How much is not enough?

I need to know is 1000 calories a day is good enough or not. OK, here is my situation...

I am 24 years old, 5'11", and 250 lbs. I have a 15 month old son that keeps me busy EVERY minute of the day. I can only slow down enough to feed him, not myself...because it involves cooking. I usually drink decaff tea with splenda all throughout the day too, but that has no calories whatsoever. I eat nothing but fruits, veggies, fish, chicken, and all the other healthy stuff. I also exercise for 30 minutes daily (while my little devil takes a nap).

I also have an enlarged heart that I am taking medication for to shrink it back to it's original size. I need to know if 1000 calories a day is even safe, and what it can (if anything) actually do to my heart. Like I said, I'm not starving myself...but I don't have alot of time to feed myself either.

The general answer is that absolutely not, 1000 calories is not healthy or enough for you, particularly considering your height and activity level.

As to what effect it might have on your heart, that's a fantastic question that would be perfect to pose to your doctor.  I think only the person who is treating you for this condition will be able to advise you on what an appropriate, healthy caloric guideline is for you.  Typically I would say you need around 1500-1600 at least based on your stats.  BUT with your preexisting condition I truly urge you to seek the advice of your physician.  :)

Since you do have a medical history with your heart, it might be best to consult your doctor on this one. 

Generally, a 1000 calories is not safe unless you are extremely small.

Have you tried using the calculator on CC to see what your calorie allowance is?  I also like to use this Dieting Calculator to compare.

But again, because of your heart complications, I would consult a physician to see what is safe for you.

Be Healthy :)

Not at all!  If you read a few posts on here you will see that the minimum for a female is 1200 calories a day.  Also, you should not eat less that 500-750 calories below your maintenence level to have a safe weight loss.

Based on your age/hgt/weight that is 2300 calories a day at sedentary, and 2600 calories at light activity.  higher depending how much effort that son is, which must be pretty high if you can't find time to eat.

throw in more calories for exercising and I would say that you should be eating between 1500 and 2000 calories per day.  If you can't find time for a real meal, throw in something healthy with high cals.  peanut butter sandwich and a glass of milk.  Some rice.
Have some fruit juice to drink!  It is healthy and can pack in a few extra calories.


You _are_ starving yourself.

Well thanks for the advice. My son is taking his second nap, so now I am stuffing my face with some strawberries and cool whip light instead of working out again. I'll keep it at 1500 a day and see how I feel, and I will talk to my doctor in August because he is in Anchorage, and I live in Barrow.

Thank you