Am I in starvation mode?

Hi everyone.

The past two weeks I have been suffering from depression and my calories intake has dropped. But a few days before this I had been binging off and onn quite serverely (not purging). Then all of a sudden the depression hit me and I ate less, and ust lay in bed not wanting to eat. So it has been like this for just over two weeks. I think that only once in the past few weeks I have reached 1100cals, I think most days it was about 800/900. Could i be in starvation mode after only 2 weeks? I am increasing cals now to 1100 again to try and prevent any damamge. Any thoughts?

Many thanks.

Entering startvation mode doesnt happen instantly. Starvation mode occurs when your body is using muscle mass as a source of energy, which is a slow decrease in muscle . Because you are lying in bed all day your not using that much energy, probabaly just above you basal metabolic rate. If your BMR is around 1300 or 1400 then consuming 800/900 wont cause too much muscle loss but there will be a bit.

I've been like that too. I've just been attributing it to hormones and seasonal changes, though. I always get a bit more depressed when winter comes around. For a night owl I really thrive on light.

If you're not too crunched for cash turn a few extra lights on, you might be amazed at the difference.. or go for some walks during your lunch break. It'll boost your mood and get you some much needed sunlight. Fresh air is allways good for the mind. Just try it once or twice and see if it helps.

And don't fall into emotional eating! Find a set schedule and stick to it. I eat breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner. Some weeks I stay in the 1300 cals range, with a day for 1500, and some weeks I do 1500 cal days with one or two 1300.

It's important to address the problem at hand, that's why a routine (with vaying calories so that your body doesn't get bored) helps out greatly. Your emotions don't need to be connected with your food intake at all! Feel free to message me if you just need to vent over crap happening in real life. Sometimes it helps just to have someone listen to you!

I think it depends a lot on whether you do that often too, because if so, your body enters starvation mode much quicker than normal for other women.  Even though you are depressed, still try to set a schedule, balanced meals and snacks, and definitely stick to it.  Eating more carbs and healthy fats can elevate your mood, so give it a try.  =)