How to Not Starve on 1200-1400 Calories/Day - My Tip

HoustonStrongMT
HoustonStrongMT Posts: 22 Member
edited November 22 in Health and Weight Loss
I think I have figured out how to not feel like you're starving all the time on 1200-1400 calories/day and I wanted to share in case it helps you. I know people love their bread/pasta and this may not work for everyone but it worked for me. I'm a 42YO female and just a couple pounds away from my goal weight now. I'm 5'9 started out in February 2017 at 180, and am down to 156 on around 1200-1300 calories a day. I am tracking of course (which is a must-do for me) but my tip is I am following a Paleo-type diet (I've learned there is a lot of flexibility in the definition of Paleo diet) and I cut out most processed food (such as bread, tortillas, baked goods, sugar, etc). I try to stick to meat, fruits, veggies, nuts and healthy fats like avocado - basically I stick to whole foods. I still eat potatoes and sweet potatoes in their natural form and all fruits, but mostly stay away from corn and grains (I occasionally eat rice but not usually). I also stay away from Paleo-branded baked goods since they are processed. I do still drink a couple times a week (typically just 1 shot of brandy or a glass of red wine). I also occasionally have a scoop of ice cream or something but it's rare and I don't really crave junk much anymore. I have a desk job (sedentary) but I exercise a few times a week typically doing Piyo maybe 3 or 4 times a week for 30 minutes. Why do I think this type of diet is key for me? I lost the same amount of weight a few years ago on WW but I felt like I was starving all the time so it didn't last and I was right back up where I started within the year. This time around has been so much more positive and I think it's due to the change in diet. Last time I lost weight it was a lot of highly processed frozen WW meals, lean cuisine, low-cal bread, low-cal baked goods, etc. I think the difference with whole foods is that it keeps me full longer. Again, I know this isn't for everyone and lean cuisine meals work for others, but if you're having trouble coping with low calories I hope this helps.

Replies

  • HappyAnna2014
    HappyAnna2014 Posts: 214 Member
    Thank you for sharing! I'm going to wean myself in this direction. I am starving all the time, and eating more to compensate, and this has stalled my weight loss.
  • the0cuteness
    the0cuteness Posts: 7 Member
    Do you know what macros have been the most filling for you on 1200?
  • amyepdx
    amyepdx Posts: 750 Member
    You pretty much had an exception for every one of your "rules" so basically, you are counting calories..,
  • Rickster1967
    Rickster1967 Posts: 485 Member
    Bulking meals out with lettuce, mushrooms, cabbage really works for filling the tummy for few calories

    psyllium really helps too by bulking out the belly

    http://www.ergo-log.com/psyllium-boosts-chance-of-successful-weight-loss.html
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    Do you know what macros have been the most filling for you on 1200?

    Protein, fiber and fat......a different combination for everyone. No one can tell you what keeps you full.

    I don't do 1200 because I'm not elderly or very petite (and don't want lean muscle loss). 1200 is a default minimum (before exercise)......so don't feel bad if this doesn't work for you.

    Also keep in mind large deficits make it harder for your body to support existing lean muscle mass. So there's that trade-off for fast weight loss.
  • MissyCHF
    MissyCHF Posts: 337 Member
    Bulking meals out with lettuce, mushrooms, cabbage really works for filling the tummy for few calories

    psyllium really helps too by bulking out the belly

    http://www.ergo-log.com/psyllium-boosts-chance-of-successful-weight-loss.html
    It makes me constipated. I have tried adding more water.......

  • mzfrizz15
    mzfrizz15 Posts: 135 Member
    Well done! Glad it works for you!
    I've noticed my pain is less on days where I avoid refined carbohydrates.
  • cwilber1
    cwilber1 Posts: 30 Member
    What do you eat in a typical paleo meal? How many ounces of meat/chicken? How many cups of fruits or vegs? Just curious as to what a paleo day looks like meal wise. Thanks!
  • Rickster1967
    Rickster1967 Posts: 485 Member
    Bulking meals out with lettuce, mushrooms, cabbage really works for filling the tummy for few calories

    psyllium really helps too by bulking out the belly

    http://www.ergo-log.com/psyllium-boosts-chance-of-successful-weight-loss.html
    It makes me constipated. I have tried adding more water.......

    take it with food?
  • HoustonStrongMT
    HoustonStrongMT Posts: 22 Member
    I also drink a lot of water. 2 to 3 liters of water minimum per day.
  • Aarjono
    Aarjono Posts: 228 Member
    Every time I have tried the really low calorie approach, I have found it unsustainable and end up gaining it al back plus more. I keep upping my calories and I'm still losing. I'm currently at 1800 and eat back my exercise calories, too. But I'm pescatarian, and as such, don't eat a lot of fast food anymore, which I was doing in the past, so that is probably helping me quite a bit.
  • lilolilo920
    lilolilo920 Posts: 184 Member
    I'm having one of my occasional 1200 calories days today after staying up late watching the WNBA final last night. I manage it without starving by making sure to eat about 1500 calories over maintenance the day before, and then sleeping in past noon. Whatever works for you!

    I love you.
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