2 things: Looking for a recipe source and is 1200 calories too little?

I'm getting better about logging my meals so I can go back through and create recipes, then easily add them but I am running out of ideas. I'm scouring Pinterest and the internet for meals under a certain calorie count but I'm wondering: Do you have favorite sites you use for calorie-based recipes?

And, I started MFP one week ago with 1200 calories a day as a guideline. I've lost five pounds so far and was told it was mostly water, but every day after lunch, I am so hungry. I drink water but that doesn't take up enough space and "healthy" snacks like fruit and nuts use too many calories. I am stuck for snacks and filling meals now that I'm cutting rice out.

Thoughts and advice are welcome!

Replies

  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    edited May 2018
    Yes, maybe you need to eat more calories. That will take care of both problems - and the large problem you might not even be thinking about now, but that is looming - self-sabotage and quitting and rebound overeating and regain.
  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    For most people (those who aren't older, smaller, and sedentary), 1200 is too low. I'm assuming you chose 2 pounds a week as your goal? You can lower your rate of loss and get more calories.
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    re: recipes - i really like skinnytaste for a source
  • flibberdigibit
    flibberdigibit Posts: 9 Member
    I did select two pounds a week but I think I really need the wiggle room of 1500 a day. I'm cranky all the time and even my beloved mostly naked air-popped popcorn at the end of the day doesn't really satisfy right now.
  • VUA21
    VUA21 Posts: 2,072 Member
    1. Do you eat your exercise calories back (50-75% is about the norm), if not, that may be the reason you're hungry.
    2. Try slowing your rate of weight loss/upping caloric intake for a while. Regardless if it takes you six months or one year to lose the weight, you will still end up losing the weight.
    3. Mental health is just as important as physical health. If you're miserable because of lack of food, that can be just as bad as being overweight.
  • apullum
    apullum Posts: 4,838 Member
    I am under 5 feet tall. 1200 was appropriate for me, but it is usually not necessary for people who aren't petite. Try setting MFP to a 1 pound per week rate of weight loss.
  • MJsStory
    MJsStory Posts: 160 Member
    What are you eating? I find that if I don’t have enough protein that I get hungry again quickly and go searching for a snack
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    I would be STARVING on 1200 calories. I lost 80 lbs (gained back a few) but never ate less than 1650 calories.

    I like skinnytaste.com for recipes.