Too few calories.

How many is too few calories? I would like to do an extreme calorie cut to get a big weight loss boost .
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Replies

  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    How many is too few calories? I would like to do an extreme calorie cut to get a big weight loss boost .

    Don't do it. The best weight loss is slow and easy.

    My advice is to cut no more than 20% from your TDEE if you have a lot to lose (obese) or 5-10% if you have little to lose (20 or 30) or 5% if you have 10 or less to lose.

    Edited to Add: I've looked over two weeks of your diet log. Your logging is extremely spotty with over calories on some days and WAY under on other days, and some days you don't log at all. You need to get your logging habits under control. My guess is you are not logging every single thing you eat on the days you log, and probably overeating on the days you do log.

    Weigh all solid food and measure all liquid food. Log every single thing you eat and log your exercise calories.

    Losing weight is all about the math: calories in, calorie out. Really, log it all.
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    That depends on a lot of things. What is your height/weight? What are your goals? Do you plan on exercising?

    In general, drastic calorie cuts are not a good idea. Over-restriction tends to lead to binging. Losing too fast results in loss of lean mass as well as fat (meaning when you get to your goal weight you still look soft and flabby). You will deal with loose skin. If your calories are too low, you risk not getting the nutrients you need for strong hair and nails (as well as bones and muscles). You will be more likely to regain weight that is lost in a hurry
  • aliu00
    aliu00 Posts: 61
    do a detox first to lose a big chunk and S"Shock" you body. Then do some other activities with food to continue. Don't eat will not last
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    do a detox first to lose a big chunk and S"Shock" you body. Then do some other activities with food to continue. Don't eat will not last

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/821828-detoxes-and-cleanses
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    do a detox first to lose a big chunk and S"Shock" you body. Then do some other activities with food to continue. Don't eat will not last

    bunk-the-wire.gif
  • nomeejerome
    nomeejerome Posts: 2,616 Member
    do a detox first to lose a big chunk and S"Shock" you body. Then do some other activities with food to continue. Don't eat will not last

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/821828-detoxes-and-cleanses

    This
  • nikilis
    nikilis Posts: 2,305 Member
    How many is too few calories? I would like to do an extreme calorie cut to get a big weight loss boost .


    thats a really bad plan. your weight will come off quickly in the beginning anyway.

    healthy sustainable weight loss is the goal. good habits will help you maintain your healthy weight. most people put the weight back on in 5 years. good habits. not crash dieting.
  • Skarlet13
    Skarlet13 Posts: 146 Member
    It's possible to restrict calories severely and lose weight rapidly, but I wouldn't recommend it. I've done it before and lost weight really fast, but guess what? I was tired all the time, lost quite a bit of hair and ended up gaining it all back. It's simply not sustainable. Better to learn good habits for the long haul. At the moment I'd be happy with even a .5 lb per week loss cause eventually I'll get there. I'd like to lose 4 more pounds before January, but if I don't get there I won't stress. I'll be happy to maintain over the holidays since every year I end up gaining 10 lbs.
  • ChancyW
    ChancyW Posts: 437 Member
    How many is too few calories? I would like to do an extreme calorie cut to get a big weight loss boost .

    Don't do it. The best weight loss is slow and easy.

    My advice is to cut no more than 20% from your TDEE if you have a lot to lose (obese) or 5-10% if you have little to lose (20 or 30) or 5% if you have 10 or less to lose.

    Edited to Add: I've looked over two weeks of your diet log. Your logging is extremely spotty with over calories on some days and WAY under on other days, and some days you don't log at all. You need to get your logging habits under control. My guess is you are not logging every single thing you eat on the days you log, and probably overeating on the days you do log.

    Weigh all solid food and measure all liquid food. Log every single thing you eat and log your exercise calories.

    Losing weight is all about the math: calories in, calorie out. Really, log it all.

    Excellent advice. Healthy eating begins with being completely honest with yourself about what you are eating.
  • Brandolin11
    Brandolin11 Posts: 492 Member
    How many is too few calories? I would like to do an extreme calorie cut to get a big weight loss boost .

    Here is why I don't recommend this - and it has nothing to do with calories.

    It has to do with character. And the disciplines you need for long-term success.

    I'm going to say something that might be difficult to hear:

    People who try to "cut corners" and do "extreme" activities/behaviors to lose weight quickly, etc. became overweight in the first place largely because they're impatient. They want what they want and they want it NOW. This is one of the underlying problems with many overeaters... they cannot "sit" with themselves for any length of time and be "uncomfortable" - they must "feel good" NOW. And unfortunately - they usually use unhealthy methods to bring about that "good" feeling.

    Obviously there are many other underlying factors as well - I'm just dealing with *this* particular issue because it correlates to what you're proposing to do here.

    It's time to stop all that. It's time to put aside the impatience, put aside the fear of discomfort, put aside the fantasy that you can "give yourself a big weight loss boost" (and yes - that is a fantasy!!), and simply do what's right for yourself. Figure out your BMR/TDEE, input that amount into MFP, eat only those calories, exercise, drink your water, lean on support from this community, and WAIT for it to happen in its OWN TIME.

    This will build trust, loyalty, patience, and discipline - in other words, CHARACTER. *This* is what you need to lose weight. Not "less calories". Just something to consider.
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    How many is too few calories? I would like to do an extreme calorie cut to get a big weight loss boost .

    Here is why I don't recommend this - and it has nothing to do with calories.

    It has to do with character. And the disciplines you need for long-term success.

    I'm going to say something that might be difficult to hear:

    People who try to "cut corners" and do "extreme" activities/behaviors to lose weight quickly, etc. became overweight in the first place largely because they're impatient. They want what they want and they want it NOW. This is one of the underlying problems with many overeaters... they cannot "sit" with themselves for any length of time and be "uncomfortable" - they must "feel good" NOW. And unfortunately - they usually use unhealthy methods to bring about that "good" feeling.

    Obviously there are many other underlying factors as well - I'm just dealing with *this* particular issue because it correlates to what you're proposing to do here.

    It's time to stop all that. It's time to put aside the impatience, put aside the fear of discomfort, put aside the fantasy that you can "give yourself a big weight loss boost" (and yes - that is a fantasy!!), and simply do what's right for yourself. Figure out your BMR/TDEE, input that amount into MFP, eat only those calories, exercise, drink your water, lean on support from this community, and WAIT for it to happen in its OWN TIME.

    This will build trust, loyalty, patience, and discipline - in other words, CHARACTER. *This* is what you need to lose weight. Not "less calories". Just something to consider.

    tumblr_luoxltKH9w1r6aoq4o1_500.gif
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    Meanwhile, OP, you've received a lot of great advice about more realistic and consistent expectations (and some really sketchy advice about detoxes and VLCD approaches). My advice is to listen to the great advice and disregard the sketchy advice. Best of luck.
  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    do a detox first to lose a big chunk and S"Shock" you body.

    Bad advice. Your body naturally detoxes itself through normal processes. There is also no need to "shock" your body.
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    How many is too few calories? I would like to do an extreme calorie cut to get a big weight loss boost .

    Here is why I don't recommend this - and it has nothing to do with calories.

    It has to do with character. And the disciplines you need for long-term success.

    I'm going to say something that might be difficult to hear:

    People who try to "cut corners" and do "extreme" activities/behaviors to lose weight quickly, etc. became overweight in the first place largely because they're impatient. They want what they want and they want it NOW. This is one of the underlying problems with many overeaters... they cannot "sit" with themselves for any length of time and be "uncomfortable" - they must "feel good" NOW. And unfortunately - they usually use unhealthy methods to bring about that "good" feeling.

    Obviously there are many other underlying factors as well - I'm just dealing with *this* particular issue because it correlates to what you're proposing to do here.

    It's time to stop all that. It's time to put aside the impatience, put aside the fear of discomfort, put aside the fantasy that you can "give yourself a big weight loss boost" (and yes - that is a fantasy!!), and simply do what's right for yourself. Figure out your BMR/TDEE, input that amount into MFP, eat only those calories, exercise, drink your water, lean on support from this community, and WAIT for it to happen in its OWN TIME.

    This will build trust, loyalty, patience, and discipline - in other words, CHARACTER. *This* is what you need to lose weight. Not "less calories". Just something to consider.

    Amen.
  • Skarlet13
    Skarlet13 Posts: 146 Member
    How many is too few calories? I would like to do an extreme calorie cut to get a big weight loss boost .

    Here is why I don't recommend this - and it has nothing to do with calories.

    It has to do with character. And the disciplines you need for long-term success.

    I'm going to say something that might be difficult to hear:

    People who try to "cut corners" and do "extreme" activities/behaviors to lose weight quickly, etc. became overweight in the first place largely because they're impatient. They want what they want and they want it NOW. This is one of the underlying problems with many overeaters... they cannot "sit" with themselves for any length of time and be "uncomfortable" - they must "feel good" NOW. And unfortunately - they usually use unhealthy methods to bring about that "good" feeling.

    Obviously there are many other underlying factors as well - I'm just dealing with *this* particular issue because it correlates to what you're proposing to do here.

    It's time to stop all that. It's time to put aside the impatience, put aside the fear of discomfort, put aside the fantasy that you can "give yourself a big weight loss boost" (and yes - that is a fantasy!!), and simply do what's right for yourself. Figure out your BMR/TDEE, input that amount into MFP, eat only those calories, exercise, drink your water, lean on support from this community, and WAIT for it to happen in its OWN TIME.

    This will build trust, loyalty, patience, and discipline - in other words, CHARACTER. *This* is what you need to lose weight. Not "less calories". Just something to consider.

    I'm glad you pointed this out because it's so true. We are the NOW society. It seems that people don't want to wait for anything anymore. After being on very low calorie diets in the past and losing weight very quickly only to gain it all back, I've learned my lesson. I'm at the point where even a .5 lb loss per week would be a success. I'm losing steady and I'm not starving. Can't ask for more, tbh and I know I can keep this up for life.
  • gigglesinthesun
    gigglesinthesun Posts: 860 Member
    The body only stores energy in fat, no nutrients, so technically one could argue that you don't need to eat anything. However you'll likely die before you run out of fat, because your body needs other things to survive. The number 1200 calories was picked as minimum, because at that point it can be reasonably assumed that you'll get all that you need from your diet.

    Ultimately it is your choice, but such 'kickstarts' should only be done under medical supervision.
  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    The body only stores energy in fat, no nutrients, so technically one could argue that you don't need to eat anything. However you'll likely die before you run out of fat, because your body needs other things to survive.

    A very obese man ate nothing for a year, lost the excess weight and kept it off. He popped into hospital for regular checkups and took the odd potassium supplement etc.

    The OP's diet of cherry coke, mars bars and chips could of course be replaced with a reasonable amount of actual food and such extreme measures would be unnecessary.

    To answer the original question it is generally recommended that at least 40 grams of protein per day are eaten to avoid muscle loss (the heart is a muscle - hint) and with at least 20 grams of fats to get the essentials in you're looking at 400-600 calories per day minimum on most modern medical diets for rapid weight loss in the obese patient.

    Non-obese people don't have the fat reserves to supply the extra requirements fast enough, so big deficits are not advisable for less heavy people. If the food eaten is low nutrient rubbish then more calories have to be eaten to get the necessary fats, minerals and vitamins.
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    The body only stores energy in fat, no nutrients, so technically one could argue that you don't need to eat anything. However you'll likely die before you run out of fat, because your body needs other things to survive.

    A very obese man ate nothing for a year, lost the excess weight and kept it off. He popped into hospital for regular checkups and took the odd potassium supplement etc.

    The OP's diet of cherry coke, mars bars and chips could of course be replaced with a reasonable amount of actual food and such extreme measures would be unnecessary.

    To answer the original question it is generally recommended that at least 40 grams of protein per day are eaten to avoid muscle loss (the heart is a muscle - hint) and with at least 20 grams of fats to get the essentials in you're looking at 400-600 calories per day minimum on most modern medical diets for rapid weight loss in the obese patient.

    Non-obese people don't have the fat reserves to supply the extra requirements fast enough, so big deficits are not advisable for less heavy people. If the food eaten is low nutrient rubbish then more calories have to be eaten to get the necessary fats, minerals and vitamins.

    Yeah, and for that one success story in the 60s about half a dozen deaths were also reported in the literature.
  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    Yeah, and for that one success story in the 60s about half a dozen deaths were also reported in the literature.

    There were many success stories over decades, and a few deaths for sure, when fasting was the medical intervention of choice for severe cases. That's why safer protein sparing modified fasts were developed in the 70s to replace the fasting regimes. The morbidly obese are prone to dying, the clue is in the name.

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2495396/pdf/postmedj00315-0056.pdf describing Mr AB does refer to other successes and to 5 reported deaths.


    Here's a modern equivalent to the famous Scotsman https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2008/188/6/safe-year-long-use-very-low-calorie-diet-treatment-severe-obesity using a 600 cal diet under supervision in an obese patient.
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member

    You are starving yourself. Granted you might be healthy now but your body is consuming your muscles for energy and your heart is a muscle. It's only a matter of time.

    Edited to add: I've lost 45 lbs in 6 months on over 2000 calories and I'm much older


    To that point:
    Rapid and/or major weight loss damages the heart by decreasing myocardial fiber size. Lack ofprotein, electrolytes, and micronutrients may contribute to the myofibrillar damage.

    http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/56/1/230S.full.pdf


    This study examines the deaths of 17 people who were doing extreme low calorie diets. Heart issues were to blame. The subjects reported feeling well and they were happy with their progress.

    http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/34/4/453.full.pdf

    This one is the famed Minnesota Starvation experiment. Pay close attention to what happened to the mental health of these formerly psychologically healthy young men:
    Indeed, most of the subjects experienced periods of severe emotional distress and depression.[1]:161 There were extreme reactions to the psychological effects during the experiment including self-mutilation (one subject amputated three fingers of his hand with an axe, though the subject was unsure if he had done so intentionally or accidentally).[5] Participants exhibited a preoccupation with food, both during the starvation period and the rehabilitation phase. Sexual interest was drastically reduced, and the volunteers showed signs of social withdrawal and isolation.[1]:123-124 The participants reported a decline in concentration, comprehension and judgment capabilities

    http://jn.nutrition.org/content/135/6/1347.full
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Starvation_Experiment
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    Edit: Had not seen the post above - given the number of deaths reported even with VLCDs due to heart issues - it makes sense to really make sure this is only done under medical supervision and when in dire medical need due to other risks.
    Yeah, and for that one success story in the 60s about half a dozen deaths were also reported in the literature.

    There were many success stories over decades, and a few deaths for sure, when fasting was the medical intervention of choice for severe cases. That's why safer protein sparing modified fasts were developed in the 70s to replace the fasting regimes. The morbidly obese are prone to dying, the clue is in the name.

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2495396/pdf/postmedj00315-0056.pdf describing Mr AB does refer to other successes and to 5 reported deaths.


    Here's a modern equivalent to the famous Scotsman https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2008/188/6/safe-year-long-use-very-low-calorie-diet-treatment-severe-obesity using a 600 cal diet under supervision in an obese patient.

    Several success stories of year-long fasts with only potassium supplements? I must have missed them, I really only know of the Scottsman (self-reported fast, btw).

    On the other hand, supervised VLCDs are not the same thing.

    The success story you link is of interest.

    1) Patient was only on a 400 cal for a limited time (under strict supervision) and then raised ad libitum(?) with a low fat meal.
    2) The authors state "There is no advantage in reducing energy intake below 3350 kJ/day" or 800 cals.
    3) Again, these are medically supervised diets with full blood marker evaluation throughout.
    4) Authors note "Common minor adverse effects associated with VLCDs, which include cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, headaches, fatigue and dizziness, are generally self-limiting and transient. Other potential effects are gallstones, increased serum uric acid levels, precipitation of gout and reduced bone mineral density.
    5) The effectiveness of such a long diet (with n=1) can be challenged when we see that after 5 months the loss, even at such low cals, basically went down to what would normally be seen with a more conservative diet. The patient only lost about 10kg in the last 6 months or about a lb a week.

    sum11206_fm-1.gif

    Given the initial situation and medical need to lose weight what might have made sense for that case, often does not, with respect to the associated risk and lack of medical knowledge or supervision for the random person posting a "quick win" diet request on the message boards. The OP does not appear to be morbidly obese nor in the medical quandry of needing a VLCD.

    If you are interested in a VLCD, see a specialist.
    If you plan to do it on your own, well, I feel it's a Russian roulette.
  • elyelyse
    elyelyse Posts: 1,454 Member
    Yeah, and for that one success story in the 60s about half a dozen deaths were also reported in the literature.

    There were many success stories over decades, and a few deaths for sure, when fasting was the medical intervention of choice for severe cases. That's why safer protein sparing modified fasts were developed in the 70s to replace the fasting regimes. The morbidly obese are prone to dying, the clue is in the name.

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2495396/pdf/postmedj00315-0056.pdf describing Mr AB does refer to other successes and to 5 reported deaths.


    Here's a modern equivalent to the famous Scotsman https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2008/188/6/safe-year-long-use-very-low-calorie-diet-treatment-severe-obesity using a 600 cal diet under supervision in an obese patient.

    The problem with this kind of response, is that someone who is anxious to lose the weight fast is going to completely ignore the part where you say "under supervision" . Please don't promote this kind of thing. I've lost over 100 pounds and never needed to limit myself to 600 cals a day. My minimum intake days were double that.
  • jennegan1
    jennegan1 Posts: 677 Member
    OP first off you really shouldnt cut your calories way too low but on the other hand. Looking at your food choices I think you can make better food choices to eat thatll help you lose weight such as more proteins and more fiber itll keep you feeling fuller longer as well
  • LuLuChick78
    LuLuChick78 Posts: 439 Member
    How many is too few calories? I would like to do an extreme calorie cut to get a big weight loss boost .

    Here is why I don't recommend this - and it has nothing to do with calories.

    It has to do with character. And the disciplines you need for long-term success.

    I'm going to say something that might be difficult to hear:

    People who try to "cut corners" and do "extreme" activities/behaviors to lose weight quickly, etc. became overweight in the first place largely because they're impatient. They want what they want and they want it NOW. This is one of the underlying problems with many overeaters... they cannot "sit" with themselves for any length of time and be "uncomfortable" - they must "feel good" NOW. And unfortunately - they usually use unhealthy methods to bring about that "good" feeling.

    Obviously there are many other underlying factors as well - I'm just dealing with *this* particular issue because it correlates to what you're proposing to do here.

    It's time to stop all that. It's time to put aside the impatience, put aside the fear of discomfort, put aside the fantasy that you can "give yourself a big weight loss boost" (and yes - that is a fantasy!!), and simply do what's right for yourself. Figure out your BMR/TDEE, input that amount into MFP, eat only those calories, exercise, drink your water, lean on support from this community, and WAIT for it to happen in its OWN TIME.

    This will build trust, loyalty, patience, and discipline - in other words, CHARACTER. *This* is what you need to lose weight. Not "less calories". Just something to consider.

    This x 1000 :drinker: You may have earned yourself a friend request, haha! :tongue:
  • megsmom2
    megsmom2 Posts: 2,362 Member
    do a detox first to lose a big chunk and S"Shock" you body. Then do some other activities with food to continue. Don't eat will not last

    um..no. cleanses are a waste of your time and money. eat decent healthy food in sufficient amounts.
  • Lives2Travel
    Lives2Travel Posts: 682 Member
    I agree with other posters that going on a long-term VLCD is not necessary and likely dangerous to your health. Such extremes aren't in the best interest of all but the most obese who are faced with serious weight related health issues.

    But, I'm also not in agreement with those (not pointing to anyone in this thread) who say that no one should be aiming to lose more than 1/2 to 1 lb. per week. I started with 150 lbs to lose. At 1/2 lb per week, that's almost 6 years to lose the weight or almost 3 years at a lb a week. The reality is that at age 55, I'm just not willing to wait 3-6 years to get the weight off. I doubt that many are or have the patience to wait so long to see significant results.

    So far, I've kept my goal at a 2 lb. loss per week and eaten the number of calories suggested by MFP to get there. I've been at 1200 for a while now and I stick to it. I eat back half of my exercise calories and make sure I meet the macro requirements. When I get within 20 lbs. of my goal, I'm going to change the settings to 1 lb. per week. When I get within 5 lbs, I'm going to change it to 1/2 lb per week. That seems like a reasonabIe way to go as I approach my goal and to get ready for maintenance. I hope to be at goal by the end of 2014, a year and a half after starting this journey.
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    I agree with other posters that going on a long-term VLCD is not necessary and likely dangerous to your health. Such extremes aren't in the best interest of all but the most obese who are faced with serious weight related health issues.

    But, I'm also not in agreement with those (not pointing to anyone in this thread) who say that no one should be aiming to lose more than 1/2 to 1 lb. per week. I started with 150 lbs to lose. At 1/2 lb per week, that's almost 6 years to lose the weight or almost 3 years at a lb a week. The reality is that at age 55, I'm just not willing to wait 3-6 years to get the weight off. I doubt that many are or have the patience to wait so long to see significant results.

    So far, I've kept my goal at a 2 lb. loss per week and eaten the number of calories suggested by MFP to get there. I've been at 1200 for a while now and I stick to it. I eat back half of my exercise calories and make sure I meet the macro requirements. When I get within 20 lbs. of my goal, I'm going to change the settings to 1 lb. per week. When I get within 5 lbs, I'm going to change it to 1/2 lb per week. That seems like a reasonabIe way to go as I approach my goal and to get ready for maintenance. I hope to be at goal by the end of 2014, a year and a half after starting this journey.

    I haven't seen anyone give this advice to someone with a lot of weight to lose. That doesn't mean it hasn't happened, but usually when I (and others) tell someone to set their goal at .5 or 1 lb per week it's because they don't have much to lose and their body doesn't have the fat stores for a larger deficit.

    I agree that it's unrealistic to expect a person who is very overweight to go that slow.
  • Brandolin11
    Brandolin11 Posts: 492 Member
    How many is too few calories? I would like to do an extreme calorie cut to get a big weight loss boost .

    Here is why I don't recommend this - and it has nothing to do with calories.

    It has to do with character. And the disciplines you need for long-term success.

    I'm going to say something that might be difficult to hear:

    People who try to "cut corners" and do "extreme" activities/behaviors to lose weight quickly, etc. became overweight in the first place largely because they're impatient. They want what they want and they want it NOW. This is one of the underlying problems with many overeaters... they cannot "sit" with themselves for any length of time and be "uncomfortable" - they must "feel good" NOW. And unfortunately - they usually use unhealthy methods to bring about that "good" feeling.

    Obviously there are many other underlying factors as well - I'm just dealing with *this* particular issue because it correlates to what you're proposing to do here.

    It's time to stop all that. It's time to put aside the impatience, put aside the fear of discomfort, put aside the fantasy that you can "give yourself a big weight loss boost" (and yes - that is a fantasy!!), and simply do what's right for yourself. Figure out your BMR/TDEE, input that amount into MFP, eat only those calories, exercise, drink your water, lean on support from this community, and WAIT for it to happen in its OWN TIME.

    This will build trust, loyalty, patience, and discipline - in other words, CHARACTER. *This* is what you need to lose weight. Not "less calories". Just something to consider.

    I'm glad you pointed this out because it's so true. We are the NOW society. It seems that people don't want to wait for anything anymore. After being on very low calorie diets in the past and losing weight very quickly only to gain it all back, I've learned my lesson. I'm at the point where even a .5 lb loss per week would be a success. I'm losing steady and I'm not starving. Can't ask for more, tbh and I know I can keep this up for life.

    This is beautiful. I'm very excited that you've discovered this very important "secret" of weight loss success! You will go the distance with this mentality - protect that with all your heart, soul, and mind and never allow yourself to go back to your old way of thinking. If you can create and maintain that new pathway in your brain, you will have 3,000x more chance of succeeding in reaching your goal.

    I would like to mention that I AM one of the impatient people I mentioned above! I went from 115 lbs in college to 203 lbs by age 36 and much of that occurred because of my NOW mentality, that urgent need to eat the MOMENT I felt uncomfortable about something in life. It's called "compulsive overeating". It's a compulsion and when we build that compulsion into a habit, we are doomed.

    Thus, one of the most important things that us compulsive overeaters can do for ourselves, is to stop, slow down, and SUBMIT ourselves to a higher process, a healthy process, a long-term process. To practice this daily. Then weekly. Then monthly. And guess what happens next? You wake up a year later (like me) and you've DONE IT. You've reached your goal. Interestingly, you'll be surprised that you already arrived, because by then, Patience is a huge part of your life and you hadn't been worried for a long time about losing the weight quickly. And as you maintain, that patience will protect you over the course of your life, as you continue to submit to it. It's a beautiful thing! :)