Any dieticians on here?

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What is up with my eating plan? I just can't budge the weight. Could someone who knows, have a look at my plan and give it to me straight.

Do I eat too many vegestables and fruit?
I'm missing vitamins, where do I find them?
Should I have more carbs? Less carbs?
I can't stomach meat, does it matter?
I have PCOS so insulin is an issue.

Replies

  • NightOwl1
    NightOwl1 Posts: 881 Member
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    Let me start off by saying I am NOT a dietician, however I believe your problem is that you are not getting enough calories. Unfortunately your logs aren't terribly complete, so it's hard to see a trend, but every complete day I've seen you under 1200, some days by a lot. I also see you not eating your exercise calories back. You're not giving your body enough calories, so it's hoarding your fat because it thinks it's going to starve.

    1200 may not be enough calories for you. It's not enough for everybody. Experiment around with higher calorie amounts, and see if that works for you.
  • JulsDiane
    JulsDiane Posts: 349 Member
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    Not a dietitian, but the advice I got from my doctor if I plateau was to up my calories daily; too much deficit for too long puts your body in starvation mode. He didn't say to necessarily eat all the exercise calories back but take the net closer to 1500-1700 cal per say, which would put me personally at about 300 calories deficit per day. I haven't gotten there yet personally but you might give it a shot.
  • cerysrhi
    cerysrhi Posts: 262
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    I'm no pro but I would say that you are not eating enough your cals are below the 1200 minimum and thats before your exercise so your Net cal intake must be a lot lower I have been led to believe you are supposed to eat you exercise cals but I haven't met anyone yet including myself who can physically eat them all just try and get your net to above 1200 x
  • janesmith1
    janesmith1 Posts: 1,511 Member
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    I'm also not a dietician, but I have been losing weight with MFP. My thought is that anything 1400 cals a day will help you lose weight. You've set it to 2 lbs a week but that is probably too low since you're not eating enough cals - enough cals would be 1200 a day minimum. It seems to me that when you go below 1200 per day you get weaker and you can go into starvation mode and that means you won't lose weight.

    I would up your weight loss thing to 1.5 lbs per week, eat a bit more calories, 1.5 lbs per week for me means 1350 per day....try that.
  • lilwednesday
    Options
    Let me start off by saying I am NOT a dietician, however I believe your problem is that you are not getting enough calories. Unfortunately your logs aren't terribly complete, so it's hard to see a trend, but every complete day I've seen you under 1200, some days by a lot. I also see you not eating your exercise calories back. You're not giving your body enough calories, so it's hoarding your fat because it thinks it's going to starve.

    1200 may not be enough calories for you. It's not enough for everybody. Experiment around with higher calorie amounts, and see if that works for you.

    I have PCOS so what is commenly referred to as "starvation mode" does not apply to me as my body is always in starvation mode no matter what I eat. it is part of the symptons of PCOS and is why it makes losing weight difficult.
  • lilwednesday
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    My specialist told me that in order to lose weight I should always feel hungry. On higher calorie eating plans I gain weight easily. on 1200 I am at a plateau.

    i just think that what I eat is incorrect.
  • kimwig
    kimwig Posts: 164
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    What is up with my eating plan? I just can't budge the weight. Could someone who knows, have a look at my plan and give it to me straight.

    Do I eat too many vegestables and fruit?
    I'm missing vitamins, where do I find them?
    Should I have more carbs? Less carbs?
    I can't stomach meat, does it matter?
    I have PCOS so insulin is an issue.
    This article may help with some ideas for you, if you have not seen it
    http://www.obgyn.net/pcos/pcos.asp?page=articles/pcos_and_diet_mckittrick
  • lilwednesday
    Options
    What is up with my eating plan? I just can't budge the weight. Could someone who knows, have a look at my plan and give it to me straight.

    Do I eat too many vegestables and fruit?
    I'm missing vitamins, where do I find them?
    Should I have more carbs? Less carbs?
    I can't stomach meat, does it matter?
    I have PCOS so insulin is an issue.
    This article may help with some ideas for you, if you have not seen it
    http://www.obgyn.net/pcos/pcos.asp?page=articles/pcos_and_diet_mckittrick

    Thanks for that. It was very infomative and described me perfectly.

    I must laugh though, I calculated my calories using weight in kilograms and thought I should be eating 600! They actually calculated it in pounds and I should be eating just a little over what I eat now.

    I have an easy GI diet book so I will give that a go again.
  • morganadk2_deleted
    morganadk2_deleted Posts: 1,696 Member
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    Let me start off by saying I am NOT a dietician, however I believe your problem is that you are not getting enough calories. Unfortunately your logs aren't terribly complete, so it's hard to see a trend, but every complete day I've seen you under 1200, some days by a lot. I also see you not eating your exercise calories back. You're not giving your body enough calories, so it's hoarding your fat because it thinks it's going to starve.

    1200 may not be enough calories for you. It's not enough for everybody. Experiment around with higher calorie amounts, and see if that works for you.

    I have PCOS so what is commenly referred to as "starvation mode" does not apply to me as my body is always in starvation mode no matter what I eat. it is part of the symptons of PCOS and is why it makes losing weight difficult.

    Its is possible to lose weight with PCOS my daughter lost over 100lbs in a year , it does take effort ..

    It can be done though good luck on your journey!:smile:
  • Altiv
    Altiv Posts: 174 Member
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    I have metabolic syndrome, so I have PCOS and insulin resistance among other things, as said before, it is possible to lose weight with PCOS, it takes longer (it took me a month of strict dieting before seeing results), I'm not a dietitian, but I'm under a food program that a dietitian gave me, and as far as I can tell from your diary, your carb intake should be up to 180 and sugar no more than 40.
    Also a good diet should never make you feel hungry, I was eating like 1,200 cals a day a few months ago and never felt hungry, and if you have problems with insulin, feeling hungry all the time is actually a bad thing, to avoid that try to eat every 3 hour or so, that sure won't make you hungry =)
  • JillyCornwall
    JillyCornwall Posts: 376 Member
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    Looking at your food diary leaves me with the impression that you don't plan your meals, but tend to eat whatever is about, you eat some strange combinations. Certainly get your GI diet book out, its the ideal eating plan for Insulin resistance & PCOS.....You lack veggies in your diet, you drink sodas & beer one day...subways the next....get a plan worked out and you'll do it.
  • Grokette
    Grokette Posts: 3,330 Member
    Options
    What is up with my eating plan? I just can't budge the weight. Could someone who knows, have a look at my plan and give it to me straight.

    Do I eat too many vegestables and fruit?
    I'm missing vitamins, where do I find them?
    Should I have more carbs? Less carbs?
    I can't stomach meat, does it matter?
    I have PCOS so insulin is an issue.

    Let me preface with the fact that I am a Certified Nutritionist and Health coach, but not a dietician.

    However, I am focusing my works on those with Endocrine related issues such as Thyroid issues, PCOS, Type 2 Diabetes.

    I have not viewed your food diary, but with PCOS, it is best to limit grains as much as possible.

    You should be focusing first and foremost on Protein and fats (good quality) and green leafy vegetables. Fruit should be a "snack" or dessert only and should be eaten with a bit of protein.

    Please message me if you would like more assistance. I have been where you are at.
  • Grokette
    Grokette Posts: 3,330 Member
    Options
    Let me start off by saying I am NOT a dietician, however I believe your problem is that you are not getting enough calories. Unfortunately your logs aren't terribly complete, so it's hard to see a trend, but every complete day I've seen you under 1200, some days by a lot. I also see you not eating your exercise calories back. You're not giving your body enough calories, so it's hoarding your fat because it thinks it's going to starve.

    1200 may not be enough calories for you. It's not enough for everybody. Experiment around with higher calorie amounts, and see if that works for you.

    I have PCOS so what is commenly referred to as "starvation mode" does not apply to me as my body is always in starvation mode no matter what I eat. it is part of the symptons of PCOS and is why it makes losing weight difficult.

    PCOS is not starvation mode. The reason you have a hard time losing weight with PCOS is because most women are insulin resistant or Pre-diabetic. No where near being starvation mode.

    Focus on natural and WHOLE foods. If you ditch the sodas and processed foods (which are doing your body way more harm on top of your current issues) and eat whole foods your body will heal itself, naturally. You have to give your body what it needs, not what you just want to give it.

    Good quality proteins and fats (and yes this includes saturated fats such as coconut oil and animal fats), Nuts are also a good source of protein and fats.

    Loads and loads of vegetables. This does not include corn, peas, lots of carrots and such. Green leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetables are the best.

    Minimal fruit intake, small snack or dessert.

    Drink lots and lots of water and green teas.........
  • lilwednesday
    Options
    Looking at your food diary leaves me with the impression that you don't plan your meals, but tend to eat whatever is about, you eat some strange combinations. Certainly get your GI diet book out, its the ideal eating plan for Insulin resistance & PCOS.....You lack veggies in your diet, you drink sodas & beer one day...subways the next....get a plan worked out and you'll do it.

    Actually I don't lack vegetables at all. In fact I eat probably too much fruit and vege, it's meat that I don't eat. This last week I've been trying to add protein from eggs and meat. I have salad with everything (it is summer here) and I'm on holidays so catching up with friends and subway is a better choice with my beer :)
  • lilwednesday
    Options
    What is up with my eating plan? I just can't budge the weight. Could someone who knows, have a look at my plan and give it to me straight.

    Do I eat too many vegestables and fruit?
    I'm missing vitamins, where do I find them?
    Should I have more carbs? Less carbs?
    I can't stomach meat, does it matter?
    I have PCOS so insulin is an issue.

    Let me preface with the fact that I am a Certified Nutritionist and Health coach, but not a dietician.

    However, I am focusing my works on those with Endocrine related issues such as Thyroid issues, PCOS, Type 2 Diabetes.

    I have not viewed your food diary, but with PCOS, it is best to limit grains as much as possible.

    You should be focusing first and foremost on Protein and fats (good quality) and green leafy vegetables. Fruit should be a "snack" or dessert only and should be eaten with a bit of protein.

    Please message me if you would like more assistance. I have been where you are at.

    Thanks, I realised yesterday that I should probably have protein with my food. I was trying to include grains as my carbs were low so you think I shouldn't eat too many. I only have brown rice 1/3 cup size when cooked. Last night I just had a large spoonful. I eat tons of veges but don't like meat. last night I ate lamb, it was difficult.
  • lilwednesday
    Options
    Let me start off by saying I am NOT a dietician, however I believe your problem is that you are not getting enough calories. Unfortunately your logs aren't terribly complete, so it's hard to see a trend, but every complete day I've seen you under 1200, some days by a lot. I also see you not eating your exercise calories back. You're not giving your body enough calories, so it's hoarding your fat because it thinks it's going to starve.

    1200 may not be enough calories for you. It's not enough for everybody. Experiment around with higher calorie amounts, and see if that works for you.

    I have PCOS so what is commenly referred to as "starvation mode" does not apply to me as my body is always in starvation mode no matter what I eat. it is part of the symptons of PCOS and is why it makes losing weight difficult.

    PCOS is not starvation mode. The reason you have a hard time losing weight with PCOS is because most women are insulin resistant or Pre-diabetic. No where near being starvation mode.

    Focus on natural and WHOLE foods. If you ditch the sodas and processed foods (which are doing your body way more harm on top of your current issues) and eat whole foods your body will heal itself, naturally. You have to give your body what it needs, not what you just want to give it.

    Good quality proteins and fats (and yes this includes saturated fats such as coconut oil and animal fats), Nuts are also a good source of protein and fats.

    Loads and loads of vegetables. This does not include corn, peas, lots of carrots and such. Green leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetables are the best.

    Minimal fruit intake, small snack or dessert.

    Drink lots and lots of water and green teas.........

    My specialist told me my body is always in starvation mode because the insulin resistance means sugars aren't processed and are turned to fat quickly. He also told me to stay hungry; he said if I didn't feel hungry I am not losing weight. He recommened 1000 calories but that is hard.

    I don't actually eat many processed foods, I cook with all my base ingredients from scratch. A few people have said that and it puzzled me but I'm thinking because this is an American site and I haven't heard of half the names of things (they don't exist here), I'm trying to guess what things might be and maybe I'm guessing wrong.

    I am on holiday, I do like to drink but I'm not blowing my 1200 calorie limit. And, I don't feel hungry so that's why I don't really snack.
  • kimwig
    kimwig Posts: 164
    Options
    My specialist told me my body is always in starvation mode because the insulin resistance means sugars aren't processed and are turned to fat quickly. He also told me to stay hungry; he said if I didn't feel hungry I am not losing weight. He recommened 1000 calories but that is hard.

    I don't actually eat many processed foods, I cook with all my base ingredients from scratch. A few people have said that and it puzzled me but I'm thinking because this is an American site and I haven't heard of half the names of things (they don't exist here), I'm trying to guess what things might be and maybe I'm guessing wrong.

    I am on holiday, I do like to drink but I'm not blowing my 1200 calorie limit. And, I don't feel hungry so that's why I don't really snack.
    For protein have you tried tofu (marinated tofu), or adding legumes / chickpeas. Sprouted seeds such as fenugreek and alfalfa contain good amounts of proteins (I have a seed sprouter working all the time).

    You could get rice protein or soy protein and add to meals if needed (that is if you are still down on protein), or add LSA to your breakfast (though I am not sure of the carbs for that). These are just suggestions from a non-meat eater, not from a PCOS sufferer or from a dietician.
  • lilwednesday
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    I looked at buying LSA the other day and it was really expensive so I didn't. I bought Quinoa even though that was pricey too. I like tempeh but not a fan of tofu although I may give the marinated version a go as you suggest.

    So I lost a kilo from yesterday which is a break through although hard to keep off now. What did I do different yesterday? I upped my protein and went over 1200 calories thinking it would have resulted in a gain but no!