I have been eating 600-800 calories a day...

24

Replies

  • LAW_714
    LAW_714 Posts: 258
    I must also add I am very afraid of gaining weight. I work out everyday and if I dont get a chance to work out that day, I become super angry with myself.. Also I usually feel gulity everytime I eat anything and I do check the scale a lot ( even though my scales at home are broken/dont work properly and only when I was at my doctors office and my aunts house, I was finally able to tell my actual weight. If I ever eat something that is sorta like a treat ( ex. cake or a burger) I get mad at myself, etc. which is why I dont ever treat myself unless I am going somewhere (like a party or out with friends) and thats all they have to eat.

    This sounds like the path to an eating disorder.
  • Melissa22G
    Melissa22G Posts: 847 Member
    :CookieforOP:

    Now eat..... it's delicious :)

    Don't work up to eating where you should- eat like that now. You're not going to gain 100 pounds over night. It's impossible, so don't think like that.

    Enjoy life, and food. Food=Energy
  • AJinBirmingham
    AJinBirmingham Posts: 497
    I've been at goal weight for years, but I NEVER set my calories at maintenance. I can't tell you what will work for you, but I can share what works for me:

    I keep my target calories set for a .5lb/week loss.
    I overeat, "go into the red" a little each day.
    I weigh myself EVERY DAY - to make sure I'm still under 130lbs.
    My weight goes up and down - but I pretend that if it goes up over 130lbs for more than one day, Armageddon will come.

    If I tried to keep to less than 1,000 calories/day, it might backfire and send me into the same backsliding danger zone that you're afraid of. If hyper-control is an issue, one slip up can mean the undoing of all of your efforts.

    I wish you every success in finding what works for you in the long run, and congratulate you wholeheartedly on what you've achieved so far.
  • andresconejo
    andresconejo Posts: 264
    This is my case! I was in ur position a few weeks ago and i did a lot of research about this and also some threads! I used to eat around 600 - 900 for like 8 months and so these few weeks ago i decided to increase my calorie intake weekly by adding 100 calories per week.. right now im consuming 1300 calories and was SUPER afraid to gain weight (still scared) but i've actually lost weight since this change... im looking to add some weight and then maintain cause im underweight, but if ur goal is to maintain DO THIS. Im very happy with the results.
    You can still add me and we can share eating tips, i feel identified with ur case :)
  • nyrina4life
    nyrina4life Posts: 196 Member
    there is no such thing as starvation mode, you will not gain weight by eating too few calories, dont worry about it :)

    I know a lot of personal trainers who would argue otherwise. What BAD information you just posted.
    Where did you get that info from? An anorexic board?
  • Ninkyou
    Ninkyou Posts: 6,666 Member
    I think you should seek professional help in the counseling area. Your relationship with food doesn't seem healthy.

    Eat more. Stop thinking about the calories and just... eat more. Add in some protein.... like a greek yogurt. Eat some chicken. Do SOMETHING and be proactive about your health. Stop being scared of calories and just... freakin' eat.

    ^That probably sounded/came out bad, but that's all I can say.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    I must also add I am very afraid of gaining weight. I work out everyday and if I dont get a chance to work out that day, I become super angry with myself.. Also I usually feel gulity everytime I eat anything and I do check the scale a lot ( even though my scales at home are broken/dont work properly and only when I was at my doctors office and my aunts house, I was finally able to tell my actual weight. If I ever eat something that is sorta like a treat ( ex. cake or a burger) I get mad at myself, etc. which is why I dont ever treat myself unless I am going somewhere (like a party or out with friends) and thats all they have to eat.

    You do realize what you are describing is an eating disorder right? You are 18 years old and have a horrible relationship with food and apparently self image issues. Food is not to be feared. Neither a burger or cake will make you fat. Heck, I eat ice cream every night. In fact, look at the below threads and they are full of women who eat a lot of calories and are fit.


    BTW, what are your stats anyways so we can show you how much you should be eating? This would include height and weight. Most 18 year old's are like 1800+ calories.


    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/903628-one-year-of-barbells-and-ice-cream-my-story-so-far-pics?hl=a+year+of+lifting+and+ice+cream

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/506349-women-who-eat-more-than-1800-calories-a-day


    BTW, it's easy to get more calories. YOu can literally got to town on a peanut butter jar, ice cream, protein shake, protein bar, a few handfuls of nuts, cheese, etc... Calories are more important.


    Also, when you up your calories fully expect to gain a few pounds. it's normal and just water weight.
  • mommy3457
    mommy3457 Posts: 361 Member
    Eat more, but add only healthy, clean foods then you can add in "junk" food slowly.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    there is no such thing as starvation mode, you will not gain weight by eating too few calories, dont worry about it :)

    I know a lot of personal trainers who would argue otherwise. What BAD information you just posted.
    Where did you get that info from? An anorexic board?

    There is a lot of debate over a true starvation mode. Heck it takes 72 hours of no food to have any sort of metabolic adaptation. Also, person trainers are not usually trained in nutrition. If you suggested a dietitian, it would have more merit. Additionally, what most of us consider starvation mode is merely prolong periods of suppressed calories causing our resting metabolic rate to adapt and burn less calories as its more efficient.
  • TwoThirdsSkinny
    TwoThirdsSkinny Posts: 7
    there is no such thing as starvation mode, you will not gain weight by eating too few calories, dont worry about it :)

    I know a lot of personal trainers who would argue otherwise. What BAD information you just posted.
    Where did you get that info from? An anorexic board?

    I did some research, you should do your own before accusing me of spreading wrong information .
  • nilbogger
    nilbogger Posts: 870 Member
    I see a lot these threads where OP is, like, "I eat only _____ calories per day but I'm soooo full" and I never cease to be baffled by them.

    For real... the only times I've been full from 800 calories have been when I was sick.
  • tataylllor
    tataylllor Posts: 51 Member
    This is my case! I was in ur position a few weeks ago and i did a lot of research about this and also some threads! I used to eat around 600 - 900 for like 8 months and so these few weeks ago i decided to increase my calorie intake weekly by adding 100 calories per week.. right now im consuming 1300 calories and was SUPER afraid to gain weight (still scared) but i've actually lost weight since this change... im looking to add some weight and then maintain cause im underweight, but if ur goal is to maintain DO THIS. Im very happy with the results.
    You can still add me and we can share eating tips, i feel identified with ur case :)

    I feel glad some one relates to me!!! I would be happy to add you!! Did you gain any weight whatsoever when upping calories???

    PS: TO THOSE WONDERING: I do get a lot of protein and eat a ton of vegetables, just many times I get afraid I am eating to much of it. I eat lots of chicken and beef (usually steak). I love greens such as beans, zucchini, peas, peppers ( well any colour), and more!! I have tons of water and I love green tea, I do eat healthy but many times when I eat I do get afraid I am eating too much even if it is healthy and then I think straight away I am going to put on weight... I do notice many of you are saying its okay to have cake sometimes but I am really scared to throw off things even though I do hear cheating does speed metabolism..??
  • Skinny_Jeans_Soon
    Skinny_Jeans_Soon Posts: 326 Member
    I ate that amount of calories for several months wanting to lose weight quickly and I did. I also lost all of my hair and looked sick. I lost 80% of my hair, have none left and it will take years to grow it back out not including the other toll it took on my body. Increase your calories to your TDEE - 20%, workout and take good vitamins and do it the healthy way. You may only lose a pound a week but eventually you will make your goal and will be healthy.
  • born2drum
    born2drum Posts: 731 Member
    and you're still alive? Not for long!
  • bLui_bella
    bLui_bella Posts: 39 Member
    True story... It's not the time you eat, but what you eat... I used to think the same as you and as soon as I put something to my mouth I would starve myself to keep the weight number the same... NO WAY TO LIVE... you do control weight by diet and exercise but you also have to do those in a healthy way so you are doing your body good and not hurting yourself... Diet does not mean, not eating... it is the type of food you are eating. There are good and bad diets. Just research and learn from others that have been living the lifestyle you desire.
  • tataylllor
    tataylllor Posts: 51 Member
    Do you not have time for breakfast? ... that alone could get you where you need to be.

    I do eat breakfast every day!! Its usually 100 - 200+ calories... Cereal is usually what I have!! With skim milk and sometimes fruit!

    Are you sure your calorie counts are accurate?

    ^^This is exactly what I was just wondering... I think that maybe you are eating more calories then you realize. Do measure and weigh everything you eat?

    I do think this is a factor!! many times I unable to find the foods I just ate on the list of foods to log...
  • MysticMaiden22
    MysticMaiden22 Posts: 324 Member
    there is no such thing as starvation mode, you will not gain weight by eating too few calories, dont worry about it :)

    I know a lot of personal trainers who would argue otherwise. What BAD information you just posted.
    Where did you get that info from? An anorexic board?

    I did some research, you should do your own before accusing me of spreading wrong information .

    A lot of us have done research and some of us (including myself) have EXPERIENCED starvation mode and the weight gain that occurs after eating at maintenance. Would you mind sharing this miraculous research you found??
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    This is my case! I was in ur position a few weeks ago and i did a lot of research about this and also some threads! I used to eat around 600 - 900 for like 8 months and so these few weeks ago i decided to increase my calorie intake weekly by adding 100 calories per week.. right now im consuming 1300 calories and was SUPER afraid to gain weight (still scared) but i've actually lost weight since this change... im looking to add some weight and then maintain cause im underweight, but if ur goal is to maintain DO THIS. Im very happy with the results.
    You can still add me and we can share eating tips, i feel identified with ur case :)

    I feel glad some one relates to me!!! I would be happy to add you!! Did you gain any weight whatsoever when upping calories???

    PS: TO THOSE WONDERING: I do get a lot of protein and eat a ton of vegetables, just many times I get afraid I am eating to much of it. I eat lots of chicken and beef (usually steak). I love greens such as beans, zucchini, peas, peppers ( well any colour), and more!! I have tons of water and I love green tea, I do eat healthy but many times when I eat I do get afraid I am eating too much even if it is healthy and then I think straight away I am going to put on weight... I do notice many of you are saying its okay to have cake sometimes but I am really scared to throw off things even though I do hear cheating does speed metabolism..??

    Nah, it doesn't increase your metabolism. What cheat meals or days do is help your body minimize the deficit to an adequate level. This in turn will regulate your hormones as your body doesn't feel deprived. Keep in mind your brain alone needs 500 calories. And we have defense mechanisms to alter the feeling of starving or hungry. Honestly, look at my diary, I do NOT restrict any food group to include candy, ice cream or burritos. Food is fuel and I love my muscle. So if you want to be lean and trim like I already posted or the one below, then you need to fuel, not starve, your body.


    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/
  • born2drum
    born2drum Posts: 731 Member
    True story... It's not the time you eat, but what you eat... I used to think the same as you and as soon as I put something to my mouth I would starve myself to keep the weight number the same... NO WAY TO LIVE... you do control weight by diet and exercise but you also have to do those in a healthy way so you are doing your body good and not hurting yourself... Diet does not mean, not eating... it is the type of food you are eating. There are good and bad diets. Just research and learn from others that have been living the lifestyle you desire.

    Nutrient timing is unimportant. You know when people say not to eat past 6? It's all *kitten* crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IDIOTS!!! UNless, you are on an IF (intermitten fasting) diet timing is irrelevant. It's like saying this, I workout at 630pm-8pm so I'm not supposed to eat afterwards? I'd die if not kill someone from hunger lol.

    Eat whenever you want and what you want as long as it fits your deficit and macros. Simple. Not.
  • born2drum
    born2drum Posts: 731 Member
    Do you not have time for breakfast? ... that alone could get you where you need to be.

    I do eat breakfast every day!! Its usually 100 - 200+ calories... Cereal is usually what I have!! With skim milk and sometimes fruit!

    Are you sure your calorie counts are accurate?

    ^^This is exactly what I was just wondering... I think that maybe you are eating more calories then you realize. Do measure and weigh everything you eat?

    I do think this is a factor!! many times I unable to find the foods I just ate on the list of foods to log...

    If you don't weigh or measure your bowl of cereal, you will be enlightened to find that said bowl of cereal, skim milk or not, is more like 300-400 kcals. No joke! I weigh my damn cereal now. It works!
  • TwoThirdsSkinny
    TwoThirdsSkinny Posts: 7
    there is no such thing as starvation mode, you will not gain weight by eating too few calories, dont worry about it :)

    I know a lot of personal trainers who would argue otherwise. What BAD information you just posted.
    Where did you get that info from? An anorexic board?

    I did some research, you should do your own before accusing me of spreading wrong information .

    A lot of us have done research and some of us (including myself) have EXPERIENCED starvation mode and the weight gain that occurs after eating at maintenance. Would you mind sharing this miraculous research you found??

    http://www.nowloss.com/starvation-mode-myth.htm

    http://voices.yahoo.com/starvation-mode-dispelling-myths-2900886.html?cat=5
  • GreenChile3
    GreenChile3 Posts: 65
    there is no such thing as starvation mode, you will not gain weight by eating too few calories, dont worry about it :)

    I know a lot of personal trainers who would argue otherwise. What BAD information you just posted.
    Where did you get that info from? An anorexic board?

    that's funny because unless the personal trainer is also a certified nutritionist then i wouldnt listen to them either. Starvation mode is a myth (i will prob catch slack for that but oh well). Your body can go 3 days without food.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    there is no such thing as starvation mode, you will not gain weight by eating too few calories, dont worry about it :)

    I know a lot of personal trainers who would argue otherwise. What BAD information you just posted.
    Where did you get that info from? An anorexic board?

    I did some research, you should do your own before accusing me of spreading wrong information .

    A lot of us have done research and some of us (including myself) have EXPERIENCED starvation mode and the weight gain that occurs after eating at maintenance. Would you mind sharing this miraculous research you found??

    http://www.nowloss.com/starvation-mode-myth.htm

    http://voices.yahoo.com/starvation-mode-dispelling-myths-2900886.html?cat=5

    I would like to remind both of your about this below thread. We do not need to turn this into a starvation mode thread.


    2. No Hi-Jacking, Trolling, or Flame-baiting

    Please stay on-topic within a forum topic. Off-topic or derogatory remarks are disrespectful. Please either contribute politely and constructively to a topic, or move on without posting. This includes posts that encourage the drama in a topic to escalate, or posts intended to incite an uproar from the community

    Thanks

    psuLemon
    Forum Moderator
  • nightengale7
    nightengale7 Posts: 563 Member
    I was really hoping the body of your thread was going to say, "For breakfast."

    Me too! I was all ready for some food porn fun *pouts*:explode:
  • DancingDreams1234
    DancingDreams1234 Posts: 165
    I don't believe in starvation mode at all, I personally believe it's a load of BS. Just be sure you a receiving proper nutrition, you are not feeling tired, and all that. I would try and meet the 1300 calorie goal just to be safe though, but if you are not hungry then I don't see any problem.
  • goldfinger88
    goldfinger88 Posts: 686 Member
    Counting calories is not a good way to lose and maintain weight. Eating well is a whole lot more than calories in, calories out. You might want to read The Smarter Science of Slim and find out how to eat, exercise and maintain. For now, forget counting calories and simply eat as much good food as you want. Stop when you're full. Get your system back in shape from calorie counting.

    Weight will fluctuate a pound or two now and again. Sometimes a bit more. It sounds like you've gotten your system messed up by counting calories and watching every bite. But certainly if you're eating so little, you'll make yourself ill. Try to consume a protein shake or Ensure or two daily - in addition to what you eat now. You must have more nutrition. Just avoid sugar and too much of any one thing.
  • tataylllor
    tataylllor Posts: 51 Member
    This is my case! I was in ur position a few weeks ago and i did a lot of research about this and also some threads! I used to eat around 600 - 900 for like 8 months and so these few weeks ago i decided to increase my calorie intake weekly by adding 100 calories per week.. right now im consuming 1300 calories and was SUPER afraid to gain weight (still scared) but i've actually lost weight since this change... im looking to add some weight and then maintain cause im underweight, but if ur goal is to maintain DO THIS. Im very happy with the results.
    You can still add me and we can share eating tips, i feel identified with ur case :)

    I feel glad some one relates to me!!! I would be happy to add you!! Did you gain any weight whatsoever when upping calories???

    PS: TO THOSE WONDERING: I do get a lot of protein and eat a ton of vegetables, just many times I get afraid I am eating to much of it. I eat lots of chicken and beef (usually steak). I love greens such as beans, zucchini, peas, peppers ( well any colour), and more!! I have tons of water and I love green tea, I do eat healthy but many times when I eat I do get afraid I am eating too much even if it is healthy and then I think straight away I am going to put on weight... I do notice many of you are saying its okay to have cake sometimes but I am really scared to throw off things even though I do hear cheating does speed metabolism..??

    Nah, it doesn't increase your metabolism. What cheat meals or days do is help your body minimize the deficit to an adequate level. This in turn will regulate your hormones as your body doesn't feel deprived. Keep in mind your brain alone needs 500 calories. And we have defense mechanisms to alter the feeling of starving or hungry. Honestly, look at my diary, I do NOT restrict any food group to include candy, ice cream or burritos. Food is fuel and I love my muscle. So if you want to be lean and trim like I already posted or the one below, then you need to fuel, not starve, your body.


    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

    What would an adequate deficit be?? Also: I really like my weight right now so I dont really plan to gain like Stacy did/ get more muscular.. !! I just want to be toned really!! And when I workout, I dont feel weak or tired!! Im pretty energized!
  • redheaddee
    redheaddee Posts: 2,005 Member
    I have the same problem, I started on this site on the 25th of July and now I feel stuffed after eating 5-700 calories. I am still losing weight though. Kinda worried that I am not eating enough.

    You are not eating enough. You are likely doing damage to your organs at that caloric intake.

    You should be eating at the very least to your BMR. This is the number of calories that doctors would feed you in a coma to sustain healthy organ function.

    http://www.fitnessfrog.com/calculators/tdee-calculator.html
  • lavieboheme1229
    lavieboheme1229 Posts: 448 Member
    Guys, don't get sucked in. She's a 18 year old girl, one friend, these are her only forum posts, she only had 7 pounds to lose, and her profile pic is a Disney Princess.

    She is one of the poor unfortunate souls (see what I did there?!) that has an eating disorder. And if not an eating disorder, an unhealthy relationship with food that is leading her down that path. She needs help, just not ours.

    Don't take the bait.
  • Nachise
    Nachise Posts: 395 Member
    taylorossi, you are anorexic, if you are being truthful about your eating habits. No one here has an answer for you except to get professional help.
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