Eat More 2 Weigh Less

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OK, Now I am freaking out a bit.

sugarplumj
sugarplumj Posts: 107 Member
in Social Groups
So, I just got over some 48 hour bug, and had a lot of time to think about whether or not I should do the full reset-Feel like I am cheating when my TDEE-%15 is actually 2100, but I have been trying to eat 1900, for fear of the shock of it all--So far in 5 weeks I have gained 8 lbs, feeling really fat in the stomach region, which is NEVER where I carried a lot of weight. I am a weepy sick person, so maybe I am being a big baby, however...thoughts on reset? weep! I was on the MFP proposed 1200 cals a day, eating back exercise cals for about 10 months prior to EMTWL

Stats:
BMR: 1628
TDEE: 2524
TDEE-15%: 2145
moderate exercise on Scooby

I have been eating 1900-2000 a day for the past 5 weeks. About 1/2 inch increase in waist size and an increase in weight. I know the scale is the enemy, but I used it when I noticed things fitting a bit more snug. My once loose skinny jeans are now full on denim sausage skins.

I have thought that I should increase activity, but I realize that could also affect the cal intake, and I am afraid of messing it up. Do I get a Fitbit/Polar to really monitor things?

Thanks for the feedback!

Replies

  • Saelina
    Saelina Posts: 129 Member
    Take a deep breath :) You are not alone. Definitely read the reset support threads, there are quite a few people who are experiencing weight gain after coming off a VLCD for a lengthy period of time. It's a normal reaction when you finally consume food and your body wants to retain it for the next starvation cycle.

    That being said, if you are only eating 1900 cals, and you're recommend cut is 2145, you are still eating way too low. You didn't post your age/height/weight/activity so we can double check your numbers though. Even still, you are not doing your metabolism any favors by trying to keep your calories lower than recommended or increasing activity levels to compensate. You are at almost a 25% cut as it is from what you posted as your TDEE.

    I'm inclined to think you probably should do the reset (yes that means you probably will see additional weight gain), but its temporary and will come off again once you finish the reset and get to your cut. At the very least you need to be at your 15%
  • mommamuscles
    mommamuscles Posts: 584 Member
    I hear you, and I was doing the same thing for quite awhile. The journey to eating more has been very up and down for me, because I freaked out a lot! I agree with saelina though. You may want to bump up to your cut calories and see what happens. A reset is great (I'm on one now) but mentally can be pretty challenging. Just make sure you are prepared to deal with the bloating and possible weight gain that comes with it while your body is adjusting. Not to discourage you, because everyone responds differently. But it's extremely important to stay consistent when doing the reset, so just want you to know what you're signing up for, ;)
  • sugarplumj
    sugarplumj Posts: 107 Member
    ok-
    stats-
    196 (was 190 5 weeks ago..not bitter, not bitter)
    5'6
    39 yo

    a full reset would be quite a mental challenge, and sometimes i wonder about the logic of increasing, gaining, then doing a cut only to lose what was gained in the first place...it seems a little redundant in a way to lose the same weight that was just gained--in my case now twice.
  • Saelina
    Saelina Posts: 129 Member
    Have you read this thread?
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/521728-upping-cals-what-to-expect-why-you-need-patience

    pretty good explanation
  • sugarplumj
    sugarplumj Posts: 107 Member
    Have you read this thread?
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/521728-upping-cals-what-to-expect-why-you-need-patience

    pretty good explanation

    thanks, Saelina. i have read that thread, and a number of stickies, multiple times. i guess what i am not clear on is the "how will i know this is right" when it seems like the mark of progress is a shift in weight or shape. i know i am only 5 weeks in, and i fully recognize that maybe i am just panicking and need to give it more time. i guess i will give it 3 more weeks at this level (which will be a full 8 weeks) and see where that takes me. that said, i will increase to the tdee with cut number proposed by scooby.
  • mommamuscles
    mommamuscles Posts: 584 Member
    The goal of a reset is not so much weight loss, but rather restoring your metabolism so you can enjoy longer term success in the future. It might seem like you are backtracking, but try to think of it more as healing for your body. :)
  • sugarplumj
    sugarplumj Posts: 107 Member
    The goal of a reset is not so much weight loss, but rather restoring your metabolism so you can enjoy longer term success in the future. It might seem like you are backtracking, but try to think of it more as healing for your body. :)

    you make a fine point. i must say that i feel a lot stronger of late, and the squishy feeling is starting to subside. i also just remembered (funny how memory works) that when i first started calorie restriction it took several weeks to see any change at all. maybe i am just a slow reactor.

    thank you- you are totally right it's more about healing and getting to that place than a "loss".
  • sunny_yogi
    sunny_yogi Posts: 19
    ...just popping in to say i love your profile pic! awesome. good luck with your reset!
  • sugarplumj
    sugarplumj Posts: 107 Member
    ...just popping in to say i love your profile pic! awesome. good luck with your reset!

    thank you! i actually found this Dr. Seuss book all filled out in the park--dated 1973!
    I loved this page.

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