Having problems with BMR

[brabea22]

Alright I read the FAQ's concerning it, but I am having a real brain freeze when it comes to BMR. Apparently the body goes into starvation mode when it doesn't receive its BMR. Correct?

Well due to my large weight, all the BMR calculators say that my BMR is roughly 3900 calories. That is just insane.

Long story short, is this right? I haven't been eating nearly that many calories, and I am worried that I am damaging myself. I have been eating around 1200-1600 calories and that is forcing myself to eat on schedule. On a day that I am not force-feeding, I only take in about 800 calories or so, so I force more everyday. Please someone help me in this confusion I am feeling. I don't think I can force over 2000 extra calories, and it sounds like this is what I am being told to do.

-bran

[EMTchick]

Brandon..

I know nothing about this subject...but I personally think 800 calories is far too little for someone your size. I almost think it would throw you into starvation mode. But then again I could be wrong. Listen to the gurus here.. they know their stuff... and good luck!

Ally

[maribelle]

I know its hard somedays to get your calories in. I'm supposed to get 2500 calories in, and I try to shoot for over 2000. I'm losing weight so apparently my body hasn't gone into starvation mode. I think if you eat several meals a day instead of just three, and you eat more calorically dense foods, such as your good fats, I think you'll be surprised how you can add up calories without greatly increasing your food intake.

[brabea22]

I think you are right maribelle. I am just going to have to take my meals and divide them even more, plus add more good fats to increase my overall caloric intake. Then I guess I will see if everything is going to work out or not.

Thanks
-bran

[cleochatra]

Don't pay any attention to your BMR. Eat to feed your body and your real hunger, and don't push to eat more calories than you need. If you are eating too little, just lick a spoon of mayonnaise. Become one with fats to jump your caloric level up, but don't feel like you must eat more then your body really needs!

{{{brabea}}}

[penelope]

I agree with Cleo.
I usually keep tuna made with mayo and a couple strips of bacon to have a spoonful or two of when I feel like I am not getting enough calories or fat. Maybe you could find something good with high calories to get you up there and not feel like you are force feeding. Good luck!

[brabea22]

thanks for the great advice. i find i have to eat even if i am not hungry just to get over 1000 calories. So I am going to make sure I am eating more calorically dense foods so i can end up the day with 1600-1800.

I do have to say that it is such a blessing to no longer be a slave to hunger. I would always hear people say that they weren't hungry but I was hungry so much it seemed that I could never get enough.

To be at the other end of that spectrum for the first time my life is truly a gift.

-bran

[cleochatra]

{{{penelope}}} is right on.

I know there were days when I couldn't eat more than 600 calories on this WOE. I didn't realize it until I checked and my mouth fell open. Sometimes it's difficult, but knowing you're so in tuned with what's goinjg on with your body is one of the reasons you're going to own this way of eating and make it your vehicle to success (minus the high car insurance!)

You go boy!

*disco hip bump*

[2big4mysize]

you don't go into starvation mode if you miss a day or two but consistantly eating welbelow your Actual BMR (and for morbidly obese folk they should use the Katch McArdle formula based on lean body mass as that is the actual body parts needed cals) you can cause permanent irreversible damage to your organs as the body needing proteins canibalized them for it. Your body will also slow your metabolic rate way down too and you will find you are becoming very sluggish and lacking in energy. Our bodies on Atkins can draw on our Fats supplies to compensate for the energy needs but not for the missing proteins and vital nutrients.

Make sure you discuss wioth your doc what you will be needing as supplements in the way of electrolites vits and minerals too. WHenever a doc sticks a morbedly obese person on a 1200 cal or below diet they also stick them in the hospital for monitoring.

Happy low carbing.