Starvation mode??

[kpoll19]

My BMR is supposed to be 2040 calories a day. The last few days I have been eating around 1500-1600 calories. Is this too low for my weight right now? How many calories below your BMR puts your body into starvation mode?

Thanks for the help.

kelly

[Perry]

Re: Starvation mode??

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6748

This thread should help.

[CalvinFish]

Re: Starvation mode??

Thanks for the link Perry.

I read the article. I am not, however, convinced that it is absolutely accurate. I have a BMI of 2153 according to fitday. Prior to ever looking at that, I was eating about 1600 calories a day on induction. I am still eating about that. It is not because I am watching calories, but am eating three good meals a day and that is what the add up to. I walk 5 miles a day and have started sea kayaking in the morning for about an hour three times a week. In 40 days or so, I have lost 20 pounds, and I don't think any of it has been lean muscle. My legs, shoulders and arms are noticable more tone that they have been in a long time. My gut is shrinking quickly.

Does anyone else want to share their thoughts on the subject?

Dave

[lots2lose]

Re: Starvation mode??

You can't go into starvation mode if you are eating.If you eat three full meals until you are satisfied and have a snack in netween and that's how many calories it comes up to,then you are fine.I think a lot of people are confused about starvation mode.You don't go into starvation mode in the blink of an eye,and if you are eating 400-500 calories less than your BMR,that's actually how much you need to cut to lose weight so you are pretty much fine.And if you are worried then add some snacks here and there and viola,you add more calories.Way too many people are worried about starvation mode.I find it hard to believe that anyone can be in starvation mode on the Atkins WOE,unless they are just not eating,which I understand can happen in the beginning but as your body adjusts to fat burning you are able to eat regular again.If you are worried about starvation,eat and then you won't have that problem.Like Dr. Atkins says,eat until you are satisfied.Sometimes I eat and I put it in fitday and I only ate 1000 calories,very low for my BMR but that is not how it is everyday,sometimes I get to 1500 which is good.Don't stress.

[america57]

Re: Starvation mode??

All of the articles that are against Atkins, say that the reason people lose weight on Atkins is because they eat less calories, of course we eat less calories, we eat a satisfying amount of fat, so our stomachs aren't always asking for more food. I say if you are eating, not hungry and losing at least a pound a week, you are doing fine!

Dave, I am really interested in the sea kayaking! I live on the Chesapeake Bay. I see the kayakers out there and would love to try, but think I'm too heavy. I'm 5'3" 216 pounds, would I fit in a kayak? Is it hard to do? There is a harbor down the road that rents kayaks and gives lessons.

[CalvinFish]

Re: Starvation mode??

Dave, I am really interested in the sea kayaking! I live on the Chesapeake Bay. I see the kayakers out there and would love to try, but think I'm too heavy. I'm 5'3" 216 pounds, would I fit in a kayak? Is it hard to do? There is a harbor down the road that rents kayaks and gives lessons.

I think seakayaking is a sport for just about anyone. There are kayaks for all skill levels, and you, by no means are too heavy. A month ago I weighed 235, and while I am 12" taller than you, the advantage for starting out would be yours, because your center af gravity is lower. Kayaking itself is a great workout. Like walking and running, you can choose your own pace. It works a large group of muscles too. When paddling correctly, you twist quite a bit in your torso and back.

I think you should grab a friend and head down to the local rental place and give it a try!! Start with a basic lesson from the staff. This will give you a bunch of confidence for being out on the water. The staff there will be able to get you into a boat that is appropriate for your skill level and size. Going on bird watching tours would be a fun way to do two activities at once (perhaps both new to you). This is a leisurely way to get started. Get out there, I think you will love it!

Dave

[kpoll19]

Re: Starvation mode??

Great, thanks for the answers. I would feel stuffed if I had to eat that many calories.

Thanks!

[2big4mysize]

Re: Starvation mode??

just rememeber fitday isn't accurately calculating your BMR it is a general forumula for all folk your height and weight and sex and it doesn't care if you are a 300 pounder with 220 pounds of fat tissue or 220 pounds of muscle tissue. As you can see it has a lot of room to manuver in it. Use the Karth McArdle formula based soely on lean body mass and you will have a much more accurate list.
BMR, true MBR is the minimum amount of cals your body needs to keep you asleep 24/7 and alive not to be confused with recommended daily cals which is something else. While it is true you will not over night go into starvation mode and you can eat below the BMR one day and over the next and be fine as long as you are feeding your hunger with the appetite suppression of ketosis you can be too much below your BMR and go into starvation mode over time. We had a very successful large loser here in 2004 who had done just that and was working with her doctor to correct the food issues and repair the damage done.

So if you are far below your BMR on a consistant bases don't think in terms of move volume of food just eat more calorically dense foods like an 1/2 an avacado instead of 1/2 cup of iceberg lettuce or pumpkin instead of lettuce for your 3dr cup of veggies, a higher fat cut of meat, etc., there are many ways to not up the volume of food while still getting the nutrients in. Every mother knows about that when dealing with picky eating little kids.

Happy low carbing

[CalvinFish]

Re: Starvation mode??

I think you are absolutely correct, that eating well below BMR over the long run would put a person into starvation mode. I also think each person is different. For instance, if I continue to eat 1600 calories a day while my estimated BMR is 2200 I could run into problems. As I approach my goal I will have to add more calories back to my diet or simply fade away. With the meals I am eating now it will be difficult because I simply don't desire more food. In my individual case, I am feeling health, strong and energetic. As carbs are added to my eating, it may be the case that my appetite will also increase. When I reach my goal, and continue the excersize I have started, it is likely that I will have to eat a lot more than I am now. Perhaps that will mean a beer ever so often!

[america57]

Re: Starvation mode??

Dave thanks for the encouragement. I already canoe, I love going into the backwaters and seeing all the birds and nature back there, and it's so quiet. Ok, you convinced me , I'm going to try kayaking!