HELP! Don't eat enough, won't lose.

rocknolive · January 2013

I have a hard time having that sink in. Seems if you eat less, you will lose. I have stayed the same for a little over two weeks, been on WW since Jan.1, started MFP yesterday. I've only lost 2 pounds and that was the first week! The last few weeks I have averaged 1,000 calories a day and NOTHING!! Do I need to eat exactly 1200? Or mix it up? OR?

Jaulen · January 2013

weight loss is not linear.

Crochetluvr · January 2013

I try VERY hard to go over 1200 (I set my cals to 1250 so I wouldnt keep seeing that "You aren't eating enough...." message)....and have no problems going up to 1300. I think 1000 is too little, Just my opinion.

nixirain · January 2013

Please read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

rinse and repeat.

Daniloveshockey94 · January 2013

Please read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

rinse and repeat.

this!

georgehatten1 · January 2013

If you dont eat atleast 1200 calories a day your body goes into starvation mode which actually slows down your metabalism. try eating as close to 1200 as you can and you should start seeing more results.

NixxyPetal · January 2013

Are you logging/weighing/measuring everything? Including all drinks etc? Have you been working out?

VorJoshigan · January 2013

Please read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

rinse and repeat.

this!

Concur.

Also, if you want helpful info, you have to give out more info. Age, weight, height, activity level, how much you want to lose, etc.

zeta30 · January 2013

Like others have said, if you're not eating at least 1200 calories/day then you will have a hard time losing weight. I really hope you're not working out as well.

rocknolive · January 2013

Okay, read the article, lots of information! I will figure out my TDEE, Body Fat and BMR tonight. I am 5'6 172, 50 years old and I would say lightly active. Nothing consistant yet, bike for a couple of hours on the weekend. One or two Jazzercise classes during the week. Yes, I log, weigh and measure everything. Drinks too!

Thank you all so much for info, I really appreciate it!

rocknolive · January 2013

want to lose about 30lbs

ShannonECTD · January 2013

Please read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

rinse and repeat.

THIS

taso42 · January 2013

Please read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

rinse and repeat.

this!

that!

PikaKnight · January 2013

Definitely the Road Map link - check that out!

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

And remember...you don't have to binge to get to your #s. It's about eating smarter too. Find foods that are higher in calories to eat - like eggs, protein powders/shakes/bars, granola bars, real butter, peanut butter, avocados, nuts, pastas, breads, avocado oil, olive oil, pesto, oatmeal, etc.

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.

BByer · January 2013

You are probably retaining quite a bit of water weight. This is very normal if you strictly restrict your calories and/or exercise a lot. Do you mind sharing your stats?

LisaGirlfriend · January 2013

Definitely the road map.

tmgider · January 2013

Weight loss is a journey and doesn't happen instantly. That I have learned the hard way. You've only been at this since Jan 1? We all want to think that as soon as we soon as we start a diet the pounds should drop off. it does'nt work that way. It was put on one ounce at a time and that's how it comes off.

rocknolive · January 2013

Thanks Joylia! I definitely agree with you, I need to be better educated. I'll read the articles you suggested. I feel much better and truly appreciate everyone taking the time to post, it's been very helpful.