Less than 1200...but not hungry.

whatkate8
whatkate8 Posts: 6 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
So, for a little bit of background, I have been going through a rough time the past month. Although I haven't seen a doctor about it, I know I am clinically depressed. It is situational and I know time will fix it (at least, I know this in my rational moments), but it has severely affected my eating. I ate next to nothing for three weeks. I finally decided I either needed to get medication (which I hate the idea of), or do something to try and fix myself. So I started exercising. The endorphins have helped stabilize my mood a bit and it's helped a BUNCH with my sleeping. I also started eating more (well, eating, period). I eat lots of veggies, a few eggs a day, beans, and some lean meats.

My problem is I consistently have trouble reaching 1200 calories. I'm getting plenty of fiber, almost all my fats are "good" fats, and getting a decent amount of protein. I make most of my food at home and eat very few processed foods. I know I should eat more, but such a small amount fills me up and I don't want to gorge myself. I assume my appetite will return eventually, and I'd rather it be a gradual increase than going from 250 to 1600 in a week. Right now I'm hitting about 800-900, with some effort. But, like I said, it's lots of veggies. This is the first week I've been tracking my food. I need more potassium and calcium, so I plan to add more foods higher in those now. I'm taking fish oil, but no multivitamin yet. Should I add one? How horrible is this for me?

Also, I do need to lose weigh, and I've decided you really can't blame pregnancy when your child is almost eight. I don't want to sabotage my weight loss effort by doing this, I'm just really having a hard time eating. I'm a good 75 pounds over what I was most comfortable at, and I know starving yourself is no way to lose weight (especially that amount). What should I do? Smoothies with higher calorie ingredients? Spoonfuls of peanut butter? Or just let time heal my wounds and eat more when I can?

Replies

  • danefan
    danefan Posts: 2 Member
    If you have the energy to get through your day without being exhausted I wouldn't be too concerned. It sounds like you don't eat a lot of bread, rice pasta etc. A low carb diet will naturally limit calorie intake because your blood sugar levels are more stable throughout the day so you don't get as hungry.

    If you are concerned that you are not eating enough I would try adding more natural fats. Leave the fat on the meat, add butter to the veggies or olive oil to salads. A slice of cheese or two. An easy way to increase your calories. Make sure you are drinking enough water. Your pee should be a pale yellow or nearly clear.

    Personally I don't subscribe to the 'calories in v calories' out mantra. It does make a huge difference where those calories come from. I have no trouble hitting my calorie target when eating carbs, but struggle to eat 'enough' when limiting them because I just don't get hungry so quickly.

    All the best. I know how it is to be dealing with depression. I lived with it for nearly 4 years. Thankfully have been medication free for 5 years now.
  • smitsl3989
    smitsl3989 Posts: 2
    While I'm new to this site, I'm not new to the feelings you are having and the difficulty in obtaining enough calories with diet changes(50 lb wt loss 5 years ago). As I read your post, I thought "Hey that's me".

    . I have been running into the 900 calories at the end of the night and really I'm just not hungry. I started paying attention to portion sizes (really 1/2 a bag of mixed veggies is a tad too much) and try to get 5 fruits or veg/day I will have a slice of provolone or cheddar with a splash of mustard to get a few more calories if I'm under 900. It's not a large portion but I agree with you-I'm not going to gorge myself for calories. Sometimes I'm under by a few hundred, but I'm losing little by little and I'm ok with that. Hang in there. Some day that light at the end of the tunnel will not be an oncoming train.
  • spamantha57
    spamantha57 Posts: 674 Member
    You don't really need to take a multivitamin unless you're not getting all your nutrients in. Have you started tracking your food on here? I like how they break up a lot of things so that for example, in the middle of my day I'm wondering what to eat, & I see I haven't had a lot of fiber, or vitamin A or something, then I'll choose a food that has it. Might also help inspire you to eat more foods.

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