Starvation mode- I'll probably regret posting...

LovelyMumOf2
LovelyMumOf2 Posts: 76
edited October 6 in Food and Nutrition
I know this is a heated topic and I know I can just click search and read a million posts on it, but I'm not going to go through them all. i've done it before.

I don't get it.
(and please don't give me some article that is a million pages long because I won't read it).
Can someone please explain to me in plain english what the big deal is?

If I eat when I'm hungry, and still don't consume 1200 calories, that's "bad"?
But if I force myself to eat JUST because I'm told I "have" to get to 1,200 calories, then I'm training my body that I can eat "just because" and that is what got me over weight to begin with.

Another heated topic, HCG, diet pills, etc. those are FDA approved. I know the HCG diet only allows 500 calories a day. So why is THAT ok but eating less then 1,200 calories without the HCG/etc isnt?

I can understand if I am TRULY starving myself. Not eating when my stomach is growling so loud the entire neighborhood can hear it, just because I'm scared to gain any weight, or because I'm trying to lose weight very quickly.

But again. isn't eating "just because" unhealthy? Why can't I eat until I'm full and not worry about forcing 1,200 calories in me if 1,000 is all needed to fill me up?


this may be asking too much, but please no bashing or arguing. I just want it put nicely, and simple.
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Replies

  • UponThisRock
    UponThisRock Posts: 4,519 Member
    Physical need of food is just one factor that contributes to the feeling of hunger.

    I would venture to say that mental/hormonal/environmental collectively play a larger roll then the physical need for calories. I this weren't the case, people wouldn't get fat.
  • kmorris246
    kmorris246 Posts: 312 Member
    I'm no expert on this, but I think getting at least 1,200 calories in daily is ensuring that your body receives the proper nutrition it needs. I'm not sure you'd be able to meet the daily requirements needed to fuel your body if your eating less than this. Especially if you're keeping up with a proper exercise regime.

    If you're having trouble meeting your 1200 cals/day, I would suggest using different types of healthy items to get you to that mark. Peanut butter is a great way to up your cals for the day, as well as healthy oils/fats like olive oil, almonds, avocados, etc.

    If you just don't want to eat 1,200 cals, then thats your call to make- no one else's. BUT, I can't help but say that you would just be mistreating your body in the long-run?
  • seehawkmomma
    seehawkmomma Posts: 815
    http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm282334.htm

    HCG is not FDA approved.
  • khotch1
    khotch1 Posts: 99 Member
    Everything I ever read said if you go under 1200 cals a day you should consult your Dr./Expert. I consider NO ONE an expert in anything so it's your call. If you're able to do everything you're doing and really not starving yourself then kudos!
  • stylistchik
    stylistchik Posts: 1,436 Member
    1200 is just a number. If you eat 1199 calories you wont be starving, just like eating 1201 won't make you fat. If you're eating mostly fruits and veggies, you will have a hard time getting 1200 calories because you will be very full but you'll have lots of nutrients in your diet. If you're eating lots of processed foods and still can't hit 1200 you're probably missing some key nutrients. Focus on quality of nutrients instead of quantity of calories.
  • KarmaxKitty
    KarmaxKitty Posts: 901 Member
    Whoever told you HCG was FDA approved lied HORRIBLY.
  • lottycat
    lottycat Posts: 333 Member
    1200 is just a number. If you eat 1199 calories you wont be starving, just like eating 1201 won't make you fat. If you're eating mostly fruits and veggies, you will have a hard time getting 1200 calories because you will be very full but you'll have lots of nutrients in your diet. If you're eating lots of processed foods and still can't hit 1200 you're probably missing some key nutrients. Focus on quality of nutrients instead of quantity of calories.

    Well said lady.
  • leemarie324
    leemarie324 Posts: 63 Member
    I am suppose to eat 1500 a day and i am lucky if i get over 1100..I am literally just not that hungry to eat my calories, i do snack and eat my 3-4 meals a day, but now that i have started eating healthy i just cannot physically eat my 1500 a day..
  • brasslady1
    brasslady1 Posts: 113
    You know this subject kind of reminds of what a Doctor said to me one time after my examination and I was trying to lose weight.....We were discussing meals and such and I mentioned that there were times when I wasn't hungry at breakfast....and he said don't eat if you're not hungry......eating when you arn't hungry is what puts the weight on.........hmmmm kind of makes you wonder huh?
  • kalexander2005
    kalexander2005 Posts: 223 Member
    I don't have a lot of scientific knowledge about this, but if I understand, the GENERAL way of things is that our bodies consume a certain amount of calories just breathing for 24 hours (and all the other stuff they do that we can't see). So, the idea is that we need to consume that many calories in a 24 hour period to continue living. Again, I'm sure 1200 is just a general guideline and not what each person needs. I think my BMR (basal metabolic rate) is around 1400 or so. So, the idea is that, if you go below your bodies basic caloric needs to just live, there is a tendency for your body to kick into survival mode and actually begin storing everything it can get it's hands on. This is one reason I think I gained so much weight after age 35, because I used to use starvation as a weight loss technique, which pushed my BMR lower and lower, and when I finally just started "living normally" (long, LONG story), my body stored the heck out of the foods I was eating -- to the tune of about 90 extra pounds, which then would not budge for anything. I think if you are eating and comfortable and maintaining a reasonable amount of physical exercise a few times a week, I would not get so hung up on the 1200 calorie mark. You have to consider that the website is based very much on generalities, and it isn't personally chiding us on the days we don't go up to 1200 calories, it's just an algorithm that's set in motion by 1199 or below. Fasting one day a week is highly recommended by some, so that obviously would not meet the MFP daily caloric standards, but anything done in moderation (even fasting) tends not to be harmful.

    How was that? :)
  • jeannette120
    jeannette120 Posts: 65 Member
    Any over the counter diet pills are considered supplements and are not evaluated or approved by the FDA. HCG is definitely not approved by the FDA.
  • LovelyMumOf2
    LovelyMumOf2 Posts: 76
    http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm282334.htm

    HCG is not FDA approved.
    Ok...I seen a different article saying it was. But didnt see the one from fda.gov.......

    I stand corrected. But my argument still stands. Why do I "have" to eat if I'm not hungry?
  • kamk16
    kamk16 Posts: 205
    I guess I am going to go out on a limb and say if you are making healthy choices and truely are not hungry and only eat 1000 calories some days it wont be a big deal maybe your metabolism just isn't what the 1200 calorie norm is. I personally can't get by without 1300 generally if I eat less I am crabby and hungry. I also believe all calories are are a guesstimate so who is to say that muffin wasn't a little smaller than the rest making it 25 calories less or more than a different one.
    I do believe your body will hang onto fat and weight if you are not consuming enough calories but 1200 is just a general number they use for you it may be less like for me it is more. Get to know your body. That is one of the things using mfp has taught me.
  • SergeantSunshine_reused
    SergeantSunshine_reused Posts: 5,382 Member
    You need to eat because food is fuel. You need the protein and fats for various functions in the body, and it is hard to hit macros/micros on little calories. If you do not get enough calories and pro/fats consistently then you will be breaking down muscle mass

    Your body needs the fuel and essential nutrients to function, recover, and stay healthy
  • jennajava
    jennajava Posts: 2,176 Member
    Sad state of affairs when you have to put that in the title.

    ETA: This will probably help you.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/390234-does-starvation-mode-exist-and-what-is-it
  • JennyZD
    JennyZD Posts: 176 Member
    Ok in simple terms... your body needs at least 1200 calories to keep your organs working properly. When you are not giving your body enough calories or a huge caloric deficit, your body is going to "think" it's starving and start retaining everything you eat in order to protect you from starvation.

    The HCG is ONLY approved as a fertility drug NOT as a weight loss supplement. There is no magic trick to weight loss, so just stick to creating a proper deficit.

    If you are not feeling hungry try to exercise more so your metabolism runs faster.
  • KittieLea
    KittieLea Posts: 1,156 Member
    I wish I could help but this confuses me too. I sit at a desk all day and usually eat when I'm hungry which adds up to be 1000-1100 cals on most days. I don't feel like I'm starving myself either, but for someone who might be on their feet all day using more energy might be starving on less than 1200 calories a day. I could be wrong but I feel like the 1200 a day rule can't apply to everyone so I just eat until I feel comfortable.
    Maybe someone who's more of an expert can help?
  • getitamb
    getitamb Posts: 2,019 Member
    Not trying to be rude..but if you don't think it's harmful, then try it. What's the point in asking people about it. the way you presented it sounds like you have your mind made up. How is anybody going to change your mind about it?
  • upnorthtim
    upnorthtim Posts: 376 Member
    http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/jun/24/low-calorie-diet-hope-cure-diabetes


    Fuel for the fire :glasses: :smokin: :drinker:
  • adjones5
    adjones5 Posts: 938 Member
    "FDA approved" does not mean "healthy for you and a great idea to put into your body"
  • jennajava
    jennajava Posts: 2,176 Member
    Not trying to be rude..but if you don't think it's harmful, then try it. What's the point in asking people about it. the way you presented it sounds like you have your mind made up. How is anybody going to change your mind about it?

    So if I don't think shooting myself in the foot is harmful, I should try it?
  • aqua_zumba_fan
    aqua_zumba_fan Posts: 383 Member
    My goal is set to 1200 calories a day but I focus on a weekly goal (can see this on phone) - it means I can go over some days and under others and seems to work well. I also eat back all my exercise calories including those from walking as I don't want to eat too little. Maybe that would work for you?
  • CaptainGordo
    CaptainGordo Posts: 4,437 Member
    I don't get it.
    (and please don't give me some article that is a million pages long because I won't read it).
    Can someone please explain to me in plain english what the big deal is?
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/ladyhawk00/view/starvation-mode-how-it-works-98802
    I know the HCG diet only allows 500 calories a day. So why is THAT ok but eating less then 1,200 calories without the HCG/etc isnt?
    It isn't okay. Very Low Cal Diets are only recommended for the morbidly obese, and under a doctor's supervision.

    UCLA (http://rfoweightloss.med.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=32)

    "A VLCD is primarily for severely or morbidly obese individuals who must lose or wish to lose large amounts of weight as rapidly as possible in a safe manner. "

    National Institutes of Health (http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/low_calorie.htm)

    "VLCDs are designed to produce rapid weight loss at the start of a weight-loss program in patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 and significant comorbidities."

    "Use of VLCDs in patients with a BMI of 27 to 30 should be reserved for those who have medical conditions due to overweight, such as high blood pressure."

    "Many patients on a VLCD for 4 to 16 weeks report minor side effects such as fatigue, constipation, nausea, or diarrhea. These conditions usually improve within a few weeks and rarely prevent patients from completing the program. The most common serious side effect is gallstone formation. Gallstones, which often develop in people who are obese, especially women, are even more common during rapid weight loss. Research indicates that rapid weight loss may increase cholesterol levels in the gallbladder and decrease its ability to contract and expel bile. Some medicines can prevent gallstone formation during rapid weight loss. Your health care provider can determine if these medicines are appropriate for you"

    "Studies show that the long-term results of VLCDs vary widely, but weight regain is common."

    "In addition, VLCDs may be no more effective than less severe dietary restrictions in the long run. Studies have shown that following a diet of approximately 800 to 1,000 calories produces weight loss similar to that seen with VLCDs."

    "For most people who are obese, their condition is long-term and requires a lifetime of attention even after formal weight-loss treatment ends. Therefore, health care providers should encourage patients who are obese to commit to permanent changes of healthier eating, regular physical activity, and an improved outlook about food"

    WebMD (http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/low-calorie-diets)

    "Very low-calorie diets are generally safe when used under proper medical supervision in people with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. Use of VLCDs in people with a BMI of 27 to 30 should be reserved for those who have medical complications resulting from their obesity."

    "To be healthy, we need a balance of foods from different food groups. It's quite difficult to get good nutrition in as few as 800 calories (even a dietitian would have trouble doing this), especially if one eats the same foods day after day."

    "Also, once you go off the diet, you will likely regain your weight unless you change your lifestyle and commit to healthy eating, regular physical activity, and an improved outlook about food. By sticking to a long-term commitment, you can prevent your weight from drifting back up the scale."

    Check out the Unofficial MFP FAQ for answers to other questions: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/474-unofficial-mfp-faq
  • JulieSD
    JulieSD Posts: 567
    http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm282334.htm

    HCG is not FDA approved.
    Ok...I seen a different article saying it was. But didnt see the one from fda.gov.......

    I stand corrected. But my argument still stands. Why do I "have" to eat if I'm not hungry?
    1200 is just a number. If you eat 1199 calories you wont be starving, just like eating 1201 won't make you fat. If you're eating mostly fruits and veggies, you will have a hard time getting 1200 calories because you will be very full but you'll have lots of nutrients in your diet. If you're eating lots of processed foods and still can't hit 1200 you're probably missing some key nutrients. Focus on quality of nutrients instead of quantity of calories.

    This makes it pretty clear.
  • rileamoyer
    rileamoyer Posts: 2,412 Member
    1200 is just a number. If you eat 1199 calories you wont be starving, just like eating 1201 won't make you fat. If you're eating mostly fruits and veggies, you will have a hard time getting 1200 calories because you will be very full but you'll have lots of nutrients in your diet. If you're eating lots of processed foods and still can't hit 1200 you're probably missing some key nutrients. Focus on quality of nutrients instead of quantity of calories.

    Well said lady.

    Both of the above. 1200 is a guideline, based on activity level, age, sex etc, it means different things to different folks. The 500 calorie a day limit is normally for those extremely obese people to get them jumpstarted and see results quickly. They increase their caloric intake as their weight goes down. Don't be afraid to read and research your questions, it is a good way to get multiple opinions and find out what is best for you. QUALITY of nutrition and activity (exercise) is the key to good health and fitness, NEVER a fad diet!
  • fit4mom
    fit4mom Posts: 1,352 Member
    See I don't believe it is all about the number either. It's the value of the food you are putting in your body. 1200 cals of junk food or 1200 cals of nutrient packed food. Natural sugar (fruits and veggies) are better for you than refined sugars. It does you well to eat well versus mindless eating. It's about being mindful of what you eat. Certain bodies can eat certain foods and calorie needs are different for each body which are like individual finger prints. I only gain weight if I eat more than 1200 cals in a day when I start to get into shape. When I get down to goal weight of about 115lbs. I can eat at 1200. Eating back cals doesn't work for my body unless I am at a lower weight. But that is my individual body. How some eat them back and lose I don't understand, but then that is their body. I can't expect a diabetic to eat the same as everyone else and neither an elderly person. Were all different so it really comes down to individual and your specific needs. What is good for one person is not good necessarily for another. 1 glass of wine is good for some but you wouldn't ask an alcoholic or a toddler to do this. So needs are different for each. I hope you find the answers you are seeking. Have a blessed journey.
  • getitamb
    getitamb Posts: 2,019 Member
    Not trying to be rude..but if you don't think it's harmful, then try it. What's the point in asking people about it. the way you presented it sounds like you have your mind made up. How is anybody going to change your mind about it?

    So if I don't think shooting myself in the foot is harmful, I should try it?
    If u have your mind made up we can'rt change. That's all I am saying.
  • jennajava
    jennajava Posts: 2,176 Member
    Not trying to be rude..but if you don't think it's harmful, then try it. What's the point in asking people about it. the way you presented it sounds like you have your mind made up. How is anybody going to change your mind about it?

    So if I don't think shooting myself in the foot is harmful, I should try it?
    If u have your mind made up we can'rt change. That's all I am saying.

    This is true. But, since she's asking advice, her mind probably isn't made up.
  • getitamb
    getitamb Posts: 2,019 Member
    Not trying to be rude..but if you don't think it's harmful, then try it. What's the point in asking people about it. the way you presented it sounds like you have your mind made up. How is anybody going to change your mind about it?

    So if I don't think shooting myself in the foot is harmful, I should try it?
    If u have your mind made up we can'rt change. That's all I am saying.
    I can tell this is going nowhere so I am ending it.

    This is true. But, since she's asking advice, her mind probably isn't made up.
  • krista896
    krista896 Posts: 76 Member
    1200 is just a number. But I do think that it depends on your body size. I'm 5'2" and 125lbs. I do not really need that many calories to keep my body going except on days with heavy exercise. I have been losing eating between 1000-1250 calories and haven't fallen into the dreaded "Starvation mode" Although maybe one day every week or two I will go over any have 1500-1800.
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