can't decide when to stop on diet? Any advice?

[lineupyourarmies]

I have recently spent 8 weeks on a Very Low Calorie Diet and lost two stone, taking me to 10 stone 6. I'm 5 foot 4 so just about at the top of a normal weight now.

I can't decide what to do though - I would really like to get to 9 st 13, but not sure how much longer I can live on 430 calories a day. The 'counsellor' who weighs me recommends that I keep going maybe adding in just one low calorie meal a day- but this will slow down my weight loss.

What would you do? Continue on total meal replacement for another two weeks which should see me under 10 stone, add in a meal, or come off it altogether and eat healthily etc?

TIA

430 calories a day? That is really low with possible repercussions to your metabolism & health. I wouldn't think it is a good idea to stay on it any longer at all!

Come off the meal replacements, aim to eat healthily and with balance, drink lots of water, do some exercise, log your food and exercise on something like myfitnesspal.com

430 is a crazy amount to be living on! U need 1200 calories minimum ur body must be in starvation mode - u need to increase ur calories slowly but u could end up
Putting weight on.

These two last comments aren't all that helpful - as if VLCDs aren't a recognised and medically endorsed way to lose weight!

Anyhow, I'll hopefully be at your stage soon - have 12lb left to lose on LL. I would be very tempted to add the meal in for the last couple of weeks, as I'm already longing to get back into real food. It's so hard to stay strong in this last stretch, isn't it? I wonder whether the counsellors suggest adding the meal in to help us, so that we don't lose heart and give up. Or whether (cynically) it's better for them to string it out for a few more weeks. I'd like to think it's the former...

But if you can hack abstinence a bit longer just to get under 10 stone then you will be filtering the food in through management anyway so that's probably the best option. Lose the weight sooner rather than dragging it out.

I imagine you put a bit back on when you start eating again, even if it's only water, so it's probably worthwhile getting under 10 then you can add a bit and still be comfortable.

Thanks PD

Yes, I should have been clearer - this is a 'proper' recognised VLCD and yes, of course they are not good for long term health.

I think I will add in a meal a day