Lose weight!

Question
Hi Wendy,

I have been on this new diet and exercise regimen where I basically only eat about 1000 calories or so (it fluctuates) a day and exercise about 100 minutes on the elliptical at night. I am 17, weighing in currently at around 126 pounds and is about 5'4" tall. I started about 3 weeks ago with this regimen, but vacation and several rocky weekends have hindered my progress. So far, I've only lost about 3 pounds.

I've read in many places that eating 1000 calories is not sufficient for the average female to function healthily and that 1200 calories is the bare minimum to keep healthy. This does scare me, but my diet does consist of many servings of fruit and vegetables, as well as enough protein to keep me somewhat energized. I'm afraid that if I up my calorie intake of 200 calories per day, I'm going to gain back the weight I lost.

I'm aiming to lose another 6 pounds in the next month. Will my regimen hold up?

Thank you!

Answer
Delaney,

While it's great to see someone take an interest in health and fitness, I am afraid your new regimen is dangerous.

It is true that 1200 calories is the bare minimum you should be consuming.  However, you are no where near overweight and should not be trying to lose pounds.  

Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables is great, however, doing more than 90 minutes of exercise on a consistent basis you will need more calories and more carbs (upwards of 2000 calories and 60% of your diet as carbs to provide the necessary energy).

Also, remember that your body isn't looking for energy from protein, it is looking for it from carbs (which it turns into glycogen).  And, yes, fruit and vegetables are carbs, but you do need to consume more calories.

You may gain the 6 pounds back, but it's more important that you are not starving your body than 6 pounds.  And for that matter, it isn't necessary for you to lose another 6 pounds.

I would add some sort of strength training to your regimen to balance the cardio.  Adding lean muscle mass will help keep your body burning fat and give you more energy as well.  You will want to strength train for 20-30 minutes 2-3 days per week.

I hope this helps.  It may not have been what you wanted to hear, but I want you to fit and healthy, not skinny and starving.

1. Prev:Weight loss: How fast is too fast?
2. Next:me