Too few calories causing illness?

jhalton
jhalton Posts: 85
edited November 11 in Food and Nutrition
I am a 50 yr old male. I have been on MFP for almost a year. I have lost 27 of my 36 pound goal. I am in my best shape in 20 years and usually feel great. I have lost only a few pounds in the past 6 mos. The first five mos on MFP my net cals were 1200-1500 per day. In the past 6 months I have eaten around 1650 net calories per day. I usually (but not always) eat back most of my exercise cals. I workout 5-6 days a week (usually 3 days of weight training and 3 days of running or cardio.) I think part of this lack of weight loss is the addition of some muscle weight. The inability to lose that last 10lb (maybe 15) is somewhat frustrating, but I am not very worried about it. But, my greatest concern is illness. I have been more sick this past year than ever before. I have been sick at least 15 weeks this past year. I have wondered if the lack of calories, combined with all the exercise has weaken my immune system. I know there is alot of debate about how many calories one should consume, but I thought I would post this and see what all of you think. I recently increased my calories to 2050 to see if I stay healthy and continue to progress with my goals. FYI, I sleep 6-8 hrs a day and take supplements (multivitamins, omega 3's, BCAA's , green superfood, and protein).

Thanks for the feedback!

Replies

  • rwa3457986
    rwa3457986 Posts: 49
    I think it depends on what you are eating. I started a raw vegan diet in january and feel the best i ever have in my life ;) I'm 53 and getting healthier and thinner :)
  • seekingstrengthX2
    seekingstrengthX2 Posts: 771
    How tall are you?
    1200 -1500 is a normal calorie range for a small girl (like me). Most men usually need closer to 1800 (i think), unless you are really small.
    With that said, I don't think exercising and eating healthy will make you sick... Unless you aren't eating good food. You can eat 1600 calories of healthy food, or 1600 calories of McDonalds, know what I mean? If you are eating healthy food, I would find it unlikely that the calorie restriction is causing you to be sick, especially with the supplements you take.
  • WhitneyAnnabelle
    WhitneyAnnabelle Posts: 724 Member
    I would absolutely suggest eating more calories--I'm a 5'2 3/4'' female who weighs 107, and my maintenance calories are 15-something. It may also stimulate your metabolism and help you lose those last few pounds.
  • SandyChampWins
    SandyChampWins Posts: 133 Member
    You NEED to eat back the exercise calories.
  • hyde1977
    hyde1977 Posts: 476 Member
    What is your weight loss goal set at? as you are very close to where you want to be you might want to go to .5 per week.

    I took a look at only a week but watch the sodium. The recommended amount by the Heart Institute is actually 1500mg per day.

    I cannot see your sugar in take and often that can be an issue as well.

    If you are working out that much you really should not be getting sick so much. I am certainly no Dr but might be worth talking to one or a nutritionist.

    I think by changing your calorie goals it should help. As a male I am not sure if you were taking in enough. As a female I am netting 1500 (I am 5'4). I have not seen very many males under 1800 as their base. Make sure you are getting lots of lean protein and fibre. Those might help with the immune system as well!

    Again I am no Dr but hopefully that helps! Hope you are feeling good today and continue too! :-)
  • amyy902
    amyy902 Posts: 290 Member
    i wouldnt get too hung up on the whole calorie thing. i mean its just a measurment of energy so obviously you need a certain amount but its more the quality of them. i eat very little calories a day, but thats because i am a recovering anorexic - i am in no way saying its okay to not eat much because it is not but having said that i am rarely ill and that and this is according to medical and nutritional experts because the majority of what i do eat are foods high in nutrients lots of vegtables. my dietis also well suplemented to replace any vital components i miss from my diet, which is keeping me healthy. so id say focus on what you are eating - choose fruits veggies whole grains lean proteins and plenty of fibre. just make sure youre getting enough energy to keep you going. :)

    but if youre concerned dont ask any of us on here, go doctor and get REAL help because health is very important and none of us can suggest or advise you professionally. im a PT and nutrionalist specialist but i would always suggest seeking a more formal and informed service because you cant play arount with someones health! good luck.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories