So,

I just checked what my basal metabolic rate is on some website. It said something along the lines of 1780 calories. Now... I don't eat that much at all. Maybe it's just been a long time of low fat/ low cal diets, but I seem to get satisfied on 1400 calories. If I go by the 10x rule, I should be eating 2100 calories.

So,

What happens for real when you go into starvation mode? What would happen if I started to eat 2100 calories? (gain weight, then start dropping?) How many calories based on the basal metabolic rate should I be eating? (more than 1780, less than that to lose...?)

And I know that you don't have to watch calories on atkins, but what if it seems I'm just eating way too little...?

Any input is greatly appreciated!

Mary

Those websites are "guestimates". They give you a very general idea of what your rmr is. The 10x rule NEVER worked for me. If I ate that many cals, I'd be gaining like crazy. Does PP suggest watching calories? I wouldn't worry about it unless you find your self truly stalled.

the 10 or 12 times your weight is your DESIRED weight - not your current weight....

if you want to weigh 150, then 1500 is it- and you're very close to that so i'd not worry unless you go a month with no weight loss OR inches lost.

The way I remember being told about Starvation Mode is that you have to continually consume 1,000 or lower calories for weeks at a time before your metabolism will slow down and go into starvation mode. If I am wrong, someone feel free to correct me.

that is the way i see it too.Starvation mode takes time and you wont feel good at some point if you dont eat enough.

If you're not hungry, you're not in "starvation mode". Don't forget: right now, you're using stored calories from that pizza you ate two years ago (body fat).

OH MAN....that visual is enough to keep me on plan for LIFE! Wow...I'd never heard someone put it that way!