Am I in starvation mode?

My cal intake is 1400, and I work out, eat healthy, drink all my water, and am always in my calorie budget. Its been about 2 1/2 months and I haven't lost anything. Should I try increasing my calories? I cant think of anything else that is wrong. And the worst part is I am getting discouraged.

Thanks guys!
I really appreciate it

-Lindsey

Age 22, height?, CW?, BMR?, TDEE, how much to lose? hard to say if you are or are not but if you're stuck then definitely something is up.

I dont think starvation mode exists...

Are you measuring everything you eat accurately? I mean, with a scale? Or are you just estimating? Now, I don't know about you, but estimating portions is pretty much what got me here in the first place. If you're not using a food scale and measuring cups, you should definitely start. The most likely explanation is that you are actually eating more calories than you're thinking. You could also try switching to a paleo/keto/low-carb diet and see if that works for you.

You might try tracking your sodium since it can make you retain water.

Are you near the recommended weight for a person of your height and bone structure? Weight loss goes very slowly when you're close to the weight you should be.

Another thought, are you weighing and measuring very carefully? Extra licks, bites, swallows, or nibbles? Eyeballing portions and having "just one little nibble" can really add up to too many extra calories over a week.

If all of the above is as it should be, just keep going. It can take a body awhile to adjust to new eating habits. For the first couple of months, I had a major problem with elimination. FINALLY seem to have overcome that, accompanied by a drop in numbers on the scales.

Starvation mode does exist, but is applicable in rather extreme circumstances and for people with very low body fat %. I agree that it is being thrown around very flippantly and sometimes used as a convenient go-to excuse for not losing weight.

You have a lot of good advice on this thread. Weigh and record everything religiously and drink more water than the recommended 8 cups. Be also careful not to overestimate your calorie burn.

If that doesn't work, go back to the drawing board and see whether your calorie calculations are correct. Do you know your REAL BMR and consequently your TDEE? They may be well lower than what the internet calculators suggest.

Don't give up!!! Even without losing weight, however frustrating, you are changing your lifestyle towards a healthier one and that is not to be sniffed at.

Best of luck! :flowerforyou: