Not Enough Calories?

by Jennifer May, M.S., R.D., M.S.
DietWatch

Q: This is my third week on the DietWatch plan and I am losing slowly but steadily. My daily goal calorie range is 1600-1800. I have been averaging 1400 calories daily for the past week and a half. I have noticed a decrease in my appetite (on some days) and find it difficult to get in all the calories I should be consuming.

I am curious if being under the goal calorie allotment has any adverse effects such as causing the body to store excess fat. Or will it cause faster weight loss?

A: The first several weeks on a new routine -- whether it be exercise or a meal plan -- can result in varying changes in weight due to fluid shifts within the body. In your case, I suggest that you try to stick to your recommended plan as much as you can. If the body doesn't get enough calories, the metabolism can get sluggish, making it more difficult to lose weight. Your intake is just a few hundred calories below the recommendation but those calories can make a difference. Do you notice anything in particular affecting your appetite on the days it decreases? Perhaps you're not exercising on those days. Or you're drinking more water. See how things go over the next few weeks and keep me posted!

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Jennifer May, M.S., R.D., M.S. is the Manager of Nutrition Services for DietWatch. Jennifer holds two master's degrees from Indiana University, one in nutrition science and one in exercise physiology. Jennifer has taught nutrition and biology at the university level, and has provided nutrition and fitness counseling and coaching for individuals, medical facilities, health organizations, and schools. She has produced educational materials and has appeared frequently on radio and television