300 - 600 Calorie Daily Intake

ironanimal

I did something like this last year...I would consume about 2 gallons of water a day and eat one large chicken breast in the evening after my workouts. I Lost 69 lbs in 60 days. I was around 310 at the time and ended about 240. I have to add though, every 10 lbs lost i treated myself to a good meal. which averaged out to about every 8 days or so.

I also ran like crazy, was doing swim training and cycling, burning crazy amounts of calories.

When i got to my goal weight, i went back to eating normal.

Thank you very much - this is exactly the kind of info I am seeking. I am asking for experience from people who have tried this before, not the ignorant opinions of those who never tried this. I am fasting for religious reasons but for those people who are familiar with this fast, dusk is after 8PM and I really don't want to consume 1200 calories and go to bed a couple of hours later. Again, I am considering this. I don't appreciate being called stupid, especially from people who haven't tried this before.

What are you reasons for not wanting to eat a big meal before bed?

Where are your fats and protein on this diet?

gwenmf

I'm sorry you're getting such bad responses from everyone. This for her religious believes, guys.

The only thing I've heard about such an experience is that your breath gets awful. Awful, awful, awful.

I know the Muslim faith - and yes Ramadan is the month long fast during daylight hours to make us appreciate all God (Allah) provides for us. Having said that, I think this calorie goal is way too low and it will only mess up your metabolism. I think you should still strive for the calorie goal you would normally follow. Many of my Muslim friends are awake more during the dark hours during Ramadan - maybe you could adjust your schedule as such somewhat for that month.

Asalam aleikum.

gatorginger

Your better off doing it the healthy way by watching calories

chris1816

I did something like this last year...I would consume about 2 gallons of water a day and eat one large chicken breast in the evening after my workouts. I Lost 69 lbs in 60 days. I was around 310 at the time and ended about 240. I have to add though, every 10 lbs lost i treated myself to a good meal. which averaged out to about every 8 days or so.

I also ran like crazy, was doing swim training and cycling, burning crazy amounts of calories.

When i got to my goal weight, i went back to eating normal.

Thank you very much - this is exactly the kind of info I am seeking. I am asking for experience from people who have tried this before, not the ignorant opinions of those who never tried this. I am fasting for religious reasons but for those people who are familiar with this fast, dusk is after 8PM and I really don't want to consume 1200 calories and go to bed a couple of hours later. Again, I am considering this. I don't appreciate being called stupid, especially from people who haven't tried this before.

Okay see this concerns me because your first and only response to this entire thread has been to selectively pick out one post that can enable you to eat sub 1000 calories needlessly. Which tells me that you are wanting to lose weight fast and easy during a period where you feel like you can get away with it.

So, I understand you don't appreciate being called stupid, but I don't appreciate people pointing out when I am blatantly wrong either, I like to just skirt by and see if nobody notices. That's dumb too by the way.

Very low calorie diets are not something to mess with, and in this case the guy was obese, over 300lbs. From the look of your pictures you are far from obese. I've done this as well; eating 600 calories for about a week. It is absolutely pointless and does not work as a long term solution for 90% of people who do it.

Eh whatever, you'll likely do what you want and then try something else when you screw up.

Timalein

I think you have given the most concrete response of all of us! I appreciate what you have written & I think for today…you are the most brilliant person!

onikonor

Why would you limit yourself before sunrise and after sunset? IMO it sounds like a silly plan.

This is what Ramadan is as per religion and calling is silly is disrespectful.

TrailRunner61

Yeah, I did while I was anorexic and I nearly died.
Editing after reading the 'religious' reasons for starving yourself..... why can't you get up earlier, before sunrise and eat food to nourish your body? It wouldnt be that hard to prepare something in the evening that you could easily reheat in the morning. That way the previous night's food isnt sitting in your stomach all night. Also, how long does that period of fasting last?

Timalein

Ramadan is a lot like intermittent fasting, lol...

Now, I'm not trying to be one of the people who immediately dismisses this as stupid, but, I will tell you why I would never do something like that if you're anywhere near a normal weight.

Your body will always move towards 0 net calories. For example, lets say you're eating 600 calories; lets also say that at your current weight and activity level you burn 1600 cal/day. You would be netting -1000 calories. Your body will lose mass until you're only burning 600 cal/day (0 net cal), which is extremely low. Of course, you probably won't get to the point where you're only burning 600 cal/day. If you net -1000 cal/day for 40 days, that's -40,000 calories which is about 12 pounds of fat. Unfortunately you'll also be losing muscle, so perhaps you end up losing 15-20 lbs in 40 days. Once you lose that weight, if you go back to eating like you used to and your exercise and diet remained unchanged your body will continue to move back up in weight (packing on mostly fat, not muscle if you don't work out) until you're burning 1600 cal/day again. Which would bring you right back up to your previous weight. That's why people yo-yo diet. And at this point, you've managed to lose a lot of whatever muscle you had and replaced it with fat.

Now, I think there is actually a situation where doing a diet like this for a short time could be semi-helpful, and someone touched upon it earlier in this thread: When you're severely overweight. Fasting like this could help shed a lot of pounds if you're someone who is very overweight. Mainly because it takes a lot of calories to maintain 300+ lbs of body mass. Most people who weigh 300 lbs or more are going to be burning around 2500-3000 calories a day just from living. At that rate, if you restrict caloric intake to 600 you will be losing close to a pound a day. It's not such a bad way to get rid of some of the extra mass which is stopping that person from being able to exercise frequently. However, once the fast is done you have to change your exercise and dietary habits. If you go back to what you were doing before, your body will move back up again until you're netting 0 net calories.

So, if you're significantly overweight fasting can help to kickstart a lifestyle change. However, if you're anywhere nearly a healthy weight then it's mostly a waste of time. You'd be a lot better off if you eat better/exercise.

Number one, most of you say you want to be successful, but you don't want it bad you just kinda want it.
-Eric Thomas (lol?)

Anyways, good luck with whatever you decide.

I think you have given the most concrete response of all of us! I appreciate what you have written & I think for today…you are the most brilliant person!

hollyk57

:facedesk:

Ramadan or not, 600 calories a day is not safe for anyone over the age of 2.

Amen. This sounds dangerous... that's not even enough calories to support life. And OP, people aren't being rude by telling you that. I understand you're doing this for religious reasons, but the added undertone of your desire to lose weight quick, isn't justified by religious reasons. You can still fast during the day and consume enough calories at the allotted time. 300-600 is dangerous, unhealthy and foolish. Period.

ElleBee615

Off topic but I'm floored at the number of people who don't know what Ramadan is. :noway:

This. Sheesh folks.....

Anyways, to the OP...while I don't think it is necessary to consume such few calories (especially if you plan to work out)...give it a couple of days and see how your body reacts to it. I tried a very low calorie diet and was extremely tired, weak and *****y.....

megmanning

I did a 40 liquid only fast for spiritual reasons several summers ago, while working at a factory. As long as you are hydrated and getting nutrients, you should be fine. Check with your family physician first though.

stylistchik

Why would you limit yourself before sunrise and after sunset? IMO it sounds like a silly plan.

That's the ritual of Ramadan. her question was about the calories.

Living4Liz2012

Before everyone jumps off a bridge, remember she said this was for the religious observation of Ramadan where fasting is required.

I think that the shakes are a good idea because you will be getting nutrition from them; however, I would suggest slightly more calories to help you to sustain during this period; at least 1000-1200 daily. Also, remember that you will not be able to exercise in a moderate amount because your body will not have enough fuel for the workout. It would be wise to incorporate daily walking, but nothing extensive. Good luck!

@TAI I AGREE WITH WHAT YOU SAID...I RESPECT YOUR DECISION WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR RELIGION. JUST BE SAFE, CAREFUL.

celtictechie

I feel like there are a lot of things wrong with this picture.

Are you observing Ramadan for the religious purpose? Or because you think it's a good way to lose weight? If it's the latter, you are disrespecting individuals' religious practices by making a fast with symbolism into a diet plan.

In other news, that calorie intake is exceptionally unhealthy. I worry that I only intake 900-1000 a day, and that's just because of 1. what I eat and 2. I just haven't been very hungry. How do you get all your nutrients on that few calories?

If you are actually doing this for the religious purpose and not for the diet purpose, then I don't see a problem, however. Many people do this as a sacrifice for their religion, and if you feel that is a good way to honor your God, then that is totally up to you!

holleysings

I had a good friend in high school who celebrated Ramadan. She struggled a lot to focus in class during the day when she didn't eat a good meal after the sun went down and before. In fact, she was not able to exercise because she got so weak by the end of the month. I have no idea how many calories she ate, but I would highly recommend not limiting your calories during Ramadan if you can help it. Your body will already be stressed out by the fact that you're trying to function on no food during the day. Drink lots of water and please please eat when it's dark!

chocl8girl

I did something like this last year...I would consume about 2 gallons of water a day and eat one large chicken breast in the evening after my workouts. I Lost 69 lbs in 60 days. I was around 310 at the time and ended about 240. I have to add though, every 10 lbs lost i treated myself to a good meal. which averaged out to about every 8 days or so.

I also ran like crazy, was doing swim training and cycling, burning crazy amounts of calories.

When i got to my goal weight, i went back to eating normal.

Thank you very much - this is exactly the kind of info I am seeking. I am asking for experience from people who have tried this before, not the ignorant opinions of those who never tried this. I am fasting for religious reasons but for those people who are familiar with this fast, dusk is after 8PM and I really don't want to consume 1200 calories and go to bed a couple of hours later. Again, I am considering this. I don't appreciate being called stupid, especially from people who haven't tried this before.

I'm sorry you seem to only have taken in exactly what you wanted to hear. I think many people have been supportive of your religious reasons for fasting. The ones who are truly clueless really are probably just concerned for your health. But calling anyone stupid is unacceptable, and I am sorry you have had to hear that. But many people truly do care about other people and ant the best for them. We don't want to see you fail, or end up with health issues. I understand not really wanting to eat a lot before bed, but why can't you split it up some, and eat about half before sunrise, and half after sunset? This way, your body will be fueled all day long, your metabolism will not falter, and you will still lose weight, I promise! Whatever you decide to do, please do it as safely as you can!

SaundraM2009

dizziness, weakness, mood swings, bloating, low resting heart rate, eczema (seriously), hair falling out

i dont really think this is a path you want to take. yes it takes the weight off but it isnt super worth it

Yes. Do not do it. You cannot be a functional, healthy human being on such a low intake.

kathyms13

LisaSmuts BLOCKED, I WONT BE CALLED NAMES AND PUT UP WITH RUDE COMMENTS .

chris1816

I like how everyone got all up in arms about defending OP (myself included) and clarifying a need to understand Ramadan, then OP was basically like,

"LOL silly losers I just want to almost starve myself and look sexy, who cares about Ramadan".


Stay classy lady.

Kany

I did under 600 once but that was when I was sick in bed.

Flissbo

is this serious??

Did you not read she was doing it for a fast? It's for religious purposes. Lets try to not be so rude.

some people are so ignorant, aren't they?! you're right, so rude!

to the OP- such low calories is not good for you at all. the lowest you should ever go is 1000 and that's pushing it! you will throw your body into starvation mode and it will f-ck up your metabolism. perhaps you can include something else with your shakes, like hummus and vegetables or apple/pear and peanut butter? best of luck

you've obviously not read the whole topic. If you have u would have seen where I said i have worked and lived in Turkey and have Muslim friends who struggled when they were eating normally before and after dark. Please read before u jump in and criticise

XXXMinnieXXX

There is no need to eat so few calories. You can easily make a meal up to 1000 calories at night but having nutrient dense foods. I would advise at least 1200. I had a partner who did Ramadan, but he filled up before sunrise and after sun set. Maybe 2 x 600 calorie meals?

Happy Ramadan.

Dani_wants_to_be_fit

I know it's not safe and many people here will worry, but as she said it is for religious beliefs and NOT weight loss. I have no right to say anything about intake when it;s for religion.

If you do it, try to take as many vitamin supplements as possible. I have to say it would be safer to eat more, but that's a given.

pamelak5

:facedesk:

Ramadan or not, 600 calories a day is not safe for anyone over the age of 2.

My daughter is a few months shy of two, and she eats around 1400-1500 calories a day. And she is a skinny kid. Not safe for anyone over the age of two MONTHS, maybe?

TrailRunner61

I did something like this last year...I would consume about 2 gallons of water a day and eat one large chicken breast in the evening after my workouts. I Lost 69 lbs in 60 days. I was around 310 at the time and ended about 240. I have to add though, every 10 lbs lost i treated myself to a good meal. which averaged out to about every 8 days or so.

I also ran like crazy, was doing swim training and cycling, burning crazy amounts of calories.

When i got to my goal weight, i went back to eating normal.

Thank you very much - this is exactly the kind of info I am seeking. I am asking for experience from people who have tried this before, not the ignorant opinions of those who never tried this. I am fasting for religious reasons but for those people who are familiar with this fast, dusk is after 8PM and I really don't want to consume 1200 calories and go to bed a couple of hours later. Again, I am considering this. I don't appreciate being called stupid, especially from people who haven't tried this before.

2 gallons of water can cause water intoxication and KILL you. Your body does NOT need that much water! Another fad diet. People, you need to learn how to eat right in the first place! Eat healthy food that nourishes your body, not JUNK, fatty foods, exercise and make it your lifestyle and you will become thinner, but more importantly healthy. Hopefully, if you learn how to do this, you will patiently reach your goals, become happier and not feel the need for a QUICK fix. No quick fix is healthy.
Whatever you decide to do, I'm going to pray for you, that you find a way to do it without making yourself ill.
Good luck and <hugs>

veerichie

Correct me if I'm wrong but this ritual includes fasting while the sun is up, no? I went to school with someone who practiced this but I remember him saying they can eat while the sun is down. So I guess I don't understand why you wouldn't want to consume a somewhat normal amount of calories when the sun is down.

Captain_Tightpants

For a month I can't imagine it would harm you too much. If I were you I would err on the side of closer to 600. I would also check in with my doc beforehand.

When you come off the month long fast and resume normal calorie eating, I would expect a period of weight gain. During the fast your body will adjust metabolically and send out hormonal signals to minimize fat and fluid loss, so when you return to normal it will take some time for your body to breathe a sigh of relief and release it's grip a little.

Do check with your doc though.

3dogsrunning

I know it's not safe and many people here will worry, but as she said it is for religious beliefs and NOT weight loss. I have no right to say anything about intake when it;s for religion.

If you do it, try to take as many vitamin supplements as possible. I have to say it would be safer to eat more, but that's a given.

Not eating between sunrise and sunset is the religious part. After sundown, food is not restricted. OP is considering eating few calories on her own, not for a religious reason.

Phoenix59

LisaSmuts BLOCKED, I WONT BE CALLED NAMES AND PUT UP WITH RUDE COMMENTS .

Well, now...I'm sure LisaSmuts is just devastated over this event.:ohwell:

chris1816

I did something like this last year...I would consume about 2 gallons of water a day and eat one large chicken breast in the evening after my workouts. I Lost 69 lbs in 60 days. I was around 310 at the time and ended about 240. I have to add though, every 10 lbs lost i treated myself to a good meal. which averaged out to about every 8 days or so.

I also ran like crazy, was doing swim training and cycling, burning crazy amounts of calories.

When i got to my goal weight, i went back to eating normal.

Thank you very much - this is exactly the kind of info I am seeking. I am asking for experience from people who have tried this before, not the ignorant opinions of those who never tried this. I am fasting for religious reasons but for those people who are familiar with this fast, dusk is after 8PM and I really don't want to consume 1200 calories and go to bed a couple of hours later. Again, I am considering this. I don't appreciate being called stupid, especially from people who haven't tried this before.

2 gallons of water can cause water intoxication and KILL you. Your body does NOT need that much water! Another fad diet. People, you need to learn how to eat right in the first place! Eat healthy food that nourishes your body, not JUNK, fatty foods, exercise and make it your lifestyle and you will become thinner, but more importantly healthy. Hopefully, if you learn how to do this, you will patiently reach your goals, become happier and not feel the need for a QUICK fix. No quick fix is healthy.
Whatever you decide to do, I'm going to pray for you, that you find a way to do it without making yourself ill.
Good luck and <hugs>

-sigh-

Okay while we have discovered OP is wanting to be enabled to be an idiot....no, lets keep it to facts. Two gallons of water will not cause water intoxication.

I drink almost three gallons a day just cuz, I don't drink soda, never really cared for it except on the odd occasion. I drink water, tea, coffee, that's it. I agree fad diets are dumb but let's not spread misinformation here.