Going over calories daily - Advice?
Replies
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I sleep at least 8 hours a night, sometimes 9. On weekends, I usually sleep 8-10 hours plus a 1 1/2 to 3 hour nap daily. So I must be getting enough sleep, right??
But I will closely read that link.
For what it's worth, your body will be tired if you aren't getting enough nutrients and/or calories.0 -
Thanks for more advice; I'm reading everything and trying not to freak out at the suggestion I eat more. I will gain weight if I do that, and then it will be like my entire year and a half, bust my *kitten*, constant restriction and working out would be for absolutely nothing. *sigh* I don't know what I would do if that happened. I feel like that would ruin me mentally.
I do weigh everything I eat., I've gotten good at judging meat portions without the scale (though I do double check most times), but I'm still weighing things like peanut butter, or nuts of any kind, or quinoa, or pasta if I eat it, or berries if I eat them, etc.
For those who asked, I have a severe needle phobia that restricts me from bloodwork, surgeries, immunizations ... I spent years in therapy for it, and nothing changed. I almost had a very, very serious problem two years ago when my gallbladder started shutting down and began hardening, because I couldn't go get the tests done to verify what was happening.
And yes, I am typically exhausted so it takes nothing for me to cry. And if I try to do some body weight stuff - push up, lunges, squats, etc - I usually end up in tears because even after consistently doing them I see no improvement in anything. I'm talking weeks, and no improvement, so when I try to do them I just know I'm getting nowhere and end up in tears and feeling very, very negative. It's disheartening. Running is the only thing that makes me feel better; I like getting out there and getting time to myself and usually feel like doing it every day though I force rest days from time to time.
I sleep at least 8 hours a night, sometimes 9. On weekends, I usually sleep 8-10 hours plus a 1 1/2 to 3 hour nap daily. So I must be getting enough sleep, right??
But I will closely read that link.
If you are totally exhausted with 8-9 hours of sleep AND a nap, then either your hormones are really screwed up from under eating or lack of nutrition, or you have some other medical problem.0 -
Sound likes you added body muscles and you can not lose that. Muscle weighs more than fat.
No, a pound is a pound and you don't gain muscle eating at a deficit.
Ditto on the "you don't gain muscle while eating at a deficit"0 -
Gosh, that's gonna be really tough if you can't get bloodwork done. My little sister is that way.
Take a step back and take a breather. Knowing that you have an issue like that changes the landscape, which we didn't know about before. If you spent years in therapy, then you know that we have to live in reality. And the reality is, if you can't do what everybody else does to get the results they get, you may not be able to get the results they get. Sorry for the hard home truth, but you may need just accept that you cannot weigh 110 pounds, and at 5' 2", that's really ok.
If you're typically exhausted, why not see a doctor who understands about your needle phobia and will endeavor to help you treat your symptoms? It's not normal to be exhausted if you're sleeping enough, which it sounds like you are.
If it were me, I'd be far more concerned about the constant exhaustion and crying so easily than the slow weight gain that's probably due in part to depression.
Do you take an anti-depressant? Are you still in therapy?
If your phobia is confined to needles, perhaps you could get your resting metabolic rate checked. That doesn't require anything except sitting still for a few minutes while breathing through a tube. Or perhaps a sleep study, to make sure that the quality of sleep you're getting is adequate.
I think looking at the bigger picture, your weight is just one more cry for help that your body is giving you. Best of luck.0 -
Open your food diary.0
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No. You don't need to make it so complicated. Also, plenty of people eat just before and just after working out, to make sure there is plenty of protein available to repair the damage to their muscles. The fat will burn when you are in a calorie deficit over time. There's no magic about not eating before bed, over the long term. Sorry.Hi Runfree!
Not sure if you are already doing this, but I have noticed that it not only matters what you eat but when you eat. For example, I try not to eat for 1 hour after exercise, to let the fat burn. Also, and this for me is critical, in the evening I have to eat at least 4-5 hours before going to bed, otherwise I gain weight even if I am below my calorie count (go figure). So I try to keep to this religiously. Also important to get enought sleep.
Hope any of this helps. Good luck! Ioulia
Yes..and..no.
She said she can't get bloodwork/ testing done.. So she could have some issues that would require her to have timed eating, but won't know it.
It won't hurt her to try meal time planning.if it works it works, if not, then try so etching else.
Though I don't think eating before bed makes a person gain or not, but with blood sugar issues and other issues, eating certain foods before bed or at breakfast will make a person fatigued and hungry (headaches, dizzy, etc.)0 -
Gosh, that's gonna be really tough if you can't get bloodwork done. My little sister is that way.
Take a step back and take a breather. Knowing that you have an issue like that changes the landscape, which we didn't know about before. If you spent years in therapy, then you know that we have to live in reality. And the reality is, if you can't do what everybody else does to get the results they get, you may not be able to get the results they get. Sorry for the hard home truth, but you may need just accept that you cannot weigh 110 pounds, and at 5' 2", that's really ok.
If you're typically exhausted, why not see a doctor who understands about your needle phobia and will endeavor to help you treat your symptoms? It's not normal to be exhausted if you're sleeping enough, which it sounds like you are.
If it were me, I'd be far more concerned about the constant exhaustion and crying so easily than the slow weight gain that's probably due in part to depression.
Do you take an anti-depressant? Are you still in therapy?
If your phobia is confined to needles, perhaps you could get your resting metabolic rate checked. That doesn't require anything except sitting still for a few minutes while breathing through a tube. Or perhaps a sleep study, to make sure that the quality of sleep you're getting is adequate.
I think looking at the bigger picture, your weight is just one more cry for help that your body is giving you. Best of luck.
Hands down, this is the best reply.0 -
Okay...have you tried a homeopathic doctor? Or even an applied kinesologist? I know a lot of people think they're not worth anything, but if you have a needle phobia, it may be something to consider--it's better than nothing!
Personally, I see a homeopathic doctor (who's also a certified MD) and an applied kinesologist (who's also a board certified chiropractor). I had my thyroid checked more efficiently with NO needles than with (my basal temperature was extremely low). They're helping to treat very similar symptoms to yours.
Additionally, I was surprised to not see people asking if you're eating back your exercise calories. If you're not, you may want to try that.
Best of luck!!!0 -
Can't add much to what others have said but from experience if I eat anything less then 1400 calories I gain so it may be that you need to up your calories. Have you tried work out videos that incorporated weights, lunges, etc.? I've found those to give me faster results then just doing them in the gym.
Sorry to hear about the needle phobia as I was going to suggest getting thyroid tested, I have thyroid problems and what you are describing sounds like what happens to me when my levels are off.
Best of luck.0 -
I think you need more calories and a heavy weight lifting program, check out the book 'new rules of weight lifting for women'
I also agree with the suggestion you may be depressed though, maybe you should go and see your GP about that?0 -
Thanks for more advice; I'm reading everything and trying not to freak out at the suggestion I eat more. I will gain weight if I do that, and then it will be like my entire year and a half, bust my *kitten*, constant restriction and working out would be for absolutely nothing. *sigh* I don't know what I would do if that happened. I feel like that would ruin me mentally.
I do weigh everything I eat., I've gotten good at judging meat portions without the scale (though I do double check most times), but I'm still weighing things like peanut butter, or nuts of any kind, or quinoa, or pasta if I eat it, or berries if I eat them, etc.
For those who asked, I have a severe needle phobia that restricts me from bloodwork, surgeries, immunizations ... I spent years in therapy for it, and nothing changed. I almost had a very, very serious problem two years ago when my gallbladder started shutting down and began hardening, because I couldn't go get the tests done to verify what was happening.
And yes, I am typically exhausted so it takes nothing for me to cry. And if I try to do some body weight stuff - push up, lunges, squats, etc - I usually end up in tears because even after consistently doing them I see no improvement in anything. I'm talking weeks, and no improvement, so when I try to do them I just know I'm getting nowhere and end up in tears and feeling very, very negative. It's disheartening. Running is the only thing that makes me feel better; I like getting out there and getting time to myself and usually feel like doing it every day though I force rest days from time to time.
I sleep at least 8 hours a night, sometimes 9. On weekends, I usually sleep 8-10 hours plus a 1 1/2 to 3 hour nap daily. So I must be getting enough sleep, right??
But I will closely read that link.
Do you wake up refreshed from a night of sleep? Or do you wake up just as tired as when you went to bed?
Ask your doctor for some Valium and take one before you get bloodwork done. If you're hypo - do you really want to walk around exhausted, putting weight on as time goes by? I was 38 when I was diagnosed. Never swallowed a pill before that and here I find out I have to take one every day. I cried at the thought of it - and the pills are freakin' tiny! Took me 6 months of 'practicing' before I was able to swallow a pill albeit with difficulty. I'm sympathetic to your phobia of needles, but we're talking about your health and quality of life.0 -
Eating more does away with the constant restriction. I don't restrict anything - I make better choices than I used to as far as portion sizes and how often I indulge in favorite foods, but I still eat burgers weekly, drink beer, eat pizza, ice cream & other sweets, because it fits in my goals. And even when it doesn't every so often (go look at my weekend - Greek Festival on Friday, up to the lake for burgers & beer on Saturday, way over goal both days!), yeah I may show a gain of a few pounds on the scale, in fact I did show a gain on Sunday. Is it fat? NO! Do my clothes still fit and my body look the same as it did Thursday? YES! Water weight, too much sodium, alcohol, sore muscles, time of the month - all of these things can show as a gain from day to day, but it's not a FAT gain - it's a normal body fluctuation and no reason for a freak out.freak out at the suggestion I eat more. I will gain weight if I do that, and then it will be like my entire year and a half, bust my *kitten*, constant restriction
My weight was back down two pounds as of this morning. And tomorrow I expect it will be up again, because I pushed hard in my workout this morning, and will be sore tomorrow. Not a big deal.0 -
Take a step back and take a breather. Knowing that you have an issue like that changes the landscape, which we didn't know about before. If you spent years in therapy, then you know that we have to live in reality. And the reality is, if you can't do what everybody else does to get the results they get, you may not be able to get the results they get. Sorry for the hard home truth, but you may need just accept that you cannot weigh 110 pounds, and at 5' 2", that's really ok.
But I was JUST a couple of months ago close to my goal weight! Just recently! I have put on 7 lbs, with very little effort, and nothing is making it go away.If you're typically exhausted, why not see a doctor who understands about your needle phobia and will endeavor to help you treat your symptoms? It's not normal to be exhausted if you're sleeping enough, which it sounds like you are.
If it were me, I'd be far more concerned about the constant exhaustion and crying so easily than the slow weight gain that's probably due in part to depression.
Do you take an anti-depressant? Are you still in therapy?
If your phobia is confined to needles, perhaps you could get your resting metabolic rate checked. That doesn't require anything except sitting still for a few minutes while breathing through a tube. Or perhaps a sleep study, to make sure that the quality of sleep you're getting is adequate.
My phobia IS confined to needles. I can't take any ADs, so those are out. I can handle doctors and testing, as long as there are NO NEEDLES. My current doc is very, very understanding; she actually took my blood herself for my surgery since I trust her so much but even then it was a circus. I may go ahead and go see her; at least let her know what's going on and see if she can refer me to anyone who can help me without poking me.Do you wake up refreshed from a night of sleep? Or do you wake up just as tired as when you went to bed?
Ask your doctor for some Valium and take one before you get bloodwork done. If you're hypo - do you really want to walk around exhausted, putting weight on as time goes by?
I wish this was possible, with all of my heart. I have taken enough valium to knock out a horse, I have been loaded up on xanax, but as soon as I sit in the chair, it flushes out of my system with adrenaline and I start shaking uncontrollably, and what happens next gets even more embarassing for a grown woman. The most they can figure is that I had something very traumatic and unknown happen to me as a child (since no one in my family can remember anything "bad" happening at a doctor's office), and even with alternate attempts at therapy like hypnosis and exposure therapies I have been unresponsive.
As for waking up, I often wake up tired enough to go to bed again an hour later. I wake up refreshed maybe once every two weeks.
I'll look into that one; thanks.I think you need more calories and a heavy weight lifting program, check out the book 'new rules of weight lifting for women'0 -
I can't see what you are eating, but if you are carb heavy, add proteins and monounsaturated fats (avocados, olives...). You may or may not need to increase calories by doing so, and should feel more sated. Though I strongly feel that you need more than 1200 cals/day, every body is different and you need to learn what it is your body is saying to you. Cravings for carbs/sugar usually indicates need for protein, salt can often mean a need for water (you may be dehydrated), chips/cookies can mean that you haven't had enough fats. Exercise is important and food is your body's fuel; if you don't give it the proper fuel, it can't perform optimally.
Keep at it. You'll get there :-)0 -
I keep my calories set at 1300 because I know I will go over every day. That did the trick. My norm is 1500 cals/day. I used to have it set to 1600 which is what my body needs but I went over that every day and started gaining. I have to play games with my head.0
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I want to repeat what someone else said: is it possible you could be pregnant?
I am 5'1" and started out at 120 lbs with a goal of losing 10-12 pounds. I tried 1200 calories a day for a just a week and was miserable. Now I eat 1390 plus all my exercise calories (net calories usually come to 1600-1650) and I am still losing at least half a pound per week. Since you are petite and not overweight to begin with, you should go slowly.0 -
If you are totally exhausted with 8-9 hours of sleep AND a nap, then either your hormones are really screwed up from under eating or lack of nutrition, or you have some other medical problem.
I'm repeating myself for emphasis.0 -
yeah you need to take a pregnancy test and then if that doesn't figure it out go have blood work done, have them put you under if they have to. I have hypothyroidism and it sounds right on though many of my doctors through the years have just thought I was preggo until my latest one figured it out.0
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If you are totally exhausted with 8-9 hours of sleep AND a nap, then either your hormones are really screwed up from under eating or lack of nutrition, or you have some other medical problem.
I'm repeating myself for emphasis.
I'm quoting her for emphasis.0 -
I take a heavy duty vitamin and if I'm eating 1400 calories a day (which is my average going-over amount) then I'm probably getting adequate nutrition, so ...
Anyway, I'm not pregnant and I did make a doctor's appointment for next week. I'll see what she has to say. There's probably nothing that can be done without blood tests, but at least I can try.0 -
I take a heavy duty vitamin and if I'm eating 1400 calories a day (which is my average going-over amount) then I'm probably getting adequate nutrition, so ...
Anyway, I'm not pregnant and I did make a doctor's appointment for next week. I'll see what she has to say. There's probably nothing that can be done without blood tests, but at least I can try.
Vitamins supplements won't ensure you are getting enough. And 1400 calories a day is on the low end. It would be challenging to make sure you get everything you need.0 -
How much do you burn running 2-4 miles 6x a week? 400 calories per run?
Eat 1200 PLUS exercise cals. See if your energy picks up. This is the easiest thing to try first, and it might be all you need. Why wouldn't you want to if it was as easy as that?0 -
Perhaps you have a sluggish thyroid like me? I was only eating 1500-1700 calories a day but still gaining weight until I took a blood test and found the cause.
Also, I find eating higher fat meals help (good fat). I like to eat lots of salmon, coconut milk, nuts and avacado. I know it's high cal but it stops you from binging later
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How much do you burn running 2-4 miles 6x a week? 400 calories per run?
Eat 1200 PLUS exercise cals. See if your energy picks up. This is the easiest thing to try first, and it might be all you need. Why wouldn't you want to if it was as easy as that?
No I only burn about 250-280 per run. And I AM eating that back, because I'm so hungry, and I'm going over my calories, and I'm gaining weight and have been for months. I am now at the weight I was a year ago when I stopped seeing my personal trainer, and gaining, and whether I starve myself on 800 calories a day or eat at 1500-1700, I keep gaining.0 -
How much do you burn running 2-4 miles 6x a week? 400 calories per run?
Eat 1200 PLUS exercise cals. See if your energy picks up. This is the easiest thing to try first, and it might be all you need. Why wouldn't you want to if it was as easy as that?
No I only burn about 250-280 per run. And I AM eating that back, because I'm so hungry, and I'm going over my calories, and I'm gaining weight and have been for months. I am now at the weight I was a year ago when I stopped seeing my personal trainer, and gaining, and whether I starve myself on 800 calories a day or eat at 1500-1700, I keep gaining.
Then you have a medical issue.
Or you are underestimating your calories.
I still recommend opening your diary.
ETA - fixed over to underestimating.0 -
How much do you burn running 2-4 miles 6x a week? 400 calories per run?
Eat 1200 PLUS exercise cals. See if your energy picks up. This is the easiest thing to try first, and it might be all you need. Why wouldn't you want to if it was as easy as that?
No I only burn about 250-280 per run. And I AM eating that back, because I'm so hungry, and I'm going over my calories, and I'm gaining weight and have been for months. I am now at the weight I was a year ago when I stopped seeing my personal trainer, and gaining, and whether I starve myself on 800 calories a day or eat at 1500-1700, I keep gaining.
How many days in a row have you tried increasing calories? Mostly everyone on these boards who increased their calories will tell you that it can take a few weeks to level off your weight before you start losing again. It did for me. I've read where others started losing after a week. It just depends.
I was starving eating 1,200 calories and knew I couldn't keep it up. That's when I started reading about BMR and TDEE and seeing what worked for other people.0 -
If you don't give your body enough food, you are training it to hold onto whatever fat you have. Your body thinks you're starving, so it slows down your metabolism. We evolved this way since Neanderthals couldn't count on when they'd get their next meal. Worked great for them, not so much for us.
Good luck, you're getting a lot of great advice here, you just need to follow it.0 -
I noticed your ticker says you only have 5 pounds to lose. What's up with that?0
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I noticed your ticker says you only have 5 pounds to lose. What's up with that?
This...
With that little to lose, it will be harder. Maybe you might need to do more strength training than cardio. But you definitely need to fuel your body and NOT "whether I starve myself on 800 calories a day"...0 -
I take a heavy duty vitamin and if I'm eating 1400 calories a day (which is my average going-over amount) then I'm probably getting adequate nutrition, so ...
Anyway, I'm not pregnant and I did make a doctor's appointment for next week. I'll see what she has to say. There's probably nothing that can be done without blood tests, but at least I can try.
So, just to get this straight, you will never ever be able to get bloodwork done? What if you have something majorly wrong that can be fixed? What if you had a Life threatening illness and would never know. Talk about scary. You really need to get into therapy ASAP to get over this phobia. Will you never have babies? There are needles (and a lot worse) involved in that. There are techniques to get over phobias. I would really focus on that.0
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