Starvation Mode?

kjoy_

I've only eaten 900 calories today and exercised according to MFP a 200 calorie deficit. I just haven't been hungry today, I made a hearty dinner but could not make myself finish it. I have heard things about "starvation mode," and heard conflicting reports about it, so I'm not sure what to think. Is it ok to be eating too little calories once in a while, or should I eat more today to avoid my body going into this mysterious "starvation mode"? Opinions or links to articles would be great!

natwen

I wouldn't want to have only eaten 900 and exercised off 200, because that means you have only netted 700 calories. I'd eat up if I were you, but then again I take every chance I can get to put calories in me :P

suziecue66

Going by hunger is the way to go unless you are constantly only eating 900 calories per day. Also not good to follow hunger if over-eater.

kaervaak

One day is not a big deal, but don't make a habit of netting under 1200 calories per day. Some days you just aren't hungry and that's ok, but be sure to get enough to eat on average. There's been a lot of research showing that your body actually responds pretty well to short fasts, but you have to eat at or above maintenance on non-fasted days or else your metabolism will start to slow down.

If you're chronically under-eating then you're just going to have to force yourself to up your intake. It'll be hard at first,but as with everything, it will improve with practice.

nxd10

Nibble a little. Take a break, and see if your appetite develops. I have this sometimes if I've eaten lots of good protein and then exercise. Thinking about food and eating a little releases hormones that increase your hunger and appetite.

Eerinelizz

I am not an expert by any means, but....When I think of "starvation mode", I think of the idea that if you don't consume enough calories on a regular basis, your metabolism starts to slow down in an effort to conserve the few calories you are feeding it. A slow metabolism means you might feel sluggish, and your body won't burn as many calories as someone with a higher metabolism while doing the same activities. That's definitely something I want to avoid! But I definitely have days where I am under my calorie goal, but I may eat a little more the next day. It all evens out, as long as you aren't consistently under your calorie goals.