Bmr 1045 TDEE 1600 How much should I eat?

jade2112

I try to keep my calories to about 400-600 a day, but after reading here I see that I'm not eating enough during the day. However, I've no idea how many calories a day I should be eating.

I understand it should be between the two calculations but am at a loss as to what point between the two I should strive for.

I've lost 140 pounds eating the way I do now and am, frankly, afraid of gaining should I start upping my daily calorie limit.

Any help and/or opinions would be welcome and appreciated.

Thanks

AQ3107

Have I misunderstood? You eat between 400-600 calories a day?

BflSaberfan

I try to keep my calories to about 400-600 a day, but after reading here I see that I'm not eating enough during the day. However, I've no idea how many calories a day I should be eating.

I understand it should be between the two calculations but am at a loss as to what point between the two I should strive for.

I've lost 140 pounds eating the way I do now and am, frankly, afraid of gaining should I start upping my daily calorie limit.

Any help and/or opinions would be welcome and appreciated.

Thanks

You cannot survive on 400-600 calories a day. You know that isn't good. Is the TDEE calculation taking into consideration your activity level? If so you should be eating 1600 a day.

romach79

You are basically starving yourself, which is very unhealthy. When you do start eating right your body will react by packing on weight. I am surprised you aren't suffering ill effects from such a low calorie count.

CristinaL1983

If you want to continue losing weight, 1200 calories per day will have you losing a bit over half a pound per week. If you want to lose more, you should talk to a doctor or registered dietician they would be able to address your particular situation. If the BMR given here is an estimate from an online calculator, it would suggest that you are quite petite and a professional would be better able to explain nutrition needs.

If you want to maintain your current weight, 1600 calories (or thereabouts) should have you maintain your weight.

jade2112

That is correct, 400-600 a day. It's taken me over three years to lose the weight.

jade2112

I was hospitalized back in September 2012 for almost three weeks due to malnutrition. I spent that time with an NG tube pumping 24 hours a day. That's why I'm looking to eat more. It wasn't a fun time and I don't want to repeat it.

I've been eating the same foods over and over for so long it's going to be hard to start eating a more balanced diet, but I'm determined to do it.

darkangeljanie

Women shouldn't eat fewer then 1200 calories a day, so aim for 1200

AQ3107

That is correct, 400-600 a day. It's taken me over three years to lose the weight.

And you feel okay?
Wow I don't even know what to say. I am baffled. Over three years and 400-600 a day.
People hardly ever shock me but you have. Woah.

CristinaL1983

I was hospitalized back in September 2012 for almost three weeks due to malnutrition. I spent that time with an NG tube pumping 24 hours a day. That's why I'm looking to eat more. It wasn't a fun time and I don't want to repeat it.

I've been eating the same foods over and over for so long it's going to be hard to start eating a more balanced diet, but I'm determined to do it.

This definitely sounds like something you should talk to a professional about (doctor or registered dietician) or maybe an eating disorder specialist. In the meantime, you should definitely try to stay between 1200-1600 calories per day heavy on protein and nutritious veggies.

jade2112

I am a small person at 5' 0" and a small frame.

Do you think upping my calories slowly would be less scary and more doable? I'm afraid I'm going to become overwhelmed if I double or triple the amount I'm eating overnight.

I'm thinking I'll keep it at my usual max for a couple weeks then raise it by 100 a week until I get to the 1,200 a day. This way I may not be tempted to continue under eating.

This last 20 pounds is being stubborn and I'd love to get rid of it.

babydiego87

I am a small person at 5' 0" and a small frame.

Do you think upping my calories slowly would be less scary and more doable? I'm afraid I'm going to become overwhelmed if I double or triple the amount I'm eating overnight.

I'm thinking I'll keep it at my usual max for a couple weeks then raise it by 100 a week until I get to the 1,200 a day. This way I may not be tempted to continue under eating.

This last 20 pounds is being stubborn and I'd love to get rid of it.

That sounds like a very sensible plan and you can eat 100 more calories very easily and in a healthy way too.

Congratulations on your weight loss and I'm glad you want to up your calories.

AQ3107

I was hospitalized back in September 2012 for almost three weeks due to malnutrition. I spent that time with an NG tube pumping 24 hours a day. That's why I'm looking to eat more. It wasn't a fun time and I don't want to repeat it.

I've been eating the same foods over and over for so long it's going to be hard to start eating a more balanced diet, but I'm determined to do it.

Please see your doctor.
How old are you? What's your height and weight?.
I don't mean to preach and please don't take this in the wrong way but your health ought to be more important to you than your weight.

love4fitnesslove4food_wechange

I am a small person at 5' 0" and a small frame.

Do you think upping my calories slowly would be less scary and more doable? I'm afraid I'm going to become overwhelmed if I double or triple the amount I'm eating overnight.

I'm thinking I'll keep it at my usual max for a couple weeks then raise it by 100 a week until I get to the 1,200 a day. This way I may not be tempted to continue under eating.

This last 20 pounds is being stubborn and I'd love to get rid of it.

Wow. I would go to the doctor for a full hormone profile. What you've done to lose the weight is very very very unhealthy and unsafe. I'd seek medial attention, not trying to be rude or mean in the slightest.

jade2112

That is correct, 400-600 a day. It's taken me over three years to lose the weight.

And you feel okay?
Wow I don't even know what to say. I am baffled. Over three years and 400-600 a day.
People hardly ever shock me but you have. Woah.

I don't feel good. I'm sick of it too. I'd love to quit being cold, queasy, dizzy, etc. Enough is enough. I'm going to listen to the medical professionals from now on and return to my dietician.

myofibril

I am a small person at 5' 0" and a small frame.

Do you think upping my calories slowly would be less scary and more doable? I'm afraid I'm going to become overwhelmed if I double or triple the amount I'm eating overnight.

I'm thinking I'll keep it at my usual max for a couple weeks then raise it by 100 a week until I get to the 1,200 a day. This way I may not be tempted to continue under eating.

This last 20 pounds is being stubborn and I'd love to get rid of it.

I think this is a good plan of attack but personally I think you should start sooner rather than later and ensure you consciously raise protein and fat. Maybe invest in some EFA supplements in the meantime.

Also see you Dr and get a comprehensive metabolic panel done.

Pookylou

I am a small person at 5' 0" and a small frame.

Do you think upping my calories slowly would be less scary and more doable? I'm afraid I'm going to become overwhelmed if I double or triple the amount I'm eating overnight.

I'm thinking I'll keep it at my usual max for a couple weeks then raise it by 100 a week until I get to the 1,200 a day. This way I may not be tempted to continue under eating.

This last 20 pounds is being stubborn and I'd love to get rid of it.

I think upping slowly is a good idea, the prospect of suddenly adding 1000 calories wouldn't be good for your body, or your mental health. Good luck with your recovery and glad you are getting some medical assistance too

rduhlir

Okay...before you start anything you need to get some counseling. Because the 400-600 a day for three years means eating disorder.

wikitbikit

I was hospitalized back in September 2012 for almost three weeks due to malnutrition. I spent that time with an NG tube pumping 24 hours a day. That's why I'm looking to eat more. It wasn't a fun time and I don't want to repeat it.

I've been eating the same foods over and over for so long it's going to be hard to start eating a more balanced diet, but I'm determined to do it.

Glad to hear that you're interested in eating a more nutritionally sound diet! I'm surprised that when you were hospitalized they didn't outline a plan for you to follow, or at least give you some suggestions.

Coming off 400-600 calories a day, I'm afraid you probably will gain weight as you increase your calories. You've almost certainly done some damage to your metabolism. You may wish to consider seeing a doctor to help you with this, so that you are able to get your metabolism healthy again without sacrificing your weight loss. Slowly upping your calories as you said you were planning to do sounds good to me, but I'm not a doctor, and frankly, you're so outside the norm at this point that I don't think you should be taking advice from anyone who doesn't have a medical license.

Wishing you the best!

Greenrun99

I would slowly up your calories to 1600, stay at 1600 for a few weeks, then cut 10% from 1600.. You will gain weight since you basically been eating nothing your entire weight loss.. And start lifting weights if your not.. cause your BF% is probably high.

And your going to say, I can't eat that much.. I am so full.. thats cause your not used to eating..

jade2112

Okay...before you start anything you need to get some counseling. Because the 400-600 a day for three years means eating disorder.

That's good advice. I did start with a therapist two months ago. I have to get a handle on this now. Bad habits are hard to break and it's going to take a while.