Why am I so fat right now?

therequiiem

Over the past week my belly has been getting bigger (no, I am not pregnant, lol). It's been about a month that I have not been able to reach 1200 calories daily, for most of the time. It's very hard for me to do this since I am a picky eater and have lost an appetite for meat.

I have a hard time getting in enough water as well.... and have not worked out in over a month. Now that I'm back at school, I keep telling myself to use the gym but I never get there.

Anyway, what do you think is attributing to my belly bloating soooo large? I always watch my sodium on a daily basis.


Also, I ate a lot of cheese last week. It was 50% less fat though, and it always fit into my intakes. Does too much dairy make you fat? Even if its low fat ?

em1976

perhaps your body is storing water because you dont drink enough?Water is important as is eating,if your struggling to get to 1200 and feel your missing essentials such as vitamins and minerals you could try protein shakes,they will at least give your body partially what it needs.If your not eating enough and not taking in what your body needs working out will only stress it more so and use what remaining energy you have.If you plan to work out and do it then you need to replace what your body uses by eating.Very very important to drink water.Just my thoughts anyways.

LisaKyle11

try eating more calories! you are young and likely have a pretty fast metabolism...for now. don't slow it down by eating too few (checked your diary).

determinedcrystal

maybe its stress if you are stressed

therequiiem

perhaps your body is storing water because you dont drink enough?Water is important as is eating,if your struggling to get to 1200 and feel your missing essentials such as vitamins and minerals you could try protein shakes,they will at least give your body partially what it needs.If your not eating enough and not taking in what your body needs working out will only stress it more so and use what remaining energy you have.If you plan to work out and do it then you need to replace what your body uses by eating.Very very important to drink water.Just my thoughts anyways.

Exactly, that is why I haven't worked out... it would just be more energy and food I'd need to consume and I can't even meet my minimum requirements. I hope it's not cuz I haven't been exercising. I really don't know though... it's just discouraging to have a huge belly sticking out waaaay more than usual and you're not sure why!

cat3nv

What is your carb intake? They can make you bloated. Drink lots of water. Good Luck!

therequiiem

What is your carb intake? They can make you bloated. Drink lots of water. Good Luck!

I don't go past 150g of carbs

em1976

The few days i went back through your diary i see no water at all.Try starting slow,if you dont like water cordial may help?I cant drink massive amounts of water as Ill be on the dunny all day and feel very bloated but I attempt at least 5 a day.I hate water so I have cordial.

psuLemon

First, please get some help (on the eating disorder), second have you taken any measurements with yoru stomach or just your appearance in the mirror? Because if you don't have measurements, it is most likely in your head. Seriously, please get some help. i have seen people go through this and have screwed their body up.


For the real answer, it's because you aren't eating. Not eating cause your body to fight for energy so it quickly turns carbs and proteins into fat storage so it can get energy. So the less you eat, the more you body assumes it wont' get a meal. If you want to prevent that, and the further damaging of yoru metabolism, you need to eat. It is very easy to get over 1200 calories except when you convience yourself otherwise. Heck, I eat 1200 calories by 10 am. If you have trouble eating calories, then you need to eat higher calorie foods like nuts, protein shakes, protein bars, avocado, etc..

therequiiem

First, please get some help (on the eating disorder), second have you taken any measurements with yoru stomach or just your appearance in the mirror? Because if you don't have measurements, it is most likely in your head. Seriously, please get some help. i have seen people go through this and have screwed their body up.


For the real answer, it's because you aren't eating. Not eating cause your body to fight for energy so it quickly turns carbs and proteins into fat storage so it can get energy. So the less you eat, the more you body assumes it wont' get a meal. If you want to prevent that, and the further damaging of yoru metabolism, you need to eat. It is very easy to get over 1200 calories except when you convience yourself otherwise. Heck, I eat 1200 calories by 10 am. If you have trouble eating calories, then you need to eat higher calorie foods like nuts, protein shakes, protein bars, avocado, etc..

Thanks so much... I am seeing the dietician from our college tomorrow thank goodness. I know it's not hard to get 1200 calories in, but I find that with how picky I am and my distaste for meat has me reaching all my macros and not my calories.... And I am concerned with macros more than being low on calories... if that makes sense. So I don't eat anymore once I have reached my macros.... and if I reach my sodium and carb intake I like refuse to go over...

em1976

I personally feel the 'get some help' comment was unnecessary.She is eating,she is just not eating enough.There is a decent variety in her diary and she is making an effort and recognizing that there is an issue.

She said she has issues with meat,not all foods.

aimstein

Sounds like your nutrition is completely messed up and your body is trying to tell you something. I'm not trying to be "preachy" but at your current weight...if you aren't eating at least 1200 calories a day...you aren't doing yourself any favors. Add a lack of H20 into the equation and my best guess is you probably need a good bm. Eat your calories, drink your water, and exercise.....it will keep everything moving and keep you healthy. If you need to increase your calorie intake and don't want to consume meat....use Mufa's to increase protein and caloric intake. Also, invest in a good protein shake mixed with natural greek yogurt and strawberries...they can boost calories too.....and, if you're avoiding dairy they make soy protein. Btw, just my advice....I'm definitely not and expert. Good luck on your journey!

albayin

Could be the cheese? I myself realized I'm lactose intolerant. Everytime when I eat dairy, my stomach bloats like crazy. Also my OB told me that bloating is quite normal near period.

therequiiem

Sounds like your nutrition is completely messed up and your body is trying to tell you something. I'm not trying to be "preachy" but at your current weight...if you aren't eating at least 1200 calories a day...you aren't doing yourself any favors. Add a lack of H20 into the equation and my best guess is you probably need a good bm. Eat your calories, drink your water, and exercise.....it will keep everything moving and keep you healthy. If you need to increase your calorie intake and don't want to consume meat....use Mufa's to increase protein and caloric intake. Also, invest in a good protein shake mixed with natural greek yogurt and strawberries...they can boost calories too.....and, if you're avoiding dairy they make soy protein. Btw, just my advice....I'm definitely not and expert. Good luck on your journey!

What is bm? I know I am not doing myself any favors, it's just seriously hard for me to reach 1200 calories without going over in all my macros. Once I hit my carb intake (150) and my sodium intake (1800), I refuse to go over. So I am left with meeting my macros but not my calories.

What is a good protein powder? Should I stay away from cheese?

psuLemon

I personally feel the 'get some help' comment was unnecessary.She is eating,she is just not eating enough.There is a decent variety in her diary and she is making an effort and recognizing that there is an issue.

She said she has issues with meat,not all foods.

If you want to know why I said that, please read this.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/331312-eating-disorder-vs-dieting


therequiiem, it's great you are seeing a nutritionist, but you should also see a pychologist, I just dont' want you to get to a point (like several of my friends have been) where you continue to believe that you are getting fatter and you eat less and less.. I apologize if I seem rough but I really wanted to push that point.

CindiBryce

Sounds like your nutrition is completely messed up and your body is trying to tell you something. I'm not trying to be "preachy" but at your current weight...if you aren't eating at least 1200 calories a day...you aren't doing yourself any favors. Add a lack of H20 into the equation and my best guess is you probably need a good bm. Eat your calories, drink your water, and exercise.....it will keep everything moving and keep you healthy. If you need to increase your calorie intake and don't want to consume meat....use Mufa's to increase protein and caloric intake. Also, invest in a good protein shake mixed with natural greek yogurt and strawberries...they can boost calories too.....and, if you're avoiding dairy they make soy protein. Btw, just my advice....I'm definitely not and expert. Good luck on your journey!

What is bm? I know I am not doing myself any favors, it's just seriously hard for me to reach 1200 calories without going over in all my macros. Once I hit my carb intake (150) and my sodium intake (1800), I refuse to go over. So I am left with meeting my macros but not my calories.

What is a good protein powder? Should I stay away from cheese?

I think it's more important to meet 1200 than going over your macros by a little bit.

em1976

For my protein shakes if im below calories and wish to up them and need extra goodness I add cottage cheese,frozen berries,milk,the powder,so many other things if you wish to adjust such as bananas,cream cheese,yoghurt,or freeze the bananas.

Also Yes i read her post,and yes theres an issue.I guess after years of being severely over weight and being critisized constantly Im now at the point where some things can be said constructively and can be worded to get the point across better..if that makes sense at all.

therequiiem

Sounds like your nutrition is completely messed up and your body is trying to tell you something. I'm not trying to be "preachy" but at your current weight...if you aren't eating at least 1200 calories a day...you aren't doing yourself any favors. Add a lack of H20 into the equation and my best guess is you probably need a good bm. Eat your calories, drink your water, and exercise.....it will keep everything moving and keep you healthy. If you need to increase your calorie intake and don't want to consume meat....use Mufa's to increase protein and caloric intake. Also, invest in a good protein shake mixed with natural greek yogurt and strawberries...they can boost calories too.....and, if you're avoiding dairy they make soy protein. Btw, just my advice....I'm definitely not and expert. Good luck on your journey!

What is bm? I know I am not doing myself any favors, it's just seriously hard for me to reach 1200 calories without going over in all my macros. Once I hit my carb intake (150) and my sodium intake (1800), I refuse to go over. So I am left with meeting my macros but not my calories.

What is a good protein powder? Should I stay away from cheese?

I think it's more important to meet 1200 than going over your macros by a little bit.

I guess since I lowered my carbs and saw better results its just a fear in me to go over my carb intake, when it should probably be lower than where I have it now. Same with sodium. I am scared of both of those.

lmelangley

Ok, this is off the wall and I know I really know very little about metabolism and such, but if you've been under 1200 calories for a while, is it possible you've thrown yourself into starvation mode? Ok, over the top but I can't help thinking about starving kids in third world countries with large bellies. I don't know the biology, but I remember reading somewhere that for them, it's caused by the starvation process.

I'd say visit your doctor and see what s/he has to say.

aimstein

bm = bowel movement.

No, you don't have to stay away from cheese, but everything in moderation. If you eat a lot more cheese than normal...in my humble opinion....you will probably feel the effects. However, I tend to think the foods you ate last week (the week ending Sunday, and today is Wednesday) may already be out of your system. Of course, that too is arguable. I'm not sure what the best type of protein shake may be....I use a soy protein, add natural unflavored greek yogurt, and a frozen strawberries. I make it the consistency of a smoothie and eat it after a good workout.

I understand eating less calories and not being hungry enough to eat after a while. However, your body needs fuel. If you aren't really hungry yet need to meet your caloric needs I highly recommend mufa's. You can look them up really easily online. You can meet you caloric intake AND your macros if you eat the right foods. You can do this and be very successful!!!

MrsFarrow

I didn't eat meat for 6 years and never had issues getting enough protein and whatnot. Just my two cents.

aimstein

For my protein shakes if im below calories and wish to up them and need extra goodness I add cottage cheese,frozen berries,milk,the powder,so many other things if you wish to adjust such as bananas,cream cheese,yoghurt,or freeze the bananas.

Also Yes i read her post,and yes theres an issue.I guess after years of being severely over weight and being critisized constantly Im now at the point where some things can be said constructively and can be worded to get the point across better..if that makes sense at all.

I agree with you......AND.....I agree with you again!!!

unicorn19girl

Yup...it's starvation mode. Up your calories slowly...100 to 200 per day until you are around maitenance. Then eat maitenance calories for almost a month to restart your metabolism. If you don't your hair might begin to fall out, depression may set in and you may even stop getting your periods. Always eat at least 1200 or more if you are regularly exercising. Staying below 1200 or even at 1200 for too long a time is dangerous and result in the body holding onto every ounce of food and often the belly grows larger.

Kristy144

Sounds like your extremely bloated, I'd drink tons of water, whether you want to or not your body needs it and eat lots of fiber & protein, stay away from diary for a lil while.

therequiiem

I didn't eat meat for 6 years and never had issues getting enough protein and whatnot. Just my two cents.

Yeah but how picky of an eater are you? I also dont have time to make extravagant meals being a college student... I have been wanting to invest in a protein powder but really want to choose a good one

aimstein

Yup...it's starvation mode. Up your calories slowly...100 to 200 per day until you are around maitenance. Then eat maitenance calories for almost a month to restart your metabolism. If you don't your hair might begin to fall out, depression may set in and you may even stop getting your periods. Always eat at least 1200 or more if you are regularly exercising. Staying below 1200 or even at 1200 for too long a time is dangerous and result in the body holding onto every ounce of food and often the belly grows larger.

I'm not being rude, but your statement could really scare the ba-Jeezus out of people. Iho, I think you need to do a little more research before you post such explicit directions. Once again, I'm definitely not an expert...and I'm not out to argue or change anyone's mind. I just want you to invest some time to research before making statements because you really seem to care and could really be motivating.

xunsungxherox

going over your carb limit of 150g isnt going to kill you. Stop worrying about a slight increase in carbs, as long as your diet is varied and you are eating healthily you will be fine. Im not saying let your self go completely but give or take a little either way. There is a difference between dieting and not giving your body what it needs.

unicorn19girl

My intention was not to scare anyone, but its generally common knowledge that eating 1200 calories or below for an extended period of time is not good for the body. Nothing terrible will happen if calories are upped slightly, but staying below 1200 I'm not so sure. As always, everyone should speak with their physicians about these things as MFP recommends but if you search low calorie or very low calorie diets you will see that they should be performed only under the close supervision of a physician. Sorry that you found my statement offensive. I will try to be clearer in the future, but concerns about an extreme deficit prompted me to reply. So in closing, I will say to everyone...SPEAK WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN ABOUT YOUR DIET AND EXERCISE HABITS. Thanks.

aimstein

My intention was not to scare anyone, but its generally common knowledge that eating 1200 calories or below for an extended period of time is not good for the body. Nothing terrible will happen if calories are upped slightly, but staying below 1200 I'm not so sure. As always, everyone should speak with their physicians about these things as MFP recommends but if you search low calorie or very low calorie diets you will see that they should be performed only under the close supervision of a physician. Sorry that you found my statement offensive. I will try to be clearer in the future, but concerns about an extreme deficit prompted me to reply. So in closing, I will say to everyone...SPEAK WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN ABOUT YOUR DIET AND EXERCISE HABITS. Thanks.

I wasn't offended by your statement...please don't assume that....just thought some of the information you offered could be scary to some and needed a bit more research. I agree many people don't eat enough calories. You were correct in stating the suggested daily minimum calories for women is 1200. Even in a deficit most women should actually eat more than that amount.

silvergurl518

i'm not sure how tall you are, and that could make or break this, but 141.5 lbs is not fat. at all. i would LOVE to be that weight. that's close to my goal....

even if you feel chunky, please, PLEASE, stay healthy.

Thetera

Hi! im currently a junior in nursing school and i thought i could help a bit, dont worry so much about carbs, you are probably retaining water and craving cheese and dairy because you are protein deficient. cheese and dairy contain protein and it is possible to meet your daily protein requirement with cheese alone, though probably a bit high in fat, so the low fat cheese idea was a good one. definitley try to get a protein shake with a nice flavor you like and mix it with milk or something with calories in it. this will help you meet your calorie goal and help you with your protein deficiency. drinking water along with getting more protein is a good idea, drinking more water without getting more protein especially the amounts that people usually drink when excercising or being health concious (eight cups to a gallon a day) would probably make you swell up more. definitley find a way to get more protein