Could this be why I'm not losing weight? (Read on)?

Question

I am aware that if you consume too little calories your body goes into 'starvation' mode & holds onto fat, however I am trying all the 'right' techniques to lose weight and nothing seems to work. I feel like I'm eating all the time and I started to calculate my calories and some days it really is lower than 1000. But I'm not 'starving'. I do exercise everyday too. I brisk walk every morning for 30 minutes and run 3 miles every other day.

For example this was my day:

Shredded Wheat Bran w/skim milk: 240
Apple: 70

Turkey sandwich on light oat bread w/mustard, lettuce & pickel: 150

Dannon Light Yogurt: 60

Lean Cuisine: 270

*Drank 3 bottles of water

Altogether that adds up to 700 something. This is a pretty normal routine, so is this bad? I do try to incorporate fruits as much as possible and I take a mutlivitamin daily too. I exercise regularly.....I'm just frustrated!

Answer 1

I'm trying to lose weight so I can understand your frustration. However, there are some questions I think you need to check out first with a doctor or a nutritionist. What is your wt/ht and are you male or female? Age can be a factor as well. I was told that I needed at least 1000-1200 calories to lose weight at a regular pace and stay healthy. I do exercise and was told after I finished exercising to eat protein which would also help. Sounds like you really are eating too few calories even for the smallest of people. I've been doing some reading lately and it said fiber helps to lose weight because it fills you up and keeps you from getting hungry faster--sounds like you're doing this. By the way, you might want to cut out the pickle--lots of salt causes water retention. The Lean Cuisine may say it's low in calories but it's also low in nutrition if you look at the package label. I have a friend who was practically living on these things and didn't lose a pound.

You need to increase your water. We've all been told 8 glasses a day. I was recently informed that the ideal amount of water differs for each person. To get to the amount you need you divide your weight by 2.2 and then divide that total by 8. That will give you the number of glasses you need to consume.

I don't know if this helps, but maybe if there's only one idea, then it was worth reading. Good luck.

Answer 2

Sounds like a good start, but I would add another 500 calories to total 1200 for the day. Your body is probably storing the fat, just as you suggested. This is easy if you just add a piece of light cheese to your sandwich, some light ice cream for dessert. These additions will also make the diet more bearable. Also, I would drink even more water. 8 glasses a day is what you're supposed to aim at and 5-8 servings of fruits and veggies. Good luck!

Answer 3

If you eat less than 1,000 calories a day your body will go into starvation mode. Try to eat a minimum of 1,200 and switch up when you consume your calories. Try eating more in the morning and less at night.

Don't forget water, 3 16 oz bottles is not enough. You should consume a minimum of 64 oz.

Answer 4

You're doing great with your choices, just too few calories.

try switching your afternoon yogurt to low fat, and add add a piece of fruit to your lunch, and a slice of cheese or avocado to your sandwich. you need some fat in your diet as well - it helps with nutrient absorbtion. maybe add a veggie or salad to your Lean Cuisine as well.

those few changes should put you above the 1000 calorie mark which is where you need to be. You might even need more than that . . . do some experimenting with adding calories in week by week until you see a change.

Answer 5

You need to eat about twice that. You have very little protein in your diet, and you aren't able to build muscle mass without it- you need to eat the right amount based on your body weight. The light yogurt is loaded with artificial sweeteners and corn starch, so that's not doing you any good- eat cottage cheese instead for the protein and nutrients. It looks like you need to eat a lot more vegetables, too. I'd skip the Lean Cuisine and eat a giant salad with lean meat, a little cheese, olive oil. Snack on nuts, boiled eggs, etc.

Answer 6

To find out, simply eat more and see what happens.

However this doesn't sound healthy for most people to eat like this. Add more fruits and veggies in, not only are they a few more calories, but they're also higher in fiber so they'll keep things moving.

Remember that noone ever got fat from eating too much salad.

Answer 7

Anything under 1200 calories is likely to send your body into starvation mode. You are also taking in very little nutritional value. Light yogurt is full of chemicals and artificial sweetners (which cause cancer.) You are eating almost no vegetables or fruit, either.

So, eat more real food and eat less processed stuff.

Answer 8

i would eat at least 1500 calories. Most bodies need that just to function. I would also add more protein to your diet. Either a protein shake, which you can buy at GNC in many different flavors. Try a whey protein or soy most run about 120 calories in powder form then you can add milk, water, OJ...whatever you want.
Or eat more lean meat, black beans, nuts...

Answer 9

well you didn't say what you weighted, but from your exersices it looks like you in shape. IMO I think that 1000 cal is still to low because your of exersices. sounds like you still might be in starvation mode alittle bit. 700 cal for that day is STARVATION!
yes add multi, it can only help!
check your protein intake I don't see much in that example day... for active life style you will need around 1 gram of protein per pound of lean body mass.
it really hard say with knowing details. age, weight, bf%

Answer 10

There could be a few things. You could be at a good weight for your body type, you could have hit a plateau, or you could be gaining muscle which weighs 2x as much. I could be wrong but I think our bodies need more than 700 calories.