Less than 500 calories per day, is it okay?

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worldcure

New member
I've been on a diet, or trying to make the lifestyle changes for about a month now. I've lost 23 pounds, and I feel really great, I know you usually lose a lot in the beginning, and it's now started calming down to about 2-3 pounds a week, which is healthy right? I exercise once every evening, about half an hour, and I burn usually aproximately 350 calories. For the past month I've been consuming only about 500 calories per day. I thought it didn't really matter to be honest, I don't know much about diets, but I didn't think it was bad, my friend told me if I kept it up I would die or something, which totally blew my mind because there are people in other countries that fast for a month for their religion, so they don't eat for an entire month, 500 calories seems good, but I'm really worried now that she's said this. I've looked around the internet and some sites say no less than 1000 calories, but that seems like so much, I exercise only half an hour, and burn 350 calories, so I will have to exercise a lot more to burn off just the food I ate for the day, I'd like to burn fat to. I'm sorry, I'm very new to this, but 1000 seems like a lot.
 
What are you eating to only consume 500 calories? You taking a multi-vitamin?
 
OH MY GOODNESS NO!!! You HAVE to eat a minimum of 1200 cals! I understand other people fast but alot of them do end up dying, esp if they've gone a month!!

All I can tell you is go get something to eat...NOW! lol
 
No, I don't take vitamins, but I should start... I normally eat a small bowl of cereal for breakfast, and then a sandwich or some frozen lean cuisine meal of some sorts for lunch, I always skip dinner.
 
But I feel fine, I have more energy then ever before in my life. If I started feeling bad and passing out or something, I would eat more, but I feel good.
 
Well hun, all I can tell you is that 500 cals/day is dangerous. ABSOLUTELY! with or without a multivitamin.

What I cannot do is force you to eat. That choice is yours.
 
But I'm confused, if I eat 1000 or so calories a day, I'd have to exercise a lot. I don't get exercise any other time of the day, how many calories do you burn just standing around? Probably none, or very little.
 
More than you think. Did you know you burn calories when you sleep as well.

Normally I wouldn't ask such a question, but this is a weight loss forum....what is your weight and heigth??
 
If your going to eat 1000 cals, excersizing alot is pretty much defeating the purpose. Do you realize that food is fuel for your body. Without it, its not going to run properly.
 
As of now I weigh 184 and I'm 5'7"

I have quit a bit to lose.. but 23 so far, I'm really scared about this, I didn't even know it was really serious, I will keep a little book and take notes of what I eat, and I WILL eat more, especially since you mentioned the death part
 
oh my, no hun you really need to be eating 1200 cals!

Heres an article for you...PLEASE take the time to read...


**Edited...I dont' know why the title came up as such, but the article still pops up**
 
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worldcure said:
But I'm confused, if I eat 1000 or so calories a day, I'd have to exercise a lot. I don't get exercise any other time of the day, how many calories do you burn just standing around? Probably none, or very little.
Click to expand...

Metabolism is comprised basal metabolic rate, thermic effect of energy, and thermic effect of food.

BMR is simply the amount of energy you expend doing nothing in a rested state.

The thermic effect of energy is simply the energy you expend with activity. Think exercise, reading, walking in the grocery store, etc.

The thermic effect of food is simply the energy you expend digesting the foods that you eat.

Which of these would you assume to be the most energy costly?

I bet you pick thermic effect of energy.

Guess what.

It's only a small fraction.

BMR comprises approximately 70% of total energy expended. That's right; you expend most of your energy doing nothing each day, just keeping your body alive.
 
That article made me want to cry, I never knew, thank you for sharing it with me, now I'm very nervous, thanks for your help, I want to do this the healthy way.
 
Thanks for pitching in here Steve!! (although I do wish you'd post in more simple terms, lol)!!!
 
worldcure said:
That article made me want to cry, I never knew, thank you for sharing it with me, now I'm very nervous, thanks for your help, I want to do this the healthy way.
Click to expand...

Don't be nervous. your still alive and healthy. Now your educated a bit, eat better :)
 
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newbride02 said:
Thanks for pitching in here Steve!! (although I do wish you'd post in more simple terms, lol)!!!
Click to expand...

What didn't you understand specifically?
 
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