Can't stop overeating!

MrsMunsell

I am supposed to only eat 1200 calories a day to reach my goal but I go over every day! It seems impossible for me to say no to food! If it's in front of me I just eat it without a thought. Please give me some advice!

I consider myself a strong person in every aspect of my life EXCEPT with my self control with food.

arditarose

It's not as if eating 1200 calories is easy. It is very little food. If you're sure it's an appropriate amount for you, you will have to mess around with your diet/macros to make sure you feel full and satisfied. Often 1200 calories is not necessary. Many can eat more and lose.

janjunie

That's probably because 1200 calories is too aggressive of a goal for you. I'd be hungry too. Since you have only 26 lbs to lose set your weight loss to lose .5 pounds a week and you will be allotted more food.

MrsMunsell

That's good to know! I was looking at other people's food diaries and saw a lot of women on a 1200 calorie diet so I assumed that was appropriate. I'm ok with losing .5 a week. I think long term I could actually keep it off too. Especially since I won't feel so deprived!!!!

Lovee_Dove7

I want to chew at least 1600 calories a day lol. I really would rather be more active so I could eat more. But really, how tall are you that, as a 30-year-old, and I assume active, that you only eat 1200 cals? I'm nearly 47 and eat 1600-1800, and still lose 2lbs a week. I'm 5'7".
I would think you could eat at least that much, even if you are shorter, and still lose weight. Try recalculating?

mellowadam

I agree with the above. Go with .5 pounds per week! It really was a game changer for me. I've been much more successful since I switched my goal. That extra 250 or so calories make a huge difference. That's a nice snack or small treat.

MrsMunsell

Lovee_Dove7 wrote: »

I want to chew at least 1600 calories a day lol. I really would rather be more active so I could eat more. But really, how tall are you that, as a 30-year-old, and I assume active, that you only eat 1200 cals? I'm nearly 47 and eat 1600-1800, and still lose 2lbs a week. I'm 5'7".
I would think you could eat at least that much, even if you are shorter, and still lose weight. Try recalculating?

I'm 5'4. I recalculated to .5 lb/week and was thrilled to see that I have over 300 calories left! I'll try to post any changes that happen for me. I honestly felt very exhausted and wondered how people managed. Thank you!

MrsMunsell

mellowadam wrote: »

I agree with the above. Go with .5 pounds per week! It really was a game changer for me. I've been much more successful since I switched my goal. That extra 250 or so calories make a huge difference. That's a nice snack or small treat.

I think I will be able to stay on track with the 1700 calories per day. You're right about a good extra snack! I'm looking forward to my adjusted calorie intake progress!

nutmegoreo

Sounds like a good plan for you! I am losing on 1600/day at 5'2" and a bit older than you. Make sure you are being very accurate in your counting though. Weighing your food on a scale is the best. It will help ensure that you are actually eating at that allowance. Enjoy your new found extra foods!

MommyL2015

Even with a .5 pound per week loss set for myself, it sets me at 1200 and I don't even lose that much. So I like to eat, therefore I walk a lot. On days when I can't really walk a lot because of work, I just make sure I don't go over maintenance. 1200 calories is a miserably low amount.

Larissa_NY

What you eat makes a big difference. Make sure you eat things that are calorie-light and nutrient-dense. I ate as much as I felt like I needed to yesterday and still came in under 1200 calories. My tracker was hatin', but I could either eat more dinner or replenish the fifty gallons of water I sweat out at spin class and the water won.

fatass2kickass

You can't eat what you don't have. Don't grocery shop when you're hungry. When shopping don't buy extra food, just buy the bare minimum to support your calorie goal. Try this for 2 weeks. You'll have extra cash in your pocket, you're body will be adjusted to the new food schedule, and you'll be a few pounds lighter.

htimpaired

Exercise! I work out because I like to eat! (and I like the way it makes me feel).

Rachel0778

I'm glad to hear you bumped up your calories, I'd be starving at 1200 too! It's definitely got to feel comfortable for the long haul or it's a rough and unsustainable journey

MrsMunsell

nutmegoreo wrote: »

Sounds like a good plan for you! I am losing on 1600/day at 5'2" and a bit older than you. Make sure you are being very accurate in your counting though. Weighing your food on a scale is the best. It will help ensure that you are actually eating at that allowance. Enjoy your new found extra foods!

Thank you! I did get a biggest loser food scale and it's so easy! I finally know what 1 oz. of cheese actually looks like. I was definitely under estimating my foods weight.

MrsMunsell

MommyL2015 wrote: »

Even with a .5 pound per week loss set for myself, it sets me at 1200 and I don't even lose that much. So I like to eat, therefore I walk a lot. On days when I can't really walk a lot because of work, I just make sure I don't go over maintenance. 1200 calories is a miserably low amount.

I tried your advice since I can't run/jog too long. I spent more time walking to burn more calories and actually worked up quite a sweat today! Very happy with the outcome. I think I will invest in a heart rate monitor for accuracy.

Ryan70286

You should increase it to 1600 or 1800. Sorry but 1200 is way to low. Just get plenty of exercise. Stay away from refine carbs and eat more protein keeps you full.

MrsMunsell

Larissa_NY wrote: »

What you eat makes a big difference. Make sure you eat things that are calorie-light and nutrient-dense. I ate as much as I felt like I needed to yesterday and still came in under 1200 calories. My tracker was hatin', but I could either eat more dinner or replenish the fifty gallons of water I sweat out at spin class and the water won.

I do need to drink more water. I see that people also count other liquids as water too.
I'm starting to carry a 33oz. Water bottle around to encourage myself to just drink it.

MrsMunsell

Rachel0778 wrote: »

I'm glad to hear you bumped up your calories, I'd be starving at 1200 too! It's definitely got to feel comfortable for the long haul or it's a rough and unsustainable journey

Yes! I'm pretty sure all of my failures in my weight loss journey is due to extreme diets. I lose weight for 1 week and then go crazy the second I smell pizza, hamburgers or whatever because I was not nourishing my body. Thank you !

PeachyCarol

You've had some really good suggestions so far, and I want to give you props for upping your intake!

Something else that also helped me when I first started was slowing down when I was eating. I started out on 1200 calories because I'm short, old, and was sedentary at the time. Making my food last by taking small bites, chewing them thoroughly, and completely emptying my mouth before taking the next bite taught me to be satisfied with less food.

Now, I realize this won't help everyone, but just in case, I thought I'd put it out there.

MrsMunsell

htimpaired wrote: »

Exercise! I work out because I like to eat! (and I like the way it makes me feel).

I do need to incorporate more activity in my day. During my work week I tend to lose focus. Maybe I should drink coffee an hour before I get off from work for a little energy boost?