Do I need to eat in order to lose weight?

I am dead serious with this question.

I don't eat. And when I do, it's something like 1 string cheese, a small yogurt, celery, fruit, etc...

Why am I not losing weight?

I heard that my metabolism has probably totally shut down because there's nothing in me to metabolize.

What do you think? Should I eat a few times a day? What do I eat? I'm feeling defeated.

Thanks!

Re: Do I need to eat in order to lose weight?

Yes! You need to eat. Your body is not getting enough calories and is probably in starvation mode. You will not lose weight until you start eating more. Try eating more healthy foods like lean meats like chicken and turkey, fruits, vegetables, whole grain carbs like whole wheat pasta or brown rice.

Re: Do I need to eat in order to lose weight?

Your body has gone into full on caveman starvation mode. It thinks its in a period of starvation as has no idea when more food is coming, so its holding on to every sigle ounce as best it can.

You need to eat small meals frequently throughout the day- probably around 1200 calories.

Try a healthy mix of carb and protein- a whole wheat english muffin with peanut butter and a banana for breakfast, a small yogurt as a morning snack, salad with grilled chicken for lunch, apple and cheese for afternoon snack, vegetable, some potato or rice and fish for dinner, etc.

if your not used to eating, it will seem like a lot, but your body needs food for nutrition, even to loose weight

Re: Do I need to eat in order to lose weight?

I agree with the pp. Eat 3 times a day or more... you don't have to eat huge meals but have enough to feel satisfied & keep it healthy. If you exercise it will get your metabolism going too, also drinking a lot of water too.

Re: Do I need to eat in order to lose weight?

Your definately not eating enough! You should be eating around 6 small meals a day. Its true what your hearing..your metabolism slows down when you don't eat. Every little thing you eat will turn to fat (to be stored) as your body is not used to being fed often.

Re: Do I need to eat in order to lose weight?

Absolutely you have to eat! 1200 calories a day, minimum. Doesn't really matter how many meals or when, but the pp's are right when they're telling you to eat more frequently if you can because it keeps you from getting hungry in between.

I don't know you, and I'm sorry if this comes out wrong, but... not eating? It's not healthy. At all. Not just because it makes your body hold onto fat, but because you're not getting the protein your muscles need, or the vitamins (supplements can only do so much - they are NOT as good as getting nutrients from fruits & veggies), or the fats (yes, your body needs fats), or carbs for energy. Eating is a basic human function, it's necessary for survival, and it should be an instinct you have. What do you think is going on? Why aren't you eating?

I'm not trying to be mean or accusatory. I'm only asking this because I'm concerned, and I hope you're ok.

Message edited 5/8/2009 7:00:52 PM.

Re: Do I need to eat in order to lose weight?

I agree with everything above. This is not a judgment but I find it so sad when people think they need to starve themselves to lose weight

ETS: If you go from eating that little to even eating only 1200 calories a day you may notice a bit of a gain at first because you will be shocking your body. If you continue to eat healthy and count your calories it will eventually start going back down again.

Message edited 5/9/2009 7:36:14 AM.

Re: Do I need to eat in order to lose weight?