"starvation mode" and other questions

foodie178
foodie178 Posts: 47 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
17 yr old female, 127 lbs, 5'6.
is there any way i'm in starvation mode if i'm netting about 1350 calories a day (so with my exercise i'm eating up to 1800 calories a day total)? my bmr is about 1400 and i want to lose body fat but gain muscle. am i actually not eating enough? i'm constantly hungry but i'm forcing myself not to eat so i can stay under my bmr! mfp is telling me that if i want to maintain my weight i need to eat 1850 cals daily, but i've had my diary set at a weight loss of 1 lb per week since september and i've only lost 8 lbs since then; i stopped losing in november. I havent stayed under my goal every week, but enough that i can calculate that i should be losing more than 8 pounds since september! it's frustrating because i am always hungry, can't eat, and i'm not seeing any progress...

Replies

  • Mummyadams
    Mummyadams Posts: 1,125 Member
    If your hungry, then eat. But eat healthily (protein, veg, fruit etc). Don't starve, it sux to be hungry.
  • aelunyu
    aelunyu Posts: 486 Member
    starvation mode only happens to people that are very very low bodyfat, and cannot use existing fat stores to maintain their metabolism. Most people, unless you have dieted for months, and are getting very very lean, will never encounter it. When it does happen, it will be probably when you're trying to lose the last 3 pounds after losing 50.
  • ericarae33
    ericarae33 Posts: 211 Member
    The smaller you are the harder it is to lose. I am 127, 5'3, and I work with a trainer who has my cal's at 1350 and I'm not suppose to eat my exercise calories back...however if I'm hungry I'll eat...normally as long as its healthy, not junk.

    What type of work outs are you doing? if just cardio add weights, it will change your shape (tone).

    I don't agree with starvation mode personally, but agree its unhealthy to eat under 1200 calories a day period.
  • DanaDark
    DanaDark Posts: 2,187 Member
    Your weight loss goals per week are too ambitious. It will eventually cause a stall.

    Eating below your BMR will cause elevated cortisol levels from stress to slowly build up. Eventually those levels will raise to the point that they will stop your weight loss by running your organs at a slower rate than normal, thus preserving energy.

    I suggest you shoot for 0.5 pounds weight loss a week.
  • now_or_never13
    now_or_never13 Posts: 1,575 Member
    First off, you are at a healthy weight so I wouldn't worry about losing more.

    Secondly, to lose body fat and build muscle eat at maintance and lift HEAVY weights... not little dumbells but heavy weights. Eat more than the recommended amount of protein.

    Finally, sparkteens may be a better option for you. This website isn't designed for anyone under the age of 18.
  • KenosFeoh
    KenosFeoh Posts: 1,837 Member
    This is my opinion: You're at a really good weight and truly don't need to lose more. Focus on exercise and eat at maintenance.
  • stephgas
    stephgas Posts: 159 Member
    at your age, i'd recommend checking with a doctor before limiting your calorie intake that much. your body and brain are still growing into your mid-20s, and severely limiting your calorie intake may not be the healthiest thing. i think it sounds like you're at a healthy weight - i would think a healthy, well rounded diet and some light weight training for toning would be good. but your doctor should still advise because everyone's body type is different. when i was 16 and 17, i was 5'7" and underweight at 132 pounds according to my doctor.

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