While there’s nothing wrong with being mindful of how many calories you consume, cutting calories too short can bring steep consequences. Your body may be telling you to eat more if you feel any of the following symptoms.
1. Constipation
Fewer calories mean fewer nutrients, and fewer nutrients mean less fiber. Since fiber helps to keep things moving down there, skimping on this nutrient can cause or worsen constipation.
2. Weakened Immune System
Vitamin C is another nutrient that can be challenging to get on a low-calorie diet. Falling short on vitamin C wreaks your immune system, resulting in a higher chance of getting the sniffles.
3. Fatigue
Calories are energy for your body. They’re used whenever you exercise or even breathe. When you don’t get enough calories, you feel tired more often.
4. Constant Hunger
Fiber, protein, and healthy fats not only nourish your body but also help to keep you satiated.
5. Difficulty Losing Weight
Because your body isn’t getting enough calories, it goes into “starvation mode” and starts to conserve calories.
Sources
- Foods for Constipation. Johns Hopkins Medicine.
- 5 Vitamins To Boost Your Immune System. Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials, 2022.
- Counting calories: Get back to weight-loss basics. Mayo Clinic.
- How Your Body Fights Weight Loss. Northwestern Medicine.
