800 calories adversely affecting my weight loss?

Wakeupwaisted

I'm being proactive. I haven't seen any adverse effects yet and I feel great! I'll give you background information on my situation. I'm 18, 5'1, and 177 pounds (highest weight 182/ 1-28-13). I've been eating approximately 800 calories a day and don't feel hungry. I do take a multivitamin and drink 8-10 oz of water a day. I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and have also started drinking protein shakes due to the fact that power 90 has weight lifting in it. I also started power 90 officially today (been doing it on and off for awhile) mixed with some activities on my wii fit plus. Do I need to make a change or am I alright?

Chebeau

Based on articles I have read and commentary on this forum, you should be eating more calories. There several knowledgeable posters who can explain the ins and outs of how many calories one should be consuming for healthy, successful weight loss.

shovav91

http://www.everydayhealth.com/weight/fewer-calories-stalls-metabolism.aspx
http://www.livestrong.com/article/494946-is-eating-too-few-calories-dangerous/
http://www.wcgh.org/journey-to-health/how-to-understand-the-risks-of-eating-too-few-calories/

I think that's about it, please be safe. I don't want anything lasting to come from this one poor choice.

crowunruh

Trust me there is no need to eat so little. You may be happy stepping on that scale and seeing the numbers move quickly, but in the long wrong run you are doing more harm. If you go about this the right way you will be less likely to gain weight back in the future.

Lift_hard_eat_big

You're eating about half of what you're minimum intake should be. I suspect you'll experience classic YOYO dieter's syndrome if you don't change your eating habits to a healthier approach.

ToughTulip

You're eating about half of what you're minimum intake should be. I suspect you'll experience classic YOYO dieter's syndrome if you don't change your eating habits to a healthier approach.

^^ I agree with this.

Do something more sustainable

RMNPHike

You will end up thin and flabby and then when you eat normally, your weight will come back faster than ever. It is far, far better to eat a reasonable number of calories and combine it with exercise. I yo-yo dieted for a decade - believe me, it won't work. I had a lot of discipline too and I could do the dreadful restrictive Phase I that most diets have. I could even eat almost nothing but herbal tea and vegetable juice for a week! I felt great when I was doing it, lost "weight" fast. But every time I went back to eating normally, I got fatter faster. It has taken years to undo the damage and it's still a battle. I have said it before and I'll say it again. Trust me on this one - you will thank yourself when you're 50!

babyblake11

your metabolism will drop and weight loss will stall. you will lose muscle mass and have a higher body fat percentage. eat 1600 caloriea and eat your exercise calories back then get back t us.

taso42

Do I need to make a change or am I alright?

you're pretty far from alright. start by doubling your calorie intake.

Crankstr

Do I need to make a change or am I alright?

you're pretty far from alright. start by doubling your calorie intake.

yep

Wakeupwaisted

You're eating about half of what you're minimum intake should be. I suspect you'll experience classic YOYO dieter's syndrome if you don't change your eating habits to a healthier approach.

So I should be eating 1600 calories? My BMR is apprx. 1600 calories. It'll take me years to get to my goal weight. Most of the time I try to eat close to 1100-1200 calories, high protein and fiber. ( tends to be high in sugar too due to fruits)

PikaKnight

So what if it takes you years? It's not a race. As long as you get to your goal..isn't that what matters? Not just losing weight but getting fit/healthy?

If you want, check out this link by MFPer Heliotsdan - It'll give you a detailed walkthrough (with pictures even) on finding your TDEE and calculating what you should be eating.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

Or for a different version to figure out your TDEE, as well as some great advice...check out:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/833500-what-do-i-do-common-sense-cliff-notes
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/844040-raspberry-ketones-for-the-rest-of-us


Also, if you are worried about the calorie intake, I also suggest you read this thread that has numerous people who met their goals and are maintaining. Some for years and they also provide their calorie intake and how often they work out.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/816542-let-s-hear-it-for-maintainenance


For more information about fitness and nutrition, I highly suggest checking out and joining this group: (Read all the stickies. It's great information to know.)
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/865230-resources-and-references


For those eating below their BMR (which I think 1200 is below your BMR to be honest), not going to preach at you, but here's something you might want to look at:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/81391-starvation-mode-myths-and-science
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/859495-if-only-i-had-known?page=1#posts-12919931


For the whole eating under a 1000 calories, look...you are going to do what you want but check out the link below at some of the stories of people who thought it was okay (especially because they weren't "feeling" hungry a lot of times) but ended up regretting it. These links are just information for you to be aware of.http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/521480-1000-calories-or-less-a-day
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/3047-700-calories-a-day-and-not-losing
http://www.fitwatch.com/weight-loss/3-reasons-why-eating-less-than-1000-calories-is-a-waste-of-time-3347.html


Yes, this is can all be overwhelming and complicated , but you are more than welcome to ask questions on the post.
One of the things that I have found that has been one of the best methods for me to get fit is to understand fitness. To understand where all these figures, etc come from.

The good thing is once you get the hang of it - it is something you'll be aware of constantly and you'll get a better understanding about your eating habits.

So I HIGHLY suggest making the effort to take every chance to educate yourself. Even if you don't end up going with any of these methods, calculations, etc - at least you understand what they are, where others are coming from, and maybe they will still be able to help you figure out what is best for you.

MoreBean13

I wish I had never done this to myself when I was your age. It screwed up my metabolism for YEARS. I didn't have a resource like MFP to guide me in the right direction, just the influence of my friends- blind leading the blind. Please reconsider your intake.

mindymolson

A doctor would tell you to always maintain at least 1200 net calories. You're burning muscle & messing up your metabolism. As someone with hypothyroidsm, I can promise you're gonna need to keep your metabolism going healthy.

taso42

You're eating about half of what you're minimum intake should be. I suspect you'll experience classic YOYO dieter's syndrome if you don't change your eating habits to a healthier approach.

So I should be eating 1600 calories? My BMR is apprx. 1600 calories. It'll take me years to get to my goal weight. Most of the time I try to eat close to 1100-1200 calories, high protein and fiber. ( tends to be high in sugar too due to fruits)

It most likely won't take you years. But even if it did, that's besides the point. The goal is to be healthy, forever. Not to drop a bunch of weight quick only to gain it back later with a deteriorated metabolism and body composition on top of it. Act healthy. Live healthy. It will take as long as it takes; but the moment you change your lifestyle for the better, success is yours starting right at that moment.

LindseyAlyssa

I'm 5'2, 19, started at 156 and regularly ate at 850 calories or lower for several years. Trust me. You need to up your calories. Once I did I started losing fat and began regaining muscle (as you won't be building any with such a low amount). Try to get up to 1200-1400. That's around where I am most days and am trying to increase it as my appetite adjusts to a higher quantity. I hope to eventually get it up to 1500-1600. Your body will thank you in the long run.

edit: it will take about a month for your body to adjust, but it won't take years to lose weight. Eat enough healthy foods and focus on some strength training. Your body will take care of the rest. I lost 11lbs in 4 months just from changing my diet.

mindymolson

Fruits & veggies are great! But you need a balanced diet. Bmr is what your body burns doing normal functions, like sleeping, breathing, eating, etc..

spamantha57

I'm 5'2" also.
I stopped listening to my doctor when she told me to keep eating less & less & eventually told me to eat only 800 calories.
Once I stopped listening to her & ate better I got healthy. Thank god I was blessed with a brain of my own.

Crankstr

never eat below your bmr.


you will lose weight...dont worry

DontStopB_Leakin

You're eating about half of what you're minimum intake should be. I suspect you'll experience classic YOYO dieter's syndrome if you don't change your eating habits to a healthier approach.

So I should be eating 1600 calories? My BMR is apprx. 1600 calories. It'll take me years to get to my goal weight. Most of the time I try to eat close to 1100-1200 calories, high protein and fiber. ( tends to be high in sugar too due to fruits)

Trust me, I know the urge to drastically slash your calories is tempting in order to reach your goal quicker, but please take some advice from someone who has experienced the adverse effects of doing just that; Don't do it. Eating below your BMR for extended periods of time (think months) can lead to a decreased metabolism, which will end up hindering and slowing down, possibly even stopping, your weight loss, and it can take months, even years to recover from that and get your metabolism back up to a normal level.

I lost 100 lbs by drastically cutting my calories at eating about 1000-1200 calories a day. And then my weight loss completely stalled for two years. I increased my intake, and ended up gaining back about 17 lbs, but it had to be done in order to get my metabolism back to where it needed to be. Once it regulated, I went back down to 1600 calories a day (plus exercise calories, so roughly 1900-2000 calories a day) and lost the remaining 34 lbs.

If I hadn't tried to speed up the process, it would have probably only taken me a year, maybe a year and a half to hit my goal. Instead, it ended up taking me three years.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race.

dare2love81

I wish I had never done this to myself when I was your age. It screwed up my metabolism for YEARS. I didn't have a resource like MFP to guide me in the right direction, just the influence of my friends- blind leading the blind. Please reconsider your intake.

^^This. 100x this.

auroranflash

You're eating about half of what you're minimum intake should be. I suspect you'll experience classic YOYO dieter's syndrome if you don't change your eating habits to a healthier approach.

So I should be eating 1600 calories? My BMR is apprx. 1600 calories. It'll take me years to get to my goal weight. Most of the time I try to eat close to 1100-1200 calories, high protein and fiber. ( tends to be high in sugar too due to fruits)

Trust me, I know the urge to drastically slash your calories is tempting in order to reach your goal quicker, but please take some advice from someone who has experienced the adverse effects of doing just that; Don't do it. Eating below your BMR for extended periods of time (think months) can lead to a decreased metabolism, which will end up hindering and slowing down, possibly even stopping, your weight loss, and it can take months, even years to recover from that and get your metabolism back up to a normal level.

I lost 100 lbs by drastically cutting my calories at eating about 1000-1200 calories a day. And then my weight loss completely stalled for two years. I increased my intake, and ended up gaining back about 17 lbs, but it had to be done in order to get my metabolism back to where it needed to be. Once it regulated, I went back down to 1600 calories a day (plus exercise calories, so roughly 1900-2000 calories a day) and lost the remaining 34 lbs.

If I hadn't tried to speed up the process, it would have probably only taken me a year, maybe a year and a half to hit my goal. Instead, it ended up taking me three years.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race.

Hey, listen! ^^^

Wakeupwaisted

So 1200 calories is still too low? Eating vegetables fill me up so its hard for me to want to eat more. Guess ill have to find a way to fit more calories into my diet. ill have to hit up the frozen food aisle for some lean cuisine dinners.

Ready2Rock206

So 1200 calories is still too low? Eating vegetables fill me up so its hard for me to want to eat more. Guess ill have to find a way to fit more calories into my diet. ill have to hit up the frozen food aisle for some lean cuisine dinners.

Or you know you can eat real regular food instead of a tiny diet meal since you're trying to up your calories.

happy_vegan

What led to your weight gain in the first place? Was it poor eating habits as a result of stress, or pregnancy, or lack of willpower, injury, hospitilization, or lack of right information about calories? Every answer will produce a different direction in how changing your diet can have great results.

Some questions to meditate on:

Do you plan on 900 calories being your calorie intake for when you get to your goal weight?

Does your current diet reflect a diet you could stick with for the rest of your life?

How long have you been able to continue your diet?


You might lose weight but like another poster commented, it won't stay off, so then what's the point? Why bother? Are you looking for a healthier life or a smaller you for a couple months until you snap and gain it all back? I want you to have room to make your own decisions but understand that as you see posted EVERYWHERE on these forums..gaining your lost weight back is all too common, usually due to situations you're describing. But you might have a different story so I won't judge.

Good luck!

stina412

So 1200 calories is still too low? Eating vegetables fill me up so its hard for me to want to eat more. Guess ill have to find a way to fit more calories into my diet. ill have to hit up the frozen food aisle for some lean cuisine dinners.

This is where banana's, peanut butter and a nice glass of milk became a ritual for me

Mainebikerchick

So what if it takes you years? It's not a race. As long as you get to your goal..isn't that what matters? Not just losing weight but getting fit/healthy?

If you want, check out this link by MFPer Heliotsdan - It'll give you a detailed walkthrough (with pictures even) on finding your TDEE and calculating what you should be eating.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

Or for a different version to figure out your TDEE, as well as some great advice...check out:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/833500-what-do-i-do-common-sense-cliff-notes
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/844040-raspberry-ketones-for-the-rest-of-us


Also, if you are worried about the calorie intake, I also suggest you read this thread that has numerous people who met their goals and are maintaining. Some for years and they also provide their calorie intake and how often they work out.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/816542-let-s-hear-it-for-maintainenance


For more information about fitness and nutrition, I highly suggest checking out and joining this group: (Read all the stickies. It's great information to know.)
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/865230-resources-and-references


For those eating below their BMR (which I think 1200 is below your BMR to be honest), not going to preach at you, but here's something you might want to look at:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/81391-starvation-mode-myths-and-science
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/859495-if-only-i-had-known?page=1#posts-12919931


For the whole eating under a 1000 calories, look...you are going to do what you want but check out the link below at some of the stories of people who thought it was okay (especially because they weren't "feeling" hungry a lot of times) but ended up regretting it. These links are just information for you to be aware of.http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/521480-1000-calories-or-less-a-day
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/3047-700-calories-a-day-and-not-losing
http://www.fitwatch.com/weight-loss/3-reasons-why-eating-less-than-1000-calories-is-a-waste-of-time-3347.html


Yes, this is can all be overwhelming and complicated , but you are more than welcome to ask questions on the post.
One of the things that I have found that has been one of the best methods for me to get fit is to understand fitness. To understand where all these figures, etc come from.

The good thing is once you get the hang of it - it is something you'll be aware of constantly and you'll get a better understanding about your eating habits.

So I HIGHLY suggest making the effort to take every chance to educate yourself. Even if you don't end up going with any of these methods, calculations, etc - at least you understand what they are, where others are coming from, and maybe they will still be able to help you figure out what is best for you.

WOW!!! There's some GREAT information here!! Thanks for sharing!!!

WannaBLoser2013

You're eating about half of what you're minimum intake should be. I suspect you'll experience classic YOYO dieter's syndrome if you don't change your eating habits to a healthier approach.

So I should be eating 1600 calories? My BMR is apprx. 1600 calories. It'll take me years to get to my goal weight. Most of the time I try to eat close to 1100-1200 calories, high protein and fiber. ( tends to be high in sugar too due to fruits)

When not enough calories are consumed to sustain the body's basic needs, the basal metabolic rate will actually begin to slow down to conserve calories, reports the Mayo Clinic. Starvation diets lead to the body attempting to hold onto the weight to save itself. If weight loss does not occur when eating a healthy amount of calories, it is safer and more effective to add exercise to the routine to burn calories off, instead of restricting calories too much.

The Weight-Control Information Network suggests that very-low-calorie diets only be used by patients with a body mass index greater than 30 who also have several risk factors for disease. This type of program should be medically supervised, followed for only a short period of time, and be used to jump-start a weight loss program. The long-term goal is to develop lifelong healthy eating and exercising habits so that weight is not only lost, but kept off for life.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/325139-side-effects-of-not-enough-calories/#ixzz2K1L5ux00

Boolietta

I'm small framed too (5ft 2) but never dip below 1200. Usually I take on 1350 cals plus a chunk of my excercise calories. I've lost 27lbs this way (without too much effort) and, far from feeling hungry, feel that I am the healthiest I've ever been and know that I have made sustainable changes to my lifestyle.

800 cals isn't the healthiest option in the short term as you will be missing out on nutrients and and it isn't going to do you any favours long term as you aren't learning how to care for yourself. People often find this leads to gaining back weight, yo-yo diets and poor general health.

Best of luck in gettig to your goal - but take of yourself along the way & after.

beachlover317

I wish I had never done this to myself when I was your age. It screwed up my metabolism for YEARS. I didn't have a resource like MFP to guide me in the right direction, just the influence of my friends- blind leading the blind. Please reconsider your intake.

^^^This and then add another 25 years for me. You DO NOT want to be in my shoes at 54. Please, use the links people have provided for you. Find your TDEE and BMR and eat somewhere in between these numbers. And mosti mportantly, spread this word to all your young friends. :flowerforyou:

expoduck

With regard to losing weight quickly - you didn't put it on overnight and it won't come off overnight.

Slow and steady wins the race, and all that.

xx