restricting calories..whats too low?

SoulMeetsBody · 01-19-2008, 10:40 PM

will reducing calories a lot slow down your metabolism? I want to lose fat but not muscle...so if I ate a lot of protein and 1,200 calories will I slow my metabolism? I want to lose fast or I'll get discouraged so I don't know what to do..

tse · 01-20-2008, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoulMeetsBody

will reducing calories a lot slow down your metabolism? I want to lose fat but not muscle...so if I ate a lot of protein and 1,200 calories will I slow my metabolism? I want to lose fast or I'll get discouraged so I don't know what to do..

How tall are you and do you do any exercise, if so what is it and for how long each week?

It's hard to determine much about calorific intake without those details.

twinnett · 01-20-2008, 05:47 AM

Well, on your bodyspace, you don't look like you have all that much muscle to be honest. You also state that you had an eating disorder and never lift, and do 3 hrs of cardio a day...doesn't sound like you're too concerned about preserving muscle mass. Sorry to seem harsh, but you sound like you still have a disorder and extreme calorie restriction is NOT the way to go! I hope you choose a healthier way to achieve the body that you want.

sparky141978 · 01-20-2008, 07:13 AM

I agree, you definitely need to work on your own body issues and hopefully adding strength training and reducing your obsession with cardio will do that for you. You have to deal w/ the inner demons right now first. Can we do anything to help. Many of us have been there.

trainwithrae · 01-20-2008, 07:49 AM

Just know that you can do less cardio and eat more food and not get fat

I know it's hard when you've gotten yourself out of control with the cardio and cals get lower and nothing happens. That means you need to change something! Which is actually motivating because you'll be doing something new AND you'll see some results. PM me if you have any questions but I wanted to give you a bit of encouragement here.

twinnett · 01-20-2008, 10:08 AM

All true!! I had an eating disorder and was doing hours of cardio a day and eating very little. I learned about lifting and eating correctly and my bodyfat is actually lower now b/c I'm feeding my body and building muscle!

Dangerousd37 · 01-20-2008, 08:17 PM

I agree! It seems like you still have the eating disorder mentality. Once you fix the menatlity and learn you can eat a good amount of food and still be lean- it will all fall into place. The hardest part will be the eating and learning to be able to let yourslef eat every few hrs. By far you do not look bulky and weight training will not make a woman look bulky. There is a misconception about being toned and having muscles. Read some of the articles on the site- they are very informative. All the best of luck to you!