Resting metabolism

[cjsmith]

I think my metabolism has mood swings. Or something. I have eaten MAYBE a thousand calories today, though probably less, and I'm not only okay, I'm having trouble finishing dinner (dinner = 500 kcal). This has been going on for a few days and I have not lost an ounce. On the other hand, there are days when I can't eat fast enough to stay ahead of the hungry.

Weird.

Comments

[dawnd.livejournal.com]

Of what composition were the calories? Mostly protein, mostly carbs, a balance (rough percentages), etc?

And where are you in your cycle?

How much water have you had on these various days?

How much exercise, and WHEN during the day?

I'm guessing any or all of those might be contributing....

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

The composition tends to stay the same throughout these swings -- probably too much carbs, but certainly some protein and some fat. (I'm starting to think about how to change that for other reasons... haven't settled on a plan yet.)

I no longer have a discernible cycle. WOOHOO! 8-) 8-) 8-) Pills every day now. I do so love modern medical care. I'm in breakthrough bleeding right now, but boy is it ever NOT a period. I love it. I might survive until menopause at this rate. 8-) 8-)

Water: probably not enough, and though my GUESS is that it's fairly even throughout these swings, maybe that guess is not right. I could track that.

Exercise is almost always morning, and almost always a run. Today it was four miles' run. I figure that should give me at least a medium-sized appetite, but y'never know. (or at least, *I* never know!)

Stress could contribute too. I'm having a bit of that right now for absolutely NO friggen good reason. I'm also dropping my caffeine intake right now, possibly to zero-except-chocolate, possibly permanently.

Hmmm. Here are my thoughts. YMMV, of course...

[dawnd.livejournal.com]

Consider upping the fat and protein intake. Fat is especially important in signaling to your body that you are "full." Without it, you may be ravenous even when eating "enough" calories. Though why you should NOT be hungry when only eating that few calories, probably more carbs than not, is beyond me.

Glad to hear that the pill is helping with the not-a-period. Yay!!! But that, too, could have something to do with this. Your body is confused. It thinks you're pregnant. Now, theoretically that should make you HUNGRIER, but as you say, who knows? It might even out some once you're more used to the current hormonal regimen.

Yeah, most of us don't get enough water. And that can mess with your satiety, as well. Supposedly, most people think they are hungry when they are really thirsty. (In fact, thinking about it now, I realize I've been thirsty for some time...).

As you know, exercise can have effects, as well. It will up your metabolism, but not necessarily your appetite. Which, of course, is one of the reasons that folks wishing to lose weight should DO it! That alone may be what's having this paradoxical effect, especially since it's first thing in the morning.

I usually do better without much if any caffeine. Don't seem to notice its absence, really. And when I do take it, by golly it WORKS! All kinds of good reasons to avoid it (lumpy breasts among them), and few to use it. Two thumbs up for quitting that one too.

And regarding the stress: Cut that out. NOW! *shakes finger at you* ;^) Seriously, though, take a break. You do not need to drive yourself as hard as you do. Really. I know. I'm the same way. So go read a book for a while, or something. :^) Have some celery with peanut butter while you're at it (water, fiber, protein, fat, very few complex carbs--it's a GREAT snack).

Now, I'm off to bed.

ZZZZZZZZ.

Re: Hmmm. Here are my thoughts. YMMV, of course...

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Consider upping the fat and protein intake.

I'm toying with this in the context of a few other things - mainly, my high cholesterol (but with a very good ratio). Tough combo. Seems like I have to lower GOOD cholesterol, and I don't know how to do that!

Though why you should NOT be hungry when only eating that few calories, probably more carbs than not, is beyond me.

Yeah, this doesn't really explain the changes.

Glad to hear that the pill is helping with the not-a-period. Yay!!! But that, too, could have something to do with this. Your body is confused. It thinks you're pregnant. Now, theoretically that should make you HUNGRIER, but as you say, who knows? It might even out some once you're more used to the current hormonal regimen.

Well, 'cept I've had these "metabolic mood swings" for probably a year now. This latest change doesn't explain the data, either... but definitely my body's confused right now. That's true. :-)

Yeah, most of us don't get enough water.

Yep, I've heard that and it rings true to me. Though if satiety through less thirst were a factor in my "metabolic mood swings", I'd be drinking drastically more during the times I'm eating much less. This one doesn't explain the data, either. But I should definitely drink more water.

I usually do better without much if any caffeine.

Yeah. For ten or fifteen years I've been no-caffeine-at-all during one week out of every four. It made my cramps heinous. Now that I'm transitioning to this new hormonal confusion, a half a can of Coke puts me in mild menstrual cramp land, so this is as good a time as any to drop it.

And regarding the stress: Cut that out. NOW! *shakes finger at you* ;^)

(meekly) Yes, Mom! ;-)