how low is to low on calorie intake

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Vickysmith4
Vickysmith4 Posts: 2 Member
edited January 27 in Health and Weight Loss
I was going to start the fast or 5:2 diet, when I joined here. looking to lose 20lbs and tone up. when I entered my Goals on MFP it worked out my daily intake at 1380, but 2 days a week I was still planning to do 500, I am on the second day of this today. My question is: Is this over the top, and should I just stick to the 1380 per day, what will the consequences be if I do the 2 fast days? I don't want to lose quickly then gain back just as quick.

Thanks

Replies

  • Ophidion
    Ophidion Posts: 2,065 Member
    I don't really know much about the 5:2 diet, these links maybe useful tho.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/975025-in-place-of-a-road-map-short-n-sweet

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

    Good luck
  • MsPudding
    MsPudding Posts: 562 Member
    If you are doing 5:2 you need to set up MFP to maintain your weight rather than lose it. Why? Because you're getting your weekly deficit from the 2 days you eat 500 calories - the rest of the week you should be eating at maintenance level. It sounds as though you have MFP set up to lose weight and if you go by that calorie goal AND do 5:2 on top then you'll be eating too little over the week.
  • snowboardandasuitcase
    snowboardandasuitcase Posts: 222 Member
    If you are doing 5:2 you need to set up MFP to maintain your weight rather than lose it. Why? Because you're getting your weekly deficit from the 2 days you eat 500 calories - the rest of the week you should be eating at maintenance level. It sounds as though you have MFP set up to lose weight and if you go by that calorie goal AND do 5:2 on top then you'll be eating too little over the week.

    This.

    I don't know much about the 5:2 diet, but I think it would be harder and less pleasant than doing a daily 1,380. I think you'd feel a bit sluggish on the first of 5 days, after 2 such low cal days. I'd personally probably end up with cravings on those two days, making it less likely for me to stick to it. Not to mention, I don't think starving yourself (let's be honest, how full can you be all day with only 500 cals?) is the best way to go. You can probably achieve the same weight loss in the same amount of time with 1,380 daily.

    I'd recommend 1,380, but if you go ahead with 5:2, I wish you luck! :)
  • sozisraw
    sozisraw Posts: 418 Member
    If you are doing 5:2 you need to set up MFP to maintain your weight rather than lose it. Why? Because you're getting your weekly deficit from the 2 days you eat 500 calories - the rest of the week you should be eating at maintenance level. It sounds as though you have MFP set up to lose weight and if you go by that calorie goal AND do 5:2 on top then you'll be eating too little over the week.

    Super advice!
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