When it comes to eating, there’s a lot of confusion about how much food you actually need. You might be under the impression that if you’re trying to lose weight, you should eat in a calorie deficit – but this isn’t always the case. In fact, eating too little can have some serious consequences for your health. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why you might be eating too little, and how to start eating more without wrecking your metabolism!
We Need To Forget The 1200 Calorie Diets
The first step in understanding how much you should be eating is to forget the calorie counts. For years, we’ve been told that weight loss = calorie deficit, and as a result, many people are afraid to eat more for fear of gaining weight. But the truth is, your body needs a certain number of calories to function properly. If you’re consistently eating in a calorie deficit, your body will start to conserve energy – which can lead to weight gain, not weight loss.
What’s more, the calorie restriction can seriously harm your health. One study found that women who ate less than 1800 calories per day were at a higher risk for heart disease and early death. Another study found that calorie restriction can actually lead to weight gain in the long run. So if you’re eating less than 1200 calories daily, it’s time to increase your food intake!
BMR- Don’t Eat Below It!
The next step in understanding how much you should eat is understanding your BMR. BMR stands for Basal Metabolic Rate, and it’s the number of calories your body burns at rest. To calculate your BMR, you can use our custom macro calculator. Once you know your BMR, you must ensure you’re eating above it.
We Need Muscle To Burn Energy
If you’re not eating enough, your body will start to break down muscle for energy – and this can actually lead to weight gain, not weight loss. What’s more, muscle mass is essential for a healthy metabolism. So if you’re trying to lose weight and improve your health, ensure you’re eating enough to support your BMR!
Metabolic Health
If you’re eating in a calorie deficit, it’s important to understand that weight loss isn’t always the goal. In fact, if your goal is to improve your health, you might want to focus on metabolic health instead of weight loss. Metabolic health is the process by which your body converts food into energy, and it’s essential for maintaining a healthy weight.
There are a few key factors that contribute to metabolic health:
– calorie intake
– nutrient intake
– activity level
– sleep quality
If you’re not eating enough, your body won’t be able to properly convert food into energy. This can lead to weight gain, and it can also have some serious consequences for your health. So if you’re not eating enough, ensure you’re getting enough nutrients, and increase your activity level.
How To Eat More
If you’re not used to eating a lot of food, it can be tough to increase your calorie intake. Here are a few tips to help you eat more without feeling stuffed:
-Start with small meals and snacks, and gradually increase the portion size.
-Include calorie-dense foods in your diet, such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil.
-Make sure you eat various nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
– Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
– Avoid calorie-restricted diets, as they can lead to weight gain in the long run.
Shifting Your Mindset
Eating more might seem scary at first, but it’s essential for your health. But just think, what’s the worst that can happen if you’ve been in a low-calorie diet cycle without any results? You’ll start eating more calories. And you might even reach your health goals! So shift your mindset and focus on getting the nutrients your body needs.
If you’re not sure how to get started, we can help. Check-in with our Champ City dietitians and let us help you create a plan to reach your health goals. We’ll work with you to ensure you’re eating the right number of calories and getting the nutrients you need. Contact us below to learn more!
Did you know that calorie restriction can actually lead to weight gain in the long run? If you’re not eating enough, your body will start to break down muscle for energy, which can lead to weight gain. What’s more, muscle mass is essential for a healthy metabolism. So if you’re trying to lose weight and improve your health, ensure you’re eating enough to support your BMR!
