Q: This is my third week on the DietWatch plan and I am losing slowly but steadily. My daily goal calorie range is 1600-1800. I have been averaging 1400 calories daily for the past week and a half. I have noticed a decrease in my appetite (on some days) and find it difficult to get in all the calories I should be consuming.
I am curious if being under the goal calorie allotment has any adverse effects such as causing the body to store excess fat. Or will it cause faster weight loss?
A: The first several weeks on a new routine -- whether it be exercise or a meal plan -- can result in varying changes in weight due to fluid shifts within the body. In your case, I suggest that you try to stick to your recommended plan as much as you can. If the body doesn't get enough calories, the metabolism can get sluggish, making it more difficult to lose weight. Your intake is just a few hundred calories below the recommendation but those calories can make a difference. Do you notice anything in particular affecting your appetite on the days it decreases? Perhaps you're not exercising on those days. Or you're drinking more water. See how things go over the next few weeks and keep me posted!
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