starvation mode????

623Hernandez
623Hernandez Posts: 458
edited September 21 in Food and Nutrition
I used to eat enough calories to gain 10 - 15 pounds a year. Fast food was part of my diet at least twice a week and sometimes more than once a day. I know it is sad but it is true. Now that I am taking better care of my self and down to 1200 calories a day I wonder if I have put my body into shock or starvation mode? Should I be concerned about this? How would I know? I have lost 5 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks. I am hungry all the time and have to work very hard to keep it up. I want to see results so, going into starvation mode scares me! Please give me any feed back. I need motivation this week!

Replies

  • schnarfo
    schnarfo Posts: 764 Member
    You would only go into starvation mode if you did lots of exercise and then didnt eat at least some of the calories you earnt. Keep going your body will adjust and you wont feel as hungry. Also make sure you have plenty of water :)
  • borisda
    borisda Posts: 122 Member
    Hi, sorry to hear your struggling. I think the reason your feeling hungry all the time is due to your stomach having stretched to take all the food you used to eat and now your eating alot less its not giving out that full (blotted) signal. You just have to wait for your stomach to shrink again but this will obviously take time. I used to be the same and now I have dificulty to eat such large amount that I used to. It's also worth knowing that it can take up to 20 minutes for your stomach to send to full signal. to help I recomend filling up on water, a friend has got me drink tons of the stuff and she tells me it also helps flush fat out of your body so thats two good reason to go mad with water. I hope this helps.
    Good luck Jay
  • MarieS1967
    MarieS1967 Posts: 37 Member
    Is 1200 calories what MFP recommends bases on your age, height, lifestyle (sedentary, etc) or is that what you set up for yourself? Remember not only the calories count but the quality of the calories.

    Are you choosing wheat or whole grain over white? Are you eating at least 2 to 3 fruits and vegetables per day? Are you trying to get in some exercise - even just a 15 minute walks help? You also need to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.

    Whatever you do - do not give up! You need to stay focused and on track. Remember just the fact that you are not eating the fast food is a major change and will lead to weight loss and improve your life!

    Good luck!
  • waguchan
    waguchan Posts: 450 Member
    How often do you eat each day? And what kind of snacks are you eating?


    You will be less hungry if you eat smaller meals and snacks more frequently, even though the calorie count would be the same. For example, plan to eat some high protein snacks, like nuts, cheese, greek yogurt (Fage yogurt is THE best yogurt), or a protein shake. Never eat carbs without protein. For example, if you eat an apple, also eats some nuts or a low fat string cheese.

    Eating like this will slowly fuel your metabolism all day long. If you eat larger meals, fewer times a day, you will have large spikes in your blood glucose levels throughout the day, making you feel very hungry when you glucose levels drop. But spacing out your meals through the day keeps your blood glucose levels stable and you'll feel less hungry.
  • needamulligan
    needamulligan Posts: 558 Member
    Looks like you are about on track. I've always heard that the recommended maximum weight loss is 2 lbs per week. You are right there. Try drinking more water.

    I hear you, though. It sure goes on a lot easier than it comes off! Good job and keep going!
  • kwaters7
    kwaters7 Posts: 129
    Agree with the other points so i wont add anything new, - most folks here used to be happy grazers eating above/well above maintenance. The temptation is to want it all to fall off immediately and jump for 2lbs a week.... 1 word of advice - THERE IS NO RUSH!!!!!

    This is a lifestyle plan not a crash diet that's unsustainable. It takes time to build up fitness and time to lose weight - but you can enjoy the journey, it doesn't have to be torture. The recommended loss level is 1lb a week - thats still a lot and if you stick at it, (and get to eat more), physically and psychologically you might find it easier.....

    Check this pic - it's what 'only' 1lb of fat looks like ... http://www.mosesong.com/blog_images/06_12_04_fat3.jpg -

    Good Luck & hope this helps!
  • SquidInTraining
    SquidInTraining Posts: 196
    It takes time to build up fitness and time to lose weight - but you can enjoy the journey, it doesn't have to be torture.

    I love how you've worded this, and I agree 100 % !
  • 623Hernandez
    623Hernandez Posts: 458
    Thank you everyone! I really needed the encouragement. I hate that it is so hard!! I am eating well and snacking well. Lots of veggies!! I do have to work on my water intake!!!! I have started getting some exercise and I hate that it is hard for me too. I walk, bike, and do the wii fit. I might not do it every day but at least I have started something. I will have to get more organized so I can have healthy snacks with me so I don't have to go so long between meals. I hope drinking more water will help too. "It takes time" will have to be my mantra. I want to be able to do this for the rest of my life!! I won't give up! Thanks again everyone!! :blushing:
  • Duganhorse
    Duganhorse Posts: 55
    5 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks is really good. I would not be worried. As far as being hungry..I know how you feel. It takes time for your body to adjust to your new diet. I chew lots of gum to help with the hunger. And drink lots of water.
  • manry74
    manry74 Posts: 3 Member
    I had to up my calories from 1200 t0 1320 to get back on track. I lost 30lbs in 4 months then I lost nothing for 3. I think I was in starvation mode. Since I went up on my calories I have lost 5lbs and I not hungry all the time. I also added more fiber.
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