Question regarding calorie limits

itskristen1

Hi all,

I've been on this site for a couple of weeks now and so far I love it. I've lost 2 pounds and am wondering if I'm doing something wrong.
I'm 138 and would like to get back to my healthy weight of 120 (I'm petite). The website suggested a 1200 calorie diet that I have been pretty religious about sticking to. I pay close attention to what I'm lacking for the day, whether it's protein, carbs, fat, etc., and will adjust the rest of the day so that I'm getting everything I need.

The problem is that most of the day I'm feeling pretty weak and unhealthy, and from what I'm eating I can't figure out what I could be doing wrong. I'm eating lots of fruits, veggies and lean proteins, and I also make sure to eat enough carbs and good fat as well. I'm also taking a multivitamin (although with this new diet, it looks like I don't need them much anymore since I get most of what I need from real food).

Why do I feel so terrible? And why aren't I losing 2lbs a week? Is this happening to anyone else?

HealthyChanges2010

Hi all,

I've been on this site for a couple of weeks now and so far I love it. I've lost 2 pounds and am wondering if I'm doing something wrong.
I'm 138 and would like to get back to my healthy weight of 120 (I'm petite). The website suggested a 1200 calorie diet that I have been pretty religious about sticking to. I pay close attention to what I'm lacking for the day, whether it's protein, carbs, fat, etc., and will adjust the rest of the day so that I'm getting everything I need.

The problem is that most of the day I'm feeling pretty weak and unhealthy, and from what I'm eating I can't figure out what I could be doing wrong. I'm eating lots of fruits, veggies and lean proteins, and I also make sure to eat enough carbs and good fat as well. I'm also taking a multivitamin (although with this new diet, it looks like I don't need them much anymore since I get most of what I need from real food).

Why do I feel so terrible? And why aren't I losing 2lbs a week? Is this happening to anyone else?

If you'd feel comfortable making your diary public we might be able to view it and help you out more in what you could add or switch around on your daily food that might help you out.

One thing I can tell you for sure is trying to drop 2 lbs a week when you only have 18 lbs to drop isn't likely going to happen as that's a bit to fast for your body. Might be best to change your weightloss goal to .5 a week and you'll see much success. The less you have to lose the longer it will take for your body to drop the weight, that's simply what our bodies do. There might be weeks you might lose a bit more there might be weeks you won't drop any. The 2 lbs. a week factor is an estimate and is for those looking to lose drop more weight.

Also without knowing what types of foods you're eating etc. I can't begin to even guess why you're feeling so terrible. Are you eating at least 1200 a day + workout cals? Working out? Getting in plenty of water? Sometimes it helps to break down your meals to 5-6 a day and make them smaller. Starting out with a nice size breakfast to start your day is really important as well.

Good luck!

MacMadame

Just keep in mind that all the numbers are estimates. I know that at one point in my life all the online diaries were telling me I should lose 2 lb. a week when I was losing 1 lb. They were estimating my BMI too high for starters. The exercise databases would give me too many calories for all my exercises but running as well.

Now, if I listened to MFP, I'd be a skeleton, because it think my BMR is about 200 calories lower than it is and it isn't giving me enough calories for my exercise because it only looks at my age and my weight and not my VO2Max and body fat percentages.

As for not feeling well, I find that the default settings for MFP set protein too low for me and carbs too high. I feel better with more protein and less carbs. The default settings are just that.... defaults... and you may have to tweak them to get them working for you.

mrsf17

Unfortunately all the numbers are estimates... there is no way a website can take into account your individual metabolism. I have been here for 4 weeks and lost 3.8 lbs and I am much heavier than you (so in theory should be losing weight much faster ...)

It sucks but as long as you are losing I would just stick with it!


As far as feeling hungry I def recommend 5-6 small meals. It has helped me a lot.


Best of luck!

tater8589

If you are also working out, you can eat the calories you used.. that may help you not feel so tired. If your not working out (I know its hard to find time) starting a workout routine will help you lose weight and feel better. Working out releases hormones in the body that help us to feel better, and can help us make healthier choices. If nothing seems to help you may have your Dr run a thyroid test. Hope this helps, Good luck.

sinistras

1200 calories is probably too few! I'd recommend the advice and meal plans available by nutritionist Isabel De Los Rios with her "The Diet Solution Program" website.

I was doing 1200 calories/day too being petite as well and in the same weight range as you. But I wasn't eating the right calories--too many were coming from bread (which the digestive system recognizes as sugar, and with the low calorie limit, my body probably stuck in fat-storing mode, assuming I was starving. Hence, slow if not any weight loss.)

Now, I eat more whole foods (good carbs), more protein (so I feel satisfied long after a meal/snack), and more quality fats (which make the food tastier and easier for my body to digest). 3 pounds so far after 2 weeks. Plus I appreciate how her program emphasizes fat loss, not just weight loss. I am very active and would like to keep my muscles--just want to uncover them from a little layer of fat.

Give it a try--the $1 trial downloads on her site are well worth it.

MyaPapaya75

really take a look at what your eating make sure its a diet full or protein and veggies & fruit ..you could be filling up on too much sodium and sugary things ..also make sure your drinking your water and sleeping enough...good luck