Don't know what to do?
Hi... I've been eating approximately 1200 cals a day for 3 or 4 months now, and I've gone from 126 to about 117. But I want to get down just a few more pounds to 115 or 110 (I'm 5'6 but I have a really small frame). But I just can't lose the weight! It's been weeks since I've dropped. I upped my cals to 1300/1400 for a few days but went back down because I was worried that I would gain. I don't exercise on a daily basis.
What should I do? I really want to lose the weight so I can feel better in my body...
my best advice would be to try and work in some more cardio to your routine.
In order to maintain your weight you need to do 20 minutes of cardio 2-4 days a week. In order to lose weight you need to do 30 minutes of cardio 4+ days a week... thats from the exercise section on this site
Hope this helps!
You are not eating enough to fuel your basic needs, and, furthermore, your goals are underweight. The sedentary minimum for a girl under 21 is 1500 calories a day. Use this calculator for under 21's to work out your needs http://www.bcm.edu/cnrc/bodycomp/bmiz2.html as you are still growing. Yes, even in the later years - there's more going on inside of you that you simply can't see. You do not need to lose weight at your height, either.
Eating too low a calorie intake, or having a deficit from your BMR greater than 1000 results in something called "survival mode", where your body holds every last thing it can get in expectance of a famine. Water, food, calories. Explained:
- Dieting & Metabolism - This article explains starvation mode and why undereating is counter productive.
- The Body Neglected - This is what happens when you undereat for an extended period of time.
- "Obesity on 700 Calories" - A tale of starvation mode's devistating effects, and proof you don't have to be underweight to be starving.
- From Ask Mary, the segment provided by our CC nutritionist Mary Hartley: On the dangers of undereating and what it does to your body.
The physical dangers that come with undereating and being underweight are numerous. You put yourself at risk of osteoporosis, of loss of fertility if you lose your period, hair loss, electrolyte problems, a weakening of the immune system, low blood pressure, blood disorders such as anemia, heart problems, and even death. The mental woes that come alongside can be just as devestating. Depression is common in undereaters, as well as distorted perceptions and problems like Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
You are describing a disordered eating pattern and thinking even if you may not realise it and this is something you need to talk to your doctor about even if just to hear a professional opinion on top of CC. If you want some online support try http://www.something-fishy.org, and take a look through CC's Eating Disorders Health, Resources and Info Thread. But your most immediate concern is your health - and for that that means you need to talk to your doctor and to up your calories to your needs. But know this: Calorie Count's mission is to promote healthy and sustainable weight management and if you are not seeking to manage your weight healthily we cannot and will not help you.
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i dont know what you look like or any other history but at 5'6'' with 115lbs you must be pretty slim. also you are at the very low end of BMI. is it worth it and healthy for you to be that low? your body may not want to be that low. i suggest weights and toning; switching up exercise and type of food to keep the body challenged. are you fairly healthy? you may want to address that.
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