Not enough calories...but not hungry either.

pichu_318 · February 2014

I'm trying to eat 1200 net calories a day, but I find myself exercising a lot. I'm just not hungry enough to do it some times. I am more likely to eat 1200-1700 (on average) calories a day, but that is not net calories. I really like exercising, and I don't want to stop....

I am also choosing to go for easy healthy foods as a lunch especially. My lunch usually consists of baby carrots, cucumbers, celery, and ranch (which I really enjoy and it's really filling!), however when I don't have dinner with my family I have a REALLY hard time making my net calorie goal. I tend to go with the easy and healthy choice of veggies.... But when I go out I am not afraid of getting a burger and poutine...but sometimes I still don't make my calorie goal

Anyways back on topic.... Today I made it to -5 net calories so far, I told my boyfriend and he said that we'd get a burger or Taco Bell or something....I'm kinda afraid that my body will give out, but even when I don't make my calorie goal by a large margin I feel really good. Throughout the day, but I have noticed that I am unable to sleep very well. Could those be linked?

I guess to summarize my random thoughts.... should I be force feeding myself even if I'm not hungry? Should I be worried about my health? Is it because of my diet that I am unable to sleep?

PatheticNoetic · February 2014

I pretty much feel the same way. I'm on that lower calorie plan and I don't feel like I"m suffering. I eat back my work out calories. I'm not all that fussed so far. However, I'm considering upping my calories anyways because I want to avoid hitting a plateau later on and- I don't want to run into any problems when I'm done losing weight and I'm just in maintenance mode.

Jsneel · February 2014

I would recommend eatting as close to 1200 calories a day. I've heard that when we eat less than that it can effect our metabolism...Almost like your starving your body so it holds and stores stuff. Also I recommend vitamins along with close to 8 glasses of water daily. Your body needs the 1200calories. (Check with your doctor )

SherryTeach · February 2014

You want to be very careful about getting adequate nutrition. Especially when you are eating mostly low calorie, high volume foods, your body may be confused. All of your vital processes depend on your getting enough nutrients. I just posted a topic on bone density and the effect of many months of low calorie eating. You are never too young to start being concerned about this.

You don't have to eat all low calorie food and then go out and eat some crap just to get your calories up. Plan meals and snacks that combine a variety of foods including, nuts, meat (if you eat it), dairy, fruit, veg, and whole grain. You cannot live on rabbit food. For example, I make a delicious and healthful steak stir fry that combines small amounts of meat with lots of broccoli, peppers, onion, and carrot. I throw in some walnuts and serve over brown rice.

Experiment. Hummus, whole eggs, nuts, nut butters, veggies sautéed in butter and lots of other things will bring your calories and nutrients up.

Eva1991H · February 2014

I think you should just listen to your body. Eat when your hungry (definitely every 3-4 hours), work out as much as you want. Just be positive. I think if your still eating and not feeling hungry your going to be fine. Have a cheat meal once a week to make your metabolism go faster. But thunder than that, it's not like your going to eat like this the rent of your life so if you want to lose some weight. Just don't stress and listen to your body. Everyone if different, you know what you need the best.

meltedsno · February 2014

I am in the same boat as you.... eating when I am not hungry is what made me fat in the first place. I don't think that I have eaten my entire quota of calories in a day since I have started back on MFP last July 1. It doesn't make sense to me to stuff myself with food (whether good or bad) in order to meet the daily calorie requirement if I am not hungry. I take a multi vitamin, calcium supplement, and vitamin D supplement. The food choices I make are good choices (lots of steamed fish and chicken breast with a big variety of steamed vegies, along with other foods....I walk a lot ... at a minimum... 5 miles a day...usually average 8 miles.... 15K-20K steps... each and every day. I choose not to weigh on the scale regularily... weighed last July 1 and then again on November 22-- lost 52 lbs between that time.... haven't weighed since, but can say that for the very first time in my life, I am wearing a size 10 jeans... bought a pair yesterday and have NEVER, EVER fit into a 10... and I am 58 years old... will weigh again when I am buying a size 8 and then work on maintenance.... lots of people have given me the "starvation mode" talk but I am not starving.. my body is getting all the nutrients it needs...more important, I like the choices I am making and the food I am eating and I can see myself following this food plan the rest of my life....

loondog · February 2014

wow, how long did it take you to lose that much weight??? I want it all off NOW!!!!

Kymmu · February 2014

I also have a low appetite. It hasn't always been this way, but it is at the moment.
I guess when the appetite returns I'll dig in.
I hardly exercise so I'm not burning much anyway.
I think we should be listening to our bodies.

meltedsno · February 2014

LOL Loondog... I hear you.... that was my atitude for a very long time.... it wasn't until I finally came to a realization that only I can make this happen. It took me just under 5 months to lose 52 lbs .... let me add this: I would not have weighed on that day except that I had fallen down a flight a stairs and required surgery to fix a broken wrist and was weighed as required before surgery. I actually chose not to look at the scale and told the nurse i didn't want to know. It was when i came out of surgery and was in recovery, that I told my "significant other" that I think I am ready to know where I am at weight wise. When the nurse told me what my weigh in was, I broke down in tears. They thought I was crazy.... there is no words to explain how I felt at that moment, realizing I lost 52 lbs just eating "normally" for the first time in my life.... from that point, still needed to lose 35 lbs or so... am thinking I lost about 15 lbs of it. It will happen for you too.... !!! Just take each day as it comes.... be honest with your logging on MFP, and up your activities a little... :-)

pichu_318 · February 2014

Okay, so just wondering...if I get enough nutrients does it matter where my calories are on the scale? If I try to get as close to 1200 as I can (even if some days I'm at as low as 400 to as high as 1600, but I am getting all the nutrients I need is that better than nothing? I'm really just all around the net calorie wagon...... On weekends it's me making my own food, and I don't really like eggs, nuts, cheese, or meat....so I have no problem spending my weekend eating veggies ^^;. Some people said that I have to get my nutrients up though, on those days that I would have 400-700 calories should I be taking vitamin supplements, or will that not help me at all and what I really need is the calories? In that case should I try to just drink my calories in fruit juice or something?

kelleybean1 · February 2014

"I am also choosing to go for easy healthy foods as a lunch especially. My lunch usually consists of baby carrots, cucumbers, celery, and ranch (which I really enjoy and it's really filling!), however when I don't have dinner with my family I have a REALLY hard time making my net calorie goal. I tend to go with the easy and healthy choice of veggies.... But when I go out I am not afraid of getting a burger and poutine...but sometimes I still don't make my calorie goal

"

Where's the protein? Your diary is closed, so we can't see if you are eating a balanced diet, or just a bunch of rabbit food. Make sure you are getting enough protein.

Francl27 · February 2014

You need protein. Such a huge deficit and low protein and you'll just lose all your muscles.

serindipte · February 2014

Pichu: "I don't really like eggs, nuts, cheese, or meat."

Just curious but what did you eat to get fat? Include some of that, just not as much as you did when you were overeating. No one got fat eating carrots and celery. You don't have to cut out all the foods you like or used to eat, just don't overeat them.

(Edited to add quote)

1princesswarrior · February 2014

Wow, except for one reply you are getting bad advice. You need to eat a balanced diet, not all vegetables. A balanced diet. That means fruit, dairy, meat, grains, and vegetables. You cannot get all the nutrition you are lacking from a vitamin. If it were that easy non of us would be here. And 400 calories is not even enough for a baby, let alone a young adult (I am assuming you are18). And no, drinking your calories will not help either. You NEED to NET at least 1200 calories a day but preferably you should net your BMR, which MFP can calculate for you. If you started eating more than vegetables your appetite would come back.

I believe you are on the course of disorded eating if you do not already have an eating disorder. You need to speak with a doctor or dieticien to help you set up a meal plan that meets the requirements for a young woman your age with your activity level. I'm 40 and losing steadily on 2000 calories a day. The best way to meet your nutritional requirements is with food and real food.

Stripeness · February 2014

I think you should just listen to your body. Eat when your hungry (definitely every 3-4 hours), work out as much as you want. Just be positive. I think if your still eating and not feeling hungry your going to be fine. Have a cheat meal once a week to make your metabolism go faster. But thunder than that, it's not like your going to eat like this the rent of your life so if you want to lose some weight. Just don't stress and listen to your body. Everyone if different, you know what you need the best.

NO.

How you "feel" is not always a reliable indicator. Work with as many FACTS as you can:

--Have you had your resting metabolism rate tested (simple, non-invasive test @ doc's ofc)?
That would be the most accurate starting point for figuring out the right daily caloric goal, as opposed to online calculators.

--http://www.cell.com/trends/neurosciences//retrieve/pii/S0166223613000064?cc=y#MainText
You don't need to have an eating disorder to have an appetite that's not in sync with your body's needs. There's nothing wrong with putting your intellect in the driver's seat, especially while sorting things out.

I'm not advocating forcefeeding or saying 1200 cals is EVIL. Because really, YMMV. However, worth taking a hard look at what's going on (and of course if macros/nutrients are being met)

LoosingMyLast15 · February 2014

Okay, so just wondering...if I get enough nutrients does it matter where my calories are on the scale? If I try to get as close to 1200 as I can (even if some days I'm at as low as 400 to as high as 1600, but I am getting all the nutrients I need is that better than nothing? I'm really just all around the net calorie wagon...... On weekends it's me making my own food, and I don't really like eggs, nuts, cheese, or meat....so I have no problem spending my weekend eating veggies ^^;. Some people said that I have to get my nutrients up though, on those days that I would have 400-700 calories should I be taking vitamin supplements, or will that not help me at all and what I really need is the calories? In that case should I try to just drink my calories in fruit juice or something?

i'm confused because you said you have no problems eating a burger or going to taco bell but you don't like meat? what kind of burgers are you eating? 400 calories is insanely low, even 700 calories is crazy low. how much weight are you trying to loose? how old are you? how tall are you? it's important to eat a healthy balanced diet. food fuels your body. if you're only giving your body half the fuel it needs you can't expect it to run at 100%

Holly_Roman_Empire · February 2014

You need protein. Such a huge deficit and low protein and you'll just lose all your muscles.

Ding ding ding! We have a winner.

Eat the food, or you'll just turn into a thin flabby mess.

ell_v131 · February 2014

first make sure you are weighing all your food. To *kitten* wheteher you are eating enough you need to know how much you're actually eating.

However by what you describe it sounds like you're not getting enough in. Eat a chicken breast with your salad. Have some cheese for snack. Your body needs fuel to do all these workouts (which you should continue if you enjoy), so give it! You are on a dangerous path here and yes, you shoudl make yourself eat more. Maybe not in volume but in calorie dense foods, such as peanut butter, avocado, nuts cheese.

Nothing wrong with eating a burger or eating out, it will not stall your progress if you don't go over your calories consistently

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/310489-the-reason-why-starving-yourself-will-not-work

Eat fish or get a protein shake. You are doing damage to your body as it will start burning through the muscle you have and you will end up weak, flabby and it will be difficult to return to where you are now.

pichu_318 · February 2014

Okay, so when I said I didn't like meat I am just not huge on meat. I like more processed forms of hamburger meat and beef, but I have always hated pork, lamb, chicken, turkey,steak, bacon, etc etc etc.

19 years old, 170 cm, and my original goal was to lose 85ish ibs (AKA be 120ish ibs)....but really that's just the lowest I'd want to go. If I am more than that, but incredibly content with how I fit clothing then I don't care to lose that "extra few pounds" P:

I think the hardest part about this is that I am eating like a normal human would

I think my problem is the amount of exercise I like to do versus the amount of food I eat. I will admit there has been one day where I just didn't feel like eating, but a few days later all I wanted to do was eat XD.

Also, how long does it take to get an eating disorder? I have only been calorie tracking for just over a week....is that long enough or could I have always had it and not even thought about it :S I never really thought that I had one because I don't have a problem eating or where I go to eat or what I decide to eat ^^;

I was looking at my charts today, and I've noticed that everyone is right. My protein is really low, but it isn't because I've been restricting myself....I've never ate a lot of protein P: does it matter more to eat more protein when you start calorie tracking? :S
Should I be tracking things like Potassium, Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A and C, and Fibre? I've noticed that I am usually under by significant amounts for those....

Does anyone have any good recipes for smoothies? I was thinking I could maybe do a greek yogurt smoothie with grapefruit in it. What else could I add to it for it to be higher in any of the above nutrition? What other kinds of smoothies would be good for any of these? Should I maybe invest in protein bars? What kinds of supplements do people suggest? (I would rather not have to eat peanut butter, peanuts, avocados, cheese and crackers, and most ways to cook meats....like I will eat them....but they are so gross) I do like fish, so maybe I should be cooking my own separate supper of fish on my days off? Is breaded fish okay? It isn't that I don't like fish I just don't have a job at the moment....had to move pretty recently and haven't found one, but I am buying my own health food groceries. I don't want to buy anything that is going to break my bank if I stay jobless for a while......

bumblebreezy91 · February 2014

Okay, so when I said I didn't like meat I am just not huge on meat. I like more processed forms of hamburger meat and beef, but I have always hated pork, lamb, chicken, turkey,steak, bacon, etc etc etc.

19 years old, 170 cm, and my original goal was to lose 85ish ibs (AKA be 120ish ibs)....but really that's just the lowest I'd want to go. If I am more than that, but incredibly content with how I fit clothing then I don't care to lose that "extra few pounds" P:

I think the hardest part about this is that I am eating like a normal human would I think my problem is the amount of exercise I like to do versus the amount of food I eat. I will admit there has been one day where I just didn't feel like eating, but a few days later all I wanted to do was eat XD.

Also, how long does it take to get an eating disorder? I have only been calorie tracking for just over a week....is that long enough or could I have always had it and not even thought about it :S I never really thought that I had one because I don't have a problem eating or where I go to eat or what I decide to eat ^^;

I was looking at my charts today, and I've noticed that everyone is right. My protein is really low, but it isn't because I've been restricting myself....I've never ate a lot of protein P: does it matter more to eat more protein when you start calorie tracking? :S
Should I be tracking things like Potassium, Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A and C, and Fibre? I've noticed that I am usually under by significant amounts for those....

Does anyone have any good recipes for smoothies? I was thinking I could maybe do a greek yogurt smoothie with grapefruit in it. What else could I add to it for it to be higher in any of the above nutrition? What other kinds of smoothies would be good for any of these? Should I maybe invest in protein bars? What kinds of supplements do people suggest? (I would rather not have to eat peanut butter, peanuts, avocados, cheese and crackers, and most ways to cook meats....like I will eat them....but they are so gross) I do like fish, so maybe I should be cooking my own separate supper of fish on my days off? Is breaded fish okay? It isn't that I don't like fish I just don't have a job at the moment....had to move pretty recently and haven't found one, but I am buying my own health food groceries. I don't want to buy anything that is going to break my bank if I stay jobless for a while......

You don't have an eating disorder. Being under your intake for a week doesn't mean you have a psychological disorder.

FitMelody4Life · February 2014

I realize this sounds harsh but you just sound like a lot of excuses right now. All I see is a list of foods you don't like (and that list is long). You need to have an honest look at yourself and your relationship with food.

Learn to cook and learn to prepare foods in ways you will enjoy them. Get a healthy cooking cookbook or search recipes online. You obviously ate real food before when you were heavier so make dishes you enjoyed but put a healthy twist on them.

It’s really not that hard but you have to WANT to be healthy and right now you sound like you are giving yourself a million excuses to go down an unhealthy path. There have been a ton of great suggestions in this post, so take some of the advice and COMMIT!

Roaringgael · February 2014

I realize this sounds harsh but you just sound like a lot of excuses right now. All I see is a list of foods you don't like (and that list is long). You need to have an honest look at yourself and your relationship with food.

Learn to cook and learn to prepare foods in ways you will enjoy them. Get a healthy cooking cookbook or search recipes online. You obviously ate real food before when you were heavier so make dishes you enjoyed but put a healthy twist on them.

It’s really not that hard but you have to WANT to be healthy and right now you sound like you are giving yourself a million excuses to go down an unhealthy path. There have been a ton of great suggestions in this post, so take some of the advice and COMMIT!

I agree with the person above .
No one can do this for you. Our minds will come up with a million reasons as to why this isn't working.
I have been eating 1200-1400 a day for 6 months and haven't been feeling particularly hungry a lot of the time. I just eat when I'm supposed to, vary my diet.
I have been able to start exercising recently (I have a knee injury which I have to be very careful about) and sometimes that makes me physically hungry I eat, I fit it in around my day. Planning is everything.
Our undisciplined thinking doesn't want us to succeed.

dmt4641 · February 2014

Learn how to cook some meals that are more balanced. Eating plates full of veggies will make you feel full from the volume, but is not a balanced diet. Add some starchier veggies, grains, cheese, meat, nuts, etc. Try skinnytaste.com for recipes, or the millions of other websites and blogs out there.

red_road · February 2014

Willpower is amazing:noway:

pichu_318 · February 2014

Ulgh how much am I supposed to eat? I've been on the go today and haven't even been in my own house since yesterday afternoon until about 8:00PM, but I ate 1000 calories of fatty, carby food. Had a burger for protein, but I can't keep this up. If I have to try and stuff myself full of 1000 calorie meals constantly then I don't know if counting calories is my way of doing it.... you're right I am making excuses for myself though.

Perhaps eggs and toast for breakfast with my (usual) oat cereal would make things better? :S I've never tried to lose weight before, and I never really have put nuts, legumes, eggs, or many meats into my regular diet before. I suppose since I am doing more exercising it is probably more essential to get that protein. Should I just try and add eggs to every meal?

I'm also still wondering about smoothies and if that would help me at all (though I do have a problem keeping my sugar low

)
Can I put nuts in a smoothie? :S does that taste good?

So tomorrow this is what I am going to try:

Breakfast:
2 Eggs sunny side up
Red river hot cereal (one serving)
Whole wheat toast with butter
568 calories - 22 grams of protein

Lunch
Chicken Burger in bun
Fried egg to put on the burger
Lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mayonnaise on it.
Root beer to drink
628 calories - 21 grams of protein

Dinner
Unknown

Snacks
A fruity smoothie with greek yogurt and frozen fruit and milk
The rest of the snack are unknown
268 calories - 26 grams of protein
(at least)

The amount of exercising I will be doing is at the very least around 1000 calories burned, but I walk everywhere, so it's always more....and I include my strength exercises as Calisthenics as I do them....

Now at this point I have A LOT of sugar in my body, like I am already over the amount of sugar I want to eat, so I would prefer if any other thing I eat tomorrow is at least LOW in sugar

other than that...I don't know what else to put for snacks (I'll enter them as I eat...) or if I should change my lunch...I'd prefer not to drink root beer....it's high in sugar, and not even natural sugar.

so if you have something else in mind that I could eat/drink that would be great

MarKayDee · February 2014

You're supposed to eat your calorie goal. That is what goal means, if you work out a ton (which you may be over estimating your workout calories burned) then you need to eat more calorie rich foods. If you eat salad, throw in croutons for some carbs, if you have steamed veggies for dinner roast some potatoes with them. If you don't like meat don't eat it but make sure you get your protien from SOMEWHERE.

As for smoothies, if you really want to go that route:

1 cup vanillas Greek yogurt
1 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup frozen peaches
Handful of blueberries
Half a banana

It's delicious, it's chilly, it is not a replacement for a full well rounded meal but it makes a good post workout evening treat and a good breakfast the next day.

Rdlm1001 · February 2014

You are 19. Just be open to trying new things and don't limit yourself. What you don't like today you may love tomorrow. Be open to all types of food. Greek yogurt with honey and nuts (walnuts, pecans or almonds) is great. You like processed foods because it is what you know. Just be open. I used to be a picky eater when I was young too. Then I realized it was limiting and simply a very unattractive quality. Unless you have an allergy, no food will kill you so just try it all. Make a goal to buy one thing a week you have never tried. Quinoa Is an amazing grain that is high in protein and it tastes great! Not sure where you live, but if you have a natural grocery store, go to the deli and buy something "weird". Here in the U.S. we have Whole Foods and they make rocking salads and soups. I personally make large pots of soups and chili that are full of veg beans and meat. Still low calorie, but well rounded

. Good luck and just be open. If you want to change your body, you have to change your thinking!

MarKayDee · February 2014

You are 19. Just be open to trying new things and don't limit yourself. What you don't like today you may love tomorrow. Be open to all types of food. Greek yogurt with honey and nuts (walnuts, pecans or almonds) is great. You like processed foods because it is what you know. Just be open. I used to be a picky eater when I was young too. Then I realized it was limiting and simply a very unattractive quality. Unless you have an allergy, no food will kill you so just try it all. Make a goal to buy one thing a week you have never tried. Quinoa Is an amazing grain that is high in protein and it tastes great! Not sure where you live, but if you have a natural grocery store, go to the deli and buy something "weird". Here in the U.S. we have Whole Foods and they make rocking salads and soups. I personally make large pots of soups and chili that are full of veg beans and meat. Still low calorie, but well rounded . Good luck and just be open. If you want to change your body, you have to change your thinking!

Haha, I feel guilty for saying "yuck" aloud to Greek yogurt, honey and nuts. I think the important thing is to try and find ways to eat foods you didn't care for when you had a child's taste buds. I hated avocados as a kid, the other day I put them in my Mac and cheese. I have never (and still don't) liked mushrooms, now I buy the fancy ones with hard to pronounce names to make risotto with.

Not liking a food one way doesn't mean you'll never like it

(Also peanut butter and banana sandwiches, two foods I hate, but put them together and I can't get enough)

Rdlm1001 · February 2014

Actually hated the Greek yogurt honey nut thing too, but somehow I now love it. Prefer it with pecans... LOL. It is all about just trying everything. And retrying because tastes buds change. Also I think quality ingredients matter. Don't' get crappy honey or cheap mushrooms. Spring for the best you can afford!

MarKayDee · February 2014

Actually hated the Greek yogurt honey nut thing too, but somehow I now love it. Prefer it with pecans... LOL. It is all about just trying everything. And retrying because tastes buds change. Also I think quality ingredients matter. Don't' get crappy honey or cheap mushrooms. Spring for the best you can afford!

I have learned that I actually like almonds, despite disliking all other nuts. I don't like yogurt, but I buy the chobani tubes for my two year old and if I'm in the mood for a quick snack I'll snag one (especially the dragon fruit ones, holy crap they're worth four bucks a box). Honey totally grosses me out, but it works wonders for sweetening up teriyaki sauces! As recently as six months ago I hated zucchini, but now I julienne it up for a past replacement, or dice it in my tomato sauces to cut acidity.

mi_esperanza83 · February 2014

ok so I have a question along these lines...I get a balanced diet filled with fruits, veggies, protein, dairy, grains, etc but sometimes I have calories left over. Should I be trying to eat all the recommended calories? Plus when I exercise I sometimes get back around 1000 calories....should I also be eating those calories in order to lose the weight like I want to be losing?

Not enough calories...but not hungry either.

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