370 Lbs on 1,000 calories a day.

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DomoExe
DomoExe Posts: 4
Hi friends, I've been reading a bit of this site since I started a diet and decided to make an account to ask a question.

I've been eating 1,000 calories or less per day and I feel fine, I'm not hungry all that often, in fact often I have to force myself to eat my scheduled meals because I'm simply not hungry.

Everywhere I read says that I need to eat a bit under my BMR calorie goal, but at my weight that's a staggering 3800 calories. As I said earlier I have to occasionally force myself to eat the foods that are giving me my 1,000 calories a day, so eating a massive 4x that just seems impossible.

To be completely honest my health and energy levels at the moment aren't too big of a concern and sit second to succeeding with this diet.

My question is, will I still consistently lose weight with such a calorie deficit?

Thanks

Replies

  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
    That kind of calorie deficit is not sustainable, and it will most likely set you up for failure.

    You didn't get to 370lbs eating 1,000 calories a day; right not you have a mental mindset that you want to lose weight, and you probably "think" you are okay on 1,000 or less. At 370lbs, you still need to support your body's basic needs, and 1,000 calories will not allow you to do that.

    If 3,800 is too much for you, try bringing it down to 3,000 or 3,500, and see if a few hundred less is more manageable. Eat more calorie or nutrient dense foods, like peanut butter (one of the best things on the planet IMO), avocados, red meats (if you aren't vegetarian) like lean hamburger, or nuts. It is easy to make calorie and macro goals with these foods. Try to learn how to balance nutrient dense foods with snacks and treats you want.

    I suspect you're probably eating mostly fruits/veggies which are low in calories, and are making it difficult to break the 1k mark. Try what I said above, and see if that helps you meet a more appropriate calorie goal.
  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
    That kind of calorie deficit is not sustainable, and it will most likely set you up for failure.

    You didn't get to 370lbs eating 1,000 calories a day; right not you have a mental mindset that you want to lose weight, and you probably "think" you are okay on 1,000 or less. At 370lbs, you still need to support your body's basic needs, and 1,000 calories will not allow you to do that.

    If 3,800 is too much for you, try bringing it down to 3,000 or 3,500, and see if a few hundred less is more manageable. Eat more calorie or nutrient dense foods, like peanut butter (one of the best things on the planet IMO), avocados, red meats (if you aren't vegetarian) like lean hamburger, or nuts. It is easy to make calorie and macro goals with these foods. Try to learn how to balance nutrient dense foods with snacks and treats you want.

    I suspect you're probably eating mostly fruits/veggies which are low in calories, and are making it difficult to break the 1k mark. Try what I said above, and see if that helps you meet a more appropriate calorie goal.

    I would also like to add that I said "set up for failure", because generally VLCDs (Very Low Calorie Diets) generally involve a cycle of restriction, followed by a cycle of overeating or even binging. You may feel fine now, but eventually your body is going to be running on empty, and you WILL feel it. VLCDs also do not teach sustainable habits, or approach weight loss in a healthy way! I know losing weight is tough, but 1,000 calories for a 21 year old male is just not a good idea for approaching weight loss. Please check out the forums here more, and pick up some healthy tips! :)
  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    Yes you'll lose weight. You'll also lose a lot of muscle. Most likely end up pretty miserable and in reality put the weight back on eventually. The idea is to lose weight in a sustainable and retain as much muscle as you can (muscle is good it burns calories). You may be feeling OK now but that wont last. As others have said you didn't get fat eating 1000 calories a day.

    The good news is you probably have actually been eating more. Most people especially when they start are pretty bad at calorie counting. Have a look at the links they will show you how to make more reasonable goals and how to count calories accurately

    Good luck

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1175494-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants?hl=guide+to+sexypants&page=1#posts-18361594

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1234699-logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide
  • shifterbrainz
    shifterbrainz Posts: 245 Member
    Short and sweet. Since you mention BMR, use the calculator to determine the BMR calorie intake that maintains your GOAL weight. Maybe it's obvious, but by GOAL weight, I mean the weight you want to end up at and not one of a series of intermediate weights along the way :-/ FORGET ANYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH YOUR CURRENT WEIGHT. Adopt your GOAL weight's BMR caloric intake into your new eating plan (diet) once and for all. Before you know it, you will be at your goal weight with the added benefit that during the time you've been losing weight, your "new" diet isn't new anymore. Its a way of life, sustainable for a lifetime.

    Keep things simple. Keeps things sensible. Good luck! :-)
  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
    Short and sweet. Since you mention BMR, use the calculator to determine the BMR calorie intake that maintains your GOAL weight. Maybe it's obvious, but by GOAL weight, I mean the weight you want to end up at and not one of a series of intermediate weights along the way :-/ FORGET ANYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH YOUR CURRENT WEIGHT. Adopt your GOAL weight's BMR caloric intake into your new eating plan (diet) once and for all. Before you know it, you will be at your goal weight with the added benefit that during the time you've been losing weight, your "new" diet isn't new anymore. Its a way of life, sustainable for a lifetime.

    Keep things simple. Keeps things sensible. Good luck! :-)

    Please do not do this.
    The deficit will be too great. I punched in 200lbs at 5'8 (not sure your height) to see what the estimate came out to, and it was only 1,800 calories. A 2,000 calorie daily deficit is NOT a good idea at this stage. Please approach this in a reasonable way. Your BMR at your goal weight should be an estimate used to MAINTAIN your goal weight. Not to restrict early on in the process.
  • As it turns out I was counting completely wrong. It's more like 2400 calories, most of which come from almonds, chicken, and extra virgin olive oil.
  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
    As it turns out I was counting completely wrong. It's more like 2400 calories, most of which come from almonds, chicken, and extra virgin olive oil.

    I would recommend getting a food scale; weigh your solids, and use measuring cups for your liquids. This can help you get accurate logs.
    2,400 is definitely a relieving number to see. You probably want to get it up a little bit more if your suggested intake is 3,800/day, but definitely a more reasonable deficit than 1,000!
  • As it turns out I was counting completely wrong. It's more like 2400 calories, most of which come from almonds, chicken, and extra virgin olive oil.

    I would recommend getting a food scale; weigh your solids, and use measuring cups for your liquids. This can help you get accurate logs.
    2,400 is definitely a relieving number to see. You probably want to get it up a little bit more if your suggested intake is 3,800/day, but definitely a more reasonable deficit than 1,000!

    I'm going to go pick up some peanut butter tomorrow and use it to fill out the 30g extra protein I need to eat outside of main meals, that should get me to an acceptable level.

    Thanks for your help :).
  • trinatrina1984
    trinatrina1984 Posts: 1,018 Member
    Hi OP firstly well done on wanting to get healthy its good to see that you are launching into this with enthusiasm, however you need to take this slowly.Unfortunately weight loss takes time if you do it safely and restricting yourself this much is asking for trouble. As I understand it your BMR is your base Metabolic Rate which is the amount of calories that your body needs just to function if you where in a coma. Your TDEE is the amount of cals burnt on a normal day, you should try and find a cal goal somewhere between your TDEE and BMR. what goal had MFP given you?
  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
    As it turns out I was counting completely wrong. It's more like 2400 calories, most of which come from almonds, chicken, and extra virgin olive oil.

    I would recommend getting a food scale; weigh your solids, and use measuring cups for your liquids. This can help you get accurate logs.
    2,400 is definitely a relieving number to see. You probably want to get it up a little bit more if your suggested intake is 3,800/day, but definitely a more reasonable deficit than 1,000!

    I'm going to go pick up some peanut butter tomorrow and use it to fill out the 30g extra protein I need to eat outside of main meals, that should get me to an acceptable level.

    Thanks for your help :).

    No problem! Good luck. :)
  • Hi OP firstly well done on wanting to get healthy its good to see that you are launching into this with enthusiasm, however you need to take this slowly.Unfortunately weight loss takes time if you do it safely and restricting yourself this much is asking for trouble. As I understand it your BMR is your base Metabolic Rate which is the amount of calories that your body needs just to function if you where in a coma. Your TDEE is the amount of cals burnt on a normal day, you should try and find a cal goal somewhere between your TDEE and BMR. what goal had MFP given you?

    I want to say it was 2800, but I can't remember. =p

    edit: its 2400.
  • I believe what a lot of people put forward is their 'knowledge' of what they've attained from scientific studies or just plain news articles. With that being said we gave scientists and doctors a lot of credit 70 years ago and as it turns out they were pretty crazy looking back, I believe in 100 years we'll look back at the time frame we're in now and talk about how dumb we were.

    Everyone is different. That's really the key to success, what you can do with 1,000 calorie diet I simply wouldn't be able to, because I know if I eat less than 1,400 kcal a day I'm miserable and cannot think. Some people are more active and I've seen people who live most their life on junk food, they're in their 60's, they don't care, and they still do marathons. Some people smoke their whole lives into their 90's, and never get cancer. We have these general rules-of-thumb, but nothing can tell YOU how YOUR body will react.

    The simple fact is if you bring in less calories than your body uses for the day, you will lose weight. If you eat more than your burning, you'll gain weight.

    Just don't fall into the mindset that less-is-more and fall victim to any number of eating disorders or self-image problems. Maintain your focus on being #1. Happy and #2. Healthy let vanity sit somewhere around #8 or 9. :)
  • trinatrina1984
    trinatrina1984 Posts: 1,018 Member
    Also people approach this whole weight loss thing in different ways. While some people think 'clean eating' is the way it isn't a must. As long as you stick within a sensible calorific deficit you can have the odd treat - this way you are more likely to stick to it long term. But definitely agree with weighing everything and eating stuff like peanut butter, avacado etc - good luck!
  • trinatrina1984
    trinatrina1984 Posts: 1,018 Member
    Hi OP firstly well done on wanting to get healthy its good to see that you are launching into this with enthusiasm, however you need to take this slowly.Unfortunately weight loss takes time if you do it safely and restricting yourself this much is asking for trouble. As I understand it your BMR is your base Metabolic Rate which is the amount of calories that your body needs just to function if you where in a coma. Your TDEE is the amount of cals burnt on a normal day, you should try and find a cal goal somewhere between your TDEE and BMR. what goal had MFP given you?

    I want to say it was 2800, but I can't remember. =p

    edit: its 2400.

    Even that may be a little low, seriously don't deprive yourself, with this amount of cals to use you could have some very yummy non diet type food and still lose weight as long as you fit it into your target.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,751 Member
    You'll be fine as long as you understand that you'll need to make adjustments to your food intake. You have more than enough adipose tissue to fuel a big deficit, and no you won't lose a lot of muscle at these early stages.......that's mostly associated with low body fat, which you don't have but make sure your getting adequate protein.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,368 Member
    As it turns out I was counting completely wrong. It's more like 2400 calories, most of which come from almonds, chicken, and extra virgin olive oil.

    It was pretty much my first thought... there's no way you could feel full on 1000 calories.
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    As it turns out I was counting completely wrong. It's more like 2400 calories, most of which come from almonds, chicken, and extra virgin olive oil.
    You're fine. Don't listen to any source that claims you need to eat over or near your BMR because that is 100% forum myth. If you're losing more than 1% of your weight per week regularly (so more than 3.5-4 lbs. after the first two weeks), consider eating more. If not, you're fine.

    Good luck and nice work!
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    My question is, will I still consistently lose weight with such a calorie deficit?

    It would be a very rare person that would not lose weight on 1000 calories a day, so yes, you should consistently lose weight.

    You really should see a doctor to make sure your weight loss is healthy, though.
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    You'll be fine as long as you understand that you'll need to make adjustments to your food intake. You have more than enough adipose tissue to fuel a big deficit, and no you won't lose a lot of muscle at these early stages.......that's mostly associated with low body fat, which you don't have but make sure your getting adequate protein.
    This. Especially since you're eating more than you thought, keep doing what you're doing if it is sustainable for you. If you find yourself feeling getting sick a lot, getting light headed, or getting really grouchy, you might need to up your calories a bit. And as you lose weight, you'll need to adjust the calories as well.

    Good luck with your loss!
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    You'll be fine as long as you understand that you'll need to make adjustments to your food intake. You have more than enough adipose tissue to fuel a big deficit, and no you won't lose a lot of muscle at these early stages.......that's mostly associated with low body fat, which you don't have but make sure your getting adequate protein.

    this- 2000 or so calories - even 2500 is adequate- you have enough going on- that you'll be able to sustain that large deficit untill you drop a fair bit of weight- but don't expect to KEEP doing that. At some point you'll have to joint the ranks with the rest of us- and keep a small calorie deficit trudge one pound at a time toward the goal.
  • cheripugh1
    cheripugh1 Posts: 357 Member
    If you are going to eat less than 1200 calories a day you need to be under your Doctor's care. You need to be in order to not hurt your organs permanently. I know I am walking that road right now (under 1000) and trust me it is nothing to mess with, you need vitamin supplements you need a high protein level, you need to have blood work done regularly to make sure everything is in the right zone. you need to know when to increase those calories... many things are super important to learn from a PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL PERSON!
  • GBrady43068
    GBrady43068 Posts: 1,256 Member
    That kind of calorie deficit is not sustainable, and it will most likely set you up for failure.

    You didn't get to 370lbs eating 1,000 calories a day; right not you have a mental mindset that you want to lose weight, and you probably "think" you are okay on 1,000 or less. At 370lbs, you still need to support your body's basic needs, and 1,000 calories will not allow you to do that.

    If 3,800 is too much for you, try bringing it down to 3,000 or 3,500, and see if a few hundred less is more manageable. Eat more calorie or nutrient dense foods, like peanut butter (one of the best things on the planet IMO), avocados, red meats (if you aren't vegetarian) like lean hamburger, or nuts. It is easy to make calorie and macro goals with these foods. Try to learn how to balance nutrient dense foods with snacks and treats you want.

    I suspect you're probably eating mostly fruits/veggies which are low in calories, and are making it difficult to break the 1k mark. Try what I said above, and see if that helps you meet a more appropriate calorie goal.

    I would also like to add that I said "set up for failure", because generally VLCDs (Very Low Calorie Diets) generally involve a cycle of restriction, followed by a cycle of overeating or even binging. You may feel fine now, but eventually your body is going to be running on empty, and you WILL feel it. VLCDs also do not teach sustainable habits, or approach weight loss in a healthy way! I know losing weight is tough, but 1,000 calories for a 21 year old male is just not a good idea for approaching weight loss. Please check out the forums here more, and pick up some healthy tips! :)
    All of this...you didn't gain it overnight and you shouldn't try to lose it overnight either...
This discussion has been closed.