How many calories before starvation mode hits???

[jazyjewel]

I know this is not a good question, but how many calories does your body need before your body hits starvation mode? I am working 2 jobs, so am not able to eat much. I am going to start having a mock danish or eggs on the go everyday for breakfast, have been eating broccoli and chicken soup for lunch and something similar for supper at about 5:00. Sometimes I do miss breakfast though. I do sneak in 2 Russell stover's low carb chocolates for a mid morning snack and afternoon snack. That should be plenty of calories right? Even if I do only eat 2 meals a day? I only have 30 minutes to get from one job to the other, so I may miss my dinner every once in a while. TIA!
Julie

 

[Rhonda]

Every body is different. Your body will respond differently to your diet than mine would. It doesn't sound like you're getting very many calories at all. You might want to add just a little more fat to your diet, so your body doesn't start attacking your organs when it looks for fuel. Maybe having a chicken breast, or a hamburger patty for dinner would be a good idea. And, maybe instead of the chocolates, you could try a sugar-free yogurt. Just a couple of ideas! Take care!

 

[DoeWDW]

The common theory in this area is that women should never go below 1200 calories per day. Going below that is considered unhealthy. Also your body needs a certain amount of fuel and if you don't get it via food, your body will attack it's own organs and muscles - NOT a healthy way to lose weight. This can cause permanent health problems.

I'm concerned that you're not eating enough. Skipping meals is NEVER a good idea. Could you try drinking meal replacement shakes when you run out of time? You also should have some healthy snacks around. I don't know which eating plan you are on. If you're doing low-carb, then sunflower seeds are a good snack to carry with you. If you're doing Weight Watchers, then I'm sure someone else can point out some easy low point snacks to have with you.

 

[catherine]

IMHO you are not having enough calories. I think that you would be better having a bigger lunch. As Rhonda said you probably need more fat in your diet and I would say that you definitely need more fruit and veg. Perhaps you can re-think your mid morning and afternoon snacks. Good luck!

 

[jazyjewel]

Thanks Rhonda, I'll have to look for the SF yogurt. I just wish I had more time, then I could eat just a little more, but I work from 8:00-5 and from 5:30-9:30 So, no time to even stop at Mickey Dee's and grab a burger. we're trying to save money too (hence the second job), so eating out is not even an option. Maybe I will just start nibbling all during the day at the office. If anyone has any other ideas, please share them. Being short of time is hard to handle!! Thanks!!
Julie

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Eat more smaller meals. My day typically goes like this:
Smoothie before going to work out
Breakfast (either cereal or oatmeal) after I get to work (after gym)
Fruit, veggie, granola bar, yogurt or other snack
Lunch (either tomato soup, salad with tuna or a sandwich)
Fruit veggie, granola bar, yogurt or other snack
Dinner (whatever we have that night)
Dessert (yes just a little)

The more little meals you eat the better your metabolism is, too!

 

[bicker]

Originally posted by jazyjewel
how many calories does your body need before your body hits starvation mode?

It isn't really a matter of calorie intake, or even calorie deficit, but rather a combination of factors that include muscle mass, protein intake and resistence training. For example, some folks eating 1200 calories per day, maintaining only a 300-500 calorie per day deficit stall constantly -- experience "starvation mode" -- while other folks eating only 500 or 800 calories per day (medically-supervised, of course), maintaining calorie deficits of 1500 calories or more, don't experience any "starvation mode" effects.

I am working 2 jobs, so am not able to eat much. I am going to start having a mock danish

What's a "mock danish"?

or eggs on the go everyday for breakfast, have been eating broccoli and chicken soup for lunch and something similar for supper at about 5:00.

How much protein in the chicken soup?

What exercise do you do?

 

[jazyjewel]

The mock danish is a recipe that is in the low carb recipes, it has an egg, cream cheese, lemon concentrate and vanilla in it. And the chicken/broccoli soup has 69 grams protein, but I do eat more that just a regular serving size. I eat a decent size bowl of it.
As to the exercise, I do the WATP, tomorrow morning I will be starting on the 2 mile.
Julie

 

[bicker]

It isn't likely, then, that you're running up against any "starvation mode." By the same token, it would be adviseable to take out some metabolism insurance, by starting to do some resistence training along with the walking.

Some folks find sodium causes them to retain water, but stalls caused by that are typically temporary, even if you continue to consume the sodium.