1200 Calorie Diet???? Seriously???

Options
1242527293038

Replies

  • FredDoyle
    FredDoyle Posts: 2,273 Member
    edited November 2014
    Options
    RGv2 wrote: »
    Kalikel wrote: »
    bygblu21 wrote: »
    I'm fairly new to this forum and am really surprised at how many people on here are starving themselves to lose weight. Weight loss is not a sprint its a marathon. Its something that should happen over time, not within a few weeks. Weight loss is more than just limiting your caloric intake. Its a combination of eating clean and healthy ( I hate the word diet) and exercising on a daily basis. Starving yourself is not a healthy way to lose weight and by limiting your caloric intake to 1200 or so calories is doing just that. Not only is it unhealthy, but its a process that you will never stick to because its not natural and uncomfortable to do. So lets be serious and talk about how to lose weight realistically.

    I would first ask yourself, "why do I want to lose weight?' Is it for appearance? Is it to be more healthy? Is it to be able to make it up that flight of steps without getting tired? Once you understand your own reasoning you can then move forward and begin your weight loss journey, because after all that's what it should be, a journey not a short trip. Once you've realized your goal and the reason for it you need to make the biggest decision of all, and that's to commit to yourself and commit to achieving your goal of losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle.

    So now you've made the decision to put your health first; now what? Lets start with your eating habits. What do you eat? When do you eat it? and how often are you eating? Your body is a very complex machine but by following some simple rules about eating, you can have it running very efficiently. Follow these few simple rules and you'll see and feel the difference in your energy level.
    -Start every day with an 8oz. glass of lemon water
    -Monitor your portions- you should be eating small portion meals throughout the day rather than one, two or three large portioned meals a day
    -Drink water, all day long
    -Focus on lean proteins like chicken, turkey, salmon etc. and I don't mean processed cold-cuts...
    -Focus on eating fresh vegetables, steamed when possible
    -Limit unnecessary condiments i.e. mayonnaise, oils, salt etc.
    -Limit, but don't restrict carbohydrates. Complex carbs are needed by your body
    -Dairy is ok but in limited portions and should be kept to low fat dairy. Greek yogurt is a good choice.
    -Fresh fruit should be kept to 1 or 2 pieces a day. Its high in sugar and you should be limiting your sugar

    This si just a guide to go by. Your food intake should be directly related to your physical activity. Exercise is key but that's a whole other topic....

    So... Funny thing that I found this today while utilizing MFP to log my progress on my weight loss journey!

    I am currently under the care of weight loss doctor - a qualified medical professional - and was specifically instructed to limit my daily caloric intake to 1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men). I was also given the following instructions:

    1. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    2. Limit your daily calories (women 1200 men 1500)
    3. Try to avoid excessive snacking between meals
    4. Allow yourself to experience hunger between meals and small snacks. Feeling hungry during weight loss and everyday life/schedules is normal and healthy.
    5. Limit carbohydrates to breakfast. The reason for this is that your body can easily burn the carbs off during the course of the day AND most of the reason that women retain "water weight" is because the carbohydrates stored in their bodies act like sponges and soak it all up.
    6. If you need to snack, choose wisely (fruits, low fat yogurts, hard-boiled egg, small salad with dressing on the side)
    7. Dinner should be your lightest meal of the day and breakfast your largest, but do what works for you
    8. Find something other than food to soothe yourself
    9. Make sure that meals are eaten at the table - not in front of the tv, in the bedroom, etc.
    10. Use a Lean Cuisine for a meal if you are in a rush or too tired to cook

    On top of that, I was given the advice that studies have shown that people who consume 25 grams of fiber on a daily basis, lose weight. You get 25 grams of fiber by consuming between 5 & 10 servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Therefore, if you get hungry between meals, have a serving of fruit (banana, orange, handful of grapes, bing cherries, sliced apples, etc.)

    Last tip he gave me: Learn to eat slowly so your body has time to catch up with your brain about when you are actually full/satisfied as opposed to "stuffed."

    All in all, I'm FAR from being an expert on the subject (obviously evident by the fact that I went to a qualified medical professional that IS an expert on the subject), but I feel pretty confident in listening to what was conveyed to me above by my doctor.

    In summary, what he tells hundreds of people everyday that leads to successful weight loss that doesn't come back completely contradicts the nonsense you listed! Also, I really feel that some of those choices and options differ depending on the person and their circumstances. At the end of the day, it's whatever works for you and keeps you strong enough to get where you want to be and stay there!

    your doctor is I-N-S-A-N-E!!! I'm eating 1674 calories and I'm losing!!!!!

    Her doctor gave her information for her, not for you.

    You should follow the advice the doctor gives you and she should follow the advice the doctor gives her. Different people get different advice.
    1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men).

    You saw that the above quote was bolded, so that is what the poster was calling insane (and quite honestly is)....right?

    Strictly speaking it is medically recognized no matter what the MFP experts say.
    An internationally respected hernia hospital (Shouldice) uses those exact numbers for quick safe weight loss prior to operations.
    I have eaten 1400 kcals per day (as a male) to lose 40 lbs. and have been in maintenance for two years now eating 2200-2400 kcals per day.
    My health markers are fine. So it's wrong to say that it doesn't work or isn't advised by doctors because it is.
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    edited November 2014
    Options
    FredDoyle wrote: »
    RGv2 wrote: »
    Kalikel wrote: »
    bygblu21 wrote: »
    I'm fairly new to this forum and am really surprised at how many people on here are starving themselves to lose weight. Weight loss is not a sprint its a marathon. Its something that should happen over time, not within a few weeks. Weight loss is more than just limiting your caloric intake. Its a combination of eating clean and healthy ( I hate the word diet) and exercising on a daily basis. Starving yourself is not a healthy way to lose weight and by limiting your caloric intake to 1200 or so calories is doing just that. Not only is it unhealthy, but its a process that you will never stick to because its not natural and uncomfortable to do. So lets be serious and talk about how to lose weight realistically.

    I would first ask yourself, "why do I want to lose weight?' Is it for appearance? Is it to be more healthy? Is it to be able to make it up that flight of steps without getting tired? Once you understand your own reasoning you can then move forward and begin your weight loss journey, because after all that's what it should be, a journey not a short trip. Once you've realized your goal and the reason for it you need to make the biggest decision of all, and that's to commit to yourself and commit to achieving your goal of losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle.

    So now you've made the decision to put your health first; now what? Lets start with your eating habits. What do you eat? When do you eat it? and how often are you eating? Your body is a very complex machine but by following some simple rules about eating, you can have it running very efficiently. Follow these few simple rules and you'll see and feel the difference in your energy level.
    -Start every day with an 8oz. glass of lemon water
    -Monitor your portions- you should be eating small portion meals throughout the day rather than one, two or three large portioned meals a day
    -Drink water, all day long
    -Focus on lean proteins like chicken, turkey, salmon etc. and I don't mean processed cold-cuts...
    -Focus on eating fresh vegetables, steamed when possible
    -Limit unnecessary condiments i.e. mayonnaise, oils, salt etc.
    -Limit, but don't restrict carbohydrates. Complex carbs are needed by your body
    -Dairy is ok but in limited portions and should be kept to low fat dairy. Greek yogurt is a good choice.
    -Fresh fruit should be kept to 1 or 2 pieces a day. Its high in sugar and you should be limiting your sugar

    This si just a guide to go by. Your food intake should be directly related to your physical activity. Exercise is key but that's a whole other topic....

    So... Funny thing that I found this today while utilizing MFP to log my progress on my weight loss journey!

    I am currently under the care of weight loss doctor - a qualified medical professional - and was specifically instructed to limit my daily caloric intake to 1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men). I was also given the following instructions:

    1. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    2. Limit your daily calories (women 1200 men 1500)
    3. Try to avoid excessive snacking between meals
    4. Allow yourself to experience hunger between meals and small snacks. Feeling hungry during weight loss and everyday life/schedules is normal and healthy.
    5. Limit carbohydrates to breakfast. The reason for this is that your body can easily burn the carbs off during the course of the day AND most of the reason that women retain "water weight" is because the carbohydrates stored in their bodies act like sponges and soak it all up.
    6. If you need to snack, choose wisely (fruits, low fat yogurts, hard-boiled egg, small salad with dressing on the side)
    7. Dinner should be your lightest meal of the day and breakfast your largest, but do what works for you
    8. Find something other than food to soothe yourself
    9. Make sure that meals are eaten at the table - not in front of the tv, in the bedroom, etc.
    10. Use a Lean Cuisine for a meal if you are in a rush or too tired to cook

    On top of that, I was given the advice that studies have shown that people who consume 25 grams of fiber on a daily basis, lose weight. You get 25 grams of fiber by consuming between 5 & 10 servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Therefore, if you get hungry between meals, have a serving of fruit (banana, orange, handful of grapes, bing cherries, sliced apples, etc.)

    Last tip he gave me: Learn to eat slowly so your body has time to catch up with your brain about when you are actually full/satisfied as opposed to "stuffed."

    All in all, I'm FAR from being an expert on the subject (obviously evident by the fact that I went to a qualified medical professional that IS an expert on the subject), but I feel pretty confident in listening to what was conveyed to me above by my doctor.

    In summary, what he tells hundreds of people everyday that leads to successful weight loss that doesn't come back completely contradicts the nonsense you listed! Also, I really feel that some of those choices and options differ depending on the person and their circumstances. At the end of the day, it's whatever works for you and keeps you strong enough to get where you want to be and stay there!

    your doctor is I-N-S-A-N-E!!! I'm eating 1674 calories and I'm losing!!!!!

    Her doctor gave her information for her, not for you.

    You should follow the advice the doctor gives you and she should follow the advice the doctor gives her. Different people get different advice.
    1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men).

    You saw that the above quote was bolded, so that is what the poster was calling insane (and quite honestly is)....right?

    Strictly speaking it is medically recognized no matter what the MFP experts say.
    An internationally respected hernia hospital (Shouldice) uses those exact numbers for quick safe weight loss prior to operations.
    I have eaten 1400 kcals per day (as a male) to lose 40 lbs. and have been in maintenance for two years now eating 2200-2400 kcals per day.
    My health markers are fine. So it's wrong to say that it doesn't work or isn't advised by doctors because it is.

    So you agree that 1200 and 1500 is needed for most?

    I'm not saying it's wrong to do, or it won't work. I'm saying that those levels aren't "required for most" in order to lose weight. To say so, IMHO, is pretty insane.
  • CupcakeCrusoe
    CupcakeCrusoe Posts: 1,370 Member
    Options
    Holy crap, this thread.

    A perfect excuse for me to use my new favorite gif: <img>http://media.giphy.com/media/U0zvFbqJpVUFa/giphy.gif</img&gt;

    I have not seen an amalgm of crazy this diverse since I came into the forums, and that's saying something. We've got 1200 calorie-ers, anti-1200 calorie dudes, broscience, pseudo-science, crossfit coaches, beachbody, bacon, cat gifs, sugar, anti-sugar, newbs, CICO, anti-CICO (really, OP??), AND it's a zombie thread.

    sniff- it's days like this I love MFP. -sniff.
  • Lasmartchika
    Lasmartchika Posts: 3,440 Member
    edited November 2014
    Options
    Holy crap, this thread.

    A perfect excuse for me to use my new favorite gif: giphy.gif

    I have not seen an amalgm of crazy this diverse since I came into the forums, and that's saying something. We've got 1200 calorie-ers, anti-1200 calorie dudes, broscience, pseudo-science, crossfit coaches, beachbody, bacon, cat gifs, sugar, anti-sugar, newbs, CICO, anti-CICO (really, OP??), AND it's a zombie thread.

    sniff- it's days like this I love MFP. -sniff.

    FIXED IT FOR YOU
  • FredDoyle
    FredDoyle Posts: 2,273 Member
    Options
    RGv2 wrote: »
    FredDoyle wrote: »
    RGv2 wrote: »
    Kalikel wrote: »
    bygblu21 wrote: »
    I'm fairly new to this forum and am really surprised at how many people on here are starving themselves to lose weight. Weight loss is not a sprint its a marathon. Its something that should happen over time, not within a few weeks. Weight loss is more than just limiting your caloric intake. Its a combination of eating clean and healthy ( I hate the word diet) and exercising on a daily basis. Starving yourself is not a healthy way to lose weight and by limiting your caloric intake to 1200 or so calories is doing just that. Not only is it unhealthy, but its a process that you will never stick to because its not natural and uncomfortable to do. So lets be serious and talk about how to lose weight realistically.

    I would first ask yourself, "why do I want to lose weight?' Is it for appearance? Is it to be more healthy? Is it to be able to make it up that flight of steps without getting tired? Once you understand your own reasoning you can then move forward and begin your weight loss journey, because after all that's what it should be, a journey not a short trip. Once you've realized your goal and the reason for it you need to make the biggest decision of all, and that's to commit to yourself and commit to achieving your goal of losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle.

    So now you've made the decision to put your health first; now what? Lets start with your eating habits. What do you eat? When do you eat it? and how often are you eating? Your body is a very complex machine but by following some simple rules about eating, you can have it running very efficiently. Follow these few simple rules and you'll see and feel the difference in your energy level.
    -Start every day with an 8oz. glass of lemon water
    -Monitor your portions- you should be eating small portion meals throughout the day rather than one, two or three large portioned meals a day
    -Drink water, all day long
    -Focus on lean proteins like chicken, turkey, salmon etc. and I don't mean processed cold-cuts...
    -Focus on eating fresh vegetables, steamed when possible
    -Limit unnecessary condiments i.e. mayonnaise, oils, salt etc.
    -Limit, but don't restrict carbohydrates. Complex carbs are needed by your body
    -Dairy is ok but in limited portions and should be kept to low fat dairy. Greek yogurt is a good choice.
    -Fresh fruit should be kept to 1 or 2 pieces a day. Its high in sugar and you should be limiting your sugar

    This si just a guide to go by. Your food intake should be directly related to your physical activity. Exercise is key but that's a whole other topic....

    So... Funny thing that I found this today while utilizing MFP to log my progress on my weight loss journey!

    I am currently under the care of weight loss doctor - a qualified medical professional - and was specifically instructed to limit my daily caloric intake to 1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men). I was also given the following instructions:

    1. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    2. Limit your daily calories (women 1200 men 1500)
    3. Try to avoid excessive snacking between meals
    4. Allow yourself to experience hunger between meals and small snacks. Feeling hungry during weight loss and everyday life/schedules is normal and healthy.
    5. Limit carbohydrates to breakfast. The reason for this is that your body can easily burn the carbs off during the course of the day AND most of the reason that women retain "water weight" is because the carbohydrates stored in their bodies act like sponges and soak it all up.
    6. If you need to snack, choose wisely (fruits, low fat yogurts, hard-boiled egg, small salad with dressing on the side)
    7. Dinner should be your lightest meal of the day and breakfast your largest, but do what works for you
    8. Find something other than food to soothe yourself
    9. Make sure that meals are eaten at the table - not in front of the tv, in the bedroom, etc.
    10. Use a Lean Cuisine for a meal if you are in a rush or too tired to cook

    On top of that, I was given the advice that studies have shown that people who consume 25 grams of fiber on a daily basis, lose weight. You get 25 grams of fiber by consuming between 5 & 10 servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Therefore, if you get hungry between meals, have a serving of fruit (banana, orange, handful of grapes, bing cherries, sliced apples, etc.)

    Last tip he gave me: Learn to eat slowly so your body has time to catch up with your brain about when you are actually full/satisfied as opposed to "stuffed."

    All in all, I'm FAR from being an expert on the subject (obviously evident by the fact that I went to a qualified medical professional that IS an expert on the subject), but I feel pretty confident in listening to what was conveyed to me above by my doctor.

    In summary, what he tells hundreds of people everyday that leads to successful weight loss that doesn't come back completely contradicts the nonsense you listed! Also, I really feel that some of those choices and options differ depending on the person and their circumstances. At the end of the day, it's whatever works for you and keeps you strong enough to get where you want to be and stay there!

    your doctor is I-N-S-A-N-E!!! I'm eating 1674 calories and I'm losing!!!!!

    Her doctor gave her information for her, not for you.

    You should follow the advice the doctor gives you and she should follow the advice the doctor gives her. Different people get different advice.
    1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men).

    You saw that the above quote was bolded, so that is what the poster was calling insane (and quite honestly is)....right?

    Strictly speaking it is medically recognized no matter what the MFP experts say.
    An internationally respected hernia hospital (Shouldice) uses those exact numbers for quick safe weight loss prior to operations.
    I have eaten 1400 kcals per day (as a male) to lose 40 lbs. and have been in maintenance for two years now eating 2200-2400 kcals per day.
    My health markers are fine. So it's wrong to say that it doesn't work or isn't advised by doctors because it is.

    So you agree that 1200 and 1500 is needed for most?

    I'm not saying it's wrong to do, or it won't work. I'm saying that those levels aren't "required for most" in order to lose weight. To say so, IMHO, is pretty insane.
    Nobody said required. One poster said it was INSANE!!!11!
    They are wrong since it is technically medically approved. There is nothing wrong with that few calories in a nutritionally controlled deficit.
  • CupcakeCrusoe
    CupcakeCrusoe Posts: 1,370 Member
    Options
    Holy crap, this thread.

    A perfect excuse for me to use my new favorite gif: giphy.gif

    I have not seen an amalgm of crazy this diverse since I came into the forums, and that's saying something. We've got 1200 calorie-ers, anti-1200 calorie dudes, broscience, pseudo-science, crossfit coaches, beachbody, bacon, cat gifs, sugar, anti-sugar, newbs, CICO, anti-CICO (really, OP??), AND it's a zombie thread.

    sniff- it's days like this I love MFP. -sniff.

    FIXED IT FOR YOU

    Thank you!!!! :cookie:
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    edited November 2014
    Options
    FredDoyle wrote: »
    RGv2 wrote: »
    FredDoyle wrote: »
    RGv2 wrote: »
    Kalikel wrote: »
    bygblu21 wrote: »
    I'm fairly new to this forum and am really surprised at how many people on here are starving themselves to lose weight. Weight loss is not a sprint its a marathon. Its something that should happen over time, not within a few weeks. Weight loss is more than just limiting your caloric intake. Its a combination of eating clean and healthy ( I hate the word diet) and exercising on a daily basis. Starving yourself is not a healthy way to lose weight and by limiting your caloric intake to 1200 or so calories is doing just that. Not only is it unhealthy, but its a process that you will never stick to because its not natural and uncomfortable to do. So lets be serious and talk about how to lose weight realistically.

    I would first ask yourself, "why do I want to lose weight?' Is it for appearance? Is it to be more healthy? Is it to be able to make it up that flight of steps without getting tired? Once you understand your own reasoning you can then move forward and begin your weight loss journey, because after all that's what it should be, a journey not a short trip. Once you've realized your goal and the reason for it you need to make the biggest decision of all, and that's to commit to yourself and commit to achieving your goal of losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle.

    So now you've made the decision to put your health first; now what? Lets start with your eating habits. What do you eat? When do you eat it? and how often are you eating? Your body is a very complex machine but by following some simple rules about eating, you can have it running very efficiently. Follow these few simple rules and you'll see and feel the difference in your energy level.
    -Start every day with an 8oz. glass of lemon water
    -Monitor your portions- you should be eating small portion meals throughout the day rather than one, two or three large portioned meals a day
    -Drink water, all day long
    -Focus on lean proteins like chicken, turkey, salmon etc. and I don't mean processed cold-cuts...
    -Focus on eating fresh vegetables, steamed when possible
    -Limit unnecessary condiments i.e. mayonnaise, oils, salt etc.
    -Limit, but don't restrict carbohydrates. Complex carbs are needed by your body
    -Dairy is ok but in limited portions and should be kept to low fat dairy. Greek yogurt is a good choice.
    -Fresh fruit should be kept to 1 or 2 pieces a day. Its high in sugar and you should be limiting your sugar

    This si just a guide to go by. Your food intake should be directly related to your physical activity. Exercise is key but that's a whole other topic....

    So... Funny thing that I found this today while utilizing MFP to log my progress on my weight loss journey!

    I am currently under the care of weight loss doctor - a qualified medical professional - and was specifically instructed to limit my daily caloric intake to 1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men). I was also given the following instructions:

    1. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    2. Limit your daily calories (women 1200 men 1500)
    3. Try to avoid excessive snacking between meals
    4. Allow yourself to experience hunger between meals and small snacks. Feeling hungry during weight loss and everyday life/schedules is normal and healthy.
    5. Limit carbohydrates to breakfast. The reason for this is that your body can easily burn the carbs off during the course of the day AND most of the reason that women retain "water weight" is because the carbohydrates stored in their bodies act like sponges and soak it all up.
    6. If you need to snack, choose wisely (fruits, low fat yogurts, hard-boiled egg, small salad with dressing on the side)
    7. Dinner should be your lightest meal of the day and breakfast your largest, but do what works for you
    8. Find something other than food to soothe yourself
    9. Make sure that meals are eaten at the table - not in front of the tv, in the bedroom, etc.
    10. Use a Lean Cuisine for a meal if you are in a rush or too tired to cook

    On top of that, I was given the advice that studies have shown that people who consume 25 grams of fiber on a daily basis, lose weight. You get 25 grams of fiber by consuming between 5 & 10 servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Therefore, if you get hungry between meals, have a serving of fruit (banana, orange, handful of grapes, bing cherries, sliced apples, etc.)

    Last tip he gave me: Learn to eat slowly so your body has time to catch up with your brain about when you are actually full/satisfied as opposed to "stuffed."

    All in all, I'm FAR from being an expert on the subject (obviously evident by the fact that I went to a qualified medical professional that IS an expert on the subject), but I feel pretty confident in listening to what was conveyed to me above by my doctor.

    In summary, what he tells hundreds of people everyday that leads to successful weight loss that doesn't come back completely contradicts the nonsense you listed! Also, I really feel that some of those choices and options differ depending on the person and their circumstances. At the end of the day, it's whatever works for you and keeps you strong enough to get where you want to be and stay there!

    your doctor is I-N-S-A-N-E!!! I'm eating 1674 calories and I'm losing!!!!!

    Her doctor gave her information for her, not for you.

    You should follow the advice the doctor gives you and she should follow the advice the doctor gives her. Different people get different advice.
    1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men).

    You saw that the above quote was bolded, so that is what the poster was calling insane (and quite honestly is)....right?

    Strictly speaking it is medically recognized no matter what the MFP experts say.
    An internationally respected hernia hospital (Shouldice) uses those exact numbers for quick safe weight loss prior to operations.
    I have eaten 1400 kcals per day (as a male) to lose 40 lbs. and have been in maintenance for two years now eating 2200-2400 kcals per day.
    My health markers are fine. So it's wrong to say that it doesn't work or isn't advised by doctors because it is.

    So you agree that 1200 and 1500 is needed for most?

    I'm not saying it's wrong to do, or it won't work. I'm saying that those levels aren't "required for most" in order to lose weight. To say so, IMHO, is pretty insane.
    Nobody said required. One poster said it was INSANE!!!11!
    They are wrong since it is technically medically approved. There is nothing wrong with that few calories in a nutritionally controlled deficit.

    Unless we're reading this wrong...
    1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men).

    The way I'm reading it (and the other poster) is that it is recongnized to eat only 1200/1500 in order to lose weight.

    I never said anything was wrong with that level. It saying that you need to eat that level in order to lose weight (at least that how I read what is written).
  • Lasmartchika
    Lasmartchika Posts: 3,440 Member
    Options
    To think this all started cuz the OP who's
    fairly new to this forum
    felt they knew sssooo much more than anybody else... tsk tsk tsk... :grumble:

    This isn't a one size fits all kinda thing, duh!! :noway:
  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,626 Member
    Options
    RGv2 wrote: »
    Kalikel wrote: »
    bygblu21 wrote: »
    I'm fairly new to this forum and am really surprised at how many people on here are starving themselves to lose weight. Weight loss is not a sprint its a marathon. Its something that should happen over time, not within a few weeks. Weight loss is more than just limiting your caloric intake. Its a combination of eating clean and healthy ( I hate the word diet) and exercising on a daily basis. Starving yourself is not a healthy way to lose weight and by limiting your caloric intake to 1200 or so calories is doing just that. Not only is it unhealthy, but its a process that you will never stick to because its not natural and uncomfortable to do. So lets be serious and talk about how to lose weight realistically.

    I would first ask yourself, "why do I want to lose weight?' Is it for appearance? Is it to be more healthy? Is it to be able to make it up that flight of steps without getting tired? Once you understand your own reasoning you can then move forward and begin your weight loss journey, because after all that's what it should be, a journey not a short trip. Once you've realized your goal and the reason for it you need to make the biggest decision of all, and that's to commit to yourself and commit to achieving your goal of losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle.

    So now you've made the decision to put your health first; now what? Lets start with your eating habits. What do you eat? When do you eat it? and how often are you eating? Your body is a very complex machine but by following some simple rules about eating, you can have it running very efficiently. Follow these few simple rules and you'll see and feel the difference in your energy level.
    -Start every day with an 8oz. glass of lemon water
    -Monitor your portions- you should be eating small portion meals throughout the day rather than one, two or three large portioned meals a day
    -Drink water, all day long
    -Focus on lean proteins like chicken, turkey, salmon etc. and I don't mean processed cold-cuts...
    -Focus on eating fresh vegetables, steamed when possible
    -Limit unnecessary condiments i.e. mayonnaise, oils, salt etc.
    -Limit, but don't restrict carbohydrates. Complex carbs are needed by your body
    -Dairy is ok but in limited portions and should be kept to low fat dairy. Greek yogurt is a good choice.
    -Fresh fruit should be kept to 1 or 2 pieces a day. Its high in sugar and you should be limiting your sugar

    This si just a guide to go by. Your food intake should be directly related to your physical activity. Exercise is key but that's a whole other topic....

    So... Funny thing that I found this today while utilizing MFP to log my progress on my weight loss journey!

    I am currently under the care of weight loss doctor - a qualified medical professional - and was specifically instructed to limit my daily caloric intake to 1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men). I was also given the following instructions:

    1. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    2. Limit your daily calories (women 1200 men 1500)
    3. Try to avoid excessive snacking between meals
    4. Allow yourself to experience hunger between meals and small snacks. Feeling hungry during weight loss and everyday life/schedules is normal and healthy.
    5. Limit carbohydrates to breakfast. The reason for this is that your body can easily burn the carbs off during the course of the day AND most of the reason that women retain "water weight" is because the carbohydrates stored in their bodies act like sponges and soak it all up.
    6. If you need to snack, choose wisely (fruits, low fat yogurts, hard-boiled egg, small salad with dressing on the side)
    7. Dinner should be your lightest meal of the day and breakfast your largest, but do what works for you
    8. Find something other than food to soothe yourself
    9. Make sure that meals are eaten at the table - not in front of the tv, in the bedroom, etc.
    10. Use a Lean Cuisine for a meal if you are in a rush or too tired to cook

    On top of that, I was given the advice that studies have shown that people who consume 25 grams of fiber on a daily basis, lose weight. You get 25 grams of fiber by consuming between 5 & 10 servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Therefore, if you get hungry between meals, have a serving of fruit (banana, orange, handful of grapes, bing cherries, sliced apples, etc.)

    Last tip he gave me: Learn to eat slowly so your body has time to catch up with your brain about when you are actually full/satisfied as opposed to "stuffed."

    All in all, I'm FAR from being an expert on the subject (obviously evident by the fact that I went to a qualified medical professional that IS an expert on the subject), but I feel pretty confident in listening to what was conveyed to me above by my doctor.

    In summary, what he tells hundreds of people everyday that leads to successful weight loss that doesn't come back completely contradicts the nonsense you listed! Also, I really feel that some of those choices and options differ depending on the person and their circumstances. At the end of the day, it's whatever works for you and keeps you strong enough to get where you want to be and stay there!

    your doctor is I-N-S-A-N-E!!! I'm eating 1674 calories and I'm losing!!!!!

    Her doctor gave her information for her, not for you.

    You should follow the advice the doctor gives you and she should follow the advice the doctor gives her. Different people get different advice.
    1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men).

    You saw that the above quote was bolded, so that is what the poster was calling insane (and quite honestly is)....right?
    No, it's not insane. 1200 for women is the standard, average answer for how many calories are needed. It won't work for everyone and isn't a magic number, but that's the standard answer given for how many calories are needed. People want a number. People always want a number, lol. That's the number they get.

    So, no, I wouldn't say it was insane.

    I certainly wouldn't say one person shouldn't eat 1200 calories because someone else can eat 1600. That isn't logical. I also wouldn't say that everyone should average 1200 calories because I do. That's illogical, too.

    Everyone is different.
  • rachylouise87
    rachylouise87 Posts: 367 Member
    Options
    i am 5ft 1 and i have a sedentry job i do 30-60 mins cardio 6 times a week and 1200 calories works for me. if i am hungry i will eat back some of my workout calories. going from 2000+ cals per day to 1200 was a big adjustment but i have now been doing this for a month and i dont have hunger pangs i dont have dizzy spells or light headedness and i am losing a steady 0.5-1.5lbs per week sometimes a fortnight. i feel healthy and fitter and i guess this works for me but my 5ft 7 work collegue ... no
  • rachylouise87
    rachylouise87 Posts: 367 Member
    Options
    and to mention i am 166lbs so i am obese for my height.
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    edited November 2014
    Options
    Kalikel wrote: »
    RGv2 wrote: »
    Kalikel wrote: »
    bygblu21 wrote: »
    I'm fairly new to this forum and am really surprised at how many people on here are starving themselves to lose weight. Weight loss is not a sprint its a marathon. Its something that should happen over time, not within a few weeks. Weight loss is more than just limiting your caloric intake. Its a combination of eating clean and healthy ( I hate the word diet) and exercising on a daily basis. Starving yourself is not a healthy way to lose weight and by limiting your caloric intake to 1200 or so calories is doing just that. Not only is it unhealthy, but its a process that you will never stick to because its not natural and uncomfortable to do. So lets be serious and talk about how to lose weight realistically.

    I would first ask yourself, "why do I want to lose weight?' Is it for appearance? Is it to be more healthy? Is it to be able to make it up that flight of steps without getting tired? Once you understand your own reasoning you can then move forward and begin your weight loss journey, because after all that's what it should be, a journey not a short trip. Once you've realized your goal and the reason for it you need to make the biggest decision of all, and that's to commit to yourself and commit to achieving your goal of losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle.

    So now you've made the decision to put your health first; now what? Lets start with your eating habits. What do you eat? When do you eat it? and how often are you eating? Your body is a very complex machine but by following some simple rules about eating, you can have it running very efficiently. Follow these few simple rules and you'll see and feel the difference in your energy level.
    -Start every day with an 8oz. glass of lemon water
    -Monitor your portions- you should be eating small portion meals throughout the day rather than one, two or three large portioned meals a day
    -Drink water, all day long
    -Focus on lean proteins like chicken, turkey, salmon etc. and I don't mean processed cold-cuts...
    -Focus on eating fresh vegetables, steamed when possible
    -Limit unnecessary condiments i.e. mayonnaise, oils, salt etc.
    -Limit, but don't restrict carbohydrates. Complex carbs are needed by your body
    -Dairy is ok but in limited portions and should be kept to low fat dairy. Greek yogurt is a good choice.
    -Fresh fruit should be kept to 1 or 2 pieces a day. Its high in sugar and you should be limiting your sugar

    This si just a guide to go by. Your food intake should be directly related to your physical activity. Exercise is key but that's a whole other topic....

    So... Funny thing that I found this today while utilizing MFP to log my progress on my weight loss journey!

    I am currently under the care of weight loss doctor - a qualified medical professional - and was specifically instructed to limit my daily caloric intake to 1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men). I was also given the following instructions:

    1. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    2. Limit your daily calories (women 1200 men 1500)
    3. Try to avoid excessive snacking between meals
    4. Allow yourself to experience hunger between meals and small snacks. Feeling hungry during weight loss and everyday life/schedules is normal and healthy.
    5. Limit carbohydrates to breakfast. The reason for this is that your body can easily burn the carbs off during the course of the day AND most of the reason that women retain "water weight" is because the carbohydrates stored in their bodies act like sponges and soak it all up.
    6. If you need to snack, choose wisely (fruits, low fat yogurts, hard-boiled egg, small salad with dressing on the side)
    7. Dinner should be your lightest meal of the day and breakfast your largest, but do what works for you
    8. Find something other than food to soothe yourself
    9. Make sure that meals are eaten at the table - not in front of the tv, in the bedroom, etc.
    10. Use a Lean Cuisine for a meal if you are in a rush or too tired to cook

    On top of that, I was given the advice that studies have shown that people who consume 25 grams of fiber on a daily basis, lose weight. You get 25 grams of fiber by consuming between 5 & 10 servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Therefore, if you get hungry between meals, have a serving of fruit (banana, orange, handful of grapes, bing cherries, sliced apples, etc.)

    Last tip he gave me: Learn to eat slowly so your body has time to catch up with your brain about when you are actually full/satisfied as opposed to "stuffed."

    All in all, I'm FAR from being an expert on the subject (obviously evident by the fact that I went to a qualified medical professional that IS an expert on the subject), but I feel pretty confident in listening to what was conveyed to me above by my doctor.

    In summary, what he tells hundreds of people everyday that leads to successful weight loss that doesn't come back completely contradicts the nonsense you listed! Also, I really feel that some of those choices and options differ depending on the person and their circumstances. At the end of the day, it's whatever works for you and keeps you strong enough to get where you want to be and stay there!

    your doctor is I-N-S-A-N-E!!! I'm eating 1674 calories and I'm losing!!!!!

    Her doctor gave her information for her, not for you.

    You should follow the advice the doctor gives you and she should follow the advice the doctor gives her. Different people get different advice.
    1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men).

    You saw that the above quote was bolded, so that is what the poster was calling insane (and quite honestly is)....right?
    No, it's not insane. 1200 for women is the standard, average answer for how many calories are needed. It won't work for everyone and isn't a magic number, but that's the standard answer given for how many calories are needed. People want a number. People always want a number, lol. That's the number they get.

    So, no, I wouldn't say it was insane.

    I certainly wouldn't say one person shouldn't eat 1200 calories because someone else can eat 1600. That isn't logical. I also wouldn't say that everyone should average 1200 calories because I do. That's illogical, too.

    Everyone is different.

    So....telling at 24 yr old male that is overweight that he needs to eat 1500 cals in order to lose weight is cool? I mean, it's probably well below their BMR but 1500 is the standard. That's my point.

  • FredDoyle
    FredDoyle Posts: 2,273 Member
    Options
    RGv2 wrote: »
    FredDoyle wrote: »
    RGv2 wrote: »
    FredDoyle wrote: »
    RGv2 wrote: »
    Kalikel wrote: »
    bygblu21 wrote: »
    I'm fairly new to this forum and am really surprised at how many people on here are starving themselves to lose weight. Weight loss is not a sprint its a marathon. Its something that should happen over time, not within a few weeks. Weight loss is more than just limiting your caloric intake. Its a combination of eating clean and healthy ( I hate the word diet) and exercising on a daily basis. Starving yourself is not a healthy way to lose weight and by limiting your caloric intake to 1200 or so calories is doing just that. Not only is it unhealthy, but its a process that you will never stick to because its not natural and uncomfortable to do. So lets be serious and talk about how to lose weight realistically.

    I would first ask yourself, "why do I want to lose weight?' Is it for appearance? Is it to be more healthy? Is it to be able to make it up that flight of steps without getting tired? Once you understand your own reasoning you can then move forward and begin your weight loss journey, because after all that's what it should be, a journey not a short trip. Once you've realized your goal and the reason for it you need to make the biggest decision of all, and that's to commit to yourself and commit to achieving your goal of losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle.

    So now you've made the decision to put your health first; now what? Lets start with your eating habits. What do you eat? When do you eat it? and how often are you eating? Your body is a very complex machine but by following some simple rules about eating, you can have it running very efficiently. Follow these few simple rules and you'll see and feel the difference in your energy level.
    -Start every day with an 8oz. glass of lemon water
    -Monitor your portions- you should be eating small portion meals throughout the day rather than one, two or three large portioned meals a day
    -Drink water, all day long
    -Focus on lean proteins like chicken, turkey, salmon etc. and I don't mean processed cold-cuts...
    -Focus on eating fresh vegetables, steamed when possible
    -Limit unnecessary condiments i.e. mayonnaise, oils, salt etc.
    -Limit, but don't restrict carbohydrates. Complex carbs are needed by your body
    -Dairy is ok but in limited portions and should be kept to low fat dairy. Greek yogurt is a good choice.
    -Fresh fruit should be kept to 1 or 2 pieces a day. Its high in sugar and you should be limiting your sugar

    This si just a guide to go by. Your food intake should be directly related to your physical activity. Exercise is key but that's a whole other topic....

    So... Funny thing that I found this today while utilizing MFP to log my progress on my weight loss journey!

    I am currently under the care of weight loss doctor - a qualified medical professional - and was specifically instructed to limit my daily caloric intake to 1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men). I was also given the following instructions:

    1. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    2. Limit your daily calories (women 1200 men 1500)
    3. Try to avoid excessive snacking between meals
    4. Allow yourself to experience hunger between meals and small snacks. Feeling hungry during weight loss and everyday life/schedules is normal and healthy.
    5. Limit carbohydrates to breakfast. The reason for this is that your body can easily burn the carbs off during the course of the day AND most of the reason that women retain "water weight" is because the carbohydrates stored in their bodies act like sponges and soak it all up.
    6. If you need to snack, choose wisely (fruits, low fat yogurts, hard-boiled egg, small salad with dressing on the side)
    7. Dinner should be your lightest meal of the day and breakfast your largest, but do what works for you
    8. Find something other than food to soothe yourself
    9. Make sure that meals are eaten at the table - not in front of the tv, in the bedroom, etc.
    10. Use a Lean Cuisine for a meal if you are in a rush or too tired to cook

    On top of that, I was given the advice that studies have shown that people who consume 25 grams of fiber on a daily basis, lose weight. You get 25 grams of fiber by consuming between 5 & 10 servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Therefore, if you get hungry between meals, have a serving of fruit (banana, orange, handful of grapes, bing cherries, sliced apples, etc.)

    Last tip he gave me: Learn to eat slowly so your body has time to catch up with your brain about when you are actually full/satisfied as opposed to "stuffed."

    All in all, I'm FAR from being an expert on the subject (obviously evident by the fact that I went to a qualified medical professional that IS an expert on the subject), but I feel pretty confident in listening to what was conveyed to me above by my doctor.

    In summary, what he tells hundreds of people everyday that leads to successful weight loss that doesn't come back completely contradicts the nonsense you listed! Also, I really feel that some of those choices and options differ depending on the person and their circumstances. At the end of the day, it's whatever works for you and keeps you strong enough to get where you want to be and stay there!

    your doctor is I-N-S-A-N-E!!! I'm eating 1674 calories and I'm losing!!!!!

    Her doctor gave her information for her, not for you.

    You should follow the advice the doctor gives you and she should follow the advice the doctor gives her. Different people get different advice.
    1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men).

    You saw that the above quote was bolded, so that is what the poster was calling insane (and quite honestly is)....right?

    Strictly speaking it is medically recognized no matter what the MFP experts say.
    An internationally respected hernia hospital (Shouldice) uses those exact numbers for quick safe weight loss prior to operations.
    I have eaten 1400 kcals per day (as a male) to lose 40 lbs. and have been in maintenance for two years now eating 2200-2400 kcals per day.
    My health markers are fine. So it's wrong to say that it doesn't work or isn't advised by doctors because it is.

    So you agree that 1200 and 1500 is needed for most?

    I'm not saying it's wrong to do, or it won't work. I'm saying that those levels aren't "required for most" in order to lose weight. To say so, IMHO, is pretty insane.
    Nobody said required. One poster said it was INSANE!!!11!
    They are wrong since it is technically medically approved. There is nothing wrong with that few calories in a nutritionally controlled deficit.

    Unless we're reading this wrong...
    1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men).

    The way I'm reading it (and the other poster) is that it is recongnized to eat only 1200/1500 in order to lose weight.

    I never said anything was wrong with that level. It saying that you need to eat that level in order to lose weight (at least that how I read what is written).

    I think it is just poorly phrased and it's obvious to most readers that "needed" means minimum to reach nutritional requirements and the minimum safe amounts for weight loss. People pick the wrong battles to fight on this site and it gets tedious.
  • blktngldhrt
    blktngldhrt Posts: 1,053 Member
    Options
    colie1986 wrote: »
    I agree with the person who stated that everyone is different. I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia in July 2011. I went to see a dietician to learn what I need to do in order for my body not to go through these attacks and while I was there told her I would like to lose weight. I am 5' 1/4" tall. She gave me a 1200 calorie a day diet and to eat at least 45 proteins a day and more if possible. She told me what my to not go over as far as carbs, etc. She put me on 6 meals a day... 3 meals... 3 snacks and how much carbs total for each. Once I reach where I wanted she was going to have me up my calories. I did really great for a while, but I am a sweet-a-holic and fell off the wagon. I've recently started using her advice again.

    I guess what I am saying is that not everyone is made the same. Age, height, sex, body type are all factors including exercise in how many calories. I'm sticking with what my dietician told me and I'm getting plenty. I do go over some but I'm not a dieter so this is gonna be a slow change for me to start eating right.

    Good luck everyone! Don't get discouraged! :)

    I'm hypoglycemic too! We're sweet-a-holics because we're hypoglycemic and are hypoglycemic because we're sweet-a-holics. Hahaha. The cycle.

    Good luck to you.


    I personally find it difficult on some days to reach 1200. It would be more uncomfortable to stuff myself when I'm not hungry.

    Low fat dairy is worse for someone like me than full fat. Different fruits and vegetables, carbs..they all affect people in different ways. You eat what you can, when you feel hungry, and figure out what works for you. There isn't a one size fits all eating plan.
  • blktngldhrt
    blktngldhrt Posts: 1,053 Member
    Options
    Does coffee count as water?

    It apparently depends on who you talk to.

    I vote yes. :)
  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,626 Member
    Options
    RGv2 wrote: »
    Kalikel wrote: »
    RGv2 wrote: »
    Kalikel wrote: »
    bygblu21 wrote: »
    I'm fairly new to this forum and am really surprised at how many people on here are starving themselves to lose weight. Weight loss is not a sprint its a marathon. Its something that should happen over time, not within a few weeks. Weight loss is more than just limiting your caloric intake. Its a combination of eating clean and healthy ( I hate the word diet) and exercising on a daily basis. Starving yourself is not a healthy way to lose weight and by limiting your caloric intake to 1200 or so calories is doing just that. Not only is it unhealthy, but its a process that you will never stick to because its not natural and uncomfortable to do. So lets be serious and talk about how to lose weight realistically.

    I would first ask yourself, "why do I want to lose weight?' Is it for appearance? Is it to be more healthy? Is it to be able to make it up that flight of steps without getting tired? Once you understand your own reasoning you can then move forward and begin your weight loss journey, because after all that's what it should be, a journey not a short trip. Once you've realized your goal and the reason for it you need to make the biggest decision of all, and that's to commit to yourself and commit to achieving your goal of losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle.

    So now you've made the decision to put your health first; now what? Lets start with your eating habits. What do you eat? When do you eat it? and how often are you eating? Your body is a very complex machine but by following some simple rules about eating, you can have it running very efficiently. Follow these few simple rules and you'll see and feel the difference in your energy level.
    -Start every day with an 8oz. glass of lemon water
    -Monitor your portions- you should be eating small portion meals throughout the day rather than one, two or three large portioned meals a day
    -Drink water, all day long
    -Focus on lean proteins like chicken, turkey, salmon etc. and I don't mean processed cold-cuts...
    -Focus on eating fresh vegetables, steamed when possible
    -Limit unnecessary condiments i.e. mayonnaise, oils, salt etc.
    -Limit, but don't restrict carbohydrates. Complex carbs are needed by your body
    -Dairy is ok but in limited portions and should be kept to low fat dairy. Greek yogurt is a good choice.
    -Fresh fruit should be kept to 1 or 2 pieces a day. Its high in sugar and you should be limiting your sugar

    This si just a guide to go by. Your food intake should be directly related to your physical activity. Exercise is key but that's a whole other topic....

    So... Funny thing that I found this today while utilizing MFP to log my progress on my weight loss journey!

    I am currently under the care of weight loss doctor - a qualified medical professional - and was specifically instructed to limit my daily caloric intake to 1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men). I was also given the following instructions:

    1. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    2. Limit your daily calories (women 1200 men 1500)
    3. Try to avoid excessive snacking between meals
    4. Allow yourself to experience hunger between meals and small snacks. Feeling hungry during weight loss and everyday life/schedules is normal and healthy.
    5. Limit carbohydrates to breakfast. The reason for this is that your body can easily burn the carbs off during the course of the day AND most of the reason that women retain "water weight" is because the carbohydrates stored in their bodies act like sponges and soak it all up.
    6. If you need to snack, choose wisely (fruits, low fat yogurts, hard-boiled egg, small salad with dressing on the side)
    7. Dinner should be your lightest meal of the day and breakfast your largest, but do what works for you
    8. Find something other than food to soothe yourself
    9. Make sure that meals are eaten at the table - not in front of the tv, in the bedroom, etc.
    10. Use a Lean Cuisine for a meal if you are in a rush or too tired to cook

    On top of that, I was given the advice that studies have shown that people who consume 25 grams of fiber on a daily basis, lose weight. You get 25 grams of fiber by consuming between 5 & 10 servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Therefore, if you get hungry between meals, have a serving of fruit (banana, orange, handful of grapes, bing cherries, sliced apples, etc.)

    Last tip he gave me: Learn to eat slowly so your body has time to catch up with your brain about when you are actually full/satisfied as opposed to "stuffed."

    All in all, I'm FAR from being an expert on the subject (obviously evident by the fact that I went to a qualified medical professional that IS an expert on the subject), but I feel pretty confident in listening to what was conveyed to me above by my doctor.

    In summary, what he tells hundreds of people everyday that leads to successful weight loss that doesn't come back completely contradicts the nonsense you listed! Also, I really feel that some of those choices and options differ depending on the person and their circumstances. At the end of the day, it's whatever works for you and keeps you strong enough to get where you want to be and stay there!

    your doctor is I-N-S-A-N-E!!! I'm eating 1674 calories and I'm losing!!!!!

    Her doctor gave her information for her, not for you.

    You should follow the advice the doctor gives you and she should follow the advice the doctor gives her. Different people get different advice.
    1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men).

    You saw that the above quote was bolded, so that is what the poster was calling insane (and quite honestly is)....right?
    No, it's not insane. 1200 for women is the standard, average answer for how many calories are needed. It won't work for everyone and isn't a magic number, but that's the standard answer given for how many calories are needed. People want a number. People always want a number, lol. That's the number they get.

    So, no, I wouldn't say it was insane.

    I certainly wouldn't say one person shouldn't eat 1200 calories because someone else can eat 1600. That isn't logical. I also wouldn't say that everyone should average 1200 calories because I do. That's illogical, too.

    Everyone is different.

    So....telling at 24 yr old male that is overweight that he needs to eat 1500 cals in order to lose weight is cool? I mean, apparently it is the standard so they won't lose on 1800+ won't work, right? That's my point.
    It would depend on the specific needs of the person.

    It's the standard amount of necessary calories. The average person needs that many. But very few people are average and, as has been said over and over, it depends on the person.

    Different people have different needs.
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    edited November 2014
    Options
    FredDoyle wrote: »
    RGv2 wrote: »
    FredDoyle wrote: »
    RGv2 wrote: »
    FredDoyle wrote: »
    RGv2 wrote: »
    Kalikel wrote: »
    [quote="ewarren1985;30264349
    So... Funny thing that I found this today while utilizing MFP to log my progress on my weight loss journey!

    I am currently under the care of weight loss doctor - a qualified medical professional - and was specifically instructed to limit my daily caloric intake to 1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men). I was also given the following instructions:

    1. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    2. Limit your daily calories (women 1200 men 1500)
    3. Try to avoid excessive snacking between meals
    4. Allow yourself to experience hunger between meals and small snacks. Feeling hungry during weight loss and everyday life/schedules is normal and healthy.
    5. Limit carbohydrates to breakfast. The reason for this is that your body can easily burn the carbs off during the course of the day AND most of the reason that women retain "water weight" is because the carbohydrates stored in their bodies act like sponges and soak it all up.
    6. If you need to snack, choose wisely (fruits, low fat yogurts, hard-boiled egg, small salad with dressing on the side)
    7. Dinner should be your lightest meal of the day and breakfast your largest, but do what works for you
    8. Find something other than food to soothe yourself
    9. Make sure that meals are eaten at the table - not in front of the tv, in the bedroom, etc.
    10. Use a Lean Cuisine for a meal if you are in a rush or too tired to cook

    On top of that, I was given the advice that studies have shown that people who consume 25 grams of fiber on a daily basis, lose weight. You get 25 grams of fiber by consuming between 5 & 10 servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Therefore, if you get hungry between meals, have a serving of fruit (banana, orange, handful of grapes, bing cherries, sliced apples, etc.)

    Last tip he gave me: Learn to eat slowly so your body has time to catch up with your brain about when you are actually full/satisfied as opposed to "stuffed."

    All in all, I'm FAR from being an expert on the subject (obviously evident by the fact that I went to a qualified medical professional that IS an expert on the subject), but I feel pretty confident in listening to what was conveyed to me above by my doctor.

    In summary, what he tells hundreds of people everyday that leads to successful weight loss that doesn't come back completely contradicts the nonsense you listed! Also, I really feel that some of those choices and options differ depending on the person and their circumstances. At the end of the day, it's whatever works for you and keeps you strong enough to get where you want to be and stay there!

    your doctor is I-N-S-A-N-E!!! I'm eating 1674 calories and I'm losing!!!!!

    Her doctor gave her information for her, not for you.

    You should follow the advice the doctor gives you and she should follow the advice the doctor gives her. Different people get different advice.
    1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men).

    You saw that the above quote was bolded, so that is what the poster was calling insane (and quite honestly is)....right?

    Strictly speaking it is medically recognized no matter what the MFP experts say.
    An internationally respected hernia hospital (Shouldice) uses those exact numbers for quick safe weight loss prior to operations.
    I have eaten 1400 kcals per day (as a male) to lose 40 lbs. and have been in maintenance for two years now eating 2200-2400 kcals per day.
    My health markers are fine. So it's wrong to say that it doesn't work or isn't advised by doctors because it is.

    So you agree that 1200 and 1500 is needed for most?

    I'm not saying it's wrong to do, or it won't work. I'm saying that those levels aren't "required for most" in order to lose weight. To say so, IMHO, is pretty insane.
    Nobody said required. One poster said it was INSANE!!!11!
    They are wrong since it is technically medically approved. There is nothing wrong with that few calories in a nutritionally controlled deficit.

    Unless we're reading this wrong...
    1200 calories, as that is the medically recognized amount of calories needed for most women's weight loss (it is 1500 calories for men).

    The way I'm reading it (and the other poster) is that it is recongnized to eat only 1200/1500 in order to lose weight.

    I never said anything was wrong with that level. It saying that you need to eat that level in order to lose weight (at least that how I read what is written).
    I think it is just poorly phrased and it's obvious to most readers that "needed" means minimum to reach nutritional requirements and the minimum safe amounts for weight loss. People pick the wrong battles to fight on this site and it gets tedious.

    I read "needed for weight loss" as 1200/1500 is the intake required in order to lose weight.

    I'm not here to pick battles. I like to make sure that information is as clear as possible because there's more than one noob that lurks these boards looking for direction.
  • smandymail
    smandymail Posts: 40 Member
    Options
    Anything that eliminates mayo sounds dumb.

    hahahahhahah!!!
    Nice.

    Seriously though, on this topic - humans aren't all the same size and our bodies don't all have the same requirements. *Shrug* That is all.
  • Michifan
    Michifan Posts: 95 Member
    Options
    I haven't had more than 1,000 calories in 3 months, I have dropped weight, walk 4 miles a day and bike 15 on the weekend. My blood work great, I'm being super efficient in my food intake and I haven't felt this good in so long that it's basically a new feeling.

    I am sick of hearing people tell me that it is unhealthy - especially when my Internal Medicine Doctor and Licensed Registered Dietician (Wife) have not only blessed my diet but have the blood tests, pulse / blood pressure, etc... to demonstrate that I am actually more healthy by every measure than before.

    If you cannot tolerate less than 1,000 calories, don't try it. But unless you are a doctor / licensed dietician giving advice to anyone specifically, keep your mouth shut.