Burninng more than you take in

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I am on a 1200 calorie diet, but after exercise the net calories I took in today totaled only 500. This is my daily diet recently. If I try to increase my calorie intake, I consistently go over the limits for fats and sodium and come dangerously high in vitamin A and C levels (I never thought I would say I was actually getting enough vitamin C). Carbs and proteins are at acceptable levels. Basically, the only thing I can do to increase my caloric intake is to find something that has no fat, sodium, or vitamins. I know almonds will come close to solving this problem because, even though it's high in fat they are good fats. But I HATE raw almonds and cooked ones lose their advantage. Is there a problem with this pattern, or is it okay as long as I am getting the necessary vitamins, protein, etc.? Any suggestions?

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  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
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    Your macros look to be 1,200 cals 27F 135P 105C or 45 % protein, this would be regarded as excessive by most.

    So your problem with the fat limit is self imposed by having such a high protein goal. Trade 5 or 10% of your calories from protein to fat and the issue goes away ?

    Is there a dangerous high level of vitamin A & C ? if so reduce the specific foods high in those things.
  • stuffinmuffin
    stuffinmuffin Posts: 985 Member
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    Maybe increase your calories, 1200 is really low and to actually be detrimentally over on any protein, fat or carbs on that amount of food is probably impossible.
  • oneoddsock
    oneoddsock Posts: 321 Member
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    Yes - there is a problem. You're not eating enough. You should net 1200 after exercise, and perhaps even more because that is a low intake for most people.

    How are you getting too much vitamin C? I wouldn't worry about it; your body can't hold on to vitamin C for very long so you do need to keep replenishing it. I think the same goes for vitamin A.

    Did you ever hear of anyone getting ill from overindulging in vitamins? I doubt it. Did you ever hear of anyone getting ill from not eating enough? I hear about them all the time.
  • Coolfloridian
    Coolfloridian Posts: 11 Member
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    Thank you everyone for your input. I made a few of the suggested changes and it has all worked out.
  • Coolfloridian
    Coolfloridian Posts: 11 Member
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    I misspoke when I mentioned getting too much vitamin C. Oneoddsock is correct that the body will quickly get rid of vitamins B and C. However, vitamins A,D,E and K are stored in fat tissue and can easily build up to toxic concentrations. I did a little more research on toxic vitamin levels and my intake was low enough that I no longer worry about it.