Expert: Leigh-Anne Persing, PA-C - 1/7/2007

Question
Hi Leigh-Anne,

I have just started a diet. I am not too over weight. I am 27, 6'3" and 210 pounds. My average weight my whole adult life has been a natural 165 pounds. Within the last year and a half I have packed on an extra 45 pounds, and would LOVE to lose it.

With that stated, I have started a diet on January 3rd. I seem to be eating alot, but cant seem to get my daily caloric intake above 1500. I am not hungy through the day, so I figured I was doing ok, but some people have mentioned starvation mode, and its effects to me. I am kinda concerned of its negative effects.

Here is my regement:

Breakfast: 2 packs instant oatmeal 260 calories

Lunch: 1 pack instant oatmeal 130 calories, 1 cup fresh veggies 30 calories, 1 serving canned veggies 50 calories, Jello (sugar free) 10 calories, fresh fruit (usually an orange)60 calories.

Snack: Anything semi-healthy around 100-150 calories.

Dinner: Steamed chicken breast 220 calories, steamed or canned veggies 20-50 calories, slice of whole wheat bread 90 calories. ( Dinner does vary, I just try to keep it sensible, and high protien. I do not want dinner to go above 600 calories.)

I also take a multi-vitamin in the morning, and drink around 2 liters of water a day. I dont really exercise. I work 9 hours a day, and am on my feet, constantly moving for 4.5 hours of that time. I do housework in the evenings. I figure that is my exercise.

So I guess my question would be is my body going to go into starvation mode? I hope not because it seems like I eat alot. Maybe I should throw some protien in for lunch. I am sure that would be a +.  

Answer
your above diet does soubnd pretty healthy although I would recommend adding a little protein (slice of cheese or a serving of meat) to your lunch. Also adding a sensible snack in between breakfast and lunch would be a good idea as well in order to keep the metabolism going.