Calories totally different from day to day!
VeniceQueen89
Posts: 24 Member
I've so far gone from 231lbs to 149lbs with mfp over the last two years (my goal is around 135, for reference I'm female and just shy of 5'8) Admittedly I didn't do it too healthily, I've gone by the CICO method because I'm just not satisfied eating small amounts of good stuff through the day.. I would rather starve all day and then eat something I really enjoy (my daily avg was always 1000-1200, I'm set at 1200) This has worked for me until now but recently my appetite has gone through the floor due to personal issues and I'm having to force myself to eat. Sometimes I don't eat at all and my average a lot of the time comes out around 400 which I know is bad and I'm consciously trying to up it. I do like a drink at the weekend and this kick starts my appetite without fail.. my question is, is EXTREME zigzagging really bad? I mean keeping my weekly average of 1200 while basically fasting for at least three days a week. I can easily clear 4000 cals with alcohol and food while socialising so I'm just curious to know if I really can 'save' this many calories and use them all in one go. I am consistently losing at a slower pace but I don't want to harm my body, I just find this is the only way I can feel satisfied at the moment and meet my weekly goal which I know is already pretty low. Serious answers please, I know it's not ideal but reading up on the weekly vs daily debate, I haven't found anyone that varies as much as I do and I want to know if short term it's ok. Thanks 
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I'm going to say that eating 400 calories a day and bumping your average up with alcohol is probably a poor plan.0
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I'm not bumping it up with alcohol, I drink probably twice a week and this is the only time I seem to have an appetite. The bumping up is mostly from actual food!0
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Seems a bit disordered. Have you considered seeking out a therapist to talk about what's going on in your life?0
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I'm seriously considering seeing my GP about it, but I already suffer with anxiety and am treated for it. The current problems are family related, I can't do anything about them and it just seems to have really messed with my head. I'm usually really into my food so it's a shock that it just doesn't interest me anymore.
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KrissSaysHi wrote: »socializing may seem like a good distraction from any family issues, but i think the days leading up to it, like not eating for 3 days and then going insane with food and alcohol in one night may be really mentally draining in the end leading you to eventually just feeling worse about yourself and the issues in your life and i think you deserve better then that.
You're totally right. I just can't seem to get the balance. I'm all over the place. I guess I've kind of made excuses that I can just go crazy over the weekend because I have so many calories left over from not eating in the week. Calorie zigzagging to this extreme is probably no good for my mental health but my judgement is a bit clouded at the moment! Thanks for the answers guys I think it's something I should really address if it's gonna continue (I was hoping it would pass but it's been over a month)
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VeniceQueen89 wrote: »I'm seriously considering seeing my GP about it, but I already suffer with anxiety and am treated for it. The current problems are family related, I can't do anything about them and it just seems to have really messed with my head. I'm usually really into my food so it's a shock that it just doesn't interest me anymore.
It's not a shock to me. It's a classic sign of depression. It's great that you are already in treatment, but given your new symptoms it looks like you may need something else. And just because you can't do something about the external problems, doesn't mean you can't do something about the internal response.
Continuing to starve yourself and compensating with drinking and over eating isn't the long term solution. This isn't just about losing weight either, it is about your overall health. Additionally, I do wonder if the anxiety meds you are on have any issues with being mixed with alcohol.
I hope you do see your GP. I feel for you and your situation.
Thank you, luckily my GP is really helpful and understanding but I can't help but be quite embarrassed by it. My normal antidepressants don't seem to have a reaction with alcohol and I've been on them for years... The anxiety medication (diazepam) I only take when absolutely necessary and I stay well clear of alcohol when i do xx0 -
I know counseling can get a bad rap sometimes, but as someone with family issues, meeting with a counselor/therapist once a week really helped me work through my involvement in those issues and my interpersonal skills in dealing with my family members constructively. So, maybe if you see your GP, ask about a referral to a counselor, too. I don't know your age, but if you're in school, most schools have on-campus counselors, too (that's where I went, plus it's free).
Hugs!0 -
As someone who has both anxiety and depression, and is on daily medication for them, my experience is that eating very little (or nothing) increases anxiety and depression. I don't know if this is because the meds don't absorb right or because the lack of nutrition exacerbates the issues, but for what it's worth, I would say force yourself to eat nutritiously and at least 1,000 calories for 2-3 days in a row and see if you don't start to feel a little better.
Also, for talking to your GP, if you are anything like me it was super challenging to tell them you had anxiety issues the first time, right? And it turned out ok. This will be the same. There's nothing strange or weird about having dietary issues when you have anxiety and depression. It's actually quite common. There's nothing to be embarrassed about and definitely your GP has heard stranger things.
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Thanks guys, I've tried counselling before and it helped slightly but it's really difficult to get that sort of treatment where I live.by the time you get to the top of the waiting list circumstances have changed! Thing is, stuff was going well for a while and I felt a lot better. Then a couple of things happened and it's just pulled me back down again. I've suffered with a&d for ten years (I'm 26 - it seems to be a family thing) but in the past my attitude towards food went the other way hence me reaching over 16 stone! Preparing food and things are really not interesting to me, I'd rather not bother, so when I do eat during the week it's usually something like pre packaged sandwiches. Are things like that ok as long as I'm eating something?? Again not ideal I know xx0
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VeniceQueen89 wrote: »Thanks guys, I've tried counselling before and it helped slightly but it's really difficult to get that sort of treatment where I live.by the time you get to the top of the waiting list circumstances have changed! Thing is, stuff was going well for a while and I felt a lot better. Then a couple of things happened and it's just pulled me back down again. I've suffered with a&d for ten years (I'm 26 - it seems to be a family thing) but in the past my attitude towards food went the other way hence me reaching over 16 stone! Preparing food and things are really not interesting to me, I'd rather not bother, so when I do eat during the week it's usually something like pre packaged sandwiches. Are things like that ok as long as I'm eating something?? Again not ideal I know xx
As long as you're eating something it's fine. You mentioned you have been on your antidepressants for years, perhaps they are not as effective as they once were and now that you're facing a tough time it's becoming apparent. Also, every depressive episode can be different. Just because you overrate in the past does not mean you will be the same way every time.
Try to eat. Try to get some nutritious food and try to get in some exercise. Absolutely stop the alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant. You are depressed. Just stop.0 -
I agree with all above - it's not good and it may get worse if you don't do something about it.
My advice - speak to your GP, try to eliminate alcohol, and perhaps start munching some healthy snacks, like nuts, dried fruits, pumpkin seeds, etc. even a small portion is nutritious.
Good luck!0 -
Are there any healthy savoury snacks you could suggest? I don't particularly like sweet things. I do eat fruit like apples sometimes I've made myself eat two today, dried fruit is apparently quite high in sugar too so I tend to eat fresh stuff if at all. I'm also a bit clueless about nuts...I'm guessing salted cashews probably aren't the best option?! I really do need to try and eat, it's just the urge for food isn't enough to make the effort to prepare and eat it. I think I'll stock up on things that I can just snack on rather than having to cook. Also a shame - I used to love cooking. Very good point on the alcohol, it's always been very hard for me to completely cut it out as I'm not very confident socially at times but I think it's probably more detrimental than advantageous, even if it does give me an appetite! Thank you all for your comments I'm determined to start looking after myself Xx0
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VeniceQueen89 wrote: »I'm seriously considering seeing my GP about it, but I already suffer with anxiety and am treated for it. The current problems are family related, I can't do anything about them and it just seems to have really messed with my head. I'm usually really into my food so it's a shock that it just doesn't interest me anymore.
It's not a shock to me. It's a classic sign of depression. It's great that you are already in treatment, but given your new symptoms it looks like you may need something else. And just because you can't do something about the external problems, doesn't mean you can't do something about the internal response.
Continuing to starve yourself and compensating with drinking and over eating isn't the long term solution. This isn't just about losing weight either, it is about your overall health. Additionally, I do wonder if the anxiety meds you are on have any issues with being mixed with alcohol.
I hope you do see your GP. I feel for you and your situation.
Cosigned, especially the bolded.
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this sounds like a recipe for yo yo dieting and setting yourself up for an unhealthy relationship with food...0
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this sounds like a recipe for yo yo dieting and setting yourself up for an unhealthy relationship with food...
This also worries me as I think I have always had some sort of issue with food. I can't let it get any more out of hand and might see if I can see the same person I saw before as talking therapies can be really helpful - I guess I just feel a bit silly but need to address the problem. I'm not getting very far on my own :-s0 -
VeniceQueen89 wrote: »my question is, is EXTREME zigzagging really bad? I mean keeping my weekly average of 1200 while basically fasting for at least three days a week. I can easily clear 4000 cals with alcohol and food while socialising so I'm just curious to know if I really can 'save' this many calories and use them all in one go.
For me I usually look at the weekly caloric deficit goal and average that over week. I know I need to be stingy during the weekdays because, like you, I can rack up some drink calories on the weekend. It works out for me as long as I track it all and I hit that weekly deficit number.
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VeniceQueen89 wrote: »my question is, is EXTREME zigzagging really bad? I mean keeping my weekly average of 1200 while basically fasting for at least three days a week. I can easily clear 4000 cals with alcohol and food while socialising so I'm just curious to know if I really can 'save' this many calories and use them all in one go.
For me I usually look at the weekly caloric deficit goal and average that over week. I know I need to be stingy during the weekdays because, like you, I can rack up some drink calories on the weekend. It works out for me as long as I track it all and I hit that weekly deficit number.
This is what I was wondering. It's very extreme at the moment so I think I should at least try to even the days out a bit more. In all fairness I've always "banked" calories from most days for the weekend like a lot of people do, just not to such an extent. I'm also wondering if there would be a benefit to something like a multivit while my appetite is so sporadic?0 -
VeniceQueen89 wrote: »VeniceQueen89 wrote: »my question is, is EXTREME zigzagging really bad? I mean keeping my weekly average of 1200 while basically fasting for at least three days a week. I can easily clear 4000 cals with alcohol and food while socialising so I'm just curious to know if I really can 'save' this many calories and use them all in one go.
For me I usually look at the weekly caloric deficit goal and average that over week. I know I need to be stingy during the weekdays because, like you, I can rack up some drink calories on the weekend. It works out for me as long as I track it all and I hit that weekly deficit number.
This is what I was wondering. It's very extreme at the moment so I think I should at least try to even the days out a bit more. In all fairness I've always "banked" calories from most days for the weekend like a lot of people do, just not to such an extent. I'm also wondering if there would be a benefit to something like a multivit while my appetite is so sporadic?
yes, you can "bank" calories..however, most people save like 50 to 100 a day for the weekend or something like that...
It is not advised to just eat nothing for a few days and then consume 4000 calories or something like that, as that is going to set you up for a binge cycle...
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VeniceQueen89 wrote: »VeniceQueen89 wrote: »my question is, is EXTREME zigzagging really bad? I mean keeping my weekly average of 1200 while basically fasting for at least three days a week. I can easily clear 4000 cals with alcohol and food while socialising so I'm just curious to know if I really can 'save' this many calories and use them all in one go.
For me I usually look at the weekly caloric deficit goal and average that over week. I know I need to be stingy during the weekdays because, like you, I can rack up some drink calories on the weekend. It works out for me as long as I track it all and I hit that weekly deficit number.
This is what I was wondering. It's very extreme at the moment so I think I should at least try to even the days out a bit more. In all fairness I've always "banked" calories from most days for the weekend like a lot of people do, just not to such an extent. I'm also wondering if there would be a benefit to something like a multivit while my appetite is so sporadic?
yes, you can "bank" calories..however, most people save like 50 to 100 a day for the weekend or something like that...
It is not advised to just eat nothing for a few days and then consume 4000 calories or something like that, as that is going to set you up for a binge cycle...
Moderation.. I know. I need to have a word with myself!0 -
yes, you can "bank" calories..however, most people save like 50 to 100 a day for the weekend or something like that...
It is not advised to just eat nothing for a few days and then consume 4000 calories or something like that, as that is going to set you up for a binge cycle...
Exactly. For me I general handle overages or wanting more deficit to eat or drink more by adding in more conditioning and exercise. I really do like to eat and drink.
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yes, you can "bank" calories..however, most people save like 50 to 100 a day for the weekend or something like that...
It is not advised to just eat nothing for a few days and then consume 4000 calories or something like that, as that is going to set you up for a binge cycle...
Exactly. For me I general handle overages or wanting more deficit to eat or drink more by adding in more conditioning and exercise. I really do like to eat and drink.
So do I usually... and not with weird habits!! I never thought I'd be wishing for my normal appetite back!0 -
Hi Venice.. hopefully the family situation is temporary and once the stress of that situation backs off you can go back to eating normally again. If it is temporary, I wouldn't be too concerned with a bit of a zig-zag. Our bodies are built pretty cleverly and can handle spikes in calories (unless you have health issues, like diabetes- then definitely seek medical advice). If you are concerned about getting enough calories, I've always found that liquid nutrition can help (not alcohol, but a high-calorie protein drink or smoothie of some kind). Easier to get down than food, especially when your stomach is in knots. Maybe set one meal everyday for a protein shake and try to stick to drinking it whether you feel like it or not. Good luck to you, hope it all works out.0
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There are many different types of Intermittent Fasting, and one of them is Warrior Style where you eat all of your calories for the day at one meal or within a 4 hour window. It truly doesn't matter when you get your calories in, but you definitely need more than 400 a day There's also the 5:2 cycle that works well for some. 2 days of low cal intake and 5 days at maintenance so people are eating satisfying amounts. To average a 1500 cal per day diet you'd eat 5 days at 1900 cals each and 2 days at 500 cals each. That averages 1500 cals per day per week.
If your intake is set for 1500 a day and you have that all in one meal, that's fine too. Some people prefer to graze on mini meals all day or every few hours, some like 2 - 3 meals, some like meals plus snacks, whatever. Do what works for you, but get adequate nutrition for obvious reasons, and get your intake up to a moderate deficit from your maintenance level.0 -
So do I usually... and not with weird habits!! I never thought I'd be wishing for my normal appetite back! [/quote]VeniceQueen89 wrote: »
The problem with extreme zigzagging is it is very easy to lose track of where a day or week is deficit wise. Lots of studies show that consistency is easier to maintain and meets with more success. Actually, there are plenty of studies that show most successful people losing weight actually eat very similar things daily or weekly and don't have a tone of variety in meals. I do this a lot without thinking about it, because...well...then I don't have to really think about it. I know my meals and can keep track easier. In weeks I have extremes I log as best I can. Some weeks end up a big wash and I just scratch it and pick up on the next week. Or maybe it gets crazy over a month...I just keep it in my mind to regroup and try to steady things best I can as soon as possible.
For me things haven't been linear, for sure.
Best of luck.
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VeniceQueen89 wrote: »I've so far gone from 231lbs to 149lbs with mfp over the last two years (my goal is around 135, for reference I'm female and just shy of 5'8) Admittedly I didn't do it too healthily, I've gone by the CICO method because I'm just not satisfied eating small amounts of good stuff through the day.. I would rather starve all day and then eat something I really enjoy (my daily avg was always 1000-1200, I'm set at 1200) This has worked for me until now but recently my appetite has gone through the floor due to personal issues and I'm having to force myself to eat. Sometimes I don't eat at all and my average a lot of the time comes out around 400 which I know is bad and I'm consciously trying to up it. I do like a drink at the weekend and this kick starts my appetite without fail.. my question is, is EXTREME zigzagging really bad? I mean keeping my weekly average of 1200 while basically fasting for at least three days a week. I can easily clear 4000 cals with alcohol and food while socialising so I'm just curious to know if I really can 'save' this many calories and use them all in one go. I am consistently losing at a slower pace but I don't want to harm my body, I just find this is the only way I can feel satisfied at the moment and meet my weekly goal which I know is already pretty low. Serious answers please, I know it's not ideal but reading up on the weekly vs daily debate, I haven't found anyone that varies as much as I do and I want to know if short term it's ok. Thanks
When you eat 4000 calories, doesn't this give you a stomach ache?? I can't see how it would not!0 -
tekkiechikk wrote: »Hi Venice.. hopefully the family situation is temporary and once the stress of that situation backs off you can go back to eating normally again. If it is temporary, I wouldn't be too concerned with a bit of a zig-zag. Our bodies are built pretty cleverly and can handle spikes in calories (unless you have health issues, like diabetes- then definitely seek medical advice). If you are concerned about getting enough calories, I've always found that liquid nutrition can help (not alcohol, but a high-calorie protein drink or smoothie of some kind). Easier to get down than food, especially when your stomach is in knots. Maybe set one meal everyday for a protein shake and try to stick to drinking it whether you feel like it or not. Good luck to you, hope it all works out.
Thank you, that's reassuring to hear.. I know long term it's not good but I'm just kind of getting from day to day at the moment. I have no other health conditions, blood pressure etc has all returned to normal as I became a healthy weight. I am going to make an effort to try and balance it out more and I think the smoothie way is probably a good one. I need to set aside some time and bulk make them it's just hard to find the inclination to do it.
Nelly I've kind of been fooling myself that I'm on some kind of IF diet but if I don't eat adequately on the days I'm not "fasting" then it's basically just a really bad eating habit. Especially when my fast days are literally no food. I don't think I could handle 1900 daily and I can't believe I'm saying that! I think it's a psychological thing that is manifesting itself in my eating habits. I agree IF is great if you do it properly and my weight loss was aided by doing it periodically.0
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