Am I really starving myself?

AmyB_1992

I am aiming to eat up to 250 calories per meal (Breakfast, Dinner + Tea) and having 3 snacks a day (only if I feel hungry) which are 100 calories each, which is practically the slimfast diet but without the yucky tasting slimfast! I posted this on another topic and a couple of people have said I am starving myself and I will come to a point where I won't lose any more weight. The thing is, I'm dieting, I'm not exactly going to eat 2000 calories a day when I'm on a diet and MFP actually says I should eat up to 1200 calories for my height and age if I'm dieting.

I don't get how people are saying I'm starving myself when I'm not, Ok, I've lost 1 stone in a month but that's only because when you're big it comes off quicker but as you get smaller it gets harder, right? Also sometimes I don't feel like having a big meal and now I'm getting told off for eating healthier food when I'm not in the mood to eat a lot.

I will also gradually ease myself into more calories once I hit my goal weight, is that ok to do?

EternalJourney

So since you are "dieting", this is only short term.

What will happen once you go back to eating regularily?

violetsue

How much do you weigh now and how much do you want to loose?

lforner46

I'm not clear on the whole "starving" yourself either. I have quite a few friends that lost weight eating 1200 calories a day, got to their goal and then watch what they eat and maintain the loss. I haven't been at my "goal" yet and I also don't eat 1200 calories a day. Although if you are exercising, make sure you eat the exercise calories so your metabolism doens't shut down.

dad106

In a word: Yes.

You shouldn't be dieting.. you should be focused on making a lifestyle change.. AKA how you want to eat for the rest of your life.

If you want to eat 1,050 calories for the rest of your life, then great have at it. If you want actually keep the weight off and not be yo-yo dieting for the rest of your life, then you need to eat more.

geekyjock76

Let me get this straight...

If you do not feel hungry throughout the day, your caloric goal is (at most) 500 calories for breakfast and dinner; and 800 max calories if you do eat the 3 snacks?

If that is the case, then yes, 500-800 daily calories is too restrictive.

blink1021

I know that when I limited myself to 1200 calories per day I didn't lose. I stayed the same and was grumpy because I was hungry all the time. I upped mine to 1350 calories per day and was happier because I stayed full and started seeing the weight come off too until I became pregnant and now that went out the window for now. You have to find what works for you and for me dieting doesn't work it needs to be a lifestyle change. .

JuneBPrice

If you're eating 1200 calories a day (did I read that right?) then I would say you're probably not, but a lot of factors weigh in on this. I would say as long as you eat when you're hungry, you're not starving yourself. Don't ever ignore your body on that.

aproc

Yes, your plan is too low. Lets just think about the future here, shall we? When you lose all this weight you want, how easy do you think it will be to return to a normal calorie count that is much easier to enjoy life with without putting a bunch of weight on quickly? Odds are that even eating a low range of 1400-1500 by that time will cause you to put on weight. The longer you spend on this really restrictive diet, the more damage you can do. I know it gets annoying when people want to share 'their' experiences...but...When I lost so much weight years ago (and I wasn't even going below 1200, but it was still too low for me) I wasnt able to eat even 1600 without gaining weight fast. It took me these past couple years just to get back to burning 2000 or so calories during the day. Do you really want to be stuck on a low crappy diet for a long time and dealing with weight gain issues when trying to go back to a more normal diet?

AmyB_1992

So since you are "dieting", this is only short term.

What will happen once you go back to eating regularily?

Like I said, I will gradually up my calorie intake as I lose the weight, probably to up to 1500 and then live off that, I will be able to do it because if you start eating less, your stomach shrinks and you feel full quicker, (That's what I've read anyway) and it's working because I fill up quicker and I eat smaller portions than I used to.

FitLink

I am aiming to eat up to 250 calories per meal (Breakfast, Dinner + Tea) and having 3 snacks a day (only if I feel hungry) which are 100 calories each, which is practically the slimfast diet but without the yucky tasting slimfast! I posted this on another topic and a couple of people have said I am starving myself and I will come to a point where I won't lose any more weight. The thing is, I'm dieting, I'm not exactly going to eat 2000 calories a day when I'm on a diet and MFP actually says I should eat up to 1200 calories for my height and age if I'm dieting.

I don't get how people are saying I'm starving myself when I'm not, Ok, I've lost 1 stone in a month but that's only because when you're big it comes off quicker but as you get smaller it gets harder, right? Also sometimes I don't feel like having a big meal and now I'm getting told off for eating healthier food when I'm not in the mood to eat a lot.

I will also gradually ease myself into more calories once I hit my goal weight, is that ok to do?

"Starving yourself" may be the wrong way to put it. But two things stand out. First of all, It's not really sustainable, or particularly healthy, to net below your BMR. So calculate your BMR and set your net calorie goal no lower than that. Second is that if you just want to be thin for that one holiday and then go back to being "big," your method is the perfect way to do that. If you want to be thinner forever, set a smaller per-week goal, and make a permanent life change. "Dieting" is a sure way to get fatter, in the long run.

BTW, when I was growing up in the 1960s, when you were on a "low calorie diet for weight loss," it was a 2000 calorie diet. That was considered very low--in the age of Twiggy. Don't diss the idea of losing weight on a 2000 calorie diet, many people do it. We didn't talk about net calories then though, it was 2000 calories no matter the exercise you did.

AmyB_1992

How much do you weigh now and how much do you want to loose?

At the minute 188 pounds but I want to go down to 131 pounds, (9 and a half stone)

AmyB_1992

I am aiming to eat up to 250 calories per meal (Breakfast, Dinner + Tea) and having 3 snacks a day (only if I feel hungry) which are 100 calories each, which is practically the slimfast diet but without the yucky tasting slimfast! I posted this on another topic and a couple of people have said I am starving myself and I will come to a point where I won't lose any more weight. The thing is, I'm dieting, I'm not exactly going to eat 2000 calories a day when I'm on a diet and MFP actually says I should eat up to 1200 calories for my height and age if I'm dieting.

I don't get how people are saying I'm starving myself when I'm not, Ok, I've lost 1 stone in a month but that's only because when you're big it comes off quicker but as you get smaller it gets harder, right? Also sometimes I don't feel like having a big meal and now I'm getting told off for eating healthier food when I'm not in the mood to eat a lot.

I will also gradually ease myself into more calories once I hit my goal weight, is that ok to do?

"Starving yourself" may be the wrong way to put it. But two things stand out. First of all, It's not really sustainable, or particularly healthy, to net below your BMR. So calculate your BMR and set your net calorie goal no lower than that. Second is that unless you just want to be thin for that one holiday and then go back to being "big," your method is the perfect way to do that. If you want to be thinner forever, set a smaller per-week goal, and make a permanent life change. "Dieting" is a sure way to get fatter, in the long run.

BTW, when I was growing up in the 1960s, when you were on a "low calorie diet for weight loss," it was a 2000 calorie diet. That was considered very low--in the age of Twiggy. Don't diss the idea of losing weight on a 2000 calorie diet, mant people do it. We didn't talk about net calories then though, it was 2000 calories no matter the exercise you did.

What's BMR, is it the same as BMI?

xxnellie146xx

What's BMR, is it the same as BMI?

No, BMR is basal metabolic rate. It the amount of calories your body would burn is you did nothing all day.

AmyB_1992

What's BMR, is it the same as BMI?

No, BMR is basal metabolic rate. It the amount of calories your body would burn is you did nothing all day.

How do you find that out?

FitLink

What's BMR, is it the same as BMI?

No, BMR is basal metabolic rate. It the amount of calories your body would burn is you did nothing all day.

Lower even than that. It's what your body would burn if you were in a coma. If you get up, even if you sit on the couch and watch TV all day, you'll burn ~10% to ~20% more than that.

Scarlett_S

I would say you are setting yourself up for a rebound gain. Just my opinion, and the way I have lost weight in the past - its better to start higher calories and exercise, then when you reach a plateau you have somewhere to go with the calories.

tilishamichelle

I couldn't agree more with the post that are saying you need to eat more. Don't set yourself up for failure. Eat more and exercise. See what your weight is to stay the same and adjust from that.

FitLink

What's BMR, is it the same as BMI?

No, BMR is basal metabolic rate. It the amount of calories your body would burn is you did nothing all day.

How do you find that out?

There is a formula, but just use an online calculator. http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/

I'd be willing to bet yours is at least 1500 calories/day.

bathsheba_c

What's BMR, is it the same as BMI?

No, BMR is basal metabolic rate. It the amount of calories your body would burn is you did nothing all day.

How do you find that out?

There's a calculator in the tools section of the website.

geekyjock76

370 + (21.6 x lean body mass in kg) = BMR

Lean body mass = total body weight - total body fat

tilishamichelle

In a word: Yes.

You shouldn't be dieting.. you should be focused on making a lifestyle change.. AKA how you want to eat for the rest of your life.

If you want to eat 1,050 calories for the rest of your life, then great have at it. If you want actually keep the weight off and not be yo-yo dieting for the rest of your life, then you need to eat more.

I agree with you!

ohsweetcalamity

Sounds to me like you're doing fine. A lifestyle change is just a realistic diet you can do forever. And it's not unusual to be slightly more restrictive when you are actively trying to lose rather than maintain. I understood your post to mean you eat three meals at 250 and three snacks at 100. I'd try to get up to a 1200 daily minimum, but as long as you're eating nutritiously, there's nothing wrong with eating small meals and snacks more frequently. Grazing is a nice way to keep your appetite in check and if it works for you, it works. Just remember that you can't turn around and start eating chocolate bars three times a day once you've reached your goal.

AmyB_1992

Sounds to me like you're doing fine. A lifestyle change is just a realistic diet you can do forever. And it's not unusual to be slightly more restrictive when you are actively trying to lose rather than maintain. I understood your post to mean you eat three meals at 250 and three snacks at 100. I'd try to get up to a 1200 daily minimum, but as long as you're eating nutritiously, there's nothing wrong with eating small meals and snacks more frequently. Grazing is a nice way to keep your appetite in check and if it works for you, it works. Just remember that you can't turn around and start eating chocolate bars three times a day once you've reached your goal.

Thank you, I only eat chocolate about once a week so that won't happen.

Also I'm a pescetarian so I don't eat meat only fish, so I eat a lot of salads and sometimes fresh fish.. But that's another story!

mcarter99

Sounds to me like you're doing fine. A lifestyle change is just a realistic diet you can do forever. And it's not unusual to be slightly more restrictive when you are actively trying to lose rather than maintain. I understood your post to mean you eat three meals at 250 and three snacks at 100. I'd try to get up to a 1200 daily minimum, but as long as you're eating nutritiously, there's nothing wrong with eating small meals and snacks more frequently. Grazing is a nice way to keep your appetite in check and if it works for you, it works. Just remember that you can't turn around and start eating chocolate bars three times a day once you've reached your goal.

Ditto

wgn4166

Well I am confused.I hear eat them back, no dont eat them. I have no idea what to do

cadaverousbones

I would calculate your BMR and figure out how many calories you burn just being alive. The idea is to burn more calories than you are consuming to lose weight. but you don't want to start off eating a really low number (1000) is definitely too low. MFP can calculate it for you based on your weight, height, and level of activity.

sarahrbraun

my MFP calorie goal is 1490 calories...I have 920 calories in exercise today and I have eaten a little over 1500 calories today. There are times when I manage to eat over 2400 calories a day. And you know what? last week I ate pretty much as much as I could, and I lost 2.5 pounds last week!

cinasana

In my opinion, you are doing things right to lose weight.

This whole "you're starving yourself!!" thing is quite a bit of BS. Think about where that statement is coming from......it's one person who reads it, believes it, spreads the same message, some more people believe it, suddenly there are hundreds of thousands of people all saying that there is this horrid "starvation mode" without having actually done any research on their own parts and generalizing this to be true for everyone and every body type. Do starving people in 3rd world countries suddenly start gaining weight because they aren't eating a daily calorie intake of 1200 calories? lol...Not trying to be a smart *kitten*. These are just the thoughts I have when I read some of these forums. I feel the whole "you aren't eating enough!" is easier to accept and try to rationalize in a society where we all love to OVER consume.

Finding the actual answer as to whether you are doing the right thing for YOUR body or not, is quite scientific. It takes finding out your BMR, your activity levels, and what your target macro nutrient percentages are (i.e. how much protein/fat/carbs should you be eating on a day when you workout? When you don't workout?).

But without getting too complicated...one basic principle is true no matter where you turn....If you want to lose weight, you eat at a calorie deficit. Just as you are doing....Good job

Once you reach your goal weight, slowly increase your calories so that you maintain your weight you are pleased with.

Jenny

cinasana

AmyB,

You might find this calculator extremely helpful:

http://www.1percentedge.com/ifcalc/

mcarter99

The 'you have to eat above your BMR' advice is baseless, too. Your BMR has nothing to do with your daily intake, except to help calc a deficit to estimate weight loss. You do not need to 'fund' today's BMR with today's calories. Burning off stored calories is how weight loss works.