Could it be starvation?

[H.Hope]

Hi everyone,

Hope you are all well. I started on Feb 7th after joining in January. This is my first time doing this properly. I’ve read the book and have been posting on the Journal Stats forum just to be accountable. I lost 6 pounds during the first week but yesterday was my 'weigh' day and I haven’t lost anything since Feb 14th. I cheated once by eating lentils and restarted induction (1 more week left).


I’m just wondering if I need more calories? I vaguely recall reading somewhere that we should be consuming at least 1,200 cals. Is this right? If so, this may be the reason. I’ve just checked through my Fitday and I’ve only exceeded 1,000 cals on 3 occasions since I started, and have never reached 1,200. Could my body be in starvation mode?

Anyway, I’ve decided to be patient and not let it get me down. I haven’t cheated since the lentils – I’m struggling to vary my menu because I don’t really like red meat. I live alone and work from home, so I don’t keep any tempting food here (which is good).

If anyone has any tips I would really appreciate hearing from you. This board has been an inspiration to me (thanks especially to Jimmie48 who has been really supportive via the Journal Stats forum). I am grateful to all of you who share and support us newbies.

Have a good week.

Hannah



Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is that little voice at the end of the day saying, "I'll try again tomorrow."
Mary Anne Radmacher

[julirama723]

Re: Could it be starvation?

It's very important to eat at least 1200 calories per day! The best thing to do is figure out how many calories you should be eating using the Harris Benedict equation. That figures in daily activity level along with BMR (basal metabolic rate).

http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/

At 200 pounds, your BMR is roughly 1633 calories per day. Depending on your activity level, the Harris Benedict Equation will give you a better estimate of how many calories you should consume.

[H.Hope]

Re: Could it be starvation?

Thanks Julie. This is a learning curve for me - I've calculated my BMR and you were right - it is 1633! That means I was way under. I'll do the necessary now and up my calorie intake and I'm sure it will make a difference. Either way I'm going to be patient and not obssess too much about the weight loss (or lack of).

Take good care and thanks again. BTW your photos are inspirational!

Hannah