...in order to lose weight? I mean, I know it still comes down to maintaining a deficit. But I'm trying to lose this last 5-10 lbs, and I can't seem to get anywhere. It was recently suggested to me that I try to eat more (I was doing between 1200 and 1600 a day, and running about 35 mpw - this distance is increasing with marathon training), that perhaps my body was in starvation mode. Most calorie calculators have me burning between 2400 and 2700 cals a day (I have a very physical job) as a 160 lb 5'8 female. I'm thinking of trying it, just as an experiment. For a week or two? What do you think? Have you ever tried to increase your metabolism by eating a bit more, and did it work?

I think you absolutely should try that...

Apparently there are some foods which may increase caloric burn...I glanced over a book about it in a bookstore but I don't know how true it may be...if you're ovo-lacto (or just even lacto) I know yogurt is a good food for...something :)

If you're running 35 mpw, good lord, lady you need more calories. I'm lucky if I hit 20 as of late and I eat 16-1800/day, average. So yes, eat up...just remember to be smart about your food choices. And, if it's at all feasible for you, I'd suggest seeing a nutritionist or getting a Vo2 test done, to see an more accurate dipiction of your metabolism and caloric needs.

Let me know how it works out, if the increase in calories does in fact get you through the plateau or not :yes:

:nigel: Cheers!

1800 is what I have heard is the magic number as well. Your RMR is at least 1400 something, so at 1200 your body is starving (that's not even including your activity), and hence holding on to weight.

I would try it. I mean, you might find that you can lose weight and not be hungry! Give it a few weeks for your body to adjust.

yup, i've actually done this.

when you get to a certain point, your body will 'switch' to starvation mode and then just hold onto everything that goes in. If you try to balance it out (get the right amount of calories for you), then you're body says 'ok, i'm getting enough to run, no need to hang onto anything' and then will let that excess go too.