HELP!! I just don't understand!!!

ChristyWorksIt

I have been watching what I eat for two weeks now but I am confused. No matter what I do I am over my protein needs and under the carbs, calories and usually the fat. I am on a 1590 calorie restriction as I am attempting to lose my baby fat. The machine says I may be on a starvation diet due to my low calorie diet. I am eating sensibly but unable to satisfy the requirement. HELP ME! I just don't know where I am going wrong.

Thanks,
Christy

NikiMorgan27

Which of those are you watching the closest? I find that I am usually over on protein and fiber, but it's not a bother to me because I'm watching the calories the closest. There are times that your body will go into "starvation mode" if you are too low in calories. The body holds on to what it can because it thinks it's "starving". I've both heard this on tv and have read about it in fitness magazines. Also, are you doing some sort of exercise with your diet?

ms_tris

Why not just raise your protein? It helps with satiety and it doesn't affect your blood sugar as much as many carbohydrates. You can customize your macronutrients (carbs, fat, protein) to whatever you want within your calorie budget. Just change your goals and instead of doing "guided," do "custom."

Good luck!

ChristyWorksIt

Thank you! I will try to do that. I work a lot and have 4 children so working out hasn't been something I can afford in time away from the kids and family.

trogalicious

This happens all too often.
1. Person joins MFP.
2. "I wanna lose 2lbs a week"
3. MFP says "1200 calories"
4. Person eats under 1200 calories.
5. No weight loss.

So now comes the science.

You need to figure out your BMR and TDEE. Your BMR is what you would be fed in a hospital, if you were in a coma, in order to just maintain essential body functions. If you're eating below that, you aren't doing yourself any favors.

When the engine in your car is out of gas, the engine stops. Calories are your gasoline. If you want your body to work efficiently, you have to remain fueled up, right?

So, your TDEE is how many calories you're burning daily. If you eat at your TDEE, you don't lose, you don't gain. Miracle maintenance numbers.

Eating at a deficit of your TDEE is recommended. I shoot for 20% less than TDEE.

So, here's your chance to figure out these numbers... update your goals here... eat more... and start losing again while not starving. Your energy level will go up.. and you'll appreciate the little things. Like, for me, my stache grew out and was super shiny.

No, for real. It was.

taso42

Read this
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819925-the-basics-don-t-complicate-it

and this
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

and this too
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

JAllen32

Don't even worry about your protein. You need it, it's good for your muscle repair. And it's normal for protein to be over.

concordancia

This happens all too often.
1. Person joins MFP.
2. "I wanna lose 2lbs a week"
3. MFP says "1200 calories"
4. Person eats under 1200 calories.
5. No weight loss.

This does not apply to OP, who is aiming for nearly 1600.

trogalicious

This does not apply to OP, who is aiming for nearly 1600.

Same concept. Aiming for 1600 may still be under BMR.

ETA: and with a closed diary, who knows what the deal is. I'm offering a blanket response as it seems that it may be fitting.

ChristyWorksIt

Thanks I will give that a try!

Lisa2bHappy

@trogalicious haha your funny :-) good advice also