Diet stopped working?

Question

I went on a diet where I would not eat more than 1,200 calories a day. I started dropping weight quickly, but now I'm not. In fact, I gained back a pound. I've been on this diet for over two weeks. What happened? Why did it suddenly stop working?

Answer 1

First maybe you should pay attention to what you are eating. If you are eating unhealthy food (even if it's only 1200 calories a day) then you won't keep losing weight. So try to eat fruits and vegies more and only lean meat and watch what you are snacking on.

Secondly, maybe you need to add exercise to your routine, or more of it. Dieting w/o exercise doesn't really work.

And third, never forget that you have to eat food to lose weight. If you are starving yourself or going w/o breakfast then it slows down your matabolism and you'll stop losing weight. The best diet is one where you make life style changes (like eating more healthy food, and avoid sugars and food high in fat) and really enjoy what you are doing. If you are miserable then you won't stick to the diet and you'll gain it all back.  

Answer 2

That happens to me when I don't eat enough calories for my body to feel like it's healthy enough. Your body probably realized it's losing too much and started holding on to the calories. Exercise more instead of only limiting your calories if you want to lose more weight. Sometimes when you starve yourself (at least what your body perceives as starving), it goes into survival mode and tries to stop you from starvation (again, what your body's chemistry perceives as starvation). You could also be weighing water weight if you're retaining water (which could happen if you're eating salty foods). Either way, keep eating healthily and working out.

Answer 3

I think that is might be what those CALORIES were. Its not just how much you eat, but what you eat. So if you continued eating healthy than that is great. I think that your body adjusted and got comfortable, so you just need to switch it up. So more exercise, or just more time might be the trick. Don't get discourage. Just keep up the good work!

Answer 4

I'm not sure maybe your body got used to the same routine. I actually tried this website recently and I am very happy to say it is working!

Check it out.

Answer 5

That is bad, you were probably starving your self, reply to this to state weather you were eating less or eating the same amount of food but more healthy. If you eat 1 hamberger a day instead of 3 a day your body will think your starving and store as much fat as it can, so as soon as you go off the diet your body's still storing that fat. What you have to do is eat alot of low - cal foods like veges.

Answer 6

You are starving your body!! You have depleted your metabolism and your body is only burning what it HAS to and storing the rest as fat because it isn't sure when it's next calories are. It is recommended to consume 2,000 calories a day to maintain your weight. to lose 1 pound you need to not eat 3,500 calories less then what you need to maintain. to lose one pound a week (which is healthy and what is recommended by doctors) you should consume 1,500 a day (rather than the 2,000). Something to help you keep your metabolism going is to eat at least 3 times a day if not 5 (small meals of course, of good choice foods, and not to exceed your calories) and to consume over your calories one day a week (but still by eating healthfully) ... make sure to drink lots of water (at least 8-8oz glasses a day) and stay active (exervise for at least 20 minutes a day 6 days a week switching between cardio and strength training). A good source for a great workout and diet plans is Curve's ... they are relatively cheap, fun, and there is an excellent support network!!

Good Luck to you! If there is anything else that I may be able to help you with, please, let me know!!

Answer 7

Hi EB,

I'm an Independent Herbalife Distributor in my free time, so can definitely help you get on a programme for sustained weight-loss.

However, I must say right now that eating only 1,200 calories a day may not be what your body wants. Any programme that restricts you to those few calories is just guaranteeing that your body locks down into starvation mode. The average weight-loss for most people is between 2-3lbs a week, anything more than that in a rapid descent puts a strain on your body and soon it thinks that it will not receive all the protein, vitamins, minerals and nutrients it needs to keep you going. Obviously individuals vary, but that is the healthy rate. I would be very happy to discuss this with you in person.

A Herbalife programme is personalised to suit your lifestyle, goals and wallet! Your Independent Herbalife Wellness Coach will talk you through your requirements and agree with you on a programme that suits all 3. Their services are free and they keep in regular contact with you to guide and encourage you.

If you wish to know more and especially if you want to sample some of the products before committing yourself to a full programme, then please see the link below. If you would rather go straight onto a full weight-loss programme, no problem, enter your details all the same & we can discuss further.

Good luck!