Have lost weight but won’t stay off

[WaitingForSunday17]

I’ve lost about a stone and a half but every time I start eating a little more the weight goes almost instantly back on.
And by a little more I mean more than 1000 calories a day. The only way I can maintain my weight is by eating less than 800 calories. And I know sometimes you can eat more than you think but I’m really careful and log everything I’ve eaten so I know it’s not more than that amount. Yesterday I had just under 1200 calories and today I’m a pound heavier than I was two days ago.

I probably need to exercise but as I’m in sole charge of two children most of the time it’s reallt hard to fit much in.

An suggestions or is being hungry forever the only way I will maintain this weight?

[Babieseverywhere]

The 'set point theory' has been seen in rats but not in humans. So we don't know if this is a factor for us yet. It might be and it might not.

Researchers are concentrating on 'settling point theory' and 'lack of physical exercise' as the current problems for gaining weight. I.e. we settle into bad food habits dependant on our surroundings and we don't exercise enough. A minimum of 60 minutes a day of activity is recommended for adults !

[AdaArdor]

*ate pasta!

[AdaArdor]

Also, 2lbs is very within the normal limits of fluctuations. Assuming you're female, you should set a range you are comfortable with of about 5lbs, so that any weigh-in within that range is fine, but if you consistently go above or over the top of that range, that's when you've actually gained true wwight and should correct again. Seriously, 2lbs in 2 days does not mean you are gaining at a rate of 2lbs every 2 days it probably just means you are pasta, didn't drink enough water, and are at any random point in your cycle that your body decides to hold onto a load of bloat!!!

[KirstenRaymonde]

Your brain also has a ‘set point’ for fat stores that it thinks you should have, which will have adjusted up as you put on weight. Your body will now fight to regain the fat it’s lost. It can be a constant battle.

But also, your weight will fluctuate day to day so weighing every day and comparing that with what you ate isn’t very helpful. Also you may also have burned less that day, FitBit is really helpful to know what calories you’re actually using. Try to move more (doesn’t have to be ‘exercise’) and weigh only once a week so you’re not obsessing about little changes.

[Babieseverywhere]

Also check using online calculators what your maintance calories actually are. The oft quoted 2000 daily calories for a woman is not accurate of you are inactive, older or short.

[Babieseverywhere]

When you start eating maintenance calories you will naturally put on a few pounds, as your body fills up your emergency glycogen stores in your muscles.

Losing this glycogen is what accounts for high loss at the start of a diet.

So expect to put on a few lbs and don't worry it will stop at that point.

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