starvation mode/meal plan

theredcliche

Ok, so I've been reading a lot of the regular message boards on here and it gets me worried that I'm not eating enough on this program. I try to eat a net cal of 1000, but I am pretty inconsistent, ranging from about 700 cals - 1150. I know in the program, she tells us to eat around 11-1300 with the meal plan and she is accounting for the 2-300 calorie burn daily, but if you're on the lower end of that, you're eating around 900 net calories. My BMR is 1500, so is there any concern with me going into starvation mode/hindering my metabolism? I read that you have to eat below half your BMR consistently to begin to go into starvation mode, so I'm not too worried - I just wish she had addressed the net calories more in the meal plan. This program has made me obsess about food and I feel like I'm always hungry unless I eat high-protein meals every meal..... anyone else??

NovemberJune

I can't eat that little or I am hungry. I'm not really a believer in starvation mode, at least as some people describe it though. I really liked this post I saw the other day:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/475726-very-low-calorie-diets-and-metabolic-damage?error_user_id=5139654&error_username=stefaniee83&hl=metabolic+damage

Not saying the meal plan is a very low calorie diet, just saying I agree with his points about starvation mode

twinmomtwice4

I can't eat just 1200 calories and maintain a good mood. I feel like I'm starving all the time, obsessing about food and in the end, I end up binging and feeling horrible.

I found a group on here called "Eat More, Weigh Less" and I love those ladies. So inspirational and encouraging! Look it up and read through some of the stickies and the threads on there and it should all make sense. Since joining the group, I've upped my calories to 1500 and try to net at least 1300 per day.

Not sure if you remember but that first week of doing BR, I gained 2 pounds?? Well, since really making sure I'm eating more, I've lost those 2 pounds and hopefully will end up with a loss by the week's end. Also I've already lost a 1/2 in my waist and my clothes feel looser.

I think the reason JM has people eating such low calorie amounts on her program is because most people are looking for quick results in that 90 days. The people on Biggest Loser eat maybe 1200 calories a day and they're working out 6 hours a day sometimes.

Personally, I'm just a much happier person when I'm able to eat when I'm hungry and I feel completely satisfied on my daily plan.

adamb83

I plan for 1200 but then also eat back most of my exercise calories - I don't feel right if I limit myself to just 1200 (or less). And I don't think it's as effective for me either.

jennys11

I'm vegan, so I don't follow her meal plans at all. I think it's important to eat at least 1200 calories a day. That is the minimum everyone should eat, no matter what. Jillian says to eat 250 calories for breakfast, 400 calories for lunch, 150 calories for snack (eat between lunch/dinner) and eat 400 calories for dinner. Eat about every 3-4 hours. No processed food.

tameejean

There's no way I could workout and only eat 1200 calories! I'd be super cranky and yes, less calories make me obcessive.

gerbies

I agree with the previous posters. I'll be following my BMR and MFP recommendations (not 1200 calories noted for JM's program). The problem is that not all people are built the same way and 1200 calories is not right for every person. I've always read that you should not dip below your total BMR on an ongoing basis. I take this into consideration. I may dip below with zigzagging my calories throughout the week), but my total weekly intake averages my BMR (about 1700 calories). With MFP and my calorie burn in my workouts, I come out to just over 1700 calories a day, and that's with losing 2 lbs a week.

There's no reason to follow JM's calorie limit, if you're not feeling well. I would listen to your body. If you feel unwell, add some more healthy foods or bigger portions until you find that "sweet spot."

We will not continue on any program where we feel unwell. The first few weeks are a challenge, but I don't feel unwell, just wishing I could have a bag of M&Ms .

stef827

Ok, so I've been reading a lot of the regular message boards on here and it gets me worried that I'm not eating enough on this program. I try to eat a net cal of 1000, but I am pretty inconsistent, ranging from about 700 cals - 1150. I know in the program, she tells us to eat around 11-1300 with the meal plan and she is accounting for the 2-300 calorie burn daily, but if you're on the lower end of that, you're eating around 900 net calories. My BMR is 1500, so is there any concern with me going into starvation mode/hindering my metabolism? I read that you have to eat below half your BMR consistently to begin to go into starvation mode, so I'm not too worried - I just wish she had addressed the net calories more in the meal plan. This program has made me obsess about food and I feel like I'm always hungry unless I eat high-protein meals every meal..... anyone else??

How much "food" calories are you eating? Not the "net" number. I only go off the food and do not worry about eating exercise calories back so I ignore the net number.

stef827

I should say that I am only staying at the 1200 during quick start. After that I will eat at my bmr and not eat exercise calories back. I think for long term eating under your bmr and exercising probably isn't very healthy and more for people that have a lot of weight to lose like The Biggest Loser amount.

theredcliche

hm, thanks for all the answers. i am eating enough, i just work out more than the recommended workouts for the program most days. i've decided that i'm going to increase my protein while maintaining around a 1200-1400 calorie diet depending on how many cals i've burned that day (keeping the net around 1000-1200)... looking over my diary, i've noticed protein keeps me fuller and helps me to not be hungry all the time!