STARVATION MODE

Try eating your exercise calories every other day to recharge your metabolism. Plus make sure you get enough sleep!!!!

I have been stuck recently also and my wife keeps telling me i am lifting weights too much which is preventing weight loss.

I have changed a few things up in my workout and diet to spark some change. Up the intensity on workouts by shortening the rest time between sets. Reduce carb calories and replace with protein

Also measure your body because while not losing weight you may be losing inches

I've read a lot on the subject, and there are those that seem to think starvation mode does not exist. I believe it does, and believe that I was in it for quite some time.

Here's my opinion, based on research and personal experience.

1. The less weight that you have to lose, the smaller your calorie deficit should be. If you're already restricting 500 calories from maintenance, than exercising on top of that (and not eating back the exercise calories) this puts you at a huge deficit. Your body goes into a famine state, and concentrates on keeping you alive. It is very good at this. This means that it will hold onto fat (which it sees as famine-ready energy stores) and start to utilize muscle tissue for energy. This is bad.

2. The less weight you have to lose, the slower you should lose it. It's not uncommon for people who are morbidly obese to lose huge numbers very quickly. This is not the case with people who have less to lose. A smaller weight loss per week goal may net you better results.

3. One of the primary symptoms of starvation mode is lack of appetite. If you're currently struggling to eat your calories, are turned off by food, or simply not hungry, the odds are that your body has entered this mode.

When I started here, I was injesting around 700-800 net calories a day, and had been for a while. I wasn't losing weight, had no energy and my skin, hair and nails were in terrible shape. By following the site recommendations, being honest with my rate of exertion on exercise, I have lost the last 20 pounds and met my goal weight. The last five pounds have come off since I switched to MAINTENANCE calories here on the site, and I'm currently considering upping the amount of calories I eat in a day.

Sorry, that was lengthy. Here's the short answer: EAT. The system here does work. If you're exercising, eat all or most of your calories back. If you're concerned about the number of calories you actually burn during exercise, invest in a HRM. I'm convinced that purchase has allowed me to lose my last five pounds.

yeah because i have been doin this for over 3 weeks and only lost 5 pounds which i think is water weight but i have noticed and my fiance has noticed that my stomach and legs are getting smaller or more toned:smokin:

yeah because i have been doin this for over 3 weeks and only lost 5 pounds which i think is water weight but i have noticed and my fiance has noticed that my stomach and legs are getting smaller or more toned:smokin:

Natashav - You've said a couple of different times that you think the 5 lbs is "only water weight". How do you know that?? If it is staying off then it is a loss and should be counted as such. 5lbs in 3 weeks is great progress along with the physical changes you are seeing. Good Job!!

Losing inches is better than losing weight b/c that means that you are toning up and becoming more sculpted! You will love the way those beautiful, toned muscles look in your tank tops, shorts, and bathing suits this summer!!! Great job! :flowerforyou:

I would focus more on how you feel in your clothes and the smaller sizes you are buying than what the scale is saying. (I know that's easier said than done)

mikiedawn - when you set your profile, etc., up here what did you put in for your activity level? Was it accurate? Also - 1200 calories is pretty low for anyone. Did you put that you wanted to lose 2 lb per week? or 1 lb per week? If you have less weight to lose - than someone like me who is considered obese - you need to expect slower weight loss - 2 lbs per week would be too aggressive and may put you into starvation mode. Do you know what your BMR is? You can calculate it under the "Tools" section here. You should at least be eating that many calories. Maybe if you can answer some of these questions, I may be able to help you tweak a little since apparently Banks isn't around . . . :laugh:

You should definitely eat what this website recommends. It takes your weight, goals, exercise, and then tells you how much to eat! It couldn't be easier. It also takes into consideration your age, so I wouldn't worry about that.

I'm sorry you aren't seeing the results you wanted, but I celebrate your 4 lbs! :happy:

I don't think I believe in the "Starvation Mode" - Actually - strike that - I do not believe in it for a second - here is why, I started out at 200 lbs - lost 56 and tried to follow the recommended calories for the day - and even made for the defecit after a workout and have regained 20 pounds. I had been fairly active but like everyone else - my weakness is chocolate and anything remotely related to chocolate and that was a contributing factor as well.

I have started out once more by working out everday for 30 minutes and sticking to my 1200 recommended limit. I just don't believe in it eating more to recoup my 30 minutes of sweat and tears - but again..that's just me...I have been reading most of the post in support of the Starvation Mode and most of them seem to make alot of scientific/logical sense - Anyway, its a struggle - All the best!

p/s - I threw away my scale and have no clue how much weight I have lost (if any) all I know is that my belly is up from knees and up to my lap:happy: My bat wings are not as bad and I feel good.. overall