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Have you ever been frustrated by not losing weight even when you feel like you've done everything possible to cut down on calories? In talking with my clients, I've heard this same story over and over again.
So is less really best when it comes to how many calories we eat? One might think that reducing calories is the most direct way to manage weight. However, this can backfire, especially with eating less than 1200 calories per day (or higher in some individuals). When one cuts their calories down too low the body's metabolism (the rate at which we burn calories) can become compromised and slow down. This happens as the body senses starvation and switches into conservation mode, burning fewer calories so that the available calories go to vital body organs. As a result of a slower metabolism the body can't burn calories as efficiently which can slow down and/or prevent weight loss. Does this sound familiar? Many diets actually result in deprivation gone-too-far and slow the metabolism.
The solution in this case is to eat more (and ditch the diet)! By gradually increasing your calorie level with healthful food choices and eating at regular intervals you will be optimizing your metabolism.
Of course, there are times when reducing calories is appropriate by replacing high fat or high sugar foods with healthier options. However, I encourage you to ask yourself it's possible that you've cut out too many calories. You might be wondering how you would know this. Here are some possible signs of calorie intake being too low...
* Extreme hunger
* Fatigue
* Cravings
* Weight plateaus (i.e. not losing any more weight)
* Headaches
* Difficulty making decisions
* Irritability
* Shakiness, lightheadedness, dizziness
It’s rewarding to see the surprise (and relief) on my clients' faces when they actually get to eat more and indeed the weight starts to fall off.
About the Blogger:
Ursula Ridens is a registered dietitian and founder of Ursula Ridens, RD Inc. As a provider of Real Living Nutrition Services she specializes in weight management and emotional eating using a non-diet approach. To learn more about Ursula or to work online with her, visit http://www.ursularidens.com/
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