If you’ve hit a plateau or are having trouble losing weight on a low calorie diet, you may not be eating enough. According to most health and wellness professionals, you need to consume at least 1,200 calories a day for your body to get the vitamins, nutrients, and calories to properly function and maintain basic health.
While cutting calories alone can help you lose weight, there are healthy ways of managing your diet so you’re eating the right amount. Most doctors and nutritionists consider a 500 calorie a day deficit appropriate for weight loss. This helps you lose up to 2 pounds a week – a healthy path towards a healthy weight. When you cut your calories below that, you start compromising the health of the body. This will slow your metabolism. Your body may also experience muscle and bone loss in order to get the nutrients it needs, weakening the body.
If you’re looking to lose weight, keep a diet journal and make sure that you are consuming enough calories each day. Also consider what you’re eating. Are the foods high in vitamins and minerals? Are you eating enough protein and fiber? It’s not just about eating enough but the right combinations of foods.