Starving on 1200 calories a day

Jessicaisfree

Hi everyone. So I'm hoping to find out from you guys how hungry you are at 1.5 lb per week setting. I'm hoping to go from 160 to 125 but sticking to 1200 Cals feels brutal! I've tried upping my veggies and protein and cutting back on running (I ran a full marathon in November). I just don't know how you guys survive on this for months!

maccarossi1

If you are doing so much running are you eating back all of your exercise calories? That might have something to do with it?

zoodocgirl

Go here: http://iifym.com/tdee-calculator/
Figure out how many calories you really need to be eating to maintain your level of exercise (and still lose weight). I'm steadily losing about 1 lb/week at 1773/day at light activity level (1-3 days of light sports/exercise per week). I'd rather do it slower and not feel tortured because I love food and I can't sustain a lifestyle that doesn't allow me to eat it.

blissgage

I try to get some really good fat in my diet - avocado and olive oil. I don't feel hungry.

Jessicaisfree

Well, I've been actually eating around 1400-ish but still feel hungry Is it normal to be hungry when you're losing? Kind of a stupid question, but I've heard that if you're hungry you're doing something wrong? Thanks for your feedback!

miriamtob

Feeling hungry frequently can release stress hormones, which can make it even more difficult to lose weight. I would really make sure you are getting enough naturally derived fats in your diet (ie butter, coconut oil, olive oil, etc...). Fat is an essential nutrient, which also gives you slow burning fuel. It will leave you feeling fuller longer.

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Jessicaisfree

zoodocgirl wrote: »

Go here: http://iifym.com/tdee-calculator/
Figure out how many calories you really need to be eating to maintain your level of exercise (and still lose weight). I'm steadily losing about 1 lb/week at 1773/day at light activity level (1-3 days of light sports/exercise per week). I'd rather do it slower and not feel tortured because I love food and I can't sustain a lifestyle that doesn't allow me to eat it.

Jessicaisfree

I think you're right. 1 pound per week is a good amount to lose. Maybe I'll take the slow(er) and steady approach. Appreciate it!

blissgage

Make sure you are getting good food in you too. 1200 of processed foods will make you hungry. Make overnight oats with greek yogurt and chia seeds with cherries. It is amazing and I don't get hungry. I think seeing a dietitian could help, especially if you run alot.

autumnblade75

I'm 39 and 152 lbs (started at 165) and a runner (my first half marathon was Nov. 29th) and I'm losing about a pound a week on 1700 calories, eating back all of the calories I burn running. Not even making much of an effort to eat clean. My taste buds are always hungry, but I wouldn't say I'm ever starving.

sllm1

I would also say that you should adjust your goal to 1 pound per week. What's it worth if you're so hungry you can't stick with it?

HeySwoleSister

I kind of expect to be MILDLY hungry when I'm losing, and totally satisfied at maintenance.

That said, I think the 1 pound per week goal is probably more doable for you. I started at 145, put 125 as my goal, and at 1 pound per week I get about 1400 calories a day...and I HATE cardio, so I'm not burning off what you do as a runner. I've pretty much lost at the rate I set, slowing down now that I'm less than 10 pounds from goal...

I think one of the biggest self-sabotages that happens here is that people set the rate of loss too high because they want big immediate results...and then they are SO hungry and unhappy that they give up. Better to pick a slower rate of loss that you can actually achieve!

segacs

Why do people insist on torturing themselves? (Rhetorical question, I know.)

Look, I get that it's hard to be patient. But you didn't gain those 45 pounds overnight. They're gonna take some time to lose.

Slow and steady is a good thing. You're trying to change your lifestyle and it needs to be something you can sustain indefinitely.

So what if it takes a little longer? It won't feel so long when you're not hungry all the time. It'll just feel like your normal amount of food and normal daily routine, which is what you want.

And don't cut back on the running if it's something you love. Just make sure you eat enough calories to fuel it!

arguablysamson

skinnyjessicag wrote: »

Well, I've been actually eating around 1400-ish but still feel hungry Is it normal to be hungry when you're losing? Kind of a stupid question, but I've heard that if you're hungry you're doing something wrong? Thanks for your feedback!

I've done OMAD (one-meal-a-day) with around 1,200 calories to 1,650 cals per day. Took ten months to drop 173 lbs. Yes, the hunger will be there. Do not listen to any clown who tells you you won't be hungry. In time, you will adapt, though. Drop back on the exercise and your stress levels will drop, or else up the calories a bit. Otherwise, you'll release cortisol and will feel miserable.

Hapster22

skinnyjessicag wrote: »

Hi everyone. So I'm hoping to find out from you guys how hungry you are at 1.5 lb per week setting. I'm hoping to go from 160 to 125 but sticking to 1200 Cals feels brutal! I've tried upping my veggies and protein and cutting back on running (I ran a full marathon in November). I just don't know how you guys survive on this for months!

Yeah, make sure you're drinking a shitload of water and when you're sick of all that water, drink some more.... also make sure you're eating SOMETHING every 2-3 hours and not waiting longer than that between meals. Keeping your blood sugar steady throughout the day helps with the hunger in my experience.... I've been eating less than 1,200 a day or right AT 1,200.....

Hap (hapster22)

blissgage

You are calling me a clown? I eat 1200 a day and I am not hungry. Meany.

Jessicaisfree

Blissgage are you quite small? Maybe once the weight is gone 1200 will be satisfying?

blissgage

I'm 5'6" and around 160 and I am losing about 1-2 lbs a week.

Jessicaisfree

Great articles and info everyone. So I think what I'm hearing is moderate calories, moderate exercise, and a shitload of water! Done!

HeySwoleSister

Don't cut back on your exercise just so you can restrict your eating more...I mean, cut back if you aren't wanting to stay marathon ready, or if your knees hurt, or if you just want a break. But, don't give up something healthy that you love just so you can starve!

Jessicaisfree

You guys are a smart bunch! I'm seriously going to use your advice. Thanks again

Jessicaisfree

You're right, I was trying to quickly drop lbs between training cycles to see if I could qualify for Boston. It's not working this way! Looking forward to a long rung tomorrow and a few more calories. A very happy day ahead! I'll try to be patient!

jlecroy74

I'm doing the 1200 calories and I feel hungry a couple of hours after eating. I find drinking hot tea will make me feel full again.

mattbrosnan

I agree with Hapster. Your brain sends thirsty/hungry signals to you, but sometimes they are hard to distinguish. I've come to learn that when I'm feeling hungry and need a snack, all I really needed was a glass of water. Especially when you are doing so much running, you might need more water than you think

Original_Beauty

skinnyjessicag wrote: »

Hi everyone. So I'm hoping to find out from you guys how hungry you are at 1.5 lb per week setting. I'm hoping to go from 160 to 125 but sticking to 1200 Cals feels brutal! I've tried upping my veggies and protein and cutting back on running (I ran a full marathon in November). I just don't know how you guys survive on this for months!

Because 1200 calories is not enough. This should be more than surviving.

Josephine237

I increased my protein and my fiber. If I eat more calories than 1200, I exercise off the extra. I also try to eat whole foods that are somewhat bulky like vegetables and fruit. I plan protein and fiber snacks and drink water with them. This has really helped me stick to my plan.

Sharon_C

I must be a clown because I lost all my weight and have kept it off without being hungry.

candacefausset

Don't torture yourself. I eat 1200 a day but I am good and don't feel hungry. I snack and spread my meals out. And if I get really hungry I can eat a massive salad for low calories that can keep me full. It's partially about what you are eating in that 1200. But if you are eating lots of nutrient rich, non-calorie dense foods and still feel ravenous, up your intake. If you are miserable the entire time, you are bound to fail and give up or binge eat during mistakes. And a good 2000 calorie binge above your normal intake (doesn't take much calorie dense food to get there) can sabotage a weeks worth of eating right. Better to indulge a little daily so that you don't find yourself indulging a massive amount and making all your hard starving work for nothing.

Besides, 1.5 pounds a week may be a bit aggressive for your current weight. Your body needs less fuel the less heavy you are which means you have to work twice as hard. And remember it isn't a race. It's a journey. Especially if you want to keep it off, there is no quick way to the end.

ETA- If I want an extra splurge, I earn it with extra calories from exercise. No shame in that.

MoiAussi93

I've been eating around 1300...1250 for a while... and am very rarely hungry. But I have been eating 30% and most recently 35% of my calories from protein. If you eat 20 or 30 grams of protein in a meal, you most likely won't be hungry for hours. I get the most I can from those calories in terms of satiety. I eat a lot of chicken, salmon, cottage cheese, greek yogurt, etc. As others said, water is great as well. But if you find you really can't make it work for you, try adding just 100 or 150 calories and see how you feel with that.

BWBTrish

I am surely not a clown

I eat around 1200 and not hungry at all Except for the first 2 weeks i had 3 or 4 days that i was feeling hungry.

I eat back a 1/4 of by exercise calories so that gives me a bit extra. I eat a very balanced diet and i eat everything i want in my calorie allowance. I make sure i eat about 5 times a day. 3 meals and 2 snacks
And i drink about 2.5 liter water next to my 2/3 coffee and cup of tea.

For me protein helps to fill me up.

This is how it works for me, i cant speak for somebody else of course everybody is different. When you need more eat more, very simple.
I eat more when i feel my body needs more fuel.

I had a lot of weight to lose and i am doing great. Have no gravings etc.
lost 60 pounds and have about 50 to go.