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Special K Challenge
2 weeks ago I wasnt feeling so good and after I got better, I had lost 7 pounds so I figured it was an easy jump start to a diet. I have been meaning to try and lose about 30 pounds and this was an unplanned head start... so my BIL told me about his good experience with the Special K diet. Its been 9 days and I lost another 5 pounds. But now that AF is right around the corner, I gained back another 1-2 pounds even though I havent eaten any more than I'm supossed to. This is my first diet ever and I'm wondering if AF is a normal factor in ups and downs in weight loss and also, what is the average amount of weight loss per week/month. I am eating no more than 1000 calories per day. Thanks for any dieting tips/help.
P.S. - Dieting is harder than quitting smoking for me.  
Message edited 8/20/2011 8:41:32 AM.
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Posted 8/20/11 8:40 AM  |
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Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
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Re: Special K Challenge
I don't know much about nutrition statistics, but I'm pretty sure that 1000 calories is too little. I think that 1200 is too little. I believe that your body will go into starvation mode and lower your metabolism so it can hold onto all the fat it can.
AF will affect your weight, you are retaining water, so that will add a bit.
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| Posted 8/20/11 9:53 AM |
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MrsG823
Just call me Mommy.
Member since 1/11 5570 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: Special K Challenge
1000 calories a day is way too low! You are going to slow your metabolism. I did a quick search on this diet plan and it is not trying to promote healthy eating it simply limits calories and promotes special k products. It is a high carbohydrate, low fiber and low protein diet. I suspect the reason why this diet is so difficult is because you feel hungry all the time. You are likely not getting enough protein or fiber to help you to feel satisfied. There are much healthier approaches to weight loss that promote healthy eating and long term lifestyle changes that will help you keep the weight off. As for the weight gain it is common for women to gain a little weight before AF.
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-special-k-challenge?page=2
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| Posted 8/20/11 1:20 PM |
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LDrinkh20
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 1820 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Special K Challenge
Posted by MrsG823
1000 calories a day is way too low! You are going to slow your metabolism. I did a quick search on this diet plan and it is not trying to promote healthy eating it simply limits calories and promotes special k products. It is a high carbohydrate, low fiber and low protein diet. I suspect the reason why this diet is so difficult is because you feel hungry all the time. You are likely not getting enough protein or fiber to help you to feel satisfied. There are much healthier approaches to weight loss that promote healthy eating and long term lifestyle changes that will help you keep the weight off. As for the weight gain it is common for women to gain a little weight before AF.
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-special-k-challenge?page=2
I agree with almost everything. Definitely dont see this diet as the best or healthiest option.
I do disagree with everyone's comments about 1000 calories being too low. Now if you are thinking you need to lose 30 lbs then yes, iw ould say 1000 calories is too low to be starting out at. However, depending on your height, weight, muscle tone, metabolic rate etc 1000 calories might not be so far off. I also have some issues with the "starvation mode" theories out there. (as do my nutritionists)
Bottom line, I agree with Samantha that this isn't the greatest diet and it won't be easy to stick to.
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| Posted 8/20/11 2:18 PM |
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missfabulous
#mommyneedswine
Member since 6/09 10031 total posts
Name:
Colleen
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Re: Special K Challenge
Posted by LDrinkh20
. I also have some issues with the "starvation mode" theories out there. (as do my nutritionists)
To the original poster- I'm sorry to hijack your thread! I'm just curious about this starvation mode. I have heard multiple times that starvation mode is a MYTH. Lauren and Samantha, you are both very knowledgeable when it comes to nutrition. I'm just curious to see your take on it!
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| Posted 8/20/11 2:37 PM |
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LDrinkh20
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 1820 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Special K Challenge
According to my reading and my doctors it has not in fact been proven.
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| Posted 8/20/11 3:03 PM |
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LDrinkh20
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 1820 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Special K Challenge
Posted by LDrinkh20
According to my reading and my doctors it has not in fact been proven.
Also wanted to add that I eat under 1000 calories a day. I am also less than 100 lbs and 5 ft tall. My body doesn't requrie the same amount of calories that someone taller or heavier than me would be. During my week, I also cycle my carbs or have higher days so that my body is not constantly eating under 1000 calories. This is a technique similar to carb cycling or calorie cycling which is a way to eat lower caloric numbers without harming your body and metabolism.
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| Posted 8/20/11 3:22 PM |
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MrsG823
Just call me Mommy.
Member since 1/11 5570 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: Special K Challenge
Posted by LDrinkh20
Posted by LDrinkh20
According to my reading and my doctors it has not in fact been proven.
Also wanted to add that I eat under 1000 calories a day. I am also less than 100 lbs and 5 ft tall. My body doesn't requrie the same amount of calories that someone taller or heavier than me would be. During my week, I also cycle my carbs or have higher days so that my body is not constantly eating under 1000 calories. This is a technique similar to carb cycling or calorie cycling which is a way to eat lower caloric numbers without harming your body and metabolism.
While I agree that in some cases eating 1000 calories a day may be Ok for some people it generally is not good for most people. Lauren I think your situation is a bit different because of your height, weight and supervision. One of the reasons you cycle your carbohydrates is to keep your metabolic rate up. This is also the reason for cheat day, etc. As for severe calorie restriction leading to a decrease in metabolism I think this is well accepted in the fields of nutrition and medicine. The body can adapt over time. There is a lot of research being done on calorie restriction and aging these studies have clearly demonstrated the effects of calorie restriction on protein metabolism and liver metabolism.
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| Posted 8/20/11 4:08 PM |
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Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
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Re: Special K Challenge
Posted by LDrinkh20
According to my reading and my doctors it has not in fact been proven.
interesting...I guess since I'm taller and I run, it made sense to me...I definitely would like to read about this.
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| Posted 8/20/11 6:28 PM |
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LDrinkh20
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 1820 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Special K Challenge
Posted by MrsG823
Posted by LDrinkh20
Posted by LDrinkh20
According to my reading and my doctors it has not in fact been proven.
Also wanted to add that I eat under 1000 calories a day. I am also less than 100 lbs and 5 ft tall. My body doesn't requrie the same amount of calories that someone taller or heavier than me would be. During my week, I also cycle my carbs or have higher days so that my body is not constantly eating under 1000 calories. This is a technique similar to carb cycling or calorie cycling which is a way to eat lower caloric numbers without harming your body and metabolism.
While I agree that in some cases eating 1000 calories a day may be Ok for some people it generally is not good for most people. Lauren I think your situation is a bit different because of your height, weight and supervision. One of the reasons you cycle your carbohydrates is to keep your metabolic rate up. This is also the reason for cheat day, etc. As for severe calorie restriction leading to a decrease in metabolism I think this is well accepted in the fields of nutrition and medicine. The body can adapt over time. There is a lot of research being done on calorie restriction and aging these studies have clearly demonstrated the effects of calorie restriction on protein metabolism and liver metabolism.
Im not refuting that at all...yes there is a slow down but to go into "Starvation mode" you would need to eat less than 50% of your daily caloric needs. (from what I have read.) I think we are saying the same things...i just meant that it is possible for your metabolism to slow down for sure...however you have to be WAY WAY under your metabolic needs. I think the term and idea are thrown around way to generally. Does that make sense?
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| Posted 8/21/11 12:54 AM |
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Re: Special K Challenge
Thanks ladies! I am going to finish out the 2 weeks and start WW for the last 15-20 pounds. I dont want to join and pay the fees for that amount of weight so if anyone has free apps/website tips it would be greatly appreciated!
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| Posted 8/21/11 8:26 AM |
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MrsG823
Just call me Mommy.
Member since 1/11 5570 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: Special K Challenge
Im not refuting that at all...yes there is a slow down but to go into "Starvation mode" you would need to eat less than 50% of your daily caloric needs. (from what I have read.) I think we are saying the same things...i just meant that it is possible for your metabolism to slow down for sure...however you have to be WAY WAY under your metabolic needs. I think the term and idea are thrown around way to generally. Does that make sense?
I think you are right- the terms are thrown around a lot. I also think people tend to eat much less then their daily caloric needs in a hope to lose weight faster.
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| Posted 8/21/11 1:11 PM |
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MrsG823
Just call me Mommy.
Member since 1/11 5570 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: Special K Challenge
Posted by MrsDiamondgrlie
Thanks ladies! I am going to finish out the 2 weeks and start WW for the last 15-20 pounds. I dont want to join and pay the fees for that amount of weight so if anyone has free apps/website tips it would be greatly appreciated!
I like fitday.com to track calories and macronutrients. It is free.
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| Posted 8/21/11 1:12 PM |
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LDrinkh20
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 1820 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Special K Challenge
Posted by MrsG823
Im not refuting that at all...yes there is a slow down but to go into "Starvation mode" you would need to eat less than 50% of your daily caloric needs. (from what I have read.) I think we are saying the same things...i just meant that it is possible for your metabolism to slow down for sure...however you have to be WAY WAY under your metabolic needs. I think the term and idea are thrown around way to generally. Does that make sense?
I think you are right- the terms are thrown around a lot. I also think people tend to eat much less then their daily caloric needs in a hope to lose weight faster. [/QUOTE
Absolutely. I do wonder though how accurate some of the sites that give info on caloric needs are, ya know? I mean i know I have a slow metabolism and am little but the sites all tell me to eat WAY more than I need to. Man, I wish I could eat that much and lose weight! lol
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| Posted 8/21/11 1:24 PM |
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MrsG823
Just call me Mommy.
Member since 1/11 5570 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: Special K Challenge
Absolutely. I do wonder though how accurate some of the sites that give info on caloric needs are, ya know? I mean i know I have a slow metabolism and am little but the sites all tell me to eat WAY more than I need to. Man, I wish I could eat that much and lose weight! lol
It is really hard to estimate caloric needs based on height, weight, age and sex. There are so many factors that play a role. I have the opposite complaint about caloric recommendations from online calculators- They are usually too low. I have a fast metabolism and they generally tell me to eat far to few calories.
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| Posted 8/22/11 1:09 PM |
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LDrinkh20
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 1820 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Special K Challenge
Posted by MrsG823
Absolutely. I do wonder though how accurate some of the sites that give info on caloric needs are, ya know? I mean i know I have a slow metabolism and am little but the sites all tell me to eat WAY more than I need to. Man, I wish I could eat that much and lose weight! lol
It is really hard to estimate caloric needs based on height, weight, age and sex. There are so many factors that play a role. I have the opposite complaint about caloric recommendations from online calculators- They are usually too low. I have a fast metabolism and they generally tell me to eat far to few calories.
Wanna trade? 
I wish i could go to an endocrinologist to have my met rate tested. All of my bloodwork came back normal so they won't really see me! lol
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| Posted 8/22/11 2:49 PM |
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