trying to keep this simple.

akitagirl2015

There is sooooo much contradicting information online about what to eat/not eat to lose weight and get healthy. I try one lifestyle/diet and then I find new convincing information that a different way is better. So I switch plans but end up getting frustrated and giving up all together. This has been my cycle for years.

I gotta try something new, and that's why I am here.

Is it possible to just eat whatever, as long as it is within 1200 calories per day? or are there foods I really should avoid to lose weight? I would love to hear from people who simply stick with 1200 calories a day, regardless of food choices who are losing weight. I also plan to exercise too, but its the not know what to eat part that has become a major stumbling block for me.

Thanks!

beets4us

I used to eat whatever I wanted within my calorie range, and I was able to lose weight. The problem is, I didn't feel very good. If I ate, say, a pastry, it could take up a third of my calories for the day, and I'd be hungry in an hour. It's much easier for me to stay under my limit and have the energy I need for the day when I focus on whole grains, nuts, fruits, veggies, ect. But yes, you can eat anything within your calorie range and lose weight.

4legsRbetterthan2

Most people just eat what they want and stay withing their calorie goal and have plenty of success losing weight. Macros (protein, carbs, and fat ) get more important for fitness goals and body recomposition. Many people also find they stay fuller when they eat more protein and fat as apposed to alot of carbs.

1200 calories a day can be a tough goal to stick to sometimes. How much do you want to lose and whats your selected loss rate?

keithb0522

I eat 900-1000 per day. But that is just where mine ends up everyday. I don't count calories. I go by a P90x nutrition plan. If you can cook it easy. Stay away from salt, season with Mrs. dash (sodium free) I never add salt. Know portion sizes.
I eat the following per day
Protein 5x
Fruit 1x
Dairy 2x
Veg 2x
Carbs 2x
Fat 1x (not that often used. Is tbs olive oil, half an avocado, nuts...etc)
By maintaining proper serving size my calories never go over 900-1000. I loose like crazy and have yo-yo'd my weight for years. It's easy to get off. If your goals sound like mine send me friend request and I can give you more information.

sunandstars2

i agree with both of the above responses. i started with just sticking to my 1200, but as pp said that could sometimes be a bad choice (high calorie morning = less food later = feeling crappy). once you experience that, you may find, as i did, that you prefer to eat healthier, which usually equals the option of eating a lot more as far as quantity of food, and more protein will keep you feeling full longer, vs a sugary snack. even if the calories are the same, after something sugary you'll tend to feel hungry again soon. on any given day, i enter the calories for my entire day's worth of meals and snacks, and my planned workout, in the morning, so i can plan ahead for a higher calorie lunch or dinner.

wizzybeth

Eat what you want within your limits and try to meet your micronutrients. That's all. No need to avoid this or that . You can even end up over on your carbs and sugar but if you're under your calorie limit you will be ok.

silentKayak

Welcome to the site.

Yes, you can eat what you want within your calorie limits. However, on such a low limit (not sure how you picked 1200 - you might want to revisit that choice), you will need to focus on vegetables and lean protein. If you pack your diet with high calorie foods, you'll blow your budget and still be hungry. That said, no foods are off-limits. Eat what you like, in moderation.

Exercise will give you a larger budget to work with. You can burn 300 calories with exercise, and then eat 300 more calories that day.

Once you get the logging/tracking accurate and figure out your correct budget and how to stick with it, you WILL lose weight.

AJ_G

keithb0522 wrote: »

I eat 900-1000 per day. But that is just where mine ends up everyday. I don't count calories. I go by a P90x nutrition plan. If you can cook it easy. Stay away from salt, season with Mrs. dash (sodium free) I never add salt. Know portion sizes.
I eat the following per day
Protein 5x
Fruit 1x
Dairy 2x
Veg 2x
Carbs 2x
Fat 1x (not that often used. Is tvs olive oil, half an avocado, nuts)
By maintaining proper serving size my calories never go over 900-1000. I loose like crazy and have yo-yo'd my weight for years. It's easy to get off. If your goals sound like mine send me friend request and I can give you more information.

Ready2Rock206

Well I'd starve to death on 1200 a day or murder someone from being hangry. But yes, if you eat within your goals you'll be doing great.

Sabine_Stroehm

For the number on the scale to go down, all you need is a deficit. yes. I have no idea based on your post if 1200 calories is enough for you.
I know I could never do 1200 calories.

And, we have no idea if you're fueling your body with NUTRIENTS with your goal. Only you know the answer to that.

jgnatca

My target is 1650 a day but I did manage on 1200. My preference is a variety of foods and nothing is forbidden (diabetic training, diabetes now in remission).

"expensive" foods (high calorie) don't get on the menu very often. I measure out my fatty foods with a tablespoon to control quantities, but fats are very good for satiety so they are also in my diet.

It truly is not what you eat but how much of it.

daw0518

Yes you really can eat anything as long as you stay under your calorie goal! I try to eat whatever I want, but within limits. I had to make some changes so I could keep eating the things I like to eat (example: switching to lower calorie mayo & ranch options) or else I would waste a lot of calories on really frivolous things. I think for most people it takes some trial and error. It took me a long time to create a substantial bank of food combinations in my head that work for any meal or situation, but once I got that figured out, it got a lot easier!

akitagirl2015

you guys gave me great suggestions. Thank you so much