muscle loss pertaining to food

shadowdancer786

I have had eating issues in the past on and off which I am still fighting, in addition I eat little as my metabolism is slow. I usually run 4-5 times a week for about an hour, doing about 6-8 miles per time. I also dance for 3-6 hours a day, depending on the day. I also do pilates, strength training, yoga, and various calisthenics. So far this year I have been dropping weight and gaining muscle, but I was wondering if my calorie deficit (usually 300-1300 per day) could possibly mean I would start to lose muscle if I drop more weight.

yarwell

Practically all weight loss involves some loss of fat-free mass (water, muscle, connective tissue, whatever). Your exercise regime will minimise it, as will eating plenty of protein.

maryjay52

you will lose muscle if you dont eat protein and plenty of it .. make sure you eat the right foods. if you put watered down gas in your car it will break down eventually ..if you dont fuel your body right it too will break down eventually

psuLemon

I have had eating issues in the past on and off which I am still fighting, in addition I eat little as my metabolism is slow. I usually run 4-5 times a week for about an hour, doing about 6-8 miles per time. I also dance for 3-6 hours a day, depending on the day. I also do pilates, strength training, yoga, and various calisthenics. So far this year I have been dropping weight and gaining muscle, but I was wondering if my calorie deficit (usually 300-1300 per day) could possibly mean I would start to lose muscle if I drop more weight.

I can 100% gaurentee that you are not gaining muscle and cutting fat. In fact, I can bet you are losing both since you aren't eating enough calories. This is also why your metabolism is slow as you are under feeding it. Very common with people who have eating disorders. Now protein and heavy weight training can reduce the effects of muscle loss, but if you truly want to improve your metabolic rate, then you have to look to gain new lean body mass.

hughtwalker

I don't seem to have lost muscle - try to keep working at not doing so.
On this business of protein supplements though, MFP chastises me for having too much protein if I have leftover meat at lunch and fish for dinner, say.
What will it do if I add protein shakes since I always seem to be nagged for being too much in calorie deficit ?

psuLemon

I don't seem to have lost muscle - try to keep working at not doing so.
On this business of protein supplements though, MFP chastises me for having too much protein if I have leftover meat at lunch and fish for dinner, say.
What will it do if I add protein shakes since I always seem to be nagged for being too much in calorie deficit ?

MFP's macro nutritions are based on the generally US accepted standard. Many of us actually alter it (I generally suggest 35% carbs, 40% protein and 25% fats). High protein diets have a lot of benefits; greater weight loss, insulin resistance improvements, helps maintain lean body mass & your metabolism if combined with weight training, etc...


Now, unless you track your body fat %, it is actually hard to say how much lbm (aka muscle, etc..) you have lost. You will not be able to tell otherwise.

If you have trouble getting calories, protein shakes (such as muscle milk) can help reduce your calorie deficit. But in general, almost all weight loss has muscle loss involve. Your goal should be minimizing that.

hughtwalker

thanks