Yes, they can be effective in the short term. When you consume only 800 calories a day, your body is in a calorie deficit, which forces it to use stored fat for energy. However, it may not be sustainable. Such a low - calorie diet can make you feel extremely hungry and fatigued. Also, it might slow down your metabolism over time as your body tries to conserve energy.
One major risk is nutrient deficiency. With only 800 calories, it's tough to get all the nutrients your body needs. Another risk is a slowdown in metabolism. Your body might think it's starving and start conserving energy, making future weight loss harder. Also, there can be issues with fatigue and lack of energy for daily activities.
One person I know started a 500 - calories - a - day diet. They mainly ate small portions of lean protein like chicken breast and lots of vegetables. In the first week, they lost about 2 - 3 pounds. But it was really tough. They often felt hungry and had low energy. However, as time went on, their body seemed to adjust a bit, and the weight kept coming off steadily over a few months.
Sure. There was a girl who managed to lose 20 pounds in two months on a 500 - calories - a - day plan. She had a strict meal plan that included things like steamed vegetables and a small amount of nuts for healthy fats. She also drank a lot of water which helped with her metabolism.
One success story is of a woman who started counting calories. She used an app to track everything she ate. By simply being aware of the calorie content, she cut out high - calorie junk foods. She also made sure to have a calorie deficit of about 500 calories per day. In a few months, she lost 20 pounds.
Well, many of those with success stories in counting calories for weight loss first educated themselves about the calorie content of various foods. They also planned their meals in advance. This way, they could ensure they stayed within their daily calorie limit. They combined this with regular exercise, like jogging or cycling, which increased the number of calories they burned, creating a bigger calorie deficit and leading to weight loss.
One success story is of my friend, Jane. She committed to walking 10000 steps a day. She started by simply taking short walks during her work breaks. After a few months, she noticed significant weight loss. The key was consistency. She combined this with a balanced diet. By walking, she increased her calorie burn. And with better food choices, she was in a calorie deficit, which led to losing pounds steadily.
To stay motivated during a 90 - day weight loss process, it's important to track your progress. You can take pictures or write down your weight and measurements every week. Also, reward yourself when you reach certain milestones, but not with food. Maybe buy a new piece of workout gear or go for a relaxing day at the spa. Visualizing your end goal, like fitting into a certain dress or looking good at a beach vacation, can also keep you going.
One success story is my friend Lisa. She started counting calories religiously. She used an app to track everything she ate. By simply being aware of the calorie intake, she was able to cut out unnecessary snacks and large portions. In a few months, she lost 20 pounds. It was amazing to see her transformation just by being conscious of the calories.
There's also Mark. He was overweight and decided to count calories to lose weight. He learned about the calorie content of different foods and found ways to substitute high - calorie items with lower - calorie but still satisfying alternatives. For example, he switched from full - fat milk to skim milk. He also started cooking more at home, which allowed him to control the ingredients and calorie amounts precisely. After a year, he had lost a significant amount of weight and felt much healthier.