Starvation Mode

powerglove

Quick question: I understand that starvation mode tends to set in when a women does not each 1200 calories per day. I was wondering, does that mean 1200 calories ingested for that day, or a net of 1200 calories?

Just wondering as I eat around 1600 calories per day, but work out quite heavily on some days. Could my body be going into starvation mode if my net calories is under 1200?

Thanks!

lsd007

Net.

elliecolorado

Lots of debate on that topic around here.

I personally make sure that I eat 1200 calories, but don't worry about net (I usually net about 800-1000). When I was eating 1200 net I only lost 1 pound in a month, now that I eat less I lose on average 3 pounds a week.

lsd007

How far under are you? Just a bit won't make a big difference, it isn't like your body flips a switch once it passes 1,199. Also, if it isn't a frequent occurrence I wouldn't worry much.

Heatherbelle_87

That depends on which professionals you are talking to and how much weight you have to lose. If youre trying to lose that last 5-10 lbs you need to stay closer to 1200 NET when you have large amounts of weight to lose some physicians will put people on 1200 cals a day PLUS excercise ontop of their normal activity without increasing calories. I only eat back my excercise cals if Im hungry, if I stay well under them for a few days I do end up with a ravenous day where I end up going over but try to keep it with healthy choices

kamoira23

I don't know... there IS a lot of debate about that around here. I usually try to eat 1200, regardless of my workout deficit. My stance is, if I am going to eat back all the calories I burn while exercising, why exercise to lose weight? I mean, I know it's good for your body and all that, but it all boils down to the calories for weight loss!