Need some advice.

sapphyre0702
sapphyre0702 Posts: 68
edited September 18 in Food and Nutrition
I understand that by eating all of the calories you are allocated you will lose weight because MFP calculates how much of a deficit you need in order to lose. I trust that it works for other people, but I have such a hard time eating 1200 calories a day. I just get really full and then I feel really full for a really long time after I eat. I exercise for about 45- 60 minutes a day plus walking my dog (moderate pace, 30 minutes a day).

I always thought that because I was full that was enough, but it is like impossible for me to lose weight. I don't have a lot to lose, but I got sick and it took the doctors forever to figure out what was wrong with me and whatever I had caused me to gain 15 pounds and despite exercising all the time, lose muscle mass.

I just don't know what to do.

Replies

  • I understand that by eating all of the calories you are allocated you will lose weight because MFP calculates how much of a deficit you need in order to lose. I trust that it works for other people, but I have such a hard time eating 1200 calories a day. I just get really full and then I feel really full for a really long time after I eat. I exercise for about 45- 60 minutes a day plus walking my dog (moderate pace, 30 minutes a day).

    I always thought that because I was full that was enough, but it is like impossible for me to lose weight. I don't have a lot to lose, but I got sick and it took the doctors forever to figure out what was wrong with me and whatever I had caused me to gain 15 pounds and despite exercising all the time, lose muscle mass.

    I just don't know what to do.
  • if you are having a hard time eatting your calories I suggest eatting healthy foods with a higher calorie count , such as avacados , peanut butter, milk, cheese... Im sure someone else can give you many more examples. These foods are high in calories but still very good for you.
  • pmkelly409
    pmkelly409 Posts: 1,646 Member
    I think the key thing you said is "I don't have much to lose". There are hundreds of posts that speak to the fact that the closer you get to your goal/healthy weight, the harder it is to lose.

    What you should do is TRUST and stick with it. It is marathon not a sprint.

    Have you ever tried nutrition bars - like LUNA? They are very satisfying for me and add 180 calories but are chock full of vitamins and minerals.

    Be honest about everything from food to exercise. If you are still having trouble, perhaps you should seek advise from a nutritionist or trainer, perhaps there is something you are not taking into account.
  • fit_amy
    fit_amy Posts: 41
    I wonder if you are not able to lose weight because you are not eating enough. I know it seems counter-intuitive! Your body requires a certain amount of calories (it varies for each person) every day in order to just survive. If it doesn't get enough, it will go into starvation mode and hang on to every bit of fuel it receives because it thinks it might not get fed again! Amazing isn't it! Our bodies really want us to survive!

    My trainer at the Y told me about one woman who seemed to be doing everything right--she did her cardio and strength training religiously, ate very healthy foods...but was stuck and couldn't lose weight. The trainer measured the woman's basal metabolism and it turned out it was much higher than she thought it was--just to stay alive this woman needed like 1800 calories (wish I were so lucky!!). So, the woman was not eating enough!!! She increased her caloric intake and dropped like 7 pounds in two weeks!

    Maybe you need to eat more calories? blazinemerald had some great food suggestions for ya. Good luck!
  • lotusfromthemud
    lotusfromthemud Posts: 5,335 Member
    Another trick I used while trying to get my calories up (and I think you definitely need to do that, especially if you're working out) is to drink them. Put a banana, a scoop of protein powder, some milk (or water) and a tablespoon of peanut butter with some crushed ice and WHAM! That's about 300 calories in a glass. If you like milk, that's another good way to add calories without "eating them". Soy or almond milk will also work.

    One of the primary symptoms of starvation mode is that you lose your appetite. (per my doctor) I was to the point that food was actually creeping me out. (halfway through eating a piece of fruit, I would think the seeds "looked like bugs" and quit eating it, for one weird example)

    Now, with my metabolism up and running again, I'm hungry for a small something about every three hours. I'm at maintenance now, and on a day without exercise, I eat 1800 calories, no problem. I'm still losing weight at that amount of calories, I keep upping every two weeks, trying to reach a balancing/maintaining point.

    To get out of starvation mode, you must eat. Be careful recording your calories (measure everything), honest about your exercise effort and you can lose the last weight. By eating.:flowerforyou:
  • Thank you everyone, that is some good advice. It also really makes sense and seems to apply in this situation, I will give it a shot and keep you posted! I also think I am going to see a nutritionist to find out my basal metabolic rate.

    Thanks for giving me a boost! :happy:
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