jessiesgirl
04-02-2003, 03:34 PM
Hi everyone. Let me start off by saying that I used to weigh 268 lbs two years ago. Right now I'm at about 146 lbs, trying to still lose about 25-30 (because I am barely 5'1) but I can't seem to get down any more. I have hit a plateau at 146 and I would really like some tips on how to break it. My question is, I went about losing most of this weight pretty unhealthily. In the beginning it was fine, but as I saw results, I wanted them faster so I basically starved myself alot. I would not eat more than 1,000 calories, in fact the average I would take in a day would be 700-800 and hardly any fat, probably about 10 grams. I didn't take vitamins either so because of all this, I have started losing my hair (it is much thinner now than it used to be), developed bad skin, get cold easily and I'm anemic.
I have heard that as you lose weight, you're supposed to cut down your calories more. Is this really what I would have to do? I would really hate to have to eat even less than 700-800 calories a day! Besides I really want to be healthier, I want to fix my skin, and nails problems and regrow my hair.
I have also heard you're supposed to eat 10 times your weight, so I'd be in eating 1460 calories a day. That is much more that I'm used to. I'm afraid that if I ADD calories, I'll gain weight, because I now gain weight pretty fast if I eat more than normal.
Has my body gotten used to being starved, and adjusted to the fact that it really doesn't get much food? How can I fix this problem, lose the rest of the weight, but still be healthy. I don't think I care about the quickness of losing anymore, I just want to get the last of it off in a healthy way. I feel like I'm doomed either way. I'm afraid to add calories because I think I'm gonna gain weight, and I'm afraid of cutting calories because I hardly eat enough as it is. And I surely don't want to be doing that for the rest of my life.
I also exercised almost everyday. I would run about 3 miles and walk one. But I got sick of not seeing any results and have quit that as well.
Help!!
I have heard that as you lose weight, you're supposed to cut down your calories more. Is this really what I would have to do? I would really hate to have to eat even less than 700-800 calories a day! Besides I really want to be healthier, I want to fix my skin, and nails problems and regrow my hair.
I have also heard you're supposed to eat 10 times your weight, so I'd be in eating 1460 calories a day. That is much more that I'm used to. I'm afraid that if I ADD calories, I'll gain weight, because I now gain weight pretty fast if I eat more than normal.
Has my body gotten used to being starved, and adjusted to the fact that it really doesn't get much food? How can I fix this problem, lose the rest of the weight, but still be healthy. I don't think I care about the quickness of losing anymore, I just want to get the last of it off in a healthy way. I feel like I'm doomed either way. I'm afraid to add calories because I think I'm gonna gain weight, and I'm afraid of cutting calories because I hardly eat enough as it is. And I surely don't want to be doing that for the rest of my life.
I also exercised almost everyday. I would run about 3 miles and walk one. But I got sick of not seeing any results and have quit that as well.
Help!!
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Absinthe
04-02-2003, 03:51 PM
I'm not sure what you are asking, but here goes...
You need to eat healthy in order to be healthy. Your body is in starvation mode - hair loss, bad skin, weight plateau - and it will take patience to get it working properly again. You need to eat a *minimum* of 1200 calories to get all your nutrients. 1500 would be better.
You should really talk with a nutrition expert so they can develop a plan for you. If that's not possible, at least look online for a healty eating plan. Try looking at the FDA's food guide for a start. It's not perfect, but it's better than what you are doing now.
Permanent weight loss takes time. Rapid results = rapid re-gain. Be patient.
You need to eat healthy in order to be healthy. Your body is in starvation mode - hair loss, bad skin, weight plateau - and it will take patience to get it working properly again. You need to eat a *minimum* of 1200 calories to get all your nutrients. 1500 would be better.
You should really talk with a nutrition expert so they can develop a plan for you. If that's not possible, at least look online for a healty eating plan. Try looking at the FDA's food guide for a start. It's not perfect, but it's better than what you are doing now.
Permanent weight loss takes time. Rapid results = rapid re-gain. Be patient.
Lisi_xx
04-02-2003, 04:03 PM
Hi there ...
first of all let me tell you that I am only telling you my own experience and this is NOT professional advise on how to deal with this problem. Like mentioned in above reply you should really see a nutritionist and work out a healthy eating plan ...
I used to do the same thing as you did when I was younger (about 15) ... I suddenly gained a lot of weight (comfort eating) and because I never used to be overweight I wanted to rid myself of the weight ASAP so I did what you did and starved myself. I had the same side effects that you have e.g. bad skin, thin hair etc. ... I never actually counted my calories but I guess it was not much more than about 600 a day. Of course this is the WORST thing you can do to your body cos like you said your body is now used to working on such low calorie intake and intake of more calories could result in weight gain. The way I got out of it is not very clever therefore PLEASE do not take this as advise or as "how to do it" ... when I got stuck and couldn't rid myself of the last few pounds I started comfort eating again (being fed up etc.) and my calories went to probably 2000 a day and of course the weight went straight back up ...BUT after that I took on a lot of advise from family and friends and lowered my calories to a healthy amount of about 1500 and I lost the weight ... slowly but healthily ... all the side effects (bad skin etc.) went as well ...
I also managed to keep the weight off for 3 yrs (I never used to have a weight problem and once I lost the weight I was back to eating just "normal" and didn't have to count calories or anything) and well lol after that it went a bit wrong and I am back on dieting ... I have only got about 25lbs to lose now and am doing this on slim fast at the moment ...
good luck to you!
~Lisi~
first of all let me tell you that I am only telling you my own experience and this is NOT professional advise on how to deal with this problem. Like mentioned in above reply you should really see a nutritionist and work out a healthy eating plan ...
I used to do the same thing as you did when I was younger (about 15) ... I suddenly gained a lot of weight (comfort eating) and because I never used to be overweight I wanted to rid myself of the weight ASAP so I did what you did and starved myself. I had the same side effects that you have e.g. bad skin, thin hair etc. ... I never actually counted my calories but I guess it was not much more than about 600 a day. Of course this is the WORST thing you can do to your body cos like you said your body is now used to working on such low calorie intake and intake of more calories could result in weight gain. The way I got out of it is not very clever therefore PLEASE do not take this as advise or as "how to do it" ... when I got stuck and couldn't rid myself of the last few pounds I started comfort eating again (being fed up etc.) and my calories went to probably 2000 a day and of course the weight went straight back up ...BUT after that I took on a lot of advise from family and friends and lowered my calories to a healthy amount of about 1500 and I lost the weight ... slowly but healthily ... all the side effects (bad skin etc.) went as well ...
I also managed to keep the weight off for 3 yrs (I never used to have a weight problem and once I lost the weight I was back to eating just "normal" and didn't have to count calories or anything) and well lol after that it went a bit wrong and I am back on dieting ... I have only got about 25lbs to lose now and am doing this on slim fast at the moment ...
good luck to you!
~Lisi~
NewMe
05-30-2003, 02:39 PM
Only personal opinion and a bit of what ive found thru alot of reading and investigating the infamous 'plateau' issue.
At your present issue, you must increase your calories, and then back to what your doing now. That way your body adjusts.
At your present issue, you must increase your calories, and then back to what your doing now. That way your body adjusts.
auntjudyg
06-02-2003, 10:53 AM
jessiesgirl, CONGRATULATIONS on the weight loss! Goodness gracious girl, you have lost over 100 pounds!!!
Almost nobody losses weight at a steady rate, as I am sure you noticed. Some weeks its more, some weeks its less, some weeks its not at all, then there are the famous plateaus.
And when you are so close to your goal, it gets more exasperating. It might be helpful just to stop thinking about weight loss for just a little while. Start practicing what your maintenance diet will be; just working to maintain your weight and eat healthily. Let you body get used to this big changes you have made already. Then in a couple of weeks (or month or so), reduce your calorie intake a little to take off the last couple of pounds. (Kick up your exercise a little, too, of course.)
You've almost made it! A little more patience won't hurt TOO much!
Good luck! Keep us posted!
Almost nobody losses weight at a steady rate, as I am sure you noticed. Some weeks its more, some weeks its less, some weeks its not at all, then there are the famous plateaus.
And when you are so close to your goal, it gets more exasperating. It might be helpful just to stop thinking about weight loss for just a little while. Start practicing what your maintenance diet will be; just working to maintain your weight and eat healthily. Let you body get used to this big changes you have made already. Then in a couple of weeks (or month or so), reduce your calorie intake a little to take off the last couple of pounds. (Kick up your exercise a little, too, of course.)
You've almost made it! A little more patience won't hurt TOO much!
Good luck! Keep us posted!
girlygirly
06-03-2003, 11:53 AM
Your symptoms may indicate a thyroid problem. First of all you did hurt yourself by eating less than 1200 calories you slowed your metabolism to starvation mode. Secondly not taking vitamins or supplements is a problem. Hair loss is a symptoms as well as bad skin, being cold, and not being able to lose weight of hypothyroidism. Do you eat soy? Soy is also known to supress thyroid function. Definitely talk to you dr about this. Also go on this health board and look on the thyroid board and see if you have any of the other symptoms.
I hope this helps as it can be frustrating.
[This message has been edited by girlygirly (edited 06-03-2003).]
I hope this helps as it can be frustrating.
[This message has been edited by girlygirly (edited 06-03-2003).]
zip2play
06-07-2003, 10:28 AM
jessie,
You're stuck between a rock and a hard place. You learned first hand what the "starvation response" is. It's HORRIBLE and so many fall into it's trap. Like heroin, it offers SOOO much at first and then SLAM!
Lisi has an interesting approach to break the dilemma and you will have to use some variant of raising the calories AND gaining some weight back.
What I'd do in your shoes is raise the calories to maybe 1200 and do LOTS of work, both aerobic and strength training. You shouldn't gain too much (with some luck) and eventually might get back to losing....NEVER go below that 1200 again though.
You're stuck between a rock and a hard place. You learned first hand what the "starvation response" is. It's HORRIBLE and so many fall into it's trap. Like heroin, it offers SOOO much at first and then SLAM!
Lisi has an interesting approach to break the dilemma and you will have to use some variant of raising the calories AND gaining some weight back.
What I'd do in your shoes is raise the calories to maybe 1200 and do LOTS of work, both aerobic and strength training. You shouldn't gain too much (with some luck) and eventually might get back to losing....NEVER go below that 1200 again though.
jessiesgirl
06-08-2003, 09:52 PM
Hi everyone, thanks for all your help! I thought I'd come and give an update. Recently I went on a 7 day vacation and I ate way more than I'm used to, each and every day. I came back home alot heavier too! I was at one point 143 lbs, I now weigh about 150 lbs. Since I raised my calorie intake quite a bit for that week, I'm taking this as an opportunity to bring it back down to 1200-1300 and keep it that way. Maybe that way it'll help me get out of the rut! Also, I don't have thyroid problems, I had some blood tests run last November and it was clear of thyroid. Still going through the hair loss but hopefully with a better diet that will help. I no longer get cold very easily and my nails don't turn purple/blue anymore.
here's hoping I can lose these last 30 pounds healthily!
here's hoping I can lose these last 30 pounds healthily!
limey37
06-18-2003, 09:24 AM
I too had problems with my hair and nails due to bad dieting, somebody told me to take Kelp, i've been taking it for a year and my hair and nails are 100% healthier, you can buy it from GNC, you only need one a day. Hope this helps you too.
gummybear9991
06-18-2003, 05:29 PM
A good way to lose weight is to increase your metabolism. If your body uses more calories, then those calories won't be turned into fat. I used to eat 3-4 meals a day, and now I'm eating 4-5 but I haven't gained much weight and I still feel the same because I exercise often.
To increase your metabolism, you need to to cardio exercises. Things like jogging make your heart and lungs work harder. A higher metabolism means higher caloric needs so you can raise the number of calories you eat without gaining weight. You need to be active though, not just run for 20 mins and the rest of the day do nothing. This will hinder progress.
To increase your metabolism, you need to to cardio exercises. Things like jogging make your heart and lungs work harder. A higher metabolism means higher caloric needs so you can raise the number of calories you eat without gaining weight. You need to be active though, not just run for 20 mins and the rest of the day do nothing. This will hinder progress.
Kimdoc
07-29-2003, 09:20 PM
First congrats on the weight loss!! You really should take a daily vitemin every day. I use One-A-Day WeightSmart. Also I take Apple Cider Complete from GNC every day. It has made my nails, skin and hair look amazing. So you might want to check into that too.
Asenath
07-30-2003, 01:44 PM
It is tough when you reach a weight loss plateu and can't seem to shake the extra weight. I have the same problem.
The answer is to do 2 things
1. Increase your exercise regiment dramatically. Lots of cardio (running, aerobics, spinning). Lots of weight lifting -and I mean as heavy as you can go. This increases the metabolism and allows you to burn more fat. Join a health club and go every single day. No exceptions. Also, swimming is useless as far as weight loss goes since the temperature of the water prevents your body from burning fat.
2. Cut the following foods from your diet altogether
a) red meat
b) high-sugar foods such as ice-cream, candy, etc.
c) beer and hard liquor -drink only red wine
e) processed junk food, such as chips, pop tarts, etc.
Try vegitarianism (but don't go vegan). Eat lots of fish. Sushi is great if you like it. Japanese food in general is excellent fro the wasteline.
The main things to worry about are laziness and lack of motivation.
The answer is to do 2 things
1. Increase your exercise regiment dramatically. Lots of cardio (running, aerobics, spinning). Lots of weight lifting -and I mean as heavy as you can go. This increases the metabolism and allows you to burn more fat. Join a health club and go every single day. No exceptions. Also, swimming is useless as far as weight loss goes since the temperature of the water prevents your body from burning fat.
2. Cut the following foods from your diet altogether
a) red meat
b) high-sugar foods such as ice-cream, candy, etc.
c) beer and hard liquor -drink only red wine
e) processed junk food, such as chips, pop tarts, etc.
Try vegitarianism (but don't go vegan). Eat lots of fish. Sushi is great if you like it. Japanese food in general is excellent fro the wasteline.
The main things to worry about are laziness and lack of motivation.
girlygirly
07-30-2003, 03:12 PM
I don't agree with the last poster about going to the gym every day. That is overkill. If you do cardio and weight bearing exercises (such as bike riding, weight lifting,etc..) for 4 days 1 hour a day you will be fine. As for swimming not burning fat, if you are burning calories then you you can also burn fat. I have never heard of if the water is cold then you can't burn fat. Swimming is excellent exercise. I guess then that cross skiing won't let you burn fat either because it is cold outside.
I would also never recommend that someone become a vegetarian or a meateater because that is what I do. I do agree with the cutting out processed foods, not just sweets --- all of them. Also nothing white like sugar, flour, pasta, or white rice, there is no nutrition in them and eating that can make you insulin resistant and more prone to type II diabetes. Also many of the additives are bad for you, they have hidden msg (natural flavors, spices, etc. if it specifically does not name the spice or flavor then it is msg).
I would also never recommend that someone become a vegetarian or a meateater because that is what I do. I do agree with the cutting out processed foods, not just sweets --- all of them. Also nothing white like sugar, flour, pasta, or white rice, there is no nutrition in them and eating that can make you insulin resistant and more prone to type II diabetes. Also many of the additives are bad for you, they have hidden msg (natural flavors, spices, etc. if it specifically does not name the spice or flavor then it is msg).
Asenath
07-30-2003, 03:54 PM
I only emphasize exercise every day because she wants to lose additional weight and she has reached a plateu.
There was a study done recently that concluded that your body is reluctant to utilize fat reserves when the body is cold, a kind of thermal protection response. This doesn't mean you can never lost weight this way, it just means it is more difficult.
Red meat is one of the worst things you can eat. It causes prostate cancer, colon cancer, digestive problems, hemorhoids, and it is full of antibiotics which compromise the immune system, not to mention steroids, and potentially mad cow. I don't eat any red meat, and for good reason.
If you HAVE to eat red meat, go for the lean organic type and limit yourself to about one serving a month.
There was a study done recently that concluded that your body is reluctant to utilize fat reserves when the body is cold, a kind of thermal protection response. This doesn't mean you can never lost weight this way, it just means it is more difficult.
Red meat is one of the worst things you can eat. It causes prostate cancer, colon cancer, digestive problems, hemorhoids, and it is full of antibiotics which compromise the immune system, not to mention steroids, and potentially mad cow. I don't eat any red meat, and for good reason.
If you HAVE to eat red meat, go for the lean organic type and limit yourself to about one serving a month.