How high is too high?

Z

zsuper

New member
Hi.

I'm wondering, how much of a calorie deficit is too much?
I've found that I only take in about 800 calories each day. I burn 2700-2800 calories. This gives me a deficit of 2000-ish calories.
I thought this would give me a decent rate of weight loss, but it turns out that it's making me gain weight by storing everything as fat.

What can I do to lose fat and stop this problem?
I don't know which I should do.. Eat more or exercise less? I have trouble with both. I don't really think it would be healthy to get any less exercise, but at the same time I hate eating; also, I don't think I could find enough healthy things to eat.

Do I have any alternatives? Or can I do something so I won't need to exercise less or eat more? How much of a calorie deficit is best?
 
So wait, you mean that's the minimum calorie intake I should have?
I got 1700, so that means I need atleast 1300 calories each day?
 
1300 calories is what you should have if you have no activity and want to loose weight. If you're active - you should have the whole 1700. (More if you're very active) 800 can be dangerous, and way too low for you if you're gaining. When you body goes into starvation mode, it stores a lot of your calories as fat.
 
Thanks a lot.
Now, is it okay for me to just eat food that's high in calories and low in everything else?
Like, for lunch, I just eat a salad with lettuce and croutons; no dressing or anything. Would it be better for me to replace this with a fruit salad?

What are some types of food I could eat to raise my calorie intake? Like I said, I really hate eating.. I find it hard enough to eat 5 times per day :(
 
You can eat when and what you want - just make sure it fits into your calorie goals.. what kind of meal plan are you following?
 
Oh! And you want to meet your nutritional needs too - you can't have 1700 calories worth of chocolate and call it a day... lol
 
Haha, yeah, chocolate would make me pretty sick! :p

Well, I generally eat the same thing every day. I used to eat even less, but people kept urging me to eat more.

Breakfast is a grilled cheese and glass of orange juice.
Between my classes, I'll eat a graham cracker or two.
At lunch, I eat a salad with grilled chicken breast strips.
When I get home, I eat a bowl of rice.
Supper varies a lot, but it's generally a potato (or rice) and chicken or beef.
Sometimes, I eat a snack a few hours after supper, but not often.

I don't vary what I eat much. I'm afraid of eating too much at once, or too many times in a short period, or food that isn't good for me/slows weight loss. :(
 
It looks like a pretty balanced diet. Don't let weight loss take over your life, if you want a cookie - have a cookie. It's not going to through you off. Just make sure you have room in your calorie goals.

<- this is a great site that can help you track your calories. They also have a great meal plan that you can follow each day. It will help you get more variety in your eating. Hang in there - it's always hard at first.
 
I do some exercise. Every week day i walk about a mile in total, which isnt much but i do the couch to 5k program 3 days a week. I still stick with the 1300 intake so i lose weight faster. Also i hate running when ive eaten, i often get what people call "stitch".
 
zsuper said:
Breakfast is a grilled cheese and glass of orange juice.
Between my classes, I'll eat a graham cracker or two.
At lunch, I eat a salad with grilled chicken breast strips.
When I get home, I eat a bowl of rice.
Supper varies a lot, but it's generally a potato (or rice) and chicken or beef.
Sometimes, I eat a snack a few hours after supper, but not often.
Click to expand...

I have to disagree and say that this is a starvation diet if you're saying it only adds up to 800 calories. It might be alright if you were eating big enough portions. You definitely need to up your calories or your body will not function properly.

It sounds like, since you said you hate eating and are eating so little, that you might be verging on an eating disorder. A good idea would be to schedule a visit with your doctor or a nutritionist and let them help you with your food choices.

Good luck! :D
 
Why not throw in a protein shake or something? That involves no eating, you'll get some nutrition, and protein is great fuel for building muscle. Right now your body wants fat. Trick it with a few more calories and pack on some muscle with exercise. It's hard to get nutrition on the go when you're in class all day, but some schools have good options like juice bars.
 
Wow... The minimum I should have is 990!? I go waaay over that every day ><

At least I exercise... I guess :\

I wish that I could hate eating, lol.
 
Amy_Veg said:
I have to disagree and say that this is a starvation diet if you're saying it only adds up to 800 calories. It might be alright if you were eating big enough portions. You definitely need to up your calories or your body will not function properly.

It sounds like, since you said you hate eating and are eating so little, that you might be verging on an eating disorder. A good idea would be to schedule a visit with your doctor or a nutritionist and let them help you with your food choices.

Good luck! :D
Click to expand...


I have to agree with Amy.. what you posted may sound alright, but since you said you're only eating 800 a day... you really need to up the portions or include more.
It seems like you know you should, you're just maybe having trouble actually doing it. If money permits... perhaps seeing a doc about it would be good option.
Or maybe find a support group in your area that deals with whatever you might be going through.
Just good luck and take care of that body of yours :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top