500 calorie deficit is fine, anyone tried 1000?

[az81]

I credit a lot of my recent success with weight loss to keeping an eye on my calorie intake, and have had no trouble handling the standard 500 calorie deficit that is commonplace. While I have been hungry at times, I've survived.

I'm considering trying a 1000 calorie deficit, and just wondering if there's any danger in it. It's quite a large amount - a limit of 1491 in my case - and I want to be sure that I can handle it. Today, I consumed 1730, and feel a little hungry. I'm sure I won't die of starvation any time soon, though.

Has anyone had any experience with such a large deficit? Any side effects or problems? Things I should be aware of?

[CronicBadger]

The general guideline is that a 2000Kj (500 Cal) deficit per day is a fairly safe rate. I've done a 4000Kj deficit for several days at a time but couldn't maintain it, and stayed at the easier 2000Kj rate.

[Blitz]

I've never counted a calorie in my life...too hard work for me!

We've had a few people come to the Forum in the past who thought that to get good or better results the way forward was to reduce their calorie intake. This approach however has seen many a person shoot themselves in the foot. They burn themselves out because it is unsustainable.

Eating less encourages the body to conserve resources and so it reduces metabolism.
The body rebels by increasing hunger pains and cause itself to be fatigued and lethargic.
This stresses the person until they just chunk it all in, cease exercising and go on a binge.

You have to find that happy medium - eat enough to keep the system ticking over but not too much that add to the fat stores.
I always like to think in terms that you eat to keep your body at status quo (neutral weight) and exercise to burn off the fat stores.
In actuality the science tells us the reverse is true (exercise to stay neutral and eat to deficit fat stores) but I have found my approach very helpful in managing to obtain successful weight loss.

Kim

[az81]

Now I'm confused again I think that I'll just stick to what I'm doing, it's working so far.

[Blitz]

"It's confusing these days...This chaos is killing me" (Hallo Spaceboy - David Bowie)

Hang in there my friend.
It is hard and confusing at the beginning of the journey but you will find your feet soon enough.

The interesting thing about weight loss is that when you enter into it's grand adventure you think it is all about your physical body
but by the end of the journey you discover that the most important part is what has happened within your head!

Kim

[az81]

It's definitely confusing - but, that's my own fault. I'm an over-thinker, but I suppose that might come in handy when it comes to something like this!

[Blitz]

It's definitely confusing - but, that's my own fault. I'm an over-thinker, but I suppose that might come in handy when it comes to something like this!

At least you are thinking!...you are right - it is a useful trait.
Once you get use to all the pieces, you will find that you'll be able to put them all together to create the picture of what you need to do to enact a healthy lifestyle that works in your life.

Take it slow and steady; and it will fall into place for you.

Kim