Another "Eat below BMR" Question

_jayciemarie_

Hey everyone! I have been at this weightloss since the end of July. I am down 56lbs. At first (like most people) I was losing weight at a rapid pace at about 8-10lbs a month. Since Christmas I am only down about 8-10lbs. I have looked up my bmr and it is 1508. Currently I have my calorie goal set at 1550. I would say don't bother looking in my diary because honestly the last couple months have been inconsistent. I am just wondering if I eat below my BMR (we will say about 1200 calories consumed) every other day--SHOULD I lose weight? (not "WILL I", should I lose weight). I know this won't be forever. I just need another jumpstart. I would maybe do this for the next month or maybe two months and then ease into back into the BMR area until I get to my goal. Any thoughts?

deksgrl

At this phase of your weight loss, you should be expecting 1 pound a week loss. Set MFP to lose 1 pound a week if it is not already.

diannethegeek

Should you lose weight? Yes. Eating anywhere below your TDEE should allow you to lose weight.

But the recommendation not to eat below your BMR has less to do with weight loss and more to do with fat loss. The higher your deficit from TDEE the more likely you are to see lean muscle loss, reduced energy levels, nutrient deficiencies, and dietary adherence can become a problem.

There are a lot of other ways to "jumpstart" your diet if you're just looking for a sort of mental boost. Getting stricter with your logging, buying a food scale if you don't have one. trying new foods or new recipes, changing your macros, etc. Reconsider your goals and what you want to achieve with this diet. I'm Betting that the number on the scale isn't the only goal you have.

QuietBloom

Agree with other two posts. As you approach your goal, weight loss should slow. 2 lbs a week is only appropriate for someone who is very overweight. Set your goal to lose 1 lb per week instead of 2. Eat plenty of protein (1 g/lb of lean body mass). Use a food scale. Definitely do not drop below your BMR as it will cause unnecessary stress on your body and can result in loss of muscle and organ weight.