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.

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.

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.

Yes I can imagine. I hope you mean it and don't wait till things get real bad. But if you are serious about listening to them I am sure you would be upping your calories by now than waiting for the last 20 pounds to drop.
Trust me the last 20 pounds ain't worth it. What is the guarentee that once you get there you will stop there? You don't know. You can't tell.

I honestly don't know how you can even get out of bed with just 400-600 calories a day. I don't know. I am baffled.
I eat between 2500-3000 and I still feel cold and feel that it's not enough food for me. I don't know how you do it. I don't know why you would wanna put yourself through that. That must be one hell of a life to live.
You can do it the healthy way. There are thousands of men and women here who have lost 100+ pounds without starving themselves, without bringing all the complications of malnutrition to their bodies. They have struggled and persevered but done it the healthy way. Yes it takes time but anything sustainable takes time in life.

To earn a degree, you need 3 years of uni.
To be a doctor you need 6 years of college studies plus placement years
To be a lawyer, it takes over 5 years
etc etc

Honestly, in hindsight you will look back one day and think what a waste of time that was.
Stop right now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Not when the 20 pounds is gone. Now.

I am so annoyed. I need a walk. Thats the most I have ever spoken to someone.

BflSaberfan

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.

I really think your relationship with food is beyond anyones grasp here, I would continue seeing the therapist and possibly getting a physical for yourself with your primary and talk to him/her about where you should go from here.

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.

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!

They did send me home with a month long planned out menu. At the time I felt everyone was making a mountain out of a mole hill, they were trying to make me fat, that there was absolutely nothing wrong with the way I ate, and they were all stupid.

It's taken me nearly six months of occasionally thinking about all I've been told to get me to the point I'm at today.

wikitbikit

They did send me home with a month long planned out menu. At the time I felt everyone was making a mountain out of a mole hill, they were trying to make me fat, that there was absolutely nothing wrong with the way I ate, and they were all stupid.

It's taken me nearly six months of occasionally thinking about all I've been told to get me to the point I'm at today.

I have an inkling on how difficult it can be to see things in a different light, and I wish you the most sincere congratulations on coming this far. You're doing great, and I wish you continued success in maintaining this healthy outlook

If you still have the plan, use it! If not, I imagine your therapist will be able to get you an adequate replacement until you're able to consult with a doctor.

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.

Yes I can imagine. I hope you mean it and don't wait till things get real bad. But if you are serious about listening to them I am sure you would be upping your calories by now than waiting for the last 20 pounds to drop.
Trust me the last 20 pounds ain't worth it. What is the guarentee that once you get there you will stop there? You don't know. You can't tell.

I honestly don't know how you can even get out of bed with just 400-600 calories a day. I don't know. I am baffled.
I eat between 2500-3000 and I still feel cold and feel that it's not enough food for me. I don't know how you do it. I don't know why you would wanna put yourself through that. That must be one hell of a life to live.
You can do it the healthy way. There are thousands of men and women here who have lost 100+ pounds without starving themselves, without bringing all the complications of malnutrition to their bodies. They have struggled and persevered but done it the healthy way. Yes it takes time but anything sustainable takes time in life.

To earn a degree, you need 3 years of uni.
To be a doctor you need 6 years of college studies plus placement years
To be a lawyer, it takes over 5 years
etc etc

Honestly, in hindsight you will look back one day and think what a waste of time that was.
Stop right now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Not when the 20 pounds is gone. Now.

I am so annoyed. I need a walk. Thats the most I have ever spoken to someone.

I'm so sorry I made you annoyed.

You're 100% right about the wasted three years. I've spent the past three plus years doing nothing but obsessing about food and weight to the point that I'm driving myself crazy with it. At this point I'm at the end of my rope with myself and my stupidity and denial of how bad what I've been doing is.

No one if right all the time and in this I'm 100% wrong.

Thank you for the advice you gave.

jsj024519

wow...

I am lost for words.

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.

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.

Yes I can imagine. I hope you mean it and don't wait till things get real bad. But if you are serious about listening to them I am sure you would be upping your calories by now than waiting for the last 20 pounds to drop.
Trust me the last 20 pounds ain't worth it. What is the guarentee that once you get there you will stop there? You don't know. You can't tell.

I honestly don't know how you can even get out of bed with just 400-600 calories a day. I don't know. I am baffled.
I eat between 2500-3000 and I still feel cold and feel that it's not enough food for me. I don't know how you do it. I don't know why you would wanna put yourself through that. That must be one hell of a life to live.
You can do it the healthy way. There are thousands of men and women here who have lost 100+ pounds without starving themselves, without bringing all the complications of malnutrition to their bodies. They have struggled and persevered but done it the healthy way. Yes it takes time but anything sustainable takes time in life.

To earn a degree, you need 3 years of uni.
To be a doctor you need 6 years of college studies plus placement years
To be a lawyer, it takes over 5 years
etc etc

Honestly, in hindsight you will look back one day and think what a waste of time that was.
Stop right now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Not when the 20 pounds is gone. Now.

I am so annoyed. I need a walk. Thats the most I have ever spoken to someone.

I'm so sorry I made you annoyed.

You're 100% right about the wasted three years. I've spent the past three plus years doing nothing but obsessing about food and weight to the point that I'm driving myself crazy with it. At this point I'm at the end of my rope with myself and my stupidity and denial of how bad what I've been doing is.

No one if right all the time and in this I'm 100% wrong.

Thank you for the advice you gave.

Jade I truly apologise. I shouldn't really get annoyed. I am just annoyed at that fact that instead of focusing so much on eating 400-600 calories, if you focused on healthy eating it would be a much more sustainable system right now and you wouldn't even be in this place right now.

I urge you to listen to your doctor. Get better. Live your life instead of sub-existing because that's no life at all. Even my bunny will hate me for life if I fed him the bare minimum.

The body that does all the thinking for you, all the moving around, all the hard work - just cherish it and look after it.
If you lose your mind - will you have anything else left in your life? Ask yourself that - because that's what starvation does. It doesn't kill immediately. No it kills a slow painful death. It takes a very long time. And that's just a total waste of life.

Good luck.

DVaughan1975

Please just take care of yourself. We all just want you to feel better. You have been thinking about it for a while and you know something is not right. It's time to get into action!!!

debrag12

Wow what did you do fof these 3 years? I can't imagine someone able to go to school or work with that few calories.