starvation mode and losing friends

MessyLittlePanda

Man, I wish I could be full on 1200 calories a day! I can't do it. I don't function. But I have health problems that make it a bad idea for me. So I eat more, and I exercise a fair bit. I don't judge people who do low calorie diets, but if someone asks for an opinion on their diary, and they frequently net below 1200 calories, I'll likely tell them "get more vitamins down you and eat more a few days". But the key is whether the opinion is solicited or not.

I agree there is no "magic number" and it's about what works for you. But at the end of the day MFP is a support system and frequently people prefer to have people in their support system who follow the same/similar methods they do. And if someone has had a problem with an ED in the past, or knows someone close to them who has, then maybe yeah they might not want to support that style of eating. I knew someone at work who never ate above 1000 cals and she was underweight. I wouldn't want to have that sort of friend on MFP, because that's borderline ED to me - MFP isn't pro-ana, and I won't congratulate someone for doing that to themselves. But she was a good couple of stone underweight, so that's different to someone doing it who has the weight to lose. A few people will get addicted to losing weight, and not want to stop, so I reckon it's important to plan ahead for weight maintenance and how to gradually increase calorie intake so it doesn't all pile back on, but nor do you get stuck in a place where your metabolism can't cope with more food and you have to stay at 1200 calories the rest of your days!

hippychickuk

I totally agree with most replies here that mfp is your tool, use it how it like. Your food lifestyle is your choice whether it's clean eating or pizza (pizza... yum... sorry, distracted there for a second). For me, I figure long term success is making sure I can have a glass of wine at night at still lose weight. Would I lose faster and more consistently if I didn't drink? yep, but that's not how I want to do it. So I guess you can either make your mfp friends understand your strategy if you feel that's worth the effort, or just let it go.

As for starvation mode, I think the problem with it is that it gets called "starvation mode." There was a sentence in the blog post the OP referenced that basically sums it up: "In the end, it's important to consume enough calories that you have the energy to perform the daily activities you want to and to keep your body healthy." I find that when I under-eat (which for me seems to be less than 1500 cals/day) my BMR really slows down (well, and there's the wine..) and my weight loss stalls. So eat more to weigh less has really helped me understand where to put my daily calorie target.

It's all eat right an exercise isn't it?

rjsimpson2002

I've seen some diaries on here of people who don't eat anywhere near 1200 and eat crappy food - if they are my friends then I will comment on that because I am worried about their health. The only reason I will de-friend someone is if they NEVER comment on my food / exercise but only talk about themselves...after all friendship should be give and take.

kittyconni

I never get up to 1200 calories. I go to the Metabolic Research Center. (I have since March). I follow their diet plan and I eat until I am full. I MIGHT, on a GOOD day, get 700 calories. I exercise on my nights off work and never eat back my exercise calories. This is MY plan that I follow from MRC. I have lost almost 60 pounds since March and for me it is sustainable because I have found healthy foods that I like and new ways to prepare foods thanks to my Metabolic center. I also work nights (7p-7a) and sleep through lunch so I am on the 2 meal plan. I always eat breakfast and dinner with a couple of healthy snacks during my shift at night. If you would like a friend who doesn't judge you by your caloric intake, feel free to add me!

Rachlmale

To be honest I'm pretty picky on which friends I keep when they're people I don't know personally. I've deleted a couple of people because I think their eating habits are terrible and to be honest I just don't want to read about it. If it works for them, good for them but it's not the way I want my journey to be.

I don't think I've deleted anyone for eating too little though, I'm usually under as well because of my exercise but I do make sure I eat 1,200 each day. I tend to delete people who have fast food or take away on a regular basis... I've made a huge effort to change my eating habits and I don't want to read about people who may have stayed within the calorie limit but by eating rubbish. I don't want to think I can eat that stuff, I know I can but I'd rather not so I choose not to read about it.

I'm here for lifestyle changes and to change my attitude towards food, some people just don't help your journey, those people have to go.



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sunshine2212677

very interesting article.
i think that people areall different, and what works and makes someone else happy may not make another happy.

this iste is about support and help, and it has been great for me.
it disapoints me that someone was that judgemental towards another persongoing through a similar struggle.
whatever their reasons behind it, they should have kept their negative opinions to themselves and concentrate on the positive.

"If you cant say something nice, say nothing at all"

x

hamiltonba

First, I am sorry that you are upset that this person deleted you from their friend list. If this was someone that you were friends with outside of myfitness, then yes, you have every right to be hurt. However, if that is not the case, I am confused by how upset you are. If you get this hurt by someone you don't even know, how are you with actual friend/family relationships? This might be something that you might want to address and might also help you with self esteem and confidence issue thus ultimately assisting you with your healthy lifestyle. Second, this "friend" wrote you a note telling you why they were deleting you? I find that very odd that someone would tell you why.

wingchunrick

Please read my post "How to repair a damaged metabolism and starvation mode".

LorinaLynn

I wouldn't delete someone for how much they eat, because I'm not their nanny and don't check their diaries.

I will delete someone who constantly complains how they "screwed up" or "binged" or "ate so much" when they have several hundred calories left after the so-called "binge." I'll offer advice and encouragement for a while, but if common sense falls on deaf ears... bu-bye.

PrimalGirl

Hi, I think in cases like this you need to realise the figures on here are a guide. They're generalised - who really knows how many calories they burn? Because MFP says 10 minutes of walking briskly burns 90 calories (example) doesn't mean you will. One person might burn 20, because they're already fit. Someone else might burn 150. How many cals you burn at rest is also approximate. In my opinion, don't worry.

Oh, and there's no such thing as starvation mode - unless you don't eat anything for over 72 hours. What there is, on a traditional high-carb diet, is insulin spikes and crashes caused by food. High carb = high insulin = insulin crash a few hours later, which people interpret as starvation mode.

Sorry if that there above sounded preachy. :0)

Huffdogg

1200 calories is stipulated by quite a few fairly trustworthy sources as being the minimum net caloric intake to keep an adult healthy. Lots of people on here are very wary of supporting people who are so concerned with losing lbs on the scale that they will damage their health to do it.

psumter

I had to comment in this case. I too consistently eat below the recommended caloric intake, but that's not intentional. I work out which buys me more calories, otherwise I'd be there on some days. I don't starve myself. I eat a lot of protein, fruit, veggies, Greek yogurt, almond butter, nothing processed, and I feel fine. My trainer also works with me at my day job and we often eat together and she has no concerns at all. I feel energized and healthier than I have in a long time. As long as you're being honest with yourself and doing your best, you have only you to answer to. Just make sure you're getting plenty of protein and maybe check in with your doctor every once in awhile. Don't forget, internet "friends" are really strangers - you don't really know anything about them and they know nothing about you. Good luck!

Keiko385

I have deleted people from my friends list not so much for under/over eating but for the related comments in my feed as to what they were doing with their bodies that made for some rather unpleasant reading first thing in the morning.

We all have days where we don't eat properly for whatever reason or Net 1200 calories. I will log my exercises and it puts me way under Net even if was just an evening stroll around the neighborhood not an intense sweaty jog and while my log says I did X amount my body tells me otherwise, sometimes its late or I simply am not hungry till the next day.

I wouldn't fret to much about it

kiachu

Hi, I think in cases like this you need to realise the figures on here are a guide. They're generalised - who really knows how many calories they burn? Because MFP says 10 minutes of walking briskly burns 90 calories (example) doesn't mean you will. One person might burn 20, because they're already fit. Someone else might burn 150. How many cals you burn at rest is also approximate. In my opinion, don't worry.

Oh, and there's no such thing as starvation mode - unless you don't eat anything for over 72 hours. What there is, on a traditional high-carb diet, is insulin spikes and crashes caused by food. High carb = high insulin = insulin crash a few hours later, which people interpret as starvation mode.

Sorry if that there above sounded preachy. :0)

There is such a thing. Its also known as metabolic slow down. Your body slows down your metabolism to adjust to the,low calorie intake. Usually happens to peope while extreme dieting. You lose weight. The problem comes when you try to eat normal again you gain weight and gain it fast and gain more than before, even at lower calories and with exercise. Your body preps itself for another period of starvation.

OP. Maybe that person has an eating disorder and your diary was a trigger

shoneybabes

It is their loss, if it comes down to childishness they they are not worth your time or effort. Let it all go and enjoy your lifestyle

Glasgow_Vegan

Sometimes I eat less than 1200 if I'm full and haven't been active that day. Always above 900 though. I'm always over my total fiber, calcium and protein goals, so I don't worry about it. I'm a vegan and that means I get a lot of nutrition from fewer calories. On saying that, if I use the rowing machine for over an hour in the evening I'm usually hungry enough to have a wholemeal sandwich and houmous, so that usually gets it to 1200ish. I don't always eat back my exercise calories because I just don't feel like I need it.

Glasgow_Vegan

Also, I watched a really good documentary about interval fasting and calorie restriction. It's by Horizon and called Eat, Fast and Live Longer. It's worth watching on youtube to see the health benefits. On the fasting days he said women should aim for one 300 - 400 calorie meal whereas men should aim for one 500 calorie meal. I might try this out two days a week for several weeks. I know that sadly I'll probably need to make my food diary friends only to prevent strangers from flagging it as 'promoting an eating disorder'.

AnneC77

Y'know I get so tired of judgmental people, yeah we are here to advise and help one another, but I really wish people would worry about themselves more rather than worrying about what he/or she is doing and I am generalizing this and not aiming it at anyone on this thread. If 1200 is good for you, then eat it. I try and aim for 1300 to 1500 calories a day but sometimes I only manage to net 1100. I tend to listen to my body more, rather than forcing myself to eat when I am neither hungry or stuffed.

I just laugh if people delete me, it's their choice, I am not going to get upset over it. I notice a lot of people eat processed foods on their diets and that irritates me, what is wrong with homecooked, fresh food? But I am not here to judge. Nor do I judge, You can only do what is right for you at the end of the day. Sometimes I eat takeaways, I enjoy them, but I always stay under my calorie intake and am losing at a healthy and regular rate. I don't see anything wrong with eating what you want as long as you plan your calories right. I think if you can give up foods you love for the rest of your life, then kudos, but I am trying to be more realistic, yeah this is a life choice and I plan to lose weight and still eat the foods I love. Life is too darn short to deprive yourself. Good Luck with your journey and please don't let an individual upset you!!

poppiupau

I'm on Cambridge Weight Plan, have 3 of their shakes a day and get about 410calories a day.I've done lots of research on VLCD's pros and cons..ultimately it's everyones own choice how they choose to lose weight. Same means don't work for every person

Gl to all on your paths!!

Jeannemum

I deleted someone for their ultra low calorie intake, but I am talking less than 600 cals a day. I felt I got nothing from them. To each their own. I wouldn`t worry about it if it was me.

windycitycupcake

First, I am sorry that you are upset that this person deleted you from their friend list. If this was someone that you were friends with outside of myfitness, then yes, you have every right to be hurt. However, if that is not the case, I am confused by how upset you are. If you get this hurt by someone you don't even know, how are you with actual friend/family relationships? This might be something that you might want to address and might also help you with self esteem and confidence issue thus ultimately assisting you with your healthy lifestyle. Second, this "friend" wrote you a note telling you why they were deleting you? I find that very odd that someone would tell you why.

yes they sent me a message. no i was not friends with them in real life. the reason i felt so sensitive about it was because they made me feel as if what i was doing was harmful to others somehow, as if i was promoting having an eating disorder. i believe this is what disturbed me so deeply, but yes you are right after reading many of these comments it's important to remember that this is a support network so not everyone will be compatible. i guess it is just a really sensitive issue for me so i over reacted, i had been so proud of myself for eating well up to that point.

it's fine if i don't want to eat 2100 calories a day, it's fine if I want to eat less than 1200, it's fine if you don't want to be in my "friends" list on mfp.

windycitycupcake

At the end of the day, I'm here for me. I want to surround myself with people who eat a similar level of calories as myself, have a similar outlook on food and exercise and inspire me to carry on. It may be selfish, but after being here all year you start to worry less about what everyone thinks haha!

Point well taken. And there you have it. Both sides of the arguement with valid points. In the end, she is quiet right, MFP is a tool for you to use and use as you wish to obtain your goals. Open diary, closed diary, lots of friends, no friends, it doesn't matter. Do what helps you be successful and that can change over time. Do what you need to do and find people who make you laugh, share similar goals, or help you along the way just because they are role models or encourage you. Nough said.

agreed

AmyP619

I'll be your 1200 calorie friend!! I eat anywhere between 1100-1300 calories just about daily, and that's really the only time I find myself losing weight. I find when I hit above 1300 calories, I gain or maintain, and I really don't feel like "trying" to eat more to SEE if I lose weight. If my body enjoys a 1200 calorie diet and I'm getting the proper nutrients and eating enough to feel satisfied..plus losing weigh..then I really don't see what the issue is. I'm with ya 100%!! Everyone has the option to make their own choices of how many calories they want to live on. I eat ALL day long on 1200 calories, so I'm never starving, and I eat mostly healthy stuff to make sure I'm getting the nutrients I need. It's a lifestyle change, and it's completely realistic to live the way I've been eating for the long haul. I like where I'm at, and I'm not going to eat more!!

Fozzi43

I'll be your 1200 calorie friend!! I eat anywhere between 1100-1300 calories just about daily, and that's really the only time I find myself losing weight. I find when I hit above 1300 calories, I gain or maintain, and I really don't feel like "trying" to eat more to SEE if I lose weight. If my body enjoys a 1200 calorie diet and I'm getting the proper nutrients and eating enough to feel satisfied..plus losing weigh..then I really don't see what the issue is. I'm with ya 100%!! Everyone has the option to make their own choices of how many calories they want to live on. I eat ALL day long on 1200 calories, so I'm never starving, and I eat mostly healthy stuff to make sure I'm getting the nutrients I need. It's a lifestyle change, and it's completely realistic to live the way I've been eating for the long haul. I like where I'm at, and I'm not going to eat more!!

Completely agree with you and I'm on the same calorie allowance

sherisse69

Say goodbye to that "friend" and be happy you no longer have to deal with their judgement~

Lyerin

Seriously? Why would anyone care? I mean, I guess I could see if someone had an ED and found your diary to be triggering for some reason, that would make sense, but to unfriend for occasionally netting below 1200 seems very odd. Sometimes I net below, sometimes right on, sometimes above my goal. That's just the way life works. Some days I have a very hard, high calorie burn workout and then am not hungry at night - I am not going to force myself to eat more calories (and that's really part of why I'm here at MFP - learning to listen to my body about when I'm really hungry as opposed to happy/sad/bored/thirsty). Other days, I have a more sedentary day and am right on, and still other days I am all EAT ALL THE THINGS. LOL

ravengirl1611

I know the current thinking is 1200 cals is the holy grail of calorie counting - however every doctor I've talked to says that 1500 is a more realistic daily intake for the average person. Personally I really like being able to calculate what my actual body uses / needs and then adjusting from there. For me 1200 calories isnt enough - Im usually ready to gnaw on my arm by noon but I see a time in my future when Im a lot closer to my goal than I am now that 1200 cals will be just about perfect. If that works for you then great! As for the person who unfriended you. I wouldnt let it get to you - for whatever reason you werent compatable - it happens - there will be others to take their place.

ps - I know what you mean about having a wonky schedule and sometimes sleeping through the day so you end up with a really low calorie intake the hard part of that is not adding what you missed yesterday to todays

dawnwarren71

Any one that would unfriend you for that...has their OWN issues....NOT you.
We all have to learn what OUR bodies need and if you are losing weight then whatever!
The person that unfriended you has the issue not you. Think no more about it and friend me. :-)

TheRealParisLove

Diet and fitness internet "cliques"? Hahahaha! I guess those "Over 1200" folks are little like the ultra-religious kids in school who weren't allowed to hang out with the secular kids and would spout their dogma to everyone else, all day long.

I'm pretty sure I've been "unfriended" but I really have no idea and frankly, don't care. I like everybody, but realize that some people don't and I'm good with that.

Just move on, and find some new friends. There are ten's of thousands of people on this website daily. I'm sure you'll find some that don't feel the need to act as food diary police.

dawnwarren71

This is what Weight Watchers says about Starvation Mode. I found it very insightful.

The Starvation Myth
The idea that "not eating enough" causes the body to stop losing weight because it goes into "starvation mode" is a popular myth among dieters.
Article By: The Weight Watchers Research Department
Restricting calories during weight loss lowers metabolism1 because the body becomes more efficient, requiring fewer calories to perform the necessary daily functions for survival. Consequently, this can slow (but not stop) the anticipated rate of weight loss.

For example, if an individual needs 2,000 calories per day to maintain weight, reducing intake to 1,500 calories, assuming exercise stays the same, should provide a 1 pound per week weight loss (Note: 1 pound of weight is equivalent to about 3,500 calories). Furthermore, reducing to 1,000 calories should result in a weight loss of 2 pounds per week and going down to 500 calories a day should result in a weight loss of 3 pounds per week. However, if an individual actually reduces their intake to 500 calories, the weight loss would not likely be a steady 3 pounds per week because of the reduced metabolic rate. It would likely be around 2¼ to 2½ pounds. This "lower than expected" rate of weight loss is a lot different than "no" weight loss as the "starvation mode" notion proposes.
It is unclear as to whether the relationship between reduced caloric intake and a lower metabolism follows a straight path or becomes more pronounced the greater the caloric reduction. Some studies have found no significant reduction in metabolism until the caloric restriction is quite large (e.g. 800 calories or less per day).2 Others suggest a linear relationship with small reductions in metabolism accompanying small reductions in caloric restriction, with the gap increasing as the caloric deficit is enlarged.

While there is no biologic evidence to support the "starvation mode" myth, there may be behavioral reasons why weight loss stops when calories are severely reduced. Over-restriction of calorie intake, known as high dietary restraint is linked to periods of overeating, hindering successful weight loss.3 (For more information on dietary restraint, read the Science Center article, The Skill of Flexible Restraint).