So how bad is it really to eat below 1200 calories?

kiela64

So how bad is it really to eat below 1200 calories? I’m 5’2, obese - currently 175lbs - and fairly inactive. I was trying to be more active but lately my knees are maxed out by the stairs at the subway. I also can’t swim now due to a toe infection 😞 it’s so gross. I’m really limited with activity and what I can control is taking care of these issues as best I can, and my calorie intake.

I haven’t been aiming for below 1200, the calorie goals I was given by MFP (several pounds ago though, I should probably check again) were: 1420cal for a 1lb/week loss rate. On my weight tracking app my overall rate of loss is 0.85lb/week. I’m pleased with my progress. If I was comfortable with my higher calories I would stay there.

It’s just certain days where I get home from work and I’m exhausted and not hungry, but I’ve hit say 1100cal, I don’t push it. I just go to bed. I don’t eat below 1000, but in the past couple weeks I’ve definitely had some days between 1000-1200.

My weekly average is usually around goal, 1300-1500. I tend to eat more/have a maintenance day on Sunday because I have date night and unlike my SO I get massive headaches if I skip breakfast. And we both like food 😛

I just wondered if that was really so bad? I’m sensitive to under eating but I find usually if I’m getting home after 8 I don’t want to spend more time to eat because I’m just so tired!

Kdp2015

I wouldn’t worry too much if the weekly average is high enough

counting_kilojoules

If you average it out at the end of the week and come out at your goal calories (or an approximation of them) then you're fine. In fact, many people plan to eat that way so that they can eat more on specific days. It's only if you're continually under eating then it becomes a problem.

Seffell

People who don't count calories (and maintain a healthy weight) also eat below 1200 from time to time. This is completely normal. The important thing is not to do it on a regular basis.
Watch your weekly average.

shadow2soul

That’s fine. It is perfectly normal to have some days where you eat more and some less. If you are using the app, you can see a chart that will show you what you are averaging for the week. I use it so I can balance say going out to eat with my mom and still keep my weekly average at what it needs to be for my goals. :drinker:

It’s only when you are constantly (like everyday for extended periods of time) under eating that it becomes a problem.

emmamcgarity

I also have an occasional day or two under 1200. I try to glance back st the end of those days to make sure I met my own nutritional goals. This sometimes results in me drinking a glass of skim milk or eating one more vegetable at the end of the day. For what it’s worth, I am 5’1”, over 50, and my starting weight was over 170 ( I didn’t own a scale for the first month). My diary is open and you are welcome to poke around. My current weight is 153.4 lbs. I mention this since my starting stats seem similar to yours. The only exercise I did at first was walking. Mostly indoor walking. And only when I felt like it.

apullum

It's fine to go by a weekly goal instead of a daily goal. As long as you're hitting your weekly goal and you feel well on days you eat less (i.e., you aren't dizzy, nauseous, etc.) then I wouldn't worry about it.

Wendyanneroberts

Its not unhealthy AS you are hitting your mfp goal, by the end of the week. Your weight loss is on target and your listening to your body. Calorie cycling in this way is allowing you the flexibility to enjoy your date night, while still losing weight in a healthy manner. Its also setting up new habits, that will help you succeed once you reach maintenance. As long as your not going under 1,000 calories on any day and not suffering/feeling unwell on those lower days.
Then you have nothing to worry about, continue with your plan, as it's working well for you.

pinuplove

I agree that since you're weekly average is 1300-1500 this isn't really a problem. I do find if I have more than a couple of low days like that in a row I start to get hangry.

kiela64

gebeziseva wrote: »

People who don't count calories (and maintain a healthy weight) also eat below 1200 from time to time. This is completely normal. The important thing is not to do it on a regular basis.
Watch your weekly average.

I guess the reason I’m asking is that I’m doing it regularly, like 3-4 days each week?

kiela64

Wendyanneroberts wrote: »

Its not unhealthy AS you are hitting your mfp goal, by the end of the week. Your weight loss is on target and your listening to your body. Calorie cycling in this way is allowing you the flexibility to enjoy your date night, while still losing weight in a healthy manner. Its also setting up new habits, that will help you succeed once you reach maintenance. As long as your not going under 1,000 calories on any day and not suffering/feeling unwell on those lower days.
Then you have nothing to worry about, continue with your plan, as it's working well for you.

Thank you! That’s reassuring 😁

kiela64

emmamcgarity wrote: »

I also have an occasional day or two under 1200. I try to glance back st the end of those days to make sure I met my own nutritional goals. This sometimes results in me drinking a glass of skim milk or eating one more vegetable at the end of the day. For what it’s worth, I am 5’1”, over 50, and my starting weight was over 170 ( I didn’t own a scale for the first month). My diary is open and you are welcome to poke around. My current weight is 153.4 lbs. I mention this since my starting stats seem similar to yours. The only exercise I did at first was walking. Mostly indoor walking. And only when I felt like it.

The only ones I usually worry about are protein & fibre. I do try to at least get close to my goal.

Your stats are similar! I started at 205 though lol. 😬 I’ll do that! I really would like to be active but it’s just not an option at the moment 😞

perkymommy

I get 1200 per day and if I don't reach that amount then I don't sweat it. If I work out at any point that day I do try to eat some back though and won't go hungry on purpose of course. I'm only 4'11 and weigh 155 right now I'm miserable as far as knee problems and getting out of breath easily so I'm taking baby steps with exercise. But it's definitely possible to lose weight without ever exercising. I've done it in the past. I was younger at the time but I did it.

kiela64

perkymommy wrote: »

I get 1200 per day and if I don't reach that amount then I don't sweat it. If I work out at any point that day I do try to eat some back though and won't go hungry on purpose of course. I'm only 4'11 and weigh 155 right now I'm miserable as far as knee problems and getting out of breath easily so I'm taking baby steps with exercise. But it's definitely possible to lose weight without ever exercising. I've done it in the past. I was younger at the time but I did it.

Knee problems suck!!! It takes away so many options 😞

Thank you!

elsie6hickman

I do 1200 a day and I try to get close. But if I don't, I don't worry about it, although MFP sends me a message telling me that I am probably not eating enough. It usually happens on days when I eat fish and vegetables for dinner. I am also having a problem with workouts, because of my knees and a lower back problem. I just figured out I have to slow down a bit,.

AliceDark

Your average rate of loss also gives us a lot of important information here. If you are eating under 1200 on some days AND you are losing too quickly, that's a huge red flag. However, if you are eating under 1200 on some days and continue to lose at a reasonable, safe rate, that's a very different scenario.

shenanigans_

Do what you want to do, don't worry about what other people say.

try2again

AliceDark wrote: »

Your average rate of loss also gives us a lot of important information here. If you are eating under 1200 on some days AND you are losing too quickly, that's a huge red flag. However, if you are eating under 1200 on some days and continue to lose at a reasonable, safe rate, that's a very different scenario.

This. For most people, 1-200 calories falls within the margin or error when it comes to accurate logging. Your loss rate tells the true tale.

No one maintaining their weight hits the perfect maintenance number every day... they'll eat less some days, & more others. The goal is to keep the average within a reasonable range.

VUA21

If you average +1200/day for the week, going under 1 day isn't a problem.

jgnatca

Get your minimum protein in. Consequences won’t show up for weeks (weak nails, thinning hair).

kiela64

AliceDark wrote: »

Your average rate of loss also gives us a lot of important information here. If you are eating under 1200 on some days AND you are losing too quickly, that's a huge red flag. However, if you are eating under 1200 on some days and continue to lose at a reasonable, safe rate, that's a very different scenario.

Yeah, I suck at math but I've lost about 30lbs since the beginning of April. SW: 205, CW: 171 (today). I've used Happy Scale since the end of April, and it's given me that average rate of loss at 0.85lb/week. My "current" rate of loss is right now 1.7 because I go up and then drop and idk. I don't really know why they're different? I can share the chart, either there or MFP (I log my weight in both just because I do no real reason other than I like the graphs lol) if that would help?

VUA21 wrote: »

If you average +1200/day for the week, going under 1 day isn't a problem.

Not one day, like 2-4 days. Each week varies.

jgnatca wrote: »

Get your minimum protein in. Consequences won’t show up for weeks (weak nails, thinning hair).

Yeah I've usually hit that. That's why I don't get headaches or feel unwell. I find if I get that I function ok. I could eat 1600cal but if I don't hit about 70g of protein I still feel weird. It definitely explains some of my overeating and still feeling like I didn't eat "enough"

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