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Honored Contributor
Posts: 38,231
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: No appetite while losing weight

[ Edited ]

@jaxs mom wrote:

What's the minimum number of calories you need to eat so your metabolism doesn't slow down? I know there is a threshold that you shouldn't go below but I can't remember what it is. 

 

I've been using My Fitness Pal as my food diary and it has me at about 1400 calories as my target to lose weight. I've lost over 30 pounds so far and kept it off for months now, but I have a lot more to go. The problem is that lately I haven't had much of an appetite. Once I eat about 800-900 calories I'm not hungry anymore. There is nothing wrong with me physically, I know it's mental and that I'm just feeling dedicated at getting the weight off. 

 

I'm drinking plenty of water, it's pretty much all I drink other than maybe 1 glass of milk at day. I'm exercising and I have plenty of energy. I don't think eating that little is healthy in the long run though. So I want to know on those days I don't feel like eating the whole 1300-1400 what minimum should I shoot for? 

 

I tried googling it but I didn't see a good answer. 


 

@jaxs mom  I eat about 700-800 calories a day, fruit, veges, nuts, eggs, do not eat all of this every day, but switch it up, and poultry or fish every other night, drink lots of water, and never feel hungry  If I ate 1400 calories a day, I would gain weight.  I am short, and this may have something to do with it.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 43,455
Registered: ‎01-08-2011

Re: No appetite while losing weight

It's not about calories at all.  It's nutrition.  

 

I hope you join Weight Watchers because they will teach you how to eat and tell you exactly where you need to be.  They're the next best thing to you reading a nutrition book.  They will hold your hand all the way and tell you how to cook.

 

Promise!  You'll have a terrific time too!

 

You don't need a gimmic, you need a lifestyle plan.  This weight will stay off.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 39,861
Registered: ‎08-23-2010

Re: No appetite while losing weight

@jaxs mom

 

You can't go wrong with the occasional high quality protein shake (low in sugar ... Premier Protein are the best IMO).

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,494
Registered: ‎04-20-2013

Re: No appetite while losing weight

An occasional day with lower calories won't hurt you but not daily.  Your weight loss may stutter a bit as your body will be in starvation mode.  As someone else suggested, have a shake to supplement your diet on the days you have little or no appetite.  

Super Contributor
Posts: 356
Registered: ‎03-15-2010

Re: No appetite while losing weight

[ Edited ]

@jaxs mom wrote:

What's the minimum number of calories you need to eat so your metabolism doesn't slow down? I know there is a threshold that you shouldn't go below but I can't remember what it is. 

 

I've been using My Fitness Pal as my food diary and it has me at about 1400 calories as my target to lose weight. I've lost over 30 pounds so far and kept it off for months now, but I have a lot more to go. The problem is that lately I haven't had much of an appetite. Once I eat about 800-900 calories I'm not hungry anymore. There is nothing wrong with me physically, I know it's mental and that I'm just feeling dedicated at getting the weight off. 

 

I'm drinking plenty of water, it's pretty much all I drink other than maybe 1 glass of milk at day. I'm exercising and I have plenty of energy. I don't think eating that little is healthy in the long run though. So I want to know on those days I don't feel like eating the whole 1300-1400 what minimum should I shoot for? 

 

I tried googling it but I didn't see a good answer. 


I use myfitnesspal also. The minimum amount of calories allowed for a woman is 1200. They will not allow a target goal to go below that. That is minimum daily recommended amount. Going below that on a consistent basis will cause long term damage to your body. Are you sure you are only eating 800-900 calories a day? Most people believe they are consuming less calories than they actually are. Unless you weigh your food, it is very easy to underestimate. Especially high calorie foods like nuts, peanut butter, etc....

 

i second the comments about seeing your doctor. If you don't have an appetite, there could be underlying issues.

~~~ So many handbags....so few hands ~~~

Super Contributor
Posts: 356
Registered: ‎03-15-2010

Re: No appetite while losing weight


@Stray wrote:

An occasional day with lower calories won't hurt you but not daily.  Your weight loss may stutter a bit as your body will be in starvation mode.  As someone else suggested, have a shake to supplement your diet on the days you have little or no appetite.  


"Starvation mode" is a myth. If it were true, there would be no emaciated children in the world. 

~~~ So many handbags....so few hands ~~~

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Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,143
Registered: ‎04-18-2012

Re: No appetite while losing weight


@Stray wrote:

An occasional day with lower calories won't hurt you but not daily.  Your weight loss may stutter a bit as your body will be in starvation mode.  As someone else suggested, have a shake to supplement your diet on the days you have little or no appetite.  


That's what I was worried about, because it did go on for multiple days. On the third day I made sure I at least hit 1200. I can do it with food, I'm not a fan of protein shakes. 

Don't Change Your Authenticity for Approval
Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,143
Registered: ‎04-18-2012

Re: No appetite while losing weight


@Iluvhandbags wrote:

@jaxs mom wrote:

What's the minimum number of calories you need to eat so your metabolism doesn't slow down? I know there is a threshold that you shouldn't go below but I can't remember what it is. 

 

I've been using My Fitness Pal as my food diary and it has me at about 1400 calories as my target to lose weight. I've lost over 30 pounds so far and kept it off for months now, but I have a lot more to go. The problem is that lately I haven't had much of an appetite. Once I eat about 800-900 calories I'm not hungry anymore. There is nothing wrong with me physically, I know it's mental and that I'm just feeling dedicated at getting the weight off. 

 

I'm drinking plenty of water, it's pretty much all I drink other than maybe 1 glass of milk at day. I'm exercising and I have plenty of energy. I don't think eating that little is healthy in the long run though. So I want to know on those days I don't feel like eating the whole 1300-1400 what minimum should I shoot for? 

 

I tried googling it but I didn't see a good answer. 


I use myfitnesspal also. The minimum amount of calories allowed for a woman is 1200. They will not allow a target goal to go below that. That is minimum daily recommended amount. Going below that on a consistent basis will cause long term damage to your body. Are you sure you are only eating 800-900 calories a day? Most people believe they are consuming less calories than they actually are. Unless you weigh your food, it is very easy to underestimate. Especially high calorie foods like nuts, peanut butter, etc....

 

i second the comments about seeing your doctor. If you don't have an appetite, there could be underlying issues.


I do weigh my food. Thanks for confirming that MFP has a set minimum, I wasn't sure. I know it's mental and not physical. 

Don't Change Your Authenticity for Approval
Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,491
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: No appetite while losing weight

It's also what you are eating that can contribute to not having an appetite.

 

I gave up sugar and grains in 2014 and I don't have to eat more than twice a day, sometimes only once a day.

 

 

===================================
QVC Shopper - 1993

# IAMTEAMWEN
Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,415
Registered: ‎11-25-2011

Re: No appetite while losing weight


@jaxs mom wrote:

@Stray wrote:

An occasional day with lower calories won't hurt you but not daily.  Your weight loss may stutter a bit as your body will be in starvation mode.  As someone else suggested, have a shake to supplement your diet on the days you have little or no appetite.  


That's what I was worried about, because it did go on for multiple days. On the third day I made sure I at least hit 1200. I can do it with food, I'm not a fan of protein shakes. 


Wise move...stay away from the protein shakes.  Protein doesn't have any magical powers...especially with those pre-packaged products.  Too many additives.

 

Eat real food.  Sweet potatoes w/ maple syrup, bowls of rice, edamame, avocado toast.  Fix in the AM & snack on all day.  How about frozen banana ice cream in the evening?   Back to sweet potatoes...organic 'Hannah' or 'Japanese' sweet potatoes (Whole Foods) taste just like candy...bake them up & have them at the ready in the frig. 

 

If your calories are few, they have to be quality.  Real food.