Under by 1493 calories

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Replies

  • A calorie is a calorie is a calorie.... no matter what time of day or night it is.
  • BeckySue1977
    BeckySue1977 Posts: 91 Member
    Looks like you're pretty new on MFP... It can be exciting at the begining when you're getting a new routine going and looking forward to seeing some results really soon. That makes it easy to over-do things like cutting back too far on calories. I'm glad you are logging your food! That is a huge first step! Maybe start looking at your food diary and see if you see any patterns. Are you eating too little early on in the day? Are you having a balanced mix of foods? I didn't see much in the way of fruits or veggies in there (I don't count tomato soup as a veggie since its so processed).
    Thinking logically about the things your body needs to function just on a basic level, do you think that a meal which consists of only one packed of tomato soup would fuel you for several hours till the next meal?
    I think you are going to find that the routine you are currently on is not going to be sustainable. You can and will lose weight if you eat at the calorie level given by MFP. Maybe you could also check out the diaries of some of the people posting on this thread for some ideas. Feel free to send me a friend request. I'm far from perfect (I eat ice cream way too often!), but willing to help and give honest oppinions.
    Good Luck!
  • Sweet_Potato
    Sweet_Potato Posts: 1,119 Member
    Confused...how is it 7pm if you live in SC? I'm on the east coast and it's 2:22pm at the moment...

    Wow..... Not everyone is American. This is the second post that has assumed that. You know what they say about when you ASSume stuff. :-)

    My clue that she didn't live in SC was all the Tesco stuff. :)
  • Sweet_Potato
    Sweet_Potato Posts: 1,119 Member
    My advice would be to eat if you're hungry, even if it's late, or don't eat if you're not. Don't stress over whether you have extra calories remaining. You can always eat them tomorrow or even a few days from now, and you won't die of starvation if you never make them up. I don't know why everyone makes this so complicated.
  • SyntonicGarden
    SyntonicGarden Posts: 944 Member
    First off, your profile says you are in South Carolina (unless I'm reading that wrong). You've got 5 hours until 7pm. Secondly, it does not matter when you consume food. Your body doesn't recognize time... only your mind does. Thirdly, you should always make an effort to eat at your calorie goal at least, and try to make those calories protein-filled. Eating under one day won't hurt you, but this timing thing isn't a very good excuse for it.

    Be prepared to get the verbal lashing from this community. Don't take it too personally though. They are just looking out for your best interests.

    I'm guessing by the Tesco and Hovis entries, that she's in Falkirk, Scotland. So yeah, 7pm makes sense.

    OP - Thank you for having an open diary. It helps, especially with posts like this. Sometimes I forget to eat, but from the looks of it, based on what you've logged so far, I'm going to guess that you're not eating enough or not eating enough of the right things on a regular basis.

    If you're afraid to eat (because you're trying to lose weight) not eating enough is probably NOT going to help you reach your goal. If you're like some of the rest of us, you go a few days of not eating enough and the next think you know, you have a crap day, you're elbow deep into a bag of crisps, the Hobnobs are gone, and you're doing straight shots of Ribena (or whatever your vices are).

    Your body needs a certain amount of fuel to function and to physically get you from point A to point B. Not giving it enough fuel isn't going to facilitate getting you where you need to go and if it does, it's probably not going to be a smooth ride.

    I'm not sure about the whole "Starvation mode" argument, but from a physiological point of view, your body does need food at regular intervals in order to regulate your blood sugar and insulin levels. Not eating enough doesn't do your body any favors.

    I think you're right in having a piece of toast when you get home. Maybe put a piece of cheese on it too. ;)
  • kenazfehu
    kenazfehu Posts: 1,188 Member
    I looked over your diary, and it looks like under-eating is the rule rather than the exception. Please don't go down this path. Eat more early in the day if your rule is no eating after 7 PM. I understand that - my rule is no eating between meals, ever, and save 100-200 extra calories for dinner and a bedtime snack. I'm more interested in eating later in the day rather than earlier.

    Best wishes to you!
  • HypersonicFitNess
    HypersonicFitNess Posts: 1,219 Member
    You're not eating enough calories during the day.

    Your breakfast should be around 350, so your lunch and dinner

    Your snacks should be 75-120 calories

    less than 500 calories is not enough for your brain to function sweety this is serious....you should be consuming at least 1200 calories per day otherwise your organs are not getting enough calories to function. They will start utilizing other parts of your body to function...not fat, they will utilize bone and hair, etc. Please eat more
  • SyntonicGarde - Thanks for your comments.

    I thought an open diary would be the best way to go about this as other people can read it and help or shout at me...

    It's not even that I'm afraid to eat, I was at college today 11-4 and din't have anything to make for lunch or any money to buy something but by the time I got home I only really fancied a cupasoup till I got the the other halves house.

    I'll definitely be planning my days better so I know when and what I'll be eating!

    I'll be putting some peanut butter on it! :)
  • Wow... you should really watch your sodium intake.
  • Mischievous_Rascal
    Mischievous_Rascal Posts: 1,791 Member
    wow. Eat something.... This isn't healthy.

    ^^^^^^ THIS....eat now!!!!
  • LittleMissDover
    LittleMissDover Posts: 820 Member
    SyntonicGarde - Thanks for your comments.

    I thought an open diary would be the best way to go about this as other people can read it and help or shout at me...

    It's not even that I'm afraid to eat, I was at college today 11-4 and din't have anything to make for lunch or any money to buy something but by the time I got home I only really fancied a cupasoup till I got the the other halves house.

    I'll definitely be planning my days better so I know when and what I'll be eating!

    I'll be putting some peanut butter on it! :)


    You under ate the last 2 days too, yesterday you had 756 cals and the day before you hit 1313 but all you ate all day was some soup, crisps and pasta.

    You need to eat more otherwise you won't be able to sustain this change.
  • jocybee83
    jocybee83 Posts: 155 Member
    I regularly eat after 10pm and am still losing weight. If you are hungry, eat!
  • jkestens63
    jkestens63 Posts: 1,164 Member
    SyntonicGarde - Thanks for your comments.

    I thought an open diary would be the best way to go about this as other people can read it and help or shout at me...

    It's not even that I'm afraid to eat, I was at college today 11-4 and din't have anything to make for lunch or any money to buy something but by the time I got home I only really fancied a cupasoup till I got the the other halves house.

    I'll definitely be planning my days better so I know when and what I'll be eating!

    I'll be putting some peanut butter on it! :)


    You under ate the last 2 days too, yesterday you had 756 cals and the day before you hit 1313 but all you ate all day was some soup, crisps and pasta.

    You need to eat more otherwise you won't be able to sustain this change.

    This will catch up to you... you will either stop losing or goon a binge because your body is craving food. Part of developing a healthy lifestyle is planning and if you know that you are going to be out and about then you need to plan accordingly. PB&J sandwich, a salad, piece of fruit in an insulated lunch bag. I'm not quite sure why you posted if you are defensive/disagree with what people are telling you but there are a lot of us who have been doing this a long time and have learned from out mistakes. Just trying to help others from repeating history. Good luck!
  • I really don't want you all to think I'm starving myself!

    I didn't log all of Sunday's food as I had to do it this morning from memory but that's my fault, I'll remember to write down food if I can't get to a computer.

    I'm really very new to eating healthily, I don't know what to watch out for, what I can eat loads of, what foods have too much sodium, which foods are naturally low in fat etc. I'd rather people messaged me telling me things like this rather than just telling me to eat.

    I'm sorry if I've given off the vibe that I'm just trying to starve myself to lose weight quickly, it's really not the case! I do usually eat ridiculous amounts and thought it would continue after I started this for at least a while :/
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    I don't want to eat after 7pm so I don't feel stodgy when I go to bed but I'll take cmriverside's advice and have some toast when I get home.

    Try eating some real food like fruit or something with more protein. Basically anything that isn't a bunch of highly processed carbs. You might find that you feel better when you go to bed then. Even chocolate has more health benefits than toast.

    Keep in mind that if you don't get adequate protein while dieting, your body will burn off lots of muscle along with the fat which isn't good! So make sure to get plenty of protein while you're losing weight. I doubt you're getting enough protein if you're under your caloric goals by almost 1500 calories!

    Or, try something carby. For me, I can't eat protein too late or it bothers my stomach, but I can eat carbs at night without any issues.
  • kristen6022
    kristen6022 Posts: 1,923 Member
    SyntonicGarde - Thanks for your comments.

    I thought an open diary would be the best way to go about this as other people can read it and help or shout at me...

    It's not even that I'm afraid to eat, I was at college today 11-4 and din't have anything to make for lunch or any money to buy something but by the time I got home I only really fancied a cupasoup till I got the the other halves house.

    I'll definitely be planning my days better so I know when and what I'll be eating!

    I'll be putting some peanut butter on it! :)

    We aren't yelling at you - and really, with a 1493 calorie under what you should have eaten, you should have known what everyone would have said. Please make an attempt to start eating whole foods and less carby/processed ones too. If not for the weight loss, for your health. Fresh veggies/fruits, lean protein make a HUGE difference in your energy level and overall feeling...
  • beachdiva2010
    beachdiva2010 Posts: 180 Member
    I would also strongly suggest that you track your sodium. I just peeked at your diary, and I'm sure you are way over, and you need to eat. And not just soups! Good luck!!
  • LittleMissDover
    LittleMissDover Posts: 820 Member
    I really don't want you all to think I'm starving myself!

    I didn't log all of Sunday's food as I had to do it this morning from memory but that's my fault, I'll remember to write down food if I can't get to a computer.

    I'm really very new to eating healthily, I don't know what to watch out for, what I can eat loads of, what foods have too much sodium, which foods are naturally low in fat etc. I'd rather people messaged me telling me things like this rather than just telling me to eat.

    I'm sorry if I've given off the vibe that I'm just trying to starve myself to lose weight quickly, it's really not the case! I do usually eat ridiculous amounts and thought it would continue after I started this for at least a while :/

    I'm in the UK and shop a lot at Tesco as you seem to by what I can see so if you want to add me for ideas feel free.
  • I would also strongly suggest that you track your sodium. I just peeked at your diary, and I'm sure you are way over, and you need to eat. And not just soups! Good luck!!

    Thanks I've added my sodium to my diaries now. (That's just another word for salt isn't it?) Yeah me and the other half bought a bit too much soup during the last shop, it was on offer!
  • Poorgirls_Diet
    Poorgirls_Diet Posts: 528 Member
    I think people have to remember that there are various other countries on this site as well and its not just an American site. However that is beside the point and we must remember that shouting at a person and telling them to go and eat is really not going to make them get up and go to the kitchen. Like the OP I don't eat after 8pm because I don't like going to sleep with a full tummy and each to their own.

    Also the lady is also new to MFP, why don't we give her some constructive advice instead of being rude to her? The only thing I would like to say to the OP is to try and make better choices with your food. E.g, instead of grabbing a packet of crisps, grab an apple or an orange. Build up on fruit and veg, protein and use your calories wisely. Also watch your sodium intake from the prepacked foods that you may have. Tesco value meals are great once in a while but to be honest they are not worth the calories and would be much better for you to get some foods that you can cook from scratch. You will learn this as you go along and once you get the hang of it you will start to enjoy cooking up more healthier versions. Good luck
  • Poorgirls_Diet
    Poorgirls_Diet Posts: 528 Member
    Your not even eating enough to go to bed! Your body burns 1200 calories just in 8 hours of sleep!

    Are you serious? Or is this a joke? I never burn this much doing an hour at the gym never mind when I am sleeping
  • AmberJo1984
    AmberJo1984 Posts: 1,067 Member
    You need to eat something. Eating after 7 is no big deal as long as it's not an everday occurance -- or a huge meal. But, in this circumstance... go eat anyway. You need the food.
  • I'd much rather the constructive advice if I'm honest! :)
  • AmberJo1984
    AmberJo1984 Posts: 1,067 Member
    I think people have to remember that there are various other countries on this site as well and its not just an American site. However that is beside the point and we must remember that shouting at a person and telling them to go and eat is really not going to make them get up and go to the kitchen. Like the OP I don't eat after 8pm because I don't like going to sleep with a full tummy and each to their own.

    Also the lady is also new to MFP, why don't we give her some constructive advice instead of being rude to her? The only thing I would like to say to the OP is to try and make better choices with your food. E.g, instead of grabbing a packet of crisps, grab an apple or an orange. Build up on fruit and veg, protein and use your calories wisely. Also watch your sodium intake from the prepacked foods that you may have. Tesco value meals are great once in a while but to be honest they are not worth the calories and would be much better for you to get some foods that you can cook from scratch. You will learn this as you go along and once you get the hang of it you will start to enjoy cooking up more healthier versions. Good luck

    Exactly. Constructive advice may work... but, derogatory comments won't.
  • jlapey
    jlapey Posts: 1,850 Member
    Try eating a BALANCED DIET of lean protein, fresh fruits/ veggies and complex carbs (like wild rice, whole grain breads, barley, quinoa, oats, sweet potatoes, no 'white' carbs). Thousands of recipes on the internet if you don't know how to cook them. Avoid pre-packaged, ready-to-eat type products as they are high in sodium and loaded with unnatural preservatives. Exercise regularly (strength training and cardio at least 3 times a week) and you should be fine. :flowerforyou:
  • _Wits_
    _Wits_ Posts: 1,286 Member
    I agree...add in the Peanut Butter or that toast is most likely gonna wake you up really hungry with tummy growls.

    PEANUT BUTTER...FOR THE WIN!!!!!
  • jefedesalto
    jefedesalto Posts: 154 Member
    HA! I love how angry everyone gets.

    "Oh my GOD! you netted less than 1200 Calories! Are you CRAZY YOU STUPID IDIOT!!"

    Chill on these people. If you are going to post a forum topic to the tune of....

    " OH MY, I ONLY ATE A PIECE OF TOAST TODAY. IS THAT BAD?" Then you are probably an attention seeking antagonist who is trying to illicit angry responses.

    My 4 year old niece knows that bad attention is still attention. Ignore her.
  • Ready2Rock206
    Ready2Rock206 Posts: 9,487 Member
    That's more calories than I even get in a day! And I don't get home from work until about 7pm so if I didn't eat after then I'd almost never get dinner!

    For the future I'd bulk up your days a bit. Add in more fruits and veggies. Aim for a nice balance for your meals - 300-400 calories per meal at least. Plus a couple 100-200 calorie snacks. (Take your total calories - divide by 4 - then divide one of those by 2 - 3 meals and 2 snack goals.)

    Also don't fret - an occasional low day here and there will not kill you, will not put you in starvation mode, will not make you grow horns. As long as it is rare and not the norm I think it is okay. Personally I get seriously hangry on too few calories!
  • bcf7683
    bcf7683 Posts: 1,653 Member
    I'd much rather the constructive advice if I'm honest! :)

    You need to do some research and educate yourself on the effects of the type of diet you are maintaining. It's not healthy... at all. Research healthy recipes and snacks. There's tons of sites out there. Look for sites that have suggested diet plans until you're comfortable enough on your own to plan your whole day of meals.

    The path you're on now will lead to quick weight loss- which is unhealthy weight loss. And impossible to maintain. I can almost guarantee you that you will not eat like that the rest of your life. As soon as you start eating more you'll start gaining weight again. You need to learn to do it the healthy way. Most of us here have done tons and tons of research and educated ourselves. I suggest you do the same.
  • dakitten2
    dakitten2 Posts: 888 Member
    Did mfp set your calorie goal at 1770 per day? How many pounds did you enter to lose each week. I dont know your height or weight.

    I cant tell you what's right for you but I can tell you what certainly helped me and that was going to see a dietician/nutritionist for professional advice and she set-up my daily calorie intake as 1500 calories per day. I'm 5'3 and wanted to lose 145 pounds regardless how long it takes.

    Also, check out diaries of other people who have the same type goals as you and you'll get plenty of ideas on some great things to eat. I cannot say I eat "clean" but I'm doing a heck of a lot better than I was doing 13 months ago when I started.

    I eat anytime of the day that I feel like it and always have nightime snacks. So far it hasnt hurt me one bit.

    Peanut butter that many have mentioned is a win-win! If you are worried about fat percentages, get the reduced fat but the calories are the same.

    I did look back at all the days you have logged. In my humble opinion, you are not eating enough to sustain and fuel your body. I think one day you ate 1/5 of an apple. With 1770 calories a day, you can afford to eat the whole apple.

    Everything is a learning curve when you first start. That's why I suggest seeing a nutritionist. I continue to see mine monthly even tho I have been doing this for 13 months. She helps keep me on track and I send her my food logs before my monthly visit for her to analyze.

    Wishing you very good luck in your journey, just dont burn yourself out by placing too many restrictions on yourself.