A little confused

annasaroc
annasaroc Posts: 3
edited November 2023 in Getting Started
Recently I have been wavering between 140 and 145 lbs. and I've been trying really hard to get out of this and into the 130's.
What I have noticed is that I haven't been eating enough calories, but I am confused as to how this could keep me from losing weight?
A few years ago I had a terrible habit of eating under 500 calories per day and dropping weight fast, but I have since been trying to lose weight the healthy way and change to a healthy lifestyle. But I don't understand how eating healthy, exercising and getting around 1000 calories a day doesn't result in me losing weight.
Any suggestions/ advice??

Replies

  • ehorn625
    ehorn625 Posts: 144
    Sounds counterproductive, but your are not eating enough. Try going up to 1200 and see what happens.
  • princesspea234
    princesspea234 Posts: 182 Member
    What's your height? Are you working out as well or just reducing calories? 1000 isn't enough for anyone who weighs 140 lbs. Eating at such low calories for a long time can make it hard to lose weight the healthy way. I found I look better losing slowly and working out everyday than I did 10 pounds less and too starved to work out. It's hard though to get the scale to move since I was so crazy with diets in the past! I'm hoping to drop the 10 pounds, but mostly I just want to lose body fat. Working out like a fiend to make it happen and that couldn't happen on a low calorie diet.
  • PrincessBoone
    PrincessBoone Posts: 1
    You need to consume at least 1200 a day. Your body may think it is beginning to starve and retaining your weight. It may appear the be a slower loss at first (or counterproductive) but you'll keep going at a much steadier weight loss if you eat at least 1200 a day. Your metabolism will keep working appropriately instead of shutting down which makes it so much harder.

    And it should be a net 1200 a day. Depending on how much you work out that day will cause your net to go down. You want your net to stay about 1200.
  • annasaroc
    annasaroc Posts: 3
    I am 5'8"
    I run 4 times a week for about 4.5 miles and lift weights after 2 of those days, and then I do insanity 2 other days of the week
    yea! its really frustrating to be working so hard and to not see the scale move! but thank you everyone for responding, I will definitely have to try increasing my calorie intake
  • unFATuated
    unFATuated Posts: 204 Member
    1200 is still a little low for you, especially when you're doing so much activity.

    I would advise you to go and work out your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) which is what your body would use JUST to keep your heart beating, breathing and its very basic functions (say, if you were in a coma) and Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) based on 6 days of exercise per week and eat AT LEAST your BMR and eat back some of your exercise burn, or do TDEE -20% or so. You will be fuelling your body for this activity plus giving it enough to function, neither of which you are doing now on so few calories.
  • princesspea234
    princesspea234 Posts: 182 Member
    We have the same bmi! That makes it even harder to lose weight because we aren't technically overweight, but are wanting to change our bodiesI I put your weight and height in a calculator. On days where you don't exercise, try eating around 1400. On days where you exercise, eat back the exercise calories... There are days where you will eat over 2000 calories depending on how intensely you exercise. Watch your micros... they matter now. : / If you do this for a few weeks, it should get you past your plateau. If not, you can readjust calorie intake. You should only be losing a half pound or so per week since you have so little to lose. It's a trial and error thing.
  • annasaroc
    annasaroc Posts: 3
    ok! thank you so much!

    sorry to b asking so mant questions, but does anyone know any high calorie foods that are still healthy?
  • princesspea234
    princesspea234 Posts: 182 Member
    Avocado, nut butters, beans and lean meats all add to the calorie count. Also, adding an ounce of full fat cheese to a salad or sandwich gives you calcium, about 100 calories and lots more flavor than reduced fat cheese.
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