Yet another diet post

[thistlechaser]

Though one you all will probably actually see! I've written a bunch of posts and later set them private or set them private off the bat because they were too bitchy or whiny or whatever.

I think I know what the problem with my diet is, but I'm afraid to change it.

To review:
Week 1: Lost 11 pounds (YAY only thing keeping me from jumping out the window now)
Week 2: Lost 1.5
Week 3: GAINED 1.5
Week 4: Lost 1

I have to lose 10-15 pounds in 8 weeks. Technically I'm within that range now, but it's too darned close and I want to lose more. A lot more, like ten pounds more would be nice.

I think my calories are too low. I know that sounds silly, but to lose 1-2 pounds per week, based on my age/weight/height/activity level/etc, I'm supposed to eat 1,600-1,800 calories. Most days I struggle to hit 1,200. That sounds stupid I know, but I'm afraid to eat more because I Must Lose Weight for upcoming surgery. Plus I'm now used to eating this amount, I feel fine most of the day -- I don't feel like I need to eat more.

Tonight I read a lot about diet plateaus (sounds stupid to be having one after the second week, but that seems to be what this is I think). The only solution that I've found was to eat MORE (so your body stops thinking it's starving). That's so counterintuitive though! Arg!

So, body, here's the deal. If I haven't lost at least a pound by Official Weighing-In Day (Wednesday), then, well, I suppose we'll try eating more. Don't make me do that! Lose weight!

Comments

[changeling72.livejournal.com]

It does sort of make sense about the body thinking it's starving. Are you exercising as well?

[spike7451.livejournal.com]

I've read before that the body can go into starvation mode if the calorie intake is too low and stop you losing weight.

Dieting is so not fun!!!

[teaandfailure.livejournal.com]

You know what, I'm just gonna delete "advice" and say I think your dedication and careful tabs on the situation is impressive, and I believe in and support you.

I know you're like, "I AM ONLY DOING THIS BECAUSE I AM BEING FORCED TO," but still: it doesn't matter what your motivation is, you are still attacking this shit head on even when you hate it, and I find that just metal as hell.

That is all.

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

That doesn't sound silly at all. Diet is important, but calories are not the end all, be all of things. You have to stay healthy. I'm surprised your doctor didn't give you a cheat sheet since this is for a medical procedure. Maybe they could refer you to a nutritionist who could help you create a diet plan? I know it's only for a few more weeks but if you're starving, it will feel even longer!

[ashmedai.livejournal.com]

1,200 calories is really very little! I think you're right, this has lowered your metabolism and so you're not losing weight quickly (plus, a lot of the 11 pounds in week 1 was most likely water weight). Our bodies are designed to keep a firm hold of weight, to sustain them in times of hunger or famine. That was a good thing when we faced such situations on a regular basis, but not so great now that we have overflowing supermarkets 24/7. Exercising more could rev up your metabolism a bit, especially if you start to eat a little more again. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! :)

[wildrose.livejournal.com]

It doesn't sound silly! It makes sense that a too low number of calories will make you gain weight because your body will think it's starving.
Why do you have to lose so much weight in 8 weeks, if I may ask? Is it for medical reasons?

[bacchuslives.livejournal.com]

Been there... The plateaus are real...

[gconnor.livejournal.com]

Anyway, if you do decide to increase calories, you might want to add fats and leave carbs and protein levels the same. I'm not saying to go low-carb, but just be mindful that each macronutrient has its own side-effects. Good luck!

[ani-mama.livejournal.com]

You are still doing good. Hang in there!

[tersa.livejournal.com]

It sounds like you're right, that your calories are too low.

You wouldn't be in this predicament if your brain was 100% truthful to you. You know that. :) This process is almost more mental adjustment than physical.

Just need to tell your lying brain that more is better in this case. :P