Is my metabolism dead?

Guitarjon · May 2012

Without all the bickering...

To get your metabolism working at its full potential you need to do things to speed it up. Exercise will do it, especially weight training as it will help build your muscles. The more muscle you have the more energy (calories) your body requires to function.

Eat plenty of food. Try eating healthy fats found in nuts, cottage cheese, olive oil, peanut butter, avacados (plenty more).

Not a proven science but I always start what ever I do with a drink of water. I may get shot down now but I have found that water helps clear me out, and enables me to loose weight. Something to do with the lynphatic system I went to a seminar about. If I'm not drinking enough water then I my body is not working at loosing weight it is trying to nutralise the build up of acid in my lyphatic system.

So water
Exercise
Eat enough calories
Healthy Fats.

Also try and eat as cleanly as possible, just a general weight loss tip. If it doesn't come straight from the ground or sea its been mollested and has loads of toxic chemicals in which again your body struggles to get rid of slowing your weightloss down.

capricorn0120 · May 2012

I should maybe breakdown what I mean by that ---- and thanks for getting all butt-hurt about it fellas, chill out.

My personal experience, with my clients, is that those who are the most successful find a way to get something more subtantial than coffee in the morning. Oftentimes it's some instant oatmeal, or a scrambled egg.

I try to describe "ramping up" your metabolism like building a fire. If you keep it fueled with clean foods at predictable times, the fire will burn strong and long.

Breakfast is NOT the be all, end all of nutrition. But I do find that my people are more successful with their weight losses when they are able to squeeze in something.

You're right. I used to skip breakfast, coffee was my breakfast until recently. I find if I eat something in the morning I'm not as hungry until my next meal and I can eat a small lunch afterwards.

capricorn0120 · May 2012

Hi. I'm new to MFP and am really discouraged and looking for any input/advice.

I'm 42 and about 4 yrs ago I lost 20 lbs (170 to 150) and have kept it off with no dieting or excercise, only fluctuating 3lbs, up or down. I decied in March to lose the next 25 that I need to be at a good weight for my height (about 5' but built thick/curvy). I did the Advocare 24 day challenge and ate perfectly while following their advised menu. I had no sugar, processed food, no eating out - nothing. I went from 153 to 150. I was so disappointed because I wast eating so healthy but saw no change, no inches, nothing.

I started back last week walking/jogging and tracking my calories (Thurs/Fri that I've logged is basically what I would eat normally). I'm seeing that I'm barely eating 1100 calories and to eat more, I'm going to have to eat on purpose for calorie sake and not because I'm hungry. I have one cup of coffee in the morning, but that's it. Other than that, it's water constantly - always. (and yes, yesterday was a really sucky day.)

I'm so discouraged. It seems no matter how good or how bad I eat, my weight literally NEVER changes...and that would be cool - if I was at my goal weight of 125.

I plan to start Jillian's 30 Day Shred tomorrow to see if I can at least shed some inches.

Any advice?

Thanks.

Hi. You do get to a point where your weight plateaus. Here is an article from about.com:

Almost everyone reaches a weight loss plateau at some point in their fitness lives. The reason is that the human body works hard to keep energy intake and output in balance. In other words, your body does not like to lose weight (not a revelation, huh?). After your initial weight loss, your progress will slow down and eventually stop even though your exercise and food intake is consistent. The bottom line is that the very efforts you make to burn more calories may eventually slow it down.
Problem 1. Lowering your calories too much
Fact: It takes calories to burn calories. When you decrease your food intake, your body simply lowers its metabolic rate in response. This still allows the body to function properly, but ultimately your body requires fewer calories which creates hunger and prevents you from losing fat.

Solution:
Keep your calories slightly below your maintenance calories so that your energy and metabolism remain high. A deficit greater than 500-700 calories makes it much more difficult to maintain your lean body mass. To determine your approximate daily caloric needs, use this formula:

Men
kg (body weight) x 24 = kcal/day
Women
kg (body weight) x 23 = kcal/day

note: kg = pounds divided by 2.2 (i.e.: 180 lbs / 2.2 = 81.8 kg)

You can also calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate to determine how many calories you need to function, and then use a calorie calculator to add in calories you burn through out the day and with exercise.

wahmx3 · May 2012

I am 45 and started out weighing the same (170 a year ago) and I down to about 144 with a goal of 130. Congrats on taking the steps to a healthier you and being accountable for what you eat. I know you will get more responses than you already have a variety of opinions as well.... You drink lots of water, it is recommended to drink half your weight in ounces of water daily (other liquids don't count in this total). I think you should have a better breakfast, even a piece of cheese, fruit, toast etc is better than nothing. You should also be eating more, my BMR is between 1383-1643, based on exercising 3-5 times a week. I eat within that range most days, some are less and some are more. Getting your BMR calculated is a great place to start, don't just go by the MFP suggestion, as it sets it at 1200 for so many people. Are you tracking things like fiber and sodium? Do you get enough protein daily? Do you try and keep your sodium lower? I have no idea what the Advocare challenge is, but it doesn't seem like it really made a difference for you, although at your weight and age, 3 pounds in 3 weeks is about average.
it doesn't sound like you are currently exercising, so that will make a huge difference for you. The 30 day shred is great, I am just starting level 3, you will lose inches. I suggest cardio along with some strength training to really help with weight loss. Good luck, you can do it! I am losing weight slowly, but I also allow myself treats and eating out, this is a journey to last a lifetime!

Hi. I'm new to MFP and am really discouraged and looking for any input/advice.

I'm 42 and about 4 yrs ago I lost 20 lbs (170 to 150) and have kept it off with no dieting or excercise, only fluctuating 3lbs, up or down. I decied in March to lose the next 25 that I need to be at a good weight for my height (about 5' but built thick/curvy). I did the Advocare 24 day challenge and ate perfectly while following their advised menu. I had no sugar, processed food, no eating out - nothing. I went from 153 to 150. I was so disappointed because I wast eating so healthy but saw no change, no inches, nothing.

I started back last week walking/jogging and tracking my calories (Thurs/Fri that I've logged is basically what I would eat normally). I'm seeing that I'm barely eating 1100 calories and to eat more, I'm going to have to eat on purpose for calorie sake and not because I'm hungry. I have one cup of coffee in the morning, but that's it. Other than that, it's water constantly - always. (and yes, yesterday was a really sucky day.)

I'm so discouraged. It seems no matter how good or how bad I eat, my weight literally NEVER changes...and that would be cool - if I was at my goal weight of 125.

I plan to start Jillian's 30 Day Shred tomorrow to see if I can at least shed some inches.

Any advice?

Thanks.

peuglow · May 2012

Thank you, and that's good to hear. Don't let the negativity on here get to you, some of these people are just keyboard bullies and won't listen to anything that doesn't fit into their idea of what is right. Keep trucking, keep tracking what you eat, and it will come off.

I should maybe breakdown what I mean by that ---- and thanks for getting all butt-hurt about it fellas, chill out.

My personal experience, with my clients, is that those who are the most successful find a way to get something more subtantial than coffee in the morning. Oftentimes it's some instant oatmeal, or a scrambled egg.

I try to describe "ramping up" your metabolism like building a fire. If you keep it fueled with clean foods at predictable times, the fire will burn strong and long.

Breakfast is NOT the be all, end all of nutrition. But I do find that my people are more successful with their weight losses when they are able to squeeze in something.

You're right. I used to skip breakfast, coffee was my breakfast until recently. I find if I eat something in the morning I'm not as hungry until my next meal and I can eat a small lunch afterwards.

amccall69 · May 2012

I'm going to go back through each of these responses (thanks for taking the time - I really appreciate it!!).

I'm not sure where it even started out that I only have coffee for breakfast...because I always eat breakfast with some kind of protein and carb involved. I usually have one cup of coffee with one Sweet n Low on my drive in to work....after that I drink water, tons of water and that's it....Ever.

I started 30Day Shred today....we'll see where this goes...

Now back to reading each response.

Thanks again!!!

UponThisRock · May 2012

some of these people are just keyboard bullies and won't listen to anything that doesn't fit into their idea of what is right.

The irony is too much, I can't stand it.

peuglow · May 2012

You clearly didn't read my post.

timetogetskinny1 · May 2012

As a personal trainer, I can't recommend eating breakfast enough. It kick starts your metabolism for the day. Absolutely essential, your coffee in the AM is not a meal.

Quick question, Is coffee with a scoop of protein powder considered a meal? I am new to this and have been doing that for the last two months and counting it as breakfast.

peuglow · May 2012

Sure. I'd say it depends on what kind of supplement you are using. Not all protein powders/MRPs are the same. Some have much better types/sources of protein than others.

Track your food and progress, and make adjustments from there.

psuLemon · May 2012

Thank you, and that's good to hear. Don't let the negativity on here get to you, some of these people are just keyboard bullies and won't listen to anything that doesn't fit into their idea of what is right. Keep trucking, keep tracking what you eat, and it will come off.

I should maybe breakdown what I mean by that ---- and thanks for getting all butt-hurt about it fellas, chill out.

My personal experience, with my clients, is that those who are the most successful find a way to get something more subtantial than coffee in the morning. Oftentimes it's some instant oatmeal, or a scrambled egg.

I try to describe "ramping up" your metabolism like building a fire. If you keep it fueled with clean foods at predictable times, the fire will burn strong and long.

Breakfast is NOT the be all, end all of nutrition. But I do find that my people are more successful with their weight losses when they are able to squeeze in something.

You're right. I used to skip breakfast, coffee was my breakfast until recently. I find if I eat something in the morning I'm not as hungry until my next meal and I can eat a small lunch afterwards.

And some of us use proven science to back our claims. I am not saying breakfast isn't a good idea, and in fact I love it and eat it often, but it's not required to lose weight. Now the purpose of breakfast is to help a person make smarter decision. Is it required? No, unless you have a tendency to splurge. Whether it's one meal or 10 meals your body metabolized the calories the same and burns just as many calories. Breakfast doesn't ramp up your metabolism or anything like that (or I have yet to see a study that suggest that) but rather a way to prevent those from slurging.

And many of us are more than keyboard bullies, but rather has spent a lot of time helping people and fighting against the spread of misinformation. In fact, I have designed well over 200+ programs for people on this board and have helped people break plateaus, cut fat, build muscle, or lose weight. Below is a sample of my frequent comments. This isn't a challenge for you to come back and say, well I have done this but rather get an understanding of the type of people replying to this thread. Helloitsdan has just as much success.

Now the purpose of breakfast is to help a person make smarter decision. Is it required? No, unless you have a tendency to splurge.

"I just wanted to thank you for your help. You helped me a few months back and I just wanted to give you an update on my progress. 12 weeks ago I started at 154 and 28% bf. I got my bf remeasured last Friday and it was 24%. But I only lost 1 pound. It is crazy to me but I have learned to ignore the scale. You were right that keeping consistent and not giving up my body would finally adjust.

Thanks again for your help!

Stephanie"

fishergreen · May 2012

Thank you, and that's good to hear. Don't let the negativity on here get to you, some of these people are just keyboard bullies and won't listen to anything that doesn't fit into their idea of what is right. Keep trucking, keep tracking what you eat, and it will come off.

Keep posting I think you have great advice.

peuglow · May 2012

All I meant to say is that I have found my people are more sucessful when they eat breakfast.

I'm saddened to see how many people take offense to such a simple comment. Is there any science proving CAUSATION between not/having breakfast leads to weight loss/gain? No, in both events.

I never said there was. I didn't say it was required. I offered my opinion as a trainer and someone who struggles to maintain their weight like many do on here.

psuLemon · May 2012

All I meant to say is that I have found my people are more sucessful when they eat breakfast.

I'm saddened to see how many people take offense to such a simple comment. Is there any science proving CAUSATION between not/having breakfast leads to weight loss/gain? No, in both events.

I never said there was. I didn't say it was required. I offered my opinion as a trainer and someone who struggles to maintain their weight like many do on here.

Just and FYI, didn't take offense but rather explaining my position. :drinker:

peuglow · May 2012

That's 100% fine, and I don't mind agreeing to disagree. I just think all the insults about being a bro are bit much, considering it's not a stereotype I play into at all.

amccall69 · May 2012

Well now, this has all been quite invigorating but I must get back to searching the intrawebs for the answers to my questions...

Thanks again for all the input!

erikatoth · June 2012

Please, not the "you must eat breakfast" myth again.

Fact: eating less makes you lose weight. Fact: eating when you don't feel like it, makes you full, heavy and less likely to lose weight.

The reason these so called "studies" say that "people who eat breakfast more likely to lose weight" is because it's about people who like and want breakfast, but starve themselves for the sake of weight loss. Of course it's not going to work then... please use some common sense. The metabolism does not need "kickstarting", its running all the time.

Jesus, people, it's just so simple! Eat breakfast if you are hungry! Skip breakfast if you are not hungry, and the only thing you fancy is a coffee. This is just this simple. Of course you should not skip it if you are hungry. Of course you should skip it if you are not.

sttrinians · June 2012

I'm going to go back through each of these responses (thanks for taking the time - I really appreciate it!!).

I'm not sure where it even started out that I only have coffee for breakfast...because I always eat breakfast with some kind of protein and carb involved. I usually have one cup of coffee with one Sweet n Low on my drive in to work....after that I drink water, tons of water and that's it....Ever.

I started 30Day Shred today....we'll see where this goes...

Now back to reading each response.

Thanks again!!!

I didn't lose any weight on the 3o day shred but lost inches. Measure yourself before you start if you stick to it you will see a big difference

jodi8785 · June 2012

I can not believe how rude most of you are being to someone new to this and clearly needs help. I am disgusted.

jodi8785 · June 2012

As a personal trainer, I can't recommend eating breakfast enough. It kick starts your metabolism for the day. Absolutely essential, your coffee in the AM is not a meal.

Holy Broscience Batman, you should spend some time researching then, because this myth was busted a long time ago by the NIH. Congrats.

Is this the NIM artical to which you were referring? because it doesn't say what you are saying. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15883552

or this one- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11836452

if you can find the artical to which you were referring, I'd like to read it.

gogojodee · June 2012

This my opinion only and it might be bull**** but in my experience, my body seem to have set point where it is comfortable and the only way to make things move is to do things vastly different. 30ds might do it for you.

lol, thought it was just me. We'll see if it's still the case this go-round.

psuLemon · June 2012

As a personal trainer, I can't recommend eating breakfast enough. It kick starts your metabolism for the day. Absolutely essential, your coffee in the AM is not a meal.

Holy Broscience Batman, you should spend some time researching then, because this myth was busted a long time ago by the NIH. Congrats.

Is this the NIM artical to which you were referring? because it doesn't say what you are saying. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15883552

or this one- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11836452

if you can find the artical to which you were referring, I'd like to read it.

Here is the one on meal frequency http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19943985

I am still looking to find the one on meal timing as it relates to weight loss. But you can derive from the first one, it doesn't matter if you have 1 meal or 10 meals, it still provides the same affect on weight loss. Now from the psychological perspective, breakfast may help with prevention of cravings which will make weight loss easier and more manageable. Also, my work has it blocked, but you can look into www.leangains.com as it has some good information as well, especially regarding interim fasting.

Is my metabolism dead?

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