1400 calories per day?

[tori3303]

I am trying to lose 40 pounds, so I've started counting my calories and have stuck with it for nearly three weeks. At first it was difficult, but now I find my appetite lessening and I can eat 1400 in a day without feeling hungry. I want to know if this is healthy or not. I eat eggs, multigrain bread, Greek yogurt, fruits, sweet potatoes, avocados, soy nuts, and lean meats, so I think I'm getting my nutrients at least. I also eat a proportional balance of carbs/fats/protein. Should I up my calorie intake or should I be alright as I am?

[bethjayne95]

I don't like nuts and seeds ...i eat very little fish and I have like cheese but I don't eat butter... fats I don't know

[Barb135]

Don't you eat nuts, seeds, dairy or fats of any kind?  Nuts, seeds and dairy are all good sources of protein, plus dairy is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin B-12.  Nuts and seeds are good sources of healthy fats, as are avocados, olive oil, coconut oil that your body needs in order to absorb certain fat soluble vitamins, like vitamin A, D, E, etc.

Do you eat fish?  That's also a good source of protein, vitamin B-12 and healthy fat.

[bethjayne95]

I eat lots of vegetables,  chicken and turkey,  have soups for dinner and eggs or rice crispys for breakfast. . Very limited carbs , yogurt and milk ..lots of water

[Barb135]

What types of food are you eating?  You may not be getting all the nourishment you need by eating so few calories.

[bethjayne95]

How do I up my calories if im struggling to eat that many

[bethjayne95]

I couldn't eat 1200 a day im struggling to eat what I eat..

[Barb135]

An adult female should not go below 1200 calories/day... a child/teenager will probably need more than that, because their body is not fully developed and they have to make sure they get adequate nourishment.

[bethjayne95]

As long as you eat the right stuff  and exercise you should be fine ... 1400 sounds steep to me as I only eat 700-1000 a day but if you're feeling less hungry then its working on the inside

[Barb135]

You can't necessarily start at 2000 calories, either or maintain 1800 calories... The calculation has to be done before the diet is started, so it can be based on the individual's weight, height and age, then adjusted for activity level.  

I'm only 5' tall and if I started a diet at 2000 calories, dropping only 500 calories/week to get to 1800 calories and maintained that, I'd hate to think of how much weight I'd gain, when my body really only needs 1200 calories.. Everyone is different and we all need a different amount of calories - that's why we have the calculation.

No, unfortunately, edit our own posts.

[jdi21c]

Looks like i can't edit my previous post, i see that you've been eating healthy, keep it up!

[jdi21c]

Hi tori3303,
What Barb135 said is true and suddenly going to 1400kcals is too sudden for your body to accept. Start with 2000kcal and then drop 500kcals each week until 1800kcal. Then maintain on 1800kcal and remember to slowly change to kitchen and lifestyle to be healthier.

[Barb135]

The number of calories you need/day is a calculation, based on your current weight, height and age, then adjusted for activity level.  It can't be just an arbitrary figure picked out because it sounds reasonable.

Your diet doesn't look like you're getting enough healthy fat and you might be getting too much sugar in the form of fruit.  Soy has been found to adversely affect thyroid function in some individuals.  Adequate thyroid function is necessary for proper metabolism.