I realise this may get me mocked...

hypotrochoid

Beware the CAUSAL ATTRIBUTION ERROR. I.e.: I eat too many almonds on day 1. I weigh myself on day 2, and my weight is lower. I conclude that there is a causal relationship between eating too many almonds and weight loss. = FAIL.

I swear, if that had actually been what I'd posted I'd totally deserve that. I don't think it's the almonds, I think it's the upped calories- and after reviewing my diary I think it may also have something to do with the way I spread out my calories throughout the day. So, really, is it that horrible that I'm eating more, seeing a bit of a loss after nothing for awhile, and decide to continue to experiment with eating more?

Kisses!

ninerbuff

It's because people try to use false logic when it comes to weight loss. I always here the "car" analogy. If you have a full tank of gas the car will weigh more. Put in less gas and the car will weigh less.
But the body doesn't work that way. It works like a DAM. If there's a CONSISTENT amount of rainfall, the "valves" of the dam are kept open to keep the dam in balance and from overflowing. When there's drought, the valves are "closed" for conservation purposes.
See?

A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

jen3355

This may be a stupid question, but what's the point of doing cardio to burn extra calories off if youre supposed to just eat them? Why not just stick to diet in that case and get the same results? Is the cardio supposed to just be added for when you go over 1200, or are you supposed to eat up the whole 1200? I've never lost weight upping my calories, but then again when i up them i UP THEM and its usually a binge and not a conscience effort, Will probably give this a shot once I hit my plateau, sounds so risky though!

hypotrochoid

1200 probably put a lot of stress on your body, which caused water retention. A day over overfeeding caused leptin to rise, so you dropped some water.

1400 calories is slightly better, but not by much. What would be best for you is eating at maintenance level for a couple of weeks.

My brain is not able to handle that at the moment, but I'll take it under advisement.

tuf7303

Eating a little more, especially in protein, may be the best thing for you. You've lost a lot of your fat, and now you need to work on building some more lean muscle (to help you stay slim). Good luck!

missbis

I keep hearing success stories after people exercise more, eat more, and eat their exercise calories back. Maybe you should raise your calorie range and/or eat your exercise calories back. Good luck.

lilRicki

I was at 1560 calories, and I didn't lose anything for a long time...once i started weight training, I upped my calories to 1860 and now i'm losing again. You were hungry, no shame in that. eat your exercise calories back with super healthy food and you'll shed a lot more. I was very aprehensive to up my calories because I've been sabotaged before in my weight loss goals (my HRM was WAY off). But it worked. Try it for awhile, if you don't like the results, try something else

chicago_dad

still probably not a cause and effect relationship (eating more calories doesn't cause weight loss). Maybe eating more calories + burning more calories through exercise + eating better calories (compositionally %s of fat/protein/carbs- to optimize stuff) + less stress that increases cortisol levels (from eating more calories that you aren't so worried about) + ____ (unobserved variables) = weight loss.

experimenting with stuff = good.

j4nash

Interesting but many people on this site have had the same thing happen.. dramatic weight loss and then a plateau of sorts.. all corrected by upping their calories. as mentioned, try maintenence for a while and keep with it!! congrats on your journey so far

Froglet95

:flowerforyou:

I agree with everyone, and the system does tell you if your not eating enough, i.e. starving. Your body will naturally keep the reserve in case, just like animals do, but if you eat regularly your calorie intake amount your body should be ok, and the occasional naughty day is fine too, I too agree weighing daily does not help at all. We are all in it together for the same reason so I am sure nobody thinks your stupid in any way. Keep going girl and weigh yourself same day, same time, same clothing, plus measurements sometimes help too, as you may lose inches but not weight, but this does spur you on and keep you positive, first week you always lose the most and then usually slow down and then speed up again.

I hope we are all supporting you and keeping your chin up.

x

skstogsdill

I had an ED for a few years when I was in college. I'm 5'9", my lowest weight I got to was 118. I'm currently 157. My goal weight is 145.

I UNDERSTAND WHAT ITS LIKE TO HAVE AN ED BRAIN.

This has nothing to do with the math and method of loosing weight. This has everything to do with you needing to develop a healthy relationship with food and with your body.

I broke out of my ED by, one day, after receiving concerned comment after another by my family after seeing my in a bathing suit, I binged on a family sized bag of trail mix. That whole bag was probably 5,000 calories. I ate the whole thing in 1 day. And I was forced to not purge because I was on a family vacation, I had no privacy.

At first, I panicked. I was so scared I was going to gain weight. I swore I would work off every last calorie in the gym as soon as that vacation was over. But guess what, I didn't die, I didn't gain any significant weight, and for the first time in years I felt energized. That's when I slowly started to come to grips with the fact that I had a very unhealthy relationship with food. And it took a couple of years to get to where I needed to "be".

In reading how you expressed your question and concerns, it sounds like that may be something you need to work on.

deannarey13

Try looking at this article (http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/core_march_8.htm) for some information on eating too few calories.

I would say that you jumped your metabolism again. It seems like a lot of people do that whenever they stall on their weight loss. They eat above their calorie allowance for a few days and then go back to restriction, and it helps them start losing again.

ABSOLUTELY!!!!! I wish that everyone would read this article and really take it to heart. If you eat too few, your body will become VERY efficient at STORING fat. I think it's safe to say that is the exact opposite of why we are all here. Yes, you want to lose weight but let's all be smart about it. If you want to lose body fat, you need to eat enough to turn you rmetabolism on. Otherwise, you're just storing the little bit that you do actually eat.

I can say that not only do I believe in the science, but I can speak from experience. I had cut my calories back to 1200 at one point too. Almost right away losing a lot of weight. That's because I was literally starving my body. I was also getting body scans done regularily. I couldn't figure out why I was losing more muscle mass than I was body fat!!! I have increased my calorie intake and have consistantly been maintaining muscle mass and losing body fat since. It works folks! Feed the muscle, starve the fat.

wilberfamily

You can stop losing weight or negatively affect your weight loss efforts by not eating enough. I actually have my bachelors in nutrition science so I do have some background here. Think of it like running a wood stove. If you don't put in enough wood the fire will dwindle and eventually go out. Our bodies work the same way. If you deprive your body of enough calories it will slow down how it burns them in order to save some for later. I see a lot of people who are consistently eating way below their recommended calorie amount and many complain they are not losing the weight. I actually worked for Weight Watchers years ago and I had a woman who came into my meetings who only ate one meal a day and could not lose weight. She started eating three meals a day plus a snack and the weight started coming off. Our bodies need fuel to actually lose weight effectively.

hypotrochoid

I had an ED for a few years when I was in college. I'm 5'9", my lowest weight I got to was 118. I'm currently 157. My goal weight is 145.

I UNDERSTAND WHAT ITS LIKE TO HAVE AN ED BRAIN.

This has nothing to do with the math and method of loosing weight. This has everything to do with you needing to develop a healthy relationship with food and with your body.

I broke out of my ED by, one day, after receiving concerned comment after another by my family after seeing my in a bathing suit, I binged on a family sized bag of trail mix. That whole bag was probably 5,000 calories. I ate the whole thing in 1 day. And I was forced to not purge because I was on a family vacation, I had no privacy.

At first, I panicked. I was so scared I was going to gain weight. I swore I would work off every last calorie in the gym as soon as that vacation was over. But guess what, I didn't die, I didn't gain any significant weight, and for the first time in years I felt energized. That's when I slowly started to come to grips with the fact that I had a very unhealthy relationship with food. And it took a couple of years to get to where I needed to "be".

In reading how you expressed your question and concerns, it sounds like that may be something you need to work on.

The really sad thing is, I'm doing *so* much better than I used to. Eating 1200 calories a day was such a huge achievement for me, but it was accompanied by the same fear. It isn't rational. It's completely in my head and I've worked on it... am still working on it... will probably be working on it for the rest of my life.

But you escaped. And that gives me hope. Thank you.

aregensb

It's because people try to use false logic when it comes to weight loss. I always here the "car" analogy. If you have a full tank of gas the car will weigh more. Put in less gas and the car will weigh less.
But the body doesn't work that way. It works like a DAM. If there's a CONSISTENT amount of rainfall, the "valves" of the dam are kept open to keep the dam in balance and from overflowing. When there's drought, the valves are "closed" for conservation purposes.
See?

I really like this analogy, by the way. I think it explains things perfectly.

skstogsdill

I had an ED for a few years when I was in college. I'm 5'9", my lowest weight I got to was 118. I'm currently 157. My goal weight is 145.

I UNDERSTAND WHAT ITS LIKE TO HAVE AN ED BRAIN.

This has nothing to do with the math and method of loosing weight. This has everything to do with you needing to develop a healthy relationship with food and with your body.

I broke out of my ED by, one day, after receiving concerned comment after another by my family after seeing my in a bathing suit, I binged on a family sized bag of trail mix. That whole bag was probably 5,000 calories. I ate the whole thing in 1 day. And I was forced to not purge because I was on a family vacation, I had no privacy.

At first, I panicked. I was so scared I was going to gain weight. I swore I would work off every last calorie in the gym as soon as that vacation was over. But guess what, I didn't die, I didn't gain any significant weight, and for the first time in years I felt energized. That's when I slowly started to come to grips with the fact that I had a very unhealthy relationship with food. And it took a couple of years to get to where I needed to "be".

In reading how you expressed your question and concerns, it sounds like that may be something you need to work on.

The really sad thing is, I'm doing *so* much better than I used to. Eating 1200 calories a day was such a huge achievement for me, but it was accompanied by the same fear. It isn't rational. It's completely in my head and I've worked on it... am still working on it... will probably be working on it for the rest of my life.

But you escaped. And that gives me hope. Thank you.

Eating 1200 a day is a HUGE acheivement!!! I realize this and I know.

I applaud you for your honesty and I am SO happy for you! Hang in there girlfriend, and keep it up. Its a journey and a battle. A tip of advice? Find the beauty in food. Get interested in cooking maybe. Find flavors you love. And a pair of jeans that make your butt and legs look flippin phenomenal.

BrendaLee

You need to make up your mind that you're going to feed your body what it needs and know that means eating enough calories every day. When eating too few calories becomes a non-option, it's a non-option -- no matter what the scale says. We have an obligation to feed our bodies if we want them to do what we ask of them. Good luck.

mrsjennifermaffei

While it's not logical....when you have upped your calories after being so low for such awhile it seems like your body says thank you for the binge and gives you something in return lol.

ironanimal

This thread is enlightened. Let it shine it's radiance from Page 1 once more.

philOHIO

Simply put, do what works for you! Looks like you did.

agleckle

Go read the book "New Rules of Lifting for Women" by Lou Schuler, Cassandra Forsythe and Alwyn Cosgrove. Even if you aren't into lifing (which does wonders for losing weight, though), the nutrition part of the book that they focus on first is incredibly helpful. It explains why you need to have a smaller and smaller caloric deficit as you get closer and closer toward your goal weight rather than a larger deficit. It completely changed the way I thought about my caloric deficit in order to lose weight.

jaxxie

ABSOLUTELY! I, too, have to get past that psychological hurdle...but I'm working on it. I was of the mind that less calories, more excercise...just how I remember dieting when I was younger. You put your body in starvation mode and it hangs on to every bit you eat. I have some friends on here that have really helped get me past that, keep it up! Don't feel like you're mocked, you wouldn't believe how many of us are in the same boat! It's basic reformatting your thinking and adjusting your food and calorie intake accordingly. Best of Luck!

shirayne

I've also heard that "shocking" your system can help get over plateaus. In other words, if you were eating the same foods day in and dayout and the same number of calories, your system may have gotten used to it. By shocking it with extra calories and different foods, you kick it back into high gear. I don't know how much truth there is to that but I've heard it a few times so thought I'd mention it.

agleckle

It's because people try to use false logic when it comes to weight loss. I always here the "car" analogy. If you have a full tank of gas the car will weigh more. Put in less gas and the car will weigh less.
But the body doesn't work that way. It works like a DAM. If there's a CONSISTENT amount of rainfall, the "valves" of the dam are kept open to keep the dam in balance and from overflowing. When there's drought, the valves are "closed" for conservation purposes.
See?

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this analogy!! So true!

lucybell333

Something I've found that really works for me is calorie zig-zagging. This is where you basically cycle between high, medium and low calorie days to keep your body guessing and stop your metabolism falling. It may not work for everyone, but it definitely works for me! In fact, I can almost guarantee a small weight gain the day after a low day, but this is almost always more than made up for after a medium or high day.

You can get the figures from this website: http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm

I've adapted it slightly, so I keep the high days for the weekends, when I'm more likely to need more calories! :drinker:

Good luck!

Sorova

A lot of the feelings you're expressing sound familiar to me: I had a long term relationship with a woman who was going through a very difficult ED recovery, and she too struggled with fear of food and discomfort with the idea of eating too much, coupled with her frustration that she knew her feelings and thought patterns were disordered. She'd judge herself very harshly for not being able to out-think the problem, and become even more discouraged.

But, with time, she did develop the ability to eat normal amounts of food without fear or guilt. She still has some of the ED thoughts, but she has learned over time to think different thoughts over top of them--to overrule them, as she describes it. It sounds like you've made a great deal of progress, but the fact that you're anxious about going over a certain (quite low) number is a red flag that you're still reluctant to let go of the security/sense of control you get from that number.

Just remember that if you made 1200 calories feel safe to eat, you can in time make another higher number feel safe and appropriate. Try and think about how you did that--why 1200 instead of 800 or 1000? Whether it's research, or speaking to a nutritionist, or thinking it through yourself or just trial and error, there is clearly some process that allowed you go be comfortable with 1200. Try doing that again for a number that is higher, but feels manageable.

Based on what I know, I do think 1200 is too low for you. I know you exercise regularly, and you've got a child to chase after, and you're in general active enough that it'd be very hard to get your nutrient requirements at that level. Try to up the amount slowly so that you're not overwhelmed. As for exercise calories, if you don't feel comfortable eating them all back, then eat back half of them.

I don't know your exact height or age, but your ticker says your goal is 150. As an example, a 30 year old woman who is 5'6" and weighs 150 pounds will burn about 1900 calories a day if she's lightly active (does a light workout or lots of walking each day). You're close to your goal now, and as part of your recovery you'll eventually need to transition to eating at maintenance level. Ideally you'll come to feel "safe" eating anything less than 1900 calories when you're in weight loss mode.

You're obviously a very intelligent and determined woman. The key is understanding the reasons you're apprehensive and addressing them as best you can.

mcmahonclan5

@runbyme:
If you just started, hang in there! It takes a couple of weeks or more for your body to figure out what is going on and start shedding the weight. Initially a woman's body will go into starvation mode and hold on to fat stores for "protection." This is just what I've been told by a friend of a friend who is a trainer (I'm no expert).

I have also found that an occasional spike in cals or a day or two resting from exercise can actually trick your metabolism into working magic. Also eat smaller meals several times throughout the day and don't stuff yourself (fill that little hunger with water). I was famouse for not eating breakfast and being so hungry that I would overeat when I finally did eat. I have been eating 3 meals a day with 2 snacks in between and no late night snacking. I have lost 13 pounds with 22 left to go. Good luck! :bigsmile:

skstogsdill

A lot of the feelings you're expressing sound familiar to me: I had a long term relationship with a woman who was going through a very difficult ED recovery, and she too struggled with fear of food and discomfort with the idea of eating too much, coupled with her frustration that she knew her feelings and thought patterns were disordered. She'd judge herself very harshly for not being able to out-think the problem, and become even more discouraged.

But, with time, she did develop the ability to eat normal amounts of food without fear or guilt. She still has some of the ED thoughts, but she has learned over time to think different thoughts over top of them--to overrule them, as she describes it. It sounds like you've made a great deal of progress, but the fact that you're anxious about going over a certain (quite low) number is a red flag that you're still reluctant to let go of the security/sense of control you get from that number.

Just remember that if you made 1200 calories feel safe to eat, you can in time make another higher number feel safe and appropriate. Try and think about how you did that--why 1200 instead of 800 or 1000? Whether it's research, or speaking to a nutritionist, or thinking it through yourself or just trial and error, there is clearly some process that allowed you go be comfortable with 1200. Try doing that again for a number that is higher, but feels manageable.

Based on what I know, I do think 1200 is too low for you. I know you exercise regularly, and you've got a child to chase after, and you're in general active enough that it'd be very hard to get your nutrient requirements at that level. Try to up the amount slowly so that you're not overwhelmed. As for exercise calories, if you don't feel comfortable eating them all back, then eat back half of them.

I don't know your exact height or age, but your ticker says your goal is 150. As an example, a 30 year old woman who is 5'6" and weighs 150 pounds will burn about 1900 calories a day if she's lightly active (does a light workout or lots of walking each day). You're close to your goal now, and as part of your recovery you'll eventually need to transition to eating at maintenance level. Ideally you'll come to feel "safe" eating anything less than 1900 calories when you're in weight loss mode.

You're obviously a very intelligent and determined woman. The key is understanding the reasons you're apprehensive and addressing them as best you can.

AWESOME post. Well said. As one who had a bought with an ED in the past, you certainly do understand, and you understand well.