Loss of appetite!

[IhateMyFat]

I just don't seem to feel hungry anymore, I had my lunch three hours before I usually have dinner, its now way past dinner time and I just cant bring myself to eat anything, should I reduce my portion sizes?? I measure everything I eat at 4oz, would it hurt me to go down to 3 or 2oz? The reason I am asking this is because I had a 4oz stake at lunch and I was so stuffed..

I know everyone going through ketosis expriences loss of appetite, how did you handle it?

Daphne

[Elizellen]

Yes, try eating smaller portions, and spacing them out through the day.

One of the things we sometimes have problems with is knowing what 'enough' amounts to for us, so induction can be a great learning experience.
From the Rules of induction

6. Adjust the quantity you eat to suit your appetite, especially as it decreases. When you're hungry, eat the amount that makes you feel satisfied, but not stuffed. When you're not hungry, eat a small controlled carbohydrate snack to accompany your nutritional supplements.

and in Chapter 18 he says

Experiment and find that place where you can say 'I could eat more but I am satisfied'

[Nalia]

What happens though when you just aren't hungry- even after spacing out and cutting portion size? Last night my fitday values were way off at the point when I just couldn't eat anymore. I ended up stuffing my salad down and feeling terrible (but my values were perfect). Is it ok to skip eating when you just aren't hungry? Even if it means your ratios are off?

[IhateMyFat]

Elizellen, thanks for the information, I am concerned because my calories are not even 700 for today and yesterday... For tomorrow I'll spread my meals out and maybe have six little meals instead of three meals..

Nalia, I understand the "just not being hungry" issue, my fitday values are almost perfect as well but looking at the amount of calories I have consumed today (less than 700) I think I should be consuming more calories than 700, I know Atkins in not about cals... Maybe someone with a bit more experience can expand a bit more on this for us.....

[cristylp]

Be careful not to eat too little. It took forever for me to believe that, but it's true. If you cut down too much your metabolism will slow down and you won't lose. You really do have to eat to lose weight.

[Nalia]

Originally Posted by cristylp

Be careful not to eat too little. It took forever for me to believe that, but it's true. If you cut down too much your metabolism will slow down and you won't lose. You really do have to eat to lose weight.

I know I'm full of questions, sorry Daphne, but hopefully it will help you too!

So, how much is "too little"? Especially when you're full? Is there a caloric intake that we shouldn't go below? (taylored for each individual, of course)

[cristylp]

I don't think there is a number that will work for everyone. It's hard, I'm sure, when you've eaten 700 calories and you are full. That's what Atkins says to do, eat until you are full. But it seems like I've read something about not going below 1000 calories a day because of the metabolism issues.

There are a lot of people here who know the program so much better than I do, so hopefully someone will see this and have a better answer.

[ValidRouge]

You can try upping your carbs just a little. That will help kick it up a notch or two. Moving into rung 1...then eat your veggies first to get them in, fat second, protein third. That way you are making sure that 1) you are getting the NEEDED fiber and nutrients from the veggies (make sure to eat nutrient dense veggies as opposed to lettuce) 2) you are getting the needed fat with protein being last. As you up the carbs, just the miniscule amount that the veggies add, your appetite will return a little. PLUS you get the added benefit of starting to move up the rungs! YAY. You can stay on the veggie rung as long as you like too.

[Seshena36]

I have the same problem....I think most people probably do or did at the beginning...I've been doing induction since May 22, 2006 and I have some days where my calories are around 1300 because I've eaten a "fattier" meat like pot roast or something of that nature........but for the most part my calories are always under 1000 and its not because I'm "trying" to keep them that low.....its just because I've eaten leaner, less calorie laden things and I'm full.....

I think for me that and my net carbs generally always being well under 20 has me hesitant to move on to OWL.....I dont seem to be able to get the two things at the right level at the same time......

[cristylp]

Originally Posted by Seshena36

I think for me that and my net carbs generally always being well under 20 has me hesitant to move on to OWL.....I dont seem to be able to get the two things at the right level at the same time......

Me too. I'm on extended induction and haven't attempted to move because I'm scared to death of gaining or having my weight loss stall. I may try moving up to the veggie rung the first of August and see how it goes.