For those that have somewhat mastered the art of losing weight while calorie counting, did you find that your body "reacts" when you don't get enough calories for one day?

I usually do around 1550 to 1650 calories a day. However, today I had a thousand things going on, and after dinner tonight I ended up with just shy of 1100 calories. I don't like eating after 8:00 PM, and truth be told, I'm not hungry. But I'm wondering if such a deficit will have any effect on my metabolism and do the "starving mode" thing.

My head tells me I should be fine, but you know, I'm still learning this process. Any experiences to share?

Yes, it'll be fine. As long as your days average around your goal, over time ... one day ... either up or down ... won't make much difference.

I agree with Susan.

I agree as well. I've had days that I've gone way over and days I've gone way under and I still lost. It's the average that's important.

I'm in the same boat -- it's 8:30, I've eaten dinner, and I'm still sitting at around 900 calories. Not only am I super busy at work these days, but I simply don't get as hungry as I used to now that I eat more protein and "good" fats and few if any refined carbs.

My strategy is just to call it a day. After all, I'll probably be slightly over target when my period hits. As Susan and others have said, it all evens out in the wash. Bodies are remarkably adaptable that way.

Kim

It's really really rare that I don't get in my calories BUT....

Normally I get in the 1800-2500 range (it sounds like a crazy big range, I know, but it works for me). However, a few weeks ago I had a few days where I got in the 1000-1200 range. I wasn't hungry and it wasn't junk food—basically, the garden was ready and I felt obligated to eat the yummy veggies and it was to the detriment of other foods. I found my mind becoming muddled-feeling, and my energy plummeted. Maybe if it had been a "balanced" 1100 cals it would have been fine, but I went back up and felt loads better.

I also have been on a low cal- low cholestrol "eating plan" HA! I try to limit to 800- 900; NO MOre than 1000. Been doing this since May 9. Have lost 45 lbs. The thing that I have found with the metalolism is that if I am hungy eat if not don't! going a little over or under will not matter as long as you don't continue over pattern or under pattern! I have also found that if I stay to somewhat schedule of eating and walking helps!! GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

To anyone whose had issues with binge eating, the idea of forgeting to eat seems crazy
I think that one day won't hurt you, one day might even give you a tiny little boost in your weight loss just don't make a habit out of it.

Best

Minty Fresh,

One day definitely doesn't matter. I try for a 1500 calorie average but if I'm a little over or under it's no big deal. Slight fluctuations can actually help I find. The thing about "starvation mode" is that you have to severely limit your calories regularly and for a substantial period before that happens. It's not even like going from 1500 to 1000 for a week would do it. At least that is how I understand it.

Cheers, Tamara