Weight loss - 1200cal too low?

terrymurray68

I'm 5'2" and my starting weight was 260lbs. Almost immediately I was on 1200 cals because I, like you, have a completely desk based job. That seemed low to me, even for someone of my less than statuesque build :-) and I was hungry for about two or three weeks, as I got used to the massive drop in the amount I was consuming. I've been at it for eight months now and am well used to that level of food. I've lost 112 pounds, so it's worked for me. But you are a lot taller than me, so it really does seem a bit low. As has been suggested, if you really want to try 1200 cals, perhaps you could earn a few extra with exercise, and eat them, so you get a bit more. Good luck. This is totally doable.

heiliskrimsli

narmin92 wrote: »

mmclaugh800 wrote: »

Exercise is also an excellent way to create a calorie deficit - and it can allow you to eat more calories. It's my trick anyway. One 40 minute walk adds something like 150 calories - so that my 1400 base calorie intake goes up to 1550. Not to mention, if what you want is to be "less flabby", weight training is your friend. 9 weeks is plenty of time to see results and get muscle tone.

I am a complete beginner when it comes to weight training, can't do one push-up on my knees, very weak upper body strength. And most of the 'beginner' workouts I've looked up suggest less beginner-y programs, so I've been putting it off...

I recommend a gym where there are trained professionals on staff who will show you how to do lifting exercises properly and will work with you for the correct weight to start with. It should be somewhat difficult - you should be tired at the last rep - but not overwhelmingly so.

An exercise physiologist can help you, and they generally love to help anyone interested in improving themselves.

narmin92

RunRutheeRun wrote: »

@narmin92 I have a desk job too. I still feel that 1200 is too low for you even with that... what calories did MFP give you to lose say 0.5lb or 1lb a week? and I take it you have the settings here set at sedentary?
If you do get to workout then you will log that exercise here and also be able to eat some of those calories burned back, that is the MFP way.

MFP gave me 1420 and 1670 for 1lbs and 0.5lbs respectively, with setting at sedentary. Do you think it is good if I consume around 1500-1600 if I start exercising? Or would I have to eat my workout calories too?

LivingtheLeanDream

@narmin92 thanks for answering, so at sedentary you should be eating a minimum of 1420 MINIMUM. that's without exercise. IF you do exercise then you would eat a bit more, you could eat at least 50% of those exercise calories.
Why not try 1500-1600 for a week and see how the loss goes?

narmin92

RunRutheeRun wrote: »

@narmin92 thanks for answering, so at sedentary you should be eating a minimum of 1420 MINIMUM. that's without exercise. IF you do exercise then you would eat a bit more, you could eat at least 50% of those exercise calories.
Why not try 1500-1600 for a week and see how the loss goes?

Will go for that. Just have to make sure to get the exercise in too.

LivingtheLeanDream

@narmin92 oh I agree, exercise is great for creating a bit more calorie deficit but its so good for our overall well being - I always feel so much better when I've done my workout

Hope you'll come back to this thread in a week or two's time to let us know how you are doing

stationlouisa

Check out youtube for beginner strength training routines there is sure to be one that suits you, or you can modify. It sounds more like you need to tone up than lose weight. Good luck and enjoy the wedding, no one notices what anyone is wearing other than the bridal party.

narmin92

stationlouisa wrote: »

Check out youtube for beginner strength training routines there is sure to be one that suits you, or you can modify. It sounds more like you need to tone up than lose weight. Good luck and enjoy the wedding, no one notices what anyone is wearing other than the bridal party.

Thank you! Will do, worst case will just try to customize my own workout plan.

narmin92

@RunRutheeRun I will, definitely! Many thanks for the motivation and guidance!

LivingtheLeanDream

You're welcome @narmin92

kshama2001

RunRutheeRun wrote: »

Also wanted to add, that at your current weight you aren't overweight as such so there's no need to panic about losing 15lbs, you might even find losing 7 to 10 lbs will make a difference...but you'll know better as time passes and the weight comes off.

All the best.

Ruth

Even losing no weight but getting in shape will also make a difference.

kshama2001

narmin92 wrote: »

RunRutheeRun wrote: »

@narmin92 thanks for answering, so at sedentary you should be eating a minimum of 1420 MINIMUM. that's without exercise. IF you do exercise then you would eat a bit more, you could eat at least 50% of those exercise calories.
Why not try 1500-1600 for a week and see how the loss goes?

Will go for that. Just have to make sure to get the exercise in too.

Wanted to give you a headsup that often when someone starts a new exercise program they gain some temporary water weight. If the scale is making you crazy, use a pair of jeans to measure yourself instead.

DebSozo

narmin92 wrote: »

fitoverfortymom wrote: »

15lbs in two months is not unheard of for someone who is starting out and extremely overweight, but less typical a result for those who aren't overweight (and it seems your weight is within the normal range). 1200 is probably the number MFP spit out because you entered your information hoping for a 2lb per week loss. It isn't altogether enjoyable or particularly sustainable to eat so little, and if you resume your current habits after your special event, the weight typically comes right back + some.

You might try getting a digital food scale to measure out your portions so you know exactly how many calories you are eating per day. Measuring cups and estimations won't quite cut it for your goal. Only you can decide if 1200 is sustainable for you.

Most of the advice on MFP I've seen given to someone with your stats is that aiming for a .5 lb per week loss is a more realistic goal for long term success.

It is just a hope that I can get into a smaller size dress for the event, but of course if it's not healthy I would want to do it the right way. Thank you for your helpful answer! I guess I will work my way through a healthy meal plan for .5-1lbs per week.

Recomp could help you. I did that at the end of summer/early fall and saw muscles tighten up and tummy flatten. You don't need to lose weight, but it sounds like you don't like the shape you are in.

afazackerley1

I'm 25 & 5ft4 and currenrlty 157lbs! (Heavier than I was full-term pregnancy) No idea what I've been eating!!!!! I have a desk job... MFP states 1,200 per day for me to achieve my goal!

I've been on 1,200 calorie diet now for 2 weeks, and I have lost 6lbs so far in total.
I now and then go over but only by 100, I just think they need to be made up of 3 substantial clean meals. Packing them out with Veg & Salad, and not completely restricting yourself, but cutting out the bad stuff, not just calorie counting. My own made up rules are:
- No White Bread!! (My weakness, I've had 2 slices of brown in 3 weeks, I'd usually eat that in a day!)
- Sweet Potatoe only
- No fizzy pop
- No white rice! Basmati, Wholegrain and Quinoa only...
- No white pasta! - Wholegrain only
- Lots of water
- No takeaways
- Loads of veg
- Loads of salad
I feel more energetic than ever, and lost that lethargic feeling... Last year on the same pre-holiday diet I lost 15lbs in 2.5 months.
I think most days, I feel like I'm eating more and feeling fuller on this diet.
I've done no exercise due to a knee injury apart from 5 walks a week (about 30-45 minutes per day). When exercising I don't eat my calories back, however I'd include a protein shake after the gym or a banana before.
I know my weight loss will slow down, but usually this helps me lose 1-1.5lbs per week after the first month.

I'd recommend pre-tracking your meals with myfitnesspal, so you can play around with meal ideas, and swap items!

Good Luck

narmin92

kshama2001 wrote: »

RunRutheeRun wrote: »

Also wanted to add, that at your current weight you aren't overweight as such so there's no need to panic about losing 15lbs, you might even find losing 7 to 10 lbs will make a difference...but you'll know better as time passes and the weight comes off.

All the best.

Ruth

Even losing no weight but getting in shape will also make a difference.

Wow! The photo is very inspiring!

tarothelp

I have been keeping to 1200 for over a month and have no problem sticking by with it. I do enjoy healthier food though so maybe that's why it hasn't been much of a struggle. Also once u start working out u can eat those spent calories back if you want to. Good luck! The exercise will help u with the flab and my tip is to drink lots of water too I drink 2 litres a day it helps.

TeaBea

ekardoulias wrote: »

Im on a lite n easy 1200 calories meal plan so far its going well just had my 2nd week and the food is great. Its just unfortunate i cant log my diary every day because i come in just under 1200 calories every day

Yes - you're a guy - so unless you are 4'6" tall - 1200 isn't nearly enough calories for you. Try NETTING at least 1500.

It's not "unfortunate" that you can't finish out your diary. It's how the site works. Very low calorie diets aren't to be celebrated, or congratulated because they are dangerous.

TeaBea

tarothelp wrote: »

I have been keeping to 1200 for over a month and have no problem sticking by with it. I do enjoy healthier food though so maybe that's why it hasn't been much of a struggle. Also once u start working out u can eat those spent calories back if you want to. Good luck! The exercise will help u with the flab and my tip is to drink lots of water too I drink 2 litres a day it helps.

1200 (+ exercise calories) is a one-size-fits-all minimum. It works much better for women that are petite. OP is 5'10" - so not at all petite.

It's not just about "healthy" foods. Most people here try to eat satiating foods.....but what is satiating to you, might not be satiating to someone else. It's different macro combinations. If I stayed full on fat-free fiber I could stay full on 1200 calories. Fat-free fiber doesn't work that well for me.

marie2684

I'm 5'10, started last week at 257.6 - and I weighed this morning 244.2... I eat only about 1200 calories a day, I drink one gallon of water along with a bottle of water at night lol .. but I also walk for 1 hour on the treadmill a day... So, it works for me and I'm not hungry because I eat things with a lot of protein - plus the water really helps!

narmin92

Update: I've been doing 1200-1500 calories a day mostly, depending on how hungry I am, I'm aware it may be a bit low, but i do maintenance or just below maintenance calorie days once or twice a week, because I found it works better for me to alter caloric intake throughout the week and stay under about 1400-1500 on average, rather than sticking to same level every day. Works different for everybody of course! I just feel like I am more able to keep it under control if there are days to look forward to where I am going to be treating myself for being good on the other days!