Metabolism/Exercise/Injury

L

lusciouslemon

New member
Well, the title sums this up in a concise and very confusing way... Let me explain. I gained a fair bit of weight last summer (156 up to 178).Yes, sad but true! Good news, I've been able to lose 16lbs of it in the last 6 weeks (The initial week -7 lbs, and then a healthy 1-2lbs/wk after that).

Anyways, the next part of the equation. I was in a serious car accident in August and have been going to physiotherapy 3 times a week. I have been recommended not to go to the gym until I am able to get my back problems under control. They have me working on core and TA strengthening. A big step in the right direction!

I have really cut my caloric intake back and have focused on eating healthier foods. I know that cutting back calories too much is not good... and I know I am falling into that category. My metabolism has always been a bit slower and I am sure I'm not helping it. I want to increase my calorie intake but I don't want to slow my weight loss.

I understand that I can increase my metabolism by eating several small meals. What I eat for these small meals is puzzling me. Is it the amount of calories in these meals that helps increase metabolism or is it simply having something in your stomach for digestion? For example, green peppers and cucumbers are very low in calories. Are these substantial enough or does it need to be more protein or fat based, such as nuts? Any other metabolism tips not related specifically to exercise would be greatly appreciated.:)
 
There is no credible proof that eating frequently has a significant effect on metabolism. Instead, you can maybe add a small snack to your current diet in order to increase your calorie intake for the day.

But if you're only losing 1-2 lbs a week, you're probably fine. Reach your goal weight (which seems to be within a month or two) then slowly increase your caloric balance so that you do not gain or lose any weight.
 
Thanks for the replies. I've always been a little suspicious of the whole six meals a day thing. If anything it makes things a lot more difficult and limits "food creativity". Sometime you just want a more complex meal than only tidbits every few hours. Not that I'm suggesting binging on one massive meal, but I am definitely not a six-meals-a-day-kinda-gal.

The 1-2lb weight loss is where I want to be and I am not suggesting that I want to lose more than that in a week. The thing is that I'm not just wanting to get back to 156. I am aiming for 140. So its that constant paranoia I have that I will hit a major plateau before I reach my goal. I'm trying to look ahead and be proactive now. Hopeful, by the time I hit my plateau, I can start getting into the gym to push past it. I should have titled this thread "The Dreaded Plateau Paranoia"...LOL!!!
 
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