my goals?