Cutting Calories
Posted by
Jane N.
What Happens When You Don’t Get Enough Calories?
In the world of dieting it seems that the fewer calories you consume, the better. It almost makes sense, because to lose weight you need a deficit of 3,500 calories per pound lost. But a diet too low in calories sends your body into a complete tailspin and ultimately has the exact opposite desired effect.
When you deny your body the calories it needs, it goes into a state of starvation, lowering your metabolism to compensate. In this state, it hangs on to anything it can get. This can continue for quite some time, including when you go back to eating regularly, the way you did before you started dieting. This is why dieters tend to regain back weight they lost easily and quickly; it’s your body’s way of preparing for the next time food is scarce. You will also experience lowered stamina and strength due to the body’s fatigue when not getting enough calories.
How to avoid this?
• Respect your body: If you feel hungry, eat! It’s your body’s way of telling you that it needs nourishment. But know when to stop. Take time during your meal to assess whether you need more, or if you’re satisfied.
• Lose weight through exercise: Weight loss doesn’t mean fat loss. Physical exercise is sure-fire way to improve cardiovascular health and lose more fat and gain muscle than diet alone.
• Make a lifestyle change, not a diet: Don’t try to eat healthy for a month, make it a life-long achievement. This will help you maintain your weight and ultimately feel better!
• Don’t deny yourself: There’s nothing wrong with having a cookie, or a piece of cake. It’s when you deny yourself and then end up binging on the whole box of cookies that’s the problem.
• Find your balance: Your body’s caloric needs change every day. Some days you need more and others you need less, making calorie counting unreliable for a body’s needs. For example, if you overeat on Thanksgiving, chances are you aren’t as hungry the next day. Your body will naturally balance itself out, so pay attention.
Cutting Calories
Posted by Jane N.
What Happens When You Don’t Get Enough Calories? In the world of dieting it seems that the fewer calories you consume, the better. It almost makes sense, because to lose weight you need a deficit of 3,500 calories per pound lost. But a diet too low in calories sends your body into a complete tailspin and ultimately has the exact opposite desired effect. When you deny your body the calories it needs, it goes into a state of starvation, lowering your metabolism to compensate. In this state, it hangs on to anything it can get. This can continue for quite some time, including when you go back to eating regularly, the way you did before you started dieting. This is why dieters tend to regain back weight they lost easily and quickly; it’s your body’s way of preparing for the next time food is scarce. You will also experience lowered stamina and strength due to the body’s fatigue when not getting enough calories. How to avoid this? • Respect your body: If you feel hungry, eat! It’s your body’s way of telling you that it needs nourishment. But know when to stop. Take time during your meal to assess whether you need more, or if you’re satisfied. • Lose weight through exercise: Weight loss doesn’t mean fat loss. Physical exercise is sure-fire way to improve cardiovascular health and lose more fat and gain muscle than diet alone.• Make a lifestyle change, not a diet: Don’t try to eat healthy for a month, make it a life-long achievement. This will help you maintain your weight and ultimately feel better!• Don’t deny yourself: There’s nothing wrong with having a cookie, or a piece of cake. It’s when you deny yourself and then end up binging on the whole box of cookies that’s the problem. • Find your balance: Your body’s caloric needs change every day. Some days you need more and others you need less, making calorie counting unreliable for a body’s needs. For example, if you overeat on Thanksgiving, chances are you aren’t as hungry the next day. Your body will naturally balance itself out, so pay attention.