Do I have to eat over 1200 calories a day?
Replies
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I have done the research and I understand how it is supposed to work. It just seems counterproductive to stuff yourself when you're full already.
It already consumes me. I don't know any other way to put it other than the more I use my measuring cups, the more I hate food.
To recap, you feel like you're full when you haven't eaten 1200 calories a day and interpret eating 100-200 more as stuffing yourself, feel consumed by logging and are starting to hate food. If that's true and not just exaggeration/frustration, you're cultivating a REALLY unhealthy relationship with food and you need to be very careful here. That road doesn't lead anywhere good.0 -
To the OP: I definitely understand the need for slow change and the drastic shift from eating total junk almost all the time to eating better even half the time. Please understand that the advice people are giving you is to make your journey work *optimally* with *best results* - as in, you'll spare your lean body mass, you won't go crazy with mood swings, hair loss, etc. from not enough nutrients, and you won't be starving your body of what it needs simply to get the pounds off quickly.
So if you don't want to start weighing things right away, well nobody can make you! If you are this resistant, then you probably need some time to get used to the idea of logging and measuring in general. I can tell you that this is the eye-opening MFP thread that got me weighing foods: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/872212-you-re-probably-eating-more-than-you-think
That said, the first few weeks of my diet I did not weigh, I did not use MFP, I wrote down what I ate and got a ballpark number, I still lost weight (it's easy the first couple weeks, isn't it! heh). I don't agree with people that say if you're not going to log "properly" then you shouldn't log at all. Especially if, like me, you are completely new to logging your foods in the first place! You don't have to be perfect. But you DO have to be trying, which it sounds to me like you are. Just keep on keepin' on.
About the calories, you definitely need to eat at least 1200 calories a day.
You're not going to have consistent weight loss if you are constantly underfeeding yourself, and if you do, you will most likely be suffering nutritionally which is really more important than getting the pounds off quickly. Of course without proper weighing, it is hard to know exactly how much you are eating which is why you're getting so much flack for that. But again, the important part is to be moving in that direction. Know that at some point, it's going to be best for you to be more accurate in logging and preparing food.
I DO understand that change takes a long time for some people, and it's totally okay, that's how it is with me too. People might seem harsh but many are giving solid advice. It's a journey and you don't have to be perfect, but MUST move in the general direction of managing food better if you want long term results.
Thank you. I understand about the weighing. But I am trying to do this like you say. ..baby steps. If I don't, I'll quit as soon as I fail instead of turning this into a lifestyle change. I appreciate your support and understanding. I am really trying but I'm just as equally on the verge of saying screw it. I'm not smart enough for this.0 -
For the record .. I have lost 8 lbs so far, but when I was on MFP in 2012, I lost 50 so I have had success.
I weigh everything and everyday, see ticker below.
If I lost 107 lbs I would be in a hospital. So please dont compare your success to others. I was stating that I have had experience losing weight and not weighing every little thing I eat.
Thank you. This is not a competition .
Not competing!! LOL
7 pounds is not going to show whether weighing food is wrong or right. Losing 107 pounds using food scale shows that it works.
Ummm...you are coming on here acting like because you lost 107 lbs you know everything about weightloss. I've lost weight my way and it worked (50 lbs is not a cake walk). Everyone is different so please refrain from rubbing in your 107 lbs loss whenever you get the chance. I have seen you on other message boards do the same thing.
I have never been at a weight where I could lose 107 lbs and not be hospitalized or dead from malnutrition.
& once again...weighing works. We all know that. I do not think that was ever up for debate.0 -
OP-if you want this to work, 1. get digital food scale and weigh everything and measure liquids 2. eat more 3. exercise
You been given some awesome advice and you can do this!! Good luck.0 -
I think that for this to be successful long-term you may need to step out of your comfort zone a little bit.
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You are right about that. But I'm not starting with my only enjoyment for the day.
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Only enjoyment for the day? Wow, that's heavy.0 -
I think that for this to be successful long-term you may need to step out of your comfort zone a little bit.
You are right about that. But I'm not starting with my only enjoyment for the day.
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Only enjoyment for the day? Wow, that's heavy.
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It is what it is right now. No one wants to hear about all that.0 -
For the record .. I have lost 8 lbs so far, but when I was on MFP in 2012, I lost 50 so I have had success.
I weigh everything and everyday, see ticker below.
If I lost 107 lbs I would be in a hospital. So please dont compare your success to others. I was stating that I have had experience losing weight and not weighing every little thing I eat.
Thank you. This is not a competition .
Not competing!! LOL
7 pounds is not going to show whether weighing food is wrong or right. Losing 107 pounds using food scale shows that it works.
Ummm...you are coming on here acting like because you lost 107 lbs you know everything about weightloss. I've lost weight my way and it worked (50 lbs is not a cake walk). Everyone is different so please refrain from rubbing in your 107 lbs loss whenever you get the chance. I have seen you on other message boards do the same thing.
I have never been at a weight where I could lose 107 lbs and not be hospitalized or dead from malnutrition.
& once again...weighing works. We all know that. I do not think that was ever up for debate.
For the record you brought up your weight loss first as a success to losing without a food scale, I brought mine up also for the success of using a food scale!!0 -
Well OP you don't have to do anything. You don't have to eat to goal, you don't have to watch your nutrition, and you don't have to weigh and measure your food. Hell you don't have to eat! You could knock back meal replacement energy drinks all day every day!
I'm not saying you should. Just that you could.0 -
It is what it is right now. No one wants to hear about all that.Only enjoyment for the day? Wow, that's heavy.
We've all been there sometimes I noticed upthread you mentioned you weren't feeling 'smart' enough for this. Shush on that! You are definitely smart enough for this. I'm guessing that right now, you just feel overwhelmed. I knew a lot about healthy eating and really knew what I needed to do to lose weight, and I still felt overwhelmed with trying to get a lifestyle change going and let that feeling rule my life for years and years. Don't be me. Or if you are me, don't continue to be me, I didn't!
You've got the tools here and lots of good advice. Don't let something that brings you down from this thread affect you, instead focus on all the great advice here. You have the power and the choices here -- we can't make you do this and we can't derail you. Only you can. I suggest you choose not to be derailed, remember that you ARE smart enough, and keep those forward-moving baby steps going.0 -
It is what it is right now. No one wants to hear about all that.Only enjoyment for the day? Wow, that's heavy.
We've all been there sometimes I noticed upthread you mentioned you weren't feeling 'smart' enough for this. Shush on that! You are definitely smart enough for this. I'm guessing that right now, you just feel overwhelmed. I knew a lot about healthy eating and really knew what I needed to do to lose weight, and I still felt overwhelmed with trying to get a lifestyle change going and let that feeling rule my life for years and years. Don't be me. Or if you are me, don't continue to be me, I didn't!
You've got the tools here and lots of good advice. Don't let something that brings you down from this thread affect you, instead focus on all the great advice here. You have the power and the choices here -- we can't make you do this and we can't derail you. Only you can. I suggest you choose not to be derailed, remember that you ARE smart enough, and keep those forward-moving baby steps going.
Thank you. I do feel incredibly overwhelmed. I usually set a short term goal for the week but this week I kept it simple... just don give up. My mantra this week.0 -
Well OP you don't have to do anything. You don't have to eat to goal, you don't have to watch your nutrition, and you don't have to weigh and measure your food. Hell you don't have to eat! You could knock back meal replacement energy drinks all day every day!
I'm not saying you should. Just that you could.
You know.. when you talk like that with an attitude, it's really difficult to take anything you say to heart.0 -
I wanted to chime in as another person saying to invest in the food scale. It is incredibly easy to use and doesn't take that much time. I also think it's vital to being successful if this is something you really want.
Today I made a sandwich for lunch. Put one slice of cheese on it. Package said 1 slice was 21g. The slice I had weighed in at 28g, which is 1/3 larger than the serving size. That meant my 80-calorie-per-slice-according-to-the-package cheese was actually over 100 calories, and many of those calories would have come from fat. Is 30 extra calories a huge deal? No. Is it a big deal if it happens a lot? Yes, because then I'm eating more than I think and stressing myself out trying to figure out why the weight's not coming off as expected. Weight loss is a numbers game, and you need the numerical data to succeed.0 -
Well OP you don't have to do anything. You don't have to eat to goal, you don't have to watch your nutrition, and you don't have to weigh and measure your food. Hell you don't have to eat! You could knock back meal replacement energy drinks all day every day!
I'm not saying you should. Just that you could.
You know.. when you talk like that with an attitude, it's really difficult to take anything you say to heart.
I'm not sure how simple truths could or could not be taken to heart, but okay.
You don't have to do anything. You choose to. Period.0 -
You can lose weight without measuring food. However, you will lose more weight CONSISTENTLY if you do weigh/measure it. If you don't weigh/measure, then you are basically guessing how many calories you are eating. The majority of people do not accurately eyeball portion sizes unless they have been using a scale for awhile and have learned. By using the scale, you will be more successful.
If you do not weigh/measure, you may have some weeks where you do not lose at all because you have been inaccurate. You also have the nutritional issues that other people mention, you won't know if you are getting what you need nutritionally. If you are okay with that, then proceed. Maybe you don't want to incorporate that now, but later on when you reach a plateau, you might consider nailing down exact calories instead of throwing in the towel.0 -
Well OP you don't have to do anything. You don't have to eat to goal, you don't have to watch your nutrition, and you don't have to weigh and measure your food. Hell you don't have to eat! You could knock back meal replacement energy drinks all day every day!
I'm not saying you should. Just that you could.
You know.. when you talk like that with an attitude, it's really difficult to take anything you say to heart.
I'm not sure how simple truths could or could not be taken to heart, but okay.
You don't have to do anything. You choose to. Period.
Ok. Will you please go away now?0 -
I agree that weighing can be important for understanding how much you are eating, but if you aren't willing to weigh yet, then by all means, don't just give up.
Some of your foods seem to be preportioned already (like going to subway), so a scale wouldn't matter with those. If you are going to be short on calories for the day, you can do a few things to bump up the calories. For example, at subway you can get cheese on your sandwich or skip the lite mayo for normal.
You also seem to be a little low in protein in general. Here's a good list of protein sources if you want to try incorporating some into your diet:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/926789-protein-sources
However, I do recommend trying to log as accurately as possible. I agree that I find weighing easier than cups, and measuring cups have an inherent error for solids. Also, there are some entries in your diary that are called "homemade", but there are no macro listings. Often entries like that can be inaccurate. I like to use the recipe builder when I make something. It is a little more time up front, but then I can just quick add that recipe any time I have it in the future.0 -
^Agreed, and better stated than my response.You can lose weight without measuring food. However, you will lose more weight CONSISTENTLY if you do weigh/measure it. If you don't weigh/measure, then you are basically guessing how many calories you are eating. The majority of people do not accurately eyeball portion sizes unless they have been using a scale for awhile and have learned. By using the scale, you will be more successful.
If you do not weigh/measure, you may have some weeks where you do not lose at all because you have been inaccurate. You also have the nutritional issues that other people mention, you won't know if you are getting what you need nutritionally. If you are okay with that, then proceed. Maybe you don't want to incorporate that now, but later on when you reach a plateau, you might consider nailing down exact calories instead of throwing in the towel.0 -
You can lose weight without measuring food. However, you will lose more weight CONSISTENTLY if you do weigh/measure it. If you don't weigh/measure, then you are basically guessing how many calories you are eating. The majority of people do not accurately eyeball portion sizes unless they have been using a scale for awhile and have learned. By using the scale, you will be more successful.
If you do not weigh/measure, you may have some weeks where you do not lose at all because you have been inaccurate. You also have the nutritional issues that other people mention, you won't know if you are getting what you need nutritionally. If you are okay with that, then proceed. Maybe you don't want to incorporate that now, but later on when you reach a plateau, you might consider nailing down exact calories instead of throwing in the towel.
Yes my plan has been to do what works till it doesn't work anymore and then try something else when I plateau, such as looking more at the nutrients then. Right now I am stressing our about every little calorie that I don't want to add stressing out about the other values to the list.0 -
I agree that weighing can be important for understanding how much you are eating, but if you aren't willing to weigh yet, then by all means, don't just give up.
Some of your foods seem to be preportioned already (like going to subway), so a scale wouldn't matter with those. If you are going to be short on calories for the day, you can do a few things to bump up the calories. For example, at subway you can get cheese on your sandwich or skip the lite mayo for normal.
You also seem to be a little low in protein in general. Here's a good list of protein sources if you want to try incorporating some into your diet:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/926789-protein-sources
However, I do recommend trying to log as accurately as possible. I agree that I find weighing easier than cups, and measuring cups have an inherent error for solids. Also, there are some entries in your diary that are called "homemade", but there are no macro listings. Often entries like that can be inaccurate. I like to use the recipe builder when I make something. It is a little more time up front, but then I can just quick add that recipe any time I have it in the future.
Excellent points. My main problem with the recipe builder is that I may use slightly different ingredients the next time I use the recipe. When I create a food, I add all the ingredients calories and then divide by portions. Is this not correct?0 -
OP, let me add my two cents to this thread. Maybe it helps you, maybe it doesn't.
There was a point in my diet after I'd had some success where I really started pushing myself. I was working out once or twice a day and eating as little as I could (1200-1400 calories, netting around 800). I told anyone and everyone who asked that I was fine. That I was happy and never felt hungry.
I was lying, mostly to myself, and I didn't realize it until I started to eat a little more. I reached a two month plateau and that's when I found MFP and started adding my exercise calories into my diet. The clarity that it brought me was dramatic. I stopped being a moody jerk to everyone around me. I was able to push longer and harder in my workouts. I stopped thinking about food constantly and was able to focus on things that mattered in my life. I was happier and healthier with the extra calories.
I reached a second point in my diet where, again, I was trying to push my body to drop the weight faster than it could. It was a time of birthdays and weddings and I'd been to parties and showers and events every single weekend and wasn't losing. I reached a point where I would break down into tears in my friends' driveways because I knew there was going to be delicious, delicious food inside. And my therapist had to point out that this isn't normal or particularly healthy and I had to back off my diet goals for a while.
The point is that I've been there a little bit. I remember how it felt when I was letting food control my life. And I think it's worth stepping back and taking stock of your priorities because you deserve not to be miserable during this. Baby steps are great and you need to take the steps you can take in your own time, but listen to what some of the people are saying, whether you like their tone or not. Most of them know what they're talking about.
As for food scales, I lost the bulk of my weight without a food scale, so I know it can be done. I was measuring everything and I'm actually fairly good at eyeballing certain portions. I was really hesitant to switch to a food scale because I thought it would take a lot of extra time or would consume my life. It didn't. Actually, I find it faster and easier than having to find, use, and wash a lot of different measuring cups.0 -
Well OP you don't have to do anything. You don't have to eat to goal, you don't have to watch your nutrition, and you don't have to weigh and measure your food. Hell you don't have to eat! You could knock back meal replacement energy drinks all day every day!
I'm not saying you should. Just that you could.
You know.. when you talk like that with an attitude, it's really difficult to take anything you say to heart.
I'm not sure how simple truths could or could not be taken to heart, but okay.
You don't have to do anything. You choose to. Period.
Ok. Will you please go away now?
Right under a user's avatar, there's a little arrow. Click it and choose "ignore user." I think you'll need this feature.0 -
Dianne the Geek, awesome post.0
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Ok. Will you please go away now?
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Right under a user's avatar, there's a little arrow. Click it and choose "ignore user." I think you'll need this feature.
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Thank you so much for the info!0 -
OP, let me add my two cents to this thread. Maybe it helps you, maybe it doesn't.
There was a point in my diet after I'd had some success where I really started pushing myself. I was working out once or twice a day and eating as little as I could (1200-1400 calories, netting around 800). I told anyone and everyone who asked that I was fine. That I was happy and never felt hungry.
I was lying, mostly to myself, and I didn't realize it until I started to eat a little more. I reached a two month plateau and that's when I found MFP and started adding my exercise calories into my diet. The clarity that it brought me was dramatic. I stopped being a moody jerk to everyone around me. I was able to push longer and harder in my workouts. I stopped thinking about food constantly and was able to focus on things that mattered in my life. I was happier and healthier with the extra calories.
I reached a second point in my diet where, again, I was trying to push my body to drop the weight faster than it could. It was a time of birthdays and weddings and I'd been to parties and showers and events every single weekend and wasn't losing. I reached a point where I would break down into tears in my friends' driveways because I knew there was going to be delicious, delicious food inside. And my therapist had to point out that this isn't normal or particularly healthy and I had to back off my diet goals for a while.
The point is that I've been there a little bit. I remember how it felt when I was letting food control my life. And I think it's worth stepping back and taking stock of your priorities because you deserve not to be miserable during this. Baby steps are great and you need to take the steps you can take in your own time, but listen to what some of the people are saying, whether you like their tone or not. Most of them know what they're talking about.
As for food scales, I lost the bulk of my weight without a food scale, so I know it can be done. I was measuring everything and I'm actually fairly good at eyeballing certain portions. I was really hesitant to switch to a food scale because I thought it would take a lot of extra time or would consume my life. It didn't. Actually, I find it faster and easier than having to find, use, and wash a lot of different measuring cups.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience.0 -
Well OP you don't have to do anything. You don't have to eat to goal, you don't have to watch your nutrition, and you don't have to weigh and measure your food. Hell you don't have to eat! You could knock back meal replacement energy drinks all day every day!
I'm not saying you should. Just that you could.
You know.. when you talk like that with an attitude, it's really difficult to take anything you say to heart.
I'm not sure how simple truths could or could not be taken to heart, but okay.
You don't have to do anything. You choose to. Period.
Ok. Will you please go away now?
Right under a user's avatar, there's a little arrow. Click it and choose "ignore user." I think you'll need this feature.
You know it's been a while since someone has put me on ignore. Like...a whole two weeks. And here I thought I was losing my special touch.0 -
I would also like to add.. that measuring your food isn't so much for obsessions sake as it is to get an idea of what a portion is supposed to look like... If you don't have time use a scale or a measuring cup, then at least start out using your hand and your fingers.0
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I agree that weighing can be important for understanding how much you are eating, but if you aren't willing to weigh yet, then by all means, don't just give up.
Some of your foods seem to be preportioned already (like going to subway), so a scale wouldn't matter with those. If you are going to be short on calories for the day, you can do a few things to bump up the calories. For example, at subway you can get cheese on your sandwich or skip the lite mayo for normal.
You also seem to be a little low in protein in general. Here's a good list of protein sources if you want to try incorporating some into your diet:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/926789-protein-sources
However, I do recommend trying to log as accurately as possible. I agree that I find weighing easier than cups, and measuring cups have an inherent error for solids. Also, there are some entries in your diary that are called "homemade", but there are no macro listings. Often entries like that can be inaccurate. I like to use the recipe builder when I make something. It is a little more time up front, but then I can just quick add that recipe any time I have it in the future.
Excellent points. My main problem with the recipe builder is that I may use slightly different ingredients the next time I use the recipe. When I create a food, I add all the ingredients calories and then divide by portions. Is this not correct?
The recipe builder is a fabulous tool. When you make it the next time and use different amounts, you can change that particular item. You don't need to re-enter the entire thing.
You have gotten some good advice here, and some of the additional noise that comes along with being on a public board. Take your baby steps, then review this thread and add in the next step. Take each day at a time and recognize that you are human. Thinking of your choices in terms of good and bad can lead to disappointment. Consider better choices and learning opportunities. I know it sounds silly, but wording can be very important.
There is so much information out there and what works for some will not work for all. 1200 calories is very low. I am 5'2", 41 years old and now at 196lbs. I eat 1700/day and have only had problems when I allow my mindset to derail me. You can do this, but remember to breathe and keep moving forward. :flowerforyou:0 -
If your supplement drink has the same caffeine as a cup of coffee, why not ditch the drink and have another cup of coffee the way you like it? It'll be another moment of enjoyment for you AND bump up your calories, if you take it with cream as in your diary. I also advocate taking a multivitamin for general health and to assist with your overall nutrient needs.0
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Short answer = yes.0
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Diane -- Thank you for your story and tips!0
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