Something is wrong....

deschain · 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blitzed

Yep...we are starving ourselves fat

....lets all eat more...I tend to agree with this theory I found...

I always love the starvation mode argument. "Don't go under 1000 calories or you'll be in starvation mode." Starvation is when you are not getting nutrients or energy - zilch, nada. It is true starvation – i.e. not eating. No, you will not go into some special mode after 6 hours of not eating. I've fasted for days before, and contrary to the popular trend, I did not suddenly lose 15 tons of muscle mass and become a thin sluggish weakling. I fasted for spiritual reasons and when I was done, I eased back into my regular nutrition program and was fine.

Starvation mode is something that serves two purposes. In the mind of marketers, its a great scare tactic to shock people into buying supplements to make sure they have something on the road and don't go into that scary starvation mode. It is also great to market systems because Americans like to eat. So any system that says, "Lose fat by eating more" is going to sell. The second purpose it serves is for the person on the diet. It is a great justification for never going low enough to achieve phenomenal results - after all, they make kick into starvation mode. Better to have a reason to keep calories up and blame the inability to lose that last bit of ab flab on something else.

Seriously: when you lower calories, your metabolism goes down. This isn't starvation mode. This is your metabolism going down. The thing is, who cares? I know the trend is to say it's better to eat more and have a burning metabolism. Personally, I don't see how a slow metabolism is any worse than a fast one if you are eating nutrient dense. In other words, I know a 1200 calorie diet with far more nutrients than a typical American 3000 calorie diet. If it is sustainable and enjoyable, who cares if the metabolism is a bit slower? The idea is that it is easier to lose fat, but if you reach your goal and are maintaining, theoretically you don't have to lose more fat.

The term "starvation mode" is not meant to replace true and complete starvation. It is a term used to describe what happens when people eat less then their body needs to function properly, resulting in a slower metabolism, b/c the body is attempting to protect itself. In general, something that puts the body in a protection mode (something that is a threat) would not be something I consider very healthy.

Yes, in a way we do starve ourselves fat. People go on a strict diet, creating a severe caloric deficit. They lose some weight at first, then hit a wall as their metabolism slows down to protect the body. They get discouraged b/c they are eating like a bird, sick of being hungry, ready to eat some real food, etc, and not losing any weight anymore (or so hungry that they don't care if they are), so they go back to eating a more normal amount. Problem is, at this point, the metabolism is slower, so they quickly regain the weight. Some variation or another of this scenario is seen over and over.

I'm not sure where you found that article (my guess would be from a magazine or a diet book/website of some sort). Yes, there are some correct points - diets claiming to let you eat more are going to sell. However, the dangers of eating less than your body needs in an attempt to lose weight, and the negative effects that has on metabolism, are well studied and documented. I would suggest a slightly more scientific source of information.

Korrie · November 27th, 2006, 10:06 AM

OOOOOK guys, lets move on...we are all entitled to our own opinions...one believes in starvation mode, one doesnt'...its ok.

As everyone has said, your wanting to do soemthing thats not really possible with that much of a weight loss. It can be dangerous. Theres nothing more anyone can really say on the subject, I just hope you take care of yourself and play it safe..ok?

Nemesis · November 29th, 2006, 12:59 AM

why would you fight your own body like this?

marsto911 · November 29th, 2006, 01:45 AM

Hi Discordian,

You must be feeling a lot of pain. I'm not sure what is happening to you. The only thing I can say is to be good to yourself. Nurture yourself by whatever makes you feel good, such as taking a bath, reading a book, listening to music.

I sometimes feel desparation about my weight and weight loss. It is difficult. I would imagine you might feel similarly.

Take care of yourself and let us help you.

Something is wrong....

People who want to discuss weight loss and all that goes with it can meet here. Write about your experiences and learn about other members' experiences as you approach your target weight. The support and sharing helps us all achieve our goals.

Something is wrong....