Not eating enough calories?
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correct. I dont wait until I'm starving, otherwise i will eat anything and everything. I just listen to what my body tells me. If i start thinking about what sounds good, i know i'm hungry. so i eat. and i eat slow and watch portions. I think my whole issue comes from not exercising a ton. If it did, i'm almost certain i'd be eating 1200 calories. It's just i dont move a lot while at work and when i get home i'm too exhausted-except i do walk when i can. I just think when you dont move a lot, you may not necessarily hit your calorie goal everyday.
You're likely exhausted due to not eating enough. I have a high stress desk job and if I don't eat properly I feel exhausted. taking a walk/run or lifting always helps with an energy boost, as does eating something good for me.
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It's extremely idiotic to come on MFP forums asking for advice from random people when one has / or might have medical issues.
If someone can't meet at least 1000 calories, they are purposely starving themselves.... period. There's no way in HELL you can not meet 1k calories without purposely NOT trying. And I don't believe that ****, "I'm just not hungry". If you wake up at 8am and go to bed at 11 pm.... there's more than ample room to fit in 1k calories.
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Wait........so I'm an idiot for reaching out to people for help ON a fitness site? Mind=blown!0 -
Eh, I don't know about that. That sounds like a recipe for disaster for someone who doesn't know the difference between hunger and appetite.
I've read that once you feel hungry you are too late in eating. You should be eating before you feel hungry. From what I've read if you feel true hunger then you are already heading towards starvation.Hunger is not an adequate way to figure out if you should be eating or not.
Just something I read somewhere that seems to make sense. I didn't research it or anything. But eating before I feel hungry does help me control what I eat easier. So there is some merit to it.0 -
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It's extremely idiotic to come on MFP forums asking for advice from random people when one has / or might have medical issues.
If someone can't meet at least 1000 calories, they are purposely starving themselves.... period. There's no way in HELL you can not meet 1k calories without purposely NOT trying. And I don't believe that ****, "I'm just not hungry". If you wake up at 8am and go to bed at 11 pm.... there's more than ample room to fit in 1k calories.
Wait........so I'm an idiot for reaching out to people for help ON a fitness site? Mind=blown!
no- that comment wasn't directed specifcally at you.
This comment stemmed from someone else's comment saying it wasn't smart to make assumptions they may have outside issues.
The thing is people come on here- and say "I am having a hard time with X and Y"
and then we give them the best advice with the information we have- three pages later it comes out- well i"m seeing a doctor for this issue as well and I don't work out and or I'm this or that.
Medical conditions and things like that are doctor related and if you ARE reaching out to a internet board- and want valid useful advice- giving a clear and concise/honest picture of what's going on is going to get you the best help.
People often want to cherry pick details to get an answer they want to hear.
It'snot about you specifically.0 -
It's not being short sided or making assumptions. Many of the people who say they have trouble getting to 1000 or 1200 calories suddenly don't ever feel hungry which seems to go hand in hand with wanting to lose weight. Many of those individuals don't have medical conditions you speak of. Another issue is people want to go and start eating "100% clean" and eliminate high calorie foods because they have a misconception that they are unhealthy.How did you end up in a position to need to lose weight if you are having trouble eating over 900 calories? Same question for the person above me
LOL... I'm wondering the same. I'm amazed at the mentality of starving yourself to lose weight.
+1
I'm in the same position and posted for help elsewhere.
It's incredibly short sighted to think that a person must be starving themselves if they can't meet their calorie goals, and that the reason they are overweight is because they shoved their faces full every day.
My weight gain was a direct side effect of three things: Severe Depression. Moderate to Severe Anxiety. Severe Sleep Deprivation. For six years. I never fully recovered my body or weight (or my mind) after having my kids because of the above things.
Now I'm under medical care for both of the above and I'm losing weight. I have very little appetite but I'm trying very, very hard to meet my calories. Some of the medication impacts my appetite and some of it is mental - in that I'm FINALLY focusing on myself and making my health a priority. I've changed the WAY I eat, and I stay fuller, longer.
So the assumptions? Unnecessary if you're genuinely trying to help someone.
OP - try to get some fun snacks to have on hand at all times. I have cucumbers, cheese, tomatoes, carrots, hard boiled eggs, watermelon, apples, grapes, strawberries, pirate's booty (yum) and Special K protein bars (double yum). I take time every Sunday to chop/peel/cook things I like to munch on. Even if I'm not super hungry, I try to grab a handful of something to keep by my side.
I also use Whey Protein Powder for a shake (I use chocolate flavored powder, iced coffee and kale - so yum).
Good luck. You're not alone.
So before you assume we are making assumptions take some time to read the tons of posts that pop up like that and you'll understand why the advice that is given, is given. And yes we are trying to help. Helping doesn't always mean just telling someone what they want to hear. That's called validation not help.
And I'm sure lots of people ARE starving themselves on purpose and it's frustrating for long timers. But when someone asks "how'd you get so fat in the first place" when you're trying really hard to do what you're supposed to - well it sucks. Why would someone come on here asking for help upping their intake unless they really wanted the help? What could they possibly "want" to hear? In what ways can you validate them? (No snark intended in any of this post, FYI - I can be a bit of a Pollyanna sometimes).
And you did make an assumption. People do it all the time - it's not an inherently bad thing, it's just a statement.0 -
It's extremely idiotic to come on MFP forums asking for advice from random people when one has / or might have medical issues.
If someone can't meet at least 1000 calories, they are purposely starving themselves.... period. There's no way in HELL you can not meet 1k calories without purposely NOT trying. And I don't believe that ****, "I'm just not hungry". If you wake up at 8am and go to bed at 11 pm.... there's more than ample room to fit in 1k calories.
Wait........so I'm an idiot for reaching out to people for help ON a fitness site? Mind=blown!
no- that comment wasn't directed specifcally at you.
This comment stemmed from someone else's comment saying it wasn't smart to make assumptions they may have outside issues.
The thing is people come on here- and say "I am having a hard time with X and Y"
and then we give them the best advice with the information we have- three pages later it comes out- well i"m seeing a doctor for this issue as well and I don't work out and or I'm this or that.
Medical conditions and things like that are doctor related and if you ARE reaching out to a internet board- and want valid useful advice- giving a clear and concise/honest picture of what's going on is going to get you the best help.
People often want to cherry pick details to get an answer they want to hear.
It'snot about you specifically.
I am the one who said people shouldn't make assumptions :happy:
I'm just really trying to understand why the answer would be "how did you get so fat to being with" instead of "here are some ideas to increase your intake!". Maybe it's just frustration from the regulars, I dunno.0 -
It's extremely idiotic to come on MFP forums asking for advice from random people when one has / or might have medical issues.
If someone can't meet at least 1000 calories, they are purposely starving themselves.... period. There's no way in HELL you can not meet 1k calories without purposely NOT trying. And I don't believe that ****, "I'm just not hungry". If you wake up at 8am and go to bed at 11 pm.... there's more than ample room to fit in 1k calories.
Wait........so I'm an idiot for reaching out to people for help ON a fitness site? Mind=blown!
People who don't understand say this stuff and they can't understand unless they have been there. You won't change their minds no matter what you post. When I went though this I was told I have an ED, I have an unhealthy relationship with food, i'm lying about what I eat, I'm not going to keep the weight off and that i'm completely unhealthy, despite what I was eating being all good for me foods. I have none of those things and a year and a half later the weight is still gone, still coming off and I'm a lot more toned and fit then I was. So don't let the nay sayers get you down.
If you are trying to eat a healthy amount of calories my advise is to pre-make your food, pre log it, pack it all up and set a timer so you eat something every 2 hours. Doesn't' have to be a big meal, just something. I still have to remind myself to eat sometimes, because of lack of hunger. You have to make the conscious decision to not allow yourself to continue under eating. The risk to your health is not worth it.
There's some people offering good advice on here. My advice is to focus on that, rather then those calling you names or making dumb statements like "well then how did you get fat" It honestly doesn't really matter how. What matter is what you are dealing with now and how to get through it.0 -
If someone can't meet at least 1000 calories, they are purposely starving themselves.... period. There's no way in HELL you can not meet 1k calories without purposely NOT trying. And I don't believe that ****, "I'm just not hungry". If you wake up at 8am and go to bed at 11 pm.... there's more than ample room to fit in 1k calories.
This isn't true, and it's obviously a common problem for a lot of people when they first start.
What happens is that they were eating tons of calories either by eating when not hungry or eating foods that are extremely calorie dense and not necessarily feeling like they were eating lots and lots of food (volume wise) or feeling stuffed.
So they decide to change their diet and focus on healthier stuff, without having a good sense of how many calories that is. They also (usually) cut carbs dramatically and also cut fat (use spray or non stick pans, don't add butter to anything, go for lean cuts of meat and sometimes egg whites instead of egg, no fat dairy only, etc.). As a result they eat basically veggies and lean meat, but they still have the same idea what a serving size of meat is (4 oz) and sometimes undercount that, since they go by eye or measure it cooked, but that's a different issue.
Three meals of lean meat and veggies (or eggs and veggies) can be perfectly filling, especially when you switch from lots of sweets and carb-heavy stuff that tends to cause wild swings in many people's blood sugar and corresponding ups and downs and feelings of hunger. So people think, hmm, I'm not hungry and am eating volume-wise as much as before, just not the sweets and so on, why should I eat more. It's shocking the difference in calories without a perceived decline in volume or feeling of deprivation.
Obviously the answer is that you are eating too little and that you shouldn't restrict your diet so severely, and I suspect most people will get bored or less satisfied or feel less energetic after a while and naturally stop eating more, but I don't think it's helpful to suggest that people are starving themselves on purpose or lying or should eat like they did when they got fat or all the rest. It really is surprising when you weren't counting calories before. I was eating 800-900 based on my idea of how to eat healthy when dieting before I started logging and was shocked. If someone had asked I would have estimated my intake at about 1500.
Anyway, my advice to the OP is to pre-log so you can see in advance that you will be low--it's hard to fix after dinner if you aren't hungry. Then incorporate additional items in earlier meals or snacks. Carbs are fine, using olive oil is fine, have some almonds or avocado, have whatever else you like and would eat but for the fact you are dieting but which also fit into your day.0 -
Wow! everyone is so great!
I'm not TRYING to under eat or anything. I just eat my fill and I guess that's not a lot. My recommended intake is 1200. I eat around 900.
I'm not trying to lose too much weight, mostly just fat, and build muscle. I've gotten soft.0 -
I'm not trying to starve myself, I really just get full fast. Eating a lot makes me sick. Always been a problem. Thanks!0
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Wow! everyone is so great!
I'm not TRYING to under eat or anything. I just eat my fill and I guess that's not a lot. My recommended intake is 1200. I eat around 900.
I'm not trying to lose too much weight, mostly just fat, and build muscle. I've gotten soft.
To do that, you need to increase your intake and lift weights.
Could it be what you are eating bothering you? Rather then the amount? I get an upset tummy after eating poor quality cuts of red meat and high sugary or greasy foods. It might be beneficial for you to investigate why you feel that way and if it's caused by certain foods rather then just the amount.I'm not trying to starve myself, I really just get full fast. Eating a lot makes me sick. Always been a problem. Thanks!
ETA: you need to hit quote, not just reply. Hard to follow a conversation if we don't know what /whoyou are responding too.0 -
I'm not losing very much. I've lost about 10lbs over the course of 2 months or so.0
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I agree completely. and by no means am i starving. I gained all my weight back by NOT watching my calorie intake and eating what i wanted when i was bored, sad, angry, etc. not not actually hungry. If i had been living off under 900 calories a day for a year, or even six months-then i suppose i wouldn't have a weight issue. I just started logging my food diary a week ago. and by watching my calories, my stomach has shrunk which will make anyone eat less (not due to wanting to starve-who likes to do that anyways?) I'm 5'2 small frame and do not have the metabolism of a man.0
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Fat loss. What should I eat if not veggies? I cant do meat, makes me sick.0
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It's a lot if you hate eggs. Lol.0
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Did I ever mention you specifically? No. Stop being a keyboard warrior & learn to read and comprehend.
If AN INDIVIDUAL (not targeting you, don't cry on us now) has depression, anxiety, etc. and comes to MFP forums instead of asking a trained professional first.... then yes. That person or persons should be legally classified as an idiot.0 -
I actually gained my weight because I was injured and couldn't walk for a very long time. I mean, I gained, but not a lot. I most am trying to get rid of a little extra fat and gain back my muscle.0
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Wow! everyone is so great!
I'm not TRYING to under eat or anything. I just eat my fill and I guess that's not a lot. My recommended intake is 1200. I eat around 900.
I'm not trying to lose too much weight, mostly just fat, and build muscle. I've gotten soft.
To do that, you need to increase your intake and lift weights.
Could it be what you are eating bothering you? Rather then the amount? I get an upset tummy after eating poor quality cuts of red meat and high sugary or greasy foods. It might be beneficial for you to investigate why you feel that way and if it's caused by certain foods rather then just the amount.I'm not trying to starve myself, I really just get full fast. Eating a lot makes me sick. Always been a problem. Thanks!
ETA: you need to hit quote, not just reply. Hard to follow a conversation if we don't know what /whoyou are responding too.
HAHA thanks! Its my first time posting and I was about to ask for help!
I've been to a tummy doc about the things I eat thinking I may have food allergies. We're still trying to pin it down. That's why I stick with steamed veggies.0 -
It sounds like you need more balance. Every meal should consist of a lean protein, quality carbs and healthy fat. Add some chicken or salmon and an olive oil vinegrette to your lunch vegetables. Add a fruit to your breakfast. Sounds like you're already eating what I call mini meals, so if that's all you're eating in a sitting consider eating more often. I eat 5-6 mini meals per day.
My stomach doesnt do well with meat. Where else can I get protein?
I can do the fruit, thanks!0 -
How did you end up in a position to need to lose weight if you are having trouble eating over 900 calories? Same question for the person above me
LOL... I'm wondering the same. I'm amazed at the mentality of starving yourself to lose weight.
+1
I'm in the same position and posted for help elsewhere.
It's incredibly short sighted to think that a person must be starving themselves if they can't meet their calorie goals, and that the reason they are overweight is because they shoved their faces full every day.
My weight gain was a direct side effect of three things: Severe Depression. Moderate to Severe Anxiety. Severe Sleep Deprivation. For six years. I never fully recovered my body or weight (or my mind) after having my kids because of the above things.
Now I'm under medical care for both of the above and I'm losing weight. I have very little appetite but I'm trying very, very hard to meet my calories. Some of the medication impacts my appetite and some of it is mental - in that I'm FINALLY focusing on myself and making my health a priority. I've changed the WAY I eat, and I stay fuller, longer.
So the assumptions? Unnecessary if you're genuinely trying to help someone.
OP - try to get some fun snacks to have on hand at all times. I have cucumbers, cheese, tomatoes, carrots, hard boiled eggs, watermelon, apples, grapes, strawberries, pirate's booty (yum) and Special K protein bars (double yum). I take time every Sunday to chop/peel/cook things I like to munch on. Even if I'm not super hungry, I try to grab a handful of something to keep by my side.
I also use Whey Protein Powder for a shake (I use chocolate flavored powder, iced coffee and kale - so yum).
Good luck. You're not alone.
It's extremely idiotic to come on MFP forums asking for advice from random people when one has / or might have medical issues.
If someone can't meet at least 1000 calories, they are purposely starving themselves.... period. There's no way in HELL you can not meet 1k calories without purposely NOT trying. And I don't believe that ****, "I'm just not hungry". If you wake up at 8am and go to bed at 11 pm.... there's more than ample room to fit in 1k calories.
Marty you don't gotta come in here being a jerk, I appreciate your advice, but you don't gotta be so harsh to people. If anyone was starving them self why would they even bother getting on here?0 -
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Wow! everyone is so great!
I'm not TRYING to under eat or anything. I just eat my fill and I guess that's not a lot. My recommended intake is 1200. I eat around 900.
I'm not trying to lose too much weight, mostly just fat, and build muscle. I've gotten soft.
Sorry, you will not be gaining muscle and losing fat at the same time. And especially not on 900 calories a day. It's never going to happen. Ever.
Lol, then what do you suggest? I need to eat more, I see that. Any other advice?0 -
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Wow! everyone is so great!
I'm not TRYING to under eat or anything. I just eat my fill and I guess that's not a lot. My recommended intake is 1200. I eat around 900.
I'm not trying to lose too much weight, mostly just fat, and build muscle. I've gotten soft.
Sorry, you will not be gaining muscle and losing fat at the same time. And especially not on 900 calories a day. It's never going to happen. Ever.
Lol, then what do you suggest? I need to eat more, I see that. Any other advice?
Eat enough food to take get you caloric intake while maintaining a reasonable deficit.
Target protein and minimums
Fill the remaining calories with whatever macro distribution works for you
Lift weight on a beginner barbell program in progressive overload while hitting protein intake in order to preserve as much lbm as possible
Thanks!0 -
Fat loss. What should I eat if not veggies? I cant do meat, makes me sick.
Veggies are good, just eat other things too. You need protein and fat. If you can't eat meat and don't like eggs much, try beans and dairy and maybe protein powder if that works for you. Also probably tofu if you like it. I'd actually suggest finding one of the vegetarian groups here and asking about protein sources. There's also plenty of room for stuff like peanut butter, nuts, whole grains, potatoes and sweet potatoes, etc., depending on what you like. And fruit. And you can use oil or even butter to cook your veggies.
Given how much you have to lose (not a huge number, I mean) 5 lbs/month is good progress.
Weight training is a good thing--there are some threads in the Fitness section and you might want to find and read the Eat, Train, Progress group.0 -
I think people often get hung up on the phrase "starving," mostly because they don't feel hungry so they cannot possibly be starving. Even if you don't feel hungry, on 900 calories a day, there is no way that you're managing to hit the minimums that your body needs to function, i.e. vitamins and minerals. So, in that way, you actually are starving your body without ever feeling hungry.0
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Did I ever mention you specifically? No. Stop being a keyboard warrior & learn to read and comprehend.
If AN INDIVIDUAL (not targeting you, don't cry on us now) has depression, anxiety, etc. and comes to MFP forums instead of asking a trained professional first.... then yes. That person or persons should be legally classified as an idiot.
You quoted my post with my specific personal information and commented on that situation - so YES, you were talking about me - and if you weren't, you need to learn how to use the internet. If someone says "I asked for help on here, and I'm being treated for medical issues" you cannot say "If you asked for help on here while having medical issues, you're idiotic" and pretend it's not directed at me. Don't be afraid - just own it.
I'm not even a little bit interested in fighting with you. I'm was simply (ha) trying to address the people that could not possibly understand how a "fat" person could not feel hungry enough to meet their daily caloric goals, after managing to get themselves so fat to begin with. It's easy because a lot of the time there are extenuating circumstances involved.
Anyway, carry on with your absolute knowledge that anyone struggling to eat must be a big, fat, liar. Next time I need help, I'll just come directly to you - you seem to have it all figured out!0 -
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*sigh*
Where am I assuming anything? I was simply asking that people not make statements like "how could you not want to eat? You're already overweight, that's how you got there", or claiming that people are lying because they are having trouble reaching their calories goals.
That is (and has been) my entire freaking point. Not to make assumptions about people or use your opinion as a statement of fact.
And now I'm out. I don't like beating dead horses and such.0
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