Protein Shakes
Gngr09
Posts: 743 Member
I have been doing the protein shakes diet for about 3 weeks now, I can tell a huge different in my appetite and (haven't stepped on a scale yet) but I think I've lost quite a few lbs.
My question is: This app tells me that I need to consume 1200 calories, but for the life of me - I can't even consume that many. I have been averaging 700-900 a day and it keeps telling me that's not enough. I know alot of people will say "don't complain about that" but I need to know if I should making myself eat more of if this is beneficial to my weight loss?
My question is: This app tells me that I need to consume 1200 calories, but for the life of me - I can't even consume that many. I have been averaging 700-900 a day and it keeps telling me that's not enough. I know alot of people will say "don't complain about that" but I need to know if I should making myself eat more of if this is beneficial to my weight loss?
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Replies
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You should be eating *at least* 1,200 calories. Not for weight loss, but for your health. You can't meet your nutritional needs on 700-900 calories a day and it's just not enough for your body to function. You're putting yourself at risk for losing muscle unnecessarily, as well as problems with your hair, nails, low energy, or even things like gall bladder problems.
If you can't eat more, then it's a sign you've cut too many foods out of your diet. Are you only consuming protein shakes?6 -
The minimum you should consume would be 1200 calories a day. With your current plan are you under the care of a physician?1
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Yes, you should eat more. Eating so little is really unhealthy.2
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What is the protein shakes diet? What are you eating and how are you measuring your portions? Unless you are under 5' and completely sedentary, if you are truly full on less than 1000 cals either you are eating more than you think or there is something physically wrong that requires a doctor's visit.1
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I have been doing the protein shakes diet for about 3 weeks now, I can tell a huge different in my appetite and (haven't stepped on a scale yet) but I think I've lost quite a few lbs.
My question is: This app tells me that I need to consume 1200 calories, but for the life of me - I can't even consume that many. I have been averaging 700-900 a day and it keeps telling me that's not enough. I know alot of people will say "don't complain about that" but I need to know if I should making myself eat more of if this is beneficial to my weight loss?
Absolutely eat more. I'm sorry but there is no way meeting 1200cal a day is difficult unless you're recovering from illness or surgery of some kind.2 -
What is the protein shakes diet? What are you eating and how are you measuring your portions? Unless you are under 5' and completely sedentary, if you are full on less than 1000 cals either you are eating more than you think or there is something physically wrong that requires a doctor's visit.
My thoughts exactly! I've never heard of the protein shakes diet either, and yes, if you can't eat more than that there has to be something wrong. My best guess would also be that you are eating more than you think though, that is very common.1 -
when you say you cant eat more than 1000 calories ,it makes one wonder then how was it possible you gained enough weight to need to lose it? its not meant to be rude or offensive either.just an observation.3
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I'm going to take a guess here... I believe she means she only drinks protein shakes, all day, everyday. If that's the case, then yes, it could be a little bit of a challenge to consume 1200 in protein shakes. I know they make me feel full even when there's only about 400-600 calories in mine.
Nevertheless, sharing everyone's concern; that amount of calories per day isn't the best for your health long term.1 -
OP, yes you need to eat more. The Protein Shake diet is not and was not meant to be sustainable. It is a crash diet. To see real success, weigh and measure your food, log consistently, and be ready for this to take some time. Please get off the crash diet roller coaster.2
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janejellyroll wrote: »You should be eating *at least* 1,200 calories. Not for weight loss, but for your health. You can't meet your nutritional needs on 700-900 calories a day and it's just not enough for your body to function. You're putting yourself at risk for losing muscle unnecessarily, as well as problems with your hair, nails, low energy, or even things like gall bladder problems.
If you can't eat more, then it's a sign you've cut too many foods out of your diet. Are you only consuming protein shakes?
No, I have been doing a shake for breakfast and then lunch, then a sensible meal (if I am hungry) - but on Monday and Wednesdays I have been doing an extra shake around 5 - because I head straight to workout class and don't have time to eat.0 -
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What is the protein shakes diet? What are you eating and how are you measuring your portions? Unless you are under 5' and completely sedentary, if you are truly full on less than 1000 cals either you are eating more than you think or there is something physically wrong that requires a doctor's visit.
I am 5' 3" and last weighed 186 - about a month ago. Seeing Dr. tomorrow to talk about plan. I would eat more but I just am NOT hungry since I have been working out and doing the protein shakes.1 -
CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »when you say you cant eat more than 1000 calories ,it makes one wonder then how was it possible you gained enough weight to need to lose it? its not meant to be rude or offensive either.just an observation.
Because of the protein shakes I believe. I used to just eat like it was no one elses business. now I am just not hungry most of the time.0 -
I did something similar under the supervision of physicians- it was a year long study done by Kansas University Medical Center and used "HMR" (brand name) weight loss shakes. It involved weekly meetings, monthly check ups and other tests. (Body fat scan for example). The program I was on was only 500 calories a day. That lasted 3 months. After that "other food" (similar to Jenny Craig or Nutrisystem entrees) plus fresh fruits and veggies were added to the plan over the next 6 months, and the last 3 months was back to everyday foods, no shakes, no diet entrees. Lost about 90 pounds over 18 months. ANYWAY you definitely need to have medical supervision if you are eating <1200 calories a day. This can wreck havoc on your kidneys and your immune system if you are not careful. Medical supervision is important because you are technically with so few calories (700-900/day) in a phase of starvation. Yes, I lost a lot of weight, BUT because the study did not address the underlying non-medical reasons for my obesity, or even suggest I might benefit from the help of mental health therapists, it was not a lasting weight loss. Only counseling could help me with that. So now I'm depending on a FitBit to remind me to MOVE and a 1200 calorie a day food plan. Oh, I'm 66, been riding the weight roller coaster since I was old enough to recognize I was too fat - about 10 years old. Have been at a "normal" adult weight twice in my life.2
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What is the protein shakes diet? What are you eating and how are you measuring your portions? Unless you are under 5' and completely sedentary, if you are truly full on less than 1000 cals either you are eating more than you think or there is something physically wrong that requires a doctor's visit.
I am 5' 3" and last weighed 186 - about a month ago. Seeing Dr. tomorrow to talk about plan. I would eat more but I just am NOT hungry since I have been working out and doing the protein shakes.
So drop a protein shake and eat a more calorie dense meal instead?4 -
janejellyroll wrote: »You should be eating *at least* 1,200 calories. Not for weight loss, but for your health. You can't meet your nutritional needs on 700-900 calories a day and it's just not enough for your body to function. You're putting yourself at risk for losing muscle unnecessarily, as well as problems with your hair, nails, low energy, or even things like gall bladder problems.
If you can't eat more, then it's a sign you've cut too many foods out of your diet. Are you only consuming protein shakes?
No, I have been doing a shake for breakfast and then lunch, then a sensible meal (if I am hungry) - but on Monday and Wednesdays I have been doing an extra shake around 5 - because I head straight to workout class and don't have time to eat.
My general advice whenever someone realizes that the amount of a certain food they are eating is keeping them from meeting their nutritional needs: eat less of that food. I would replace one of your shakes with a meal that got you to your calorie goal.2 -
VLCD diets should only be performed under the care of a qualified physician. Even on the protein powder/shake packages it recommends against what you are doing.2 -
CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »when you say you cant eat more than 1000 calories ,it makes one wonder then how was it possible you gained enough weight to need to lose it? its not meant to be rude or offensive either.just an observation.
Because of the protein shakes I believe. I used to just eat like it was no one elses business. now I am just not hungry most of the time.
I would do what janejellyroll said and a few others. find other sources of protein than a shake.0 -
Protein shakes are relatively low in calories. A protein shake isn't a meal replacement...it doesn't have the other necessary nutrition that you need. A protein shake is intended to supplement protein intake, not replace a meal. Eat food.3
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Good news! I have lost 12 lbs in the last two weeks since my last weigh in on March 19th! Super excited and motivated more than ever!0
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I am seeing a nutritionist. and I just did my weigh in at their office.0
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A nutritionist isn't a doctor. And if they put you on a protein shake diet, they are a salesperson. Hopefully a good part of that 12 lbs is water weight, otherwise it's muscle
You've obviously decided you would rather crash diet and risk hitting the wall and gaining it all back, than lose weight at a more moderate, healthy pace and actually be prepared to keep the weight off. I'm sure your nutritionist will be happy to charge you more money when you do gain it back and need to try another diet.
When you are ready to lose the weight healthfully and keep it off, this is what you need to do:- Set yourself on MFP to lose 1 lb per week and get your calorie goal.
- Log your food accurately and consistently. You can eat whatever you want, though prioritizing lean protein, healthy fat, and veggies may make it easier to stick to your calories.
- Move more, however you can.
- Use the time to study your food log and find a way to eat for the rest of your life at the right calorie level that is practical and enjoyable.
Best of luck.5 -
even a person over 500 lbs losing 6 lbs a week can be dangerous(but usually most of that is water) if not medically supervised(under a drs care and being monitored often). a nutritionist is not a reliable source you would have done better with a dietitian and Im sure they would have told you the same thing a lot of us are telling you..The less you have to lose the slower and lower the amount of loss should be.1
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