Starvation mode - fact or fiction

[Suzy]

Guys

Been doing a lot of research on this but cannot seem to find out whether this is fact or fiction.
I have been eating 400-600 cals a day and stopped losing weight and even put on a pound. I thought if I boosted it to 1000-1200 as per info i read might help but have now put on 3lb and feel miserable.
Can anyone advise on whether I stick to the higher amount which is so hard or go back to the lower amounts which is easier.
I cannot face putting on weight it makes me feel so down and fat.
Also how can i boost my metabolism as heard this might help?

Thanks

Suzy

[ReiseOhneEnde]

Absolutely stick to the higher amount. You'll gain a little weight at first, because you wrecked your metabolism by going so low. However, over time, your body will adjust and you will maintain or lose at 1200. If you are not losing weight at 1200 calories, then you are already underweight, or you have a metabolic disorder.

Stick in there! I know it's hard to stay at a higher caloric level but ultimately it WILL help you lose the most weight, and it will keep your body from falling to pieces. Make sure you eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to maximize the benefit you get from those calories.

[Suzy]

Thanks for that clears it up a bit.

Just thinking if I stabilise and can't get to the weight I want to be, which could be because according to "recommended weight" and "Ideal weights" I am underweight, i'll just have to cut right back down again to less calories.
I know where I want to be and where I feel I will be happy which might be less than the average but it's where I need to be.
I am just desperate to lose what I need to lose and to stop purging, which I have managed for the last couple of days but am just scared I might start again if my weight goes to high or won't come down.

xxx

[piglet]

i have to say that reise is probably right.... ive read a lot of times that your body can go into starvation mode... doesn't make it easy though!! there are lots of days when i dont stick to it myself, im usually under!
the point of 2-4-6-8 and diets like that is to try to trick your metabolism and stop starvation mode from occurring.

i think i read that the lowest you should go is 1000 cals below your BMR.... any lower than that and it doesnt really work.


keo us updated on your progress babe. x

[Suzy]

Just checked my BMR and it is 1340 so what would you recommend or suggest. I am currently 114lb which means I have put on 3-4lb which is not good. Really want to get to at least 104lb.

[piglet]

maybe try 1000 cals a day. you cant not lose if your BMR is more than that... i expect weight you put on at first will be water weight?

[Suzy]

Cool thanks for that. Will see what happens, watch this space