MFP telling me I'm not consuming enough calories

mandakittykitty

So MFP has given me a set calorie goal for each day, as it does for everyone. However, what I've found is that I am totally satisfied and not wanting to keeping eating once I hit a certain point, which almost every day is below my calorie budget. The app tells me I'm not eating enough (under 1200) and it bugs me! I don't want to force feed myself, and if I'm getting just under 1200 calories I don't know that it should matter. I also work out just about everyday, so that adds more calories to eat but I just don't want to. Losing weight has always been a struggle, but over the past month my stomach capacity has shrunk so I don't need to eat as much and it's helping me lose.

Do you guys think it's alright? Should I maybe eat a bit more to hit my goal everyday? I'm no 120lb girl trying to lose 5lbs either, I started almost 100 lbs higher than that and have seen such great progress so far...I'm a bit torn.

kikicooks

I'm no expert but unless you lay around all day, I think you should be eating more than 1200. Also, your stomach did not shrink, it just got used to you eating less food.

beamer0821

if you're eating under 1200 and full maybe try eating more calorie dense foods to at least reach that net calorie goal.

mandakittykitty

I work at a desk all day and besides my light workout, I am basically sedentary at home, too. And saying my stomach shrunk is mostly a turn of phrase, I know it just requires less food to feel full.

TX_Rhon

No, its not alright to eat under 1200 calories and yes, eat more. You can eat more calories and lose weight effectively and keep it off.

Edited to say you are not sedentary. You have a job and do light workouts. Personally, I would use the lightly active setting. Give it a few weeks and the calories suggested. If you do not lose, then go down a bit. Trust the process - it works.

Losing_Sarah

It would be easy to up your calories a little bit every day by adding little bits of healthy low volume calorie dense foods. Fats (olive oil, butter, or whatever your preference), almonds or some other nut, a slice of cheese, and so on.

If you work out as much as you do you should probably be eating more than 1200 calories. Over time that is hard to maintain.

mandakittykitty

if you're eating under 1200 and full maybe try eating more calorie dense foods to at least reach that net calorie goal.

That's a good point. I'm not eating like 500 calories a day or anything, but I come in just under 1200 almost everyday when my goal is 1370. Maybe a higher calorie breakfast and extra snack would fill the gap...that's what I'll be trying.

healthygreek

Eat at least 1200! Any lower and you won't be getting vital nutrient your body needs.
The deficit is already built in.
Eat back a portion of your exercise calories! I eat back 2/3 to all of my exercise calories and still lose.
Not eating enough will come back to haunt you.
Your energy and health will suffer and you will start overeating or even bingeing to compensate.
If you are in it for the long haul, please give yourself chance to be successful and heathy at the same time.
Good luck!

mandakittykitty

Eat at least 1200! Any lower and you won't be getting vital nutrient your body needs.
The deficit is already built in.
Eat back a portion of your exercise calories! I eat back 2/3 to all of my exercise calories and still lose.
Not eating enough will come back to haunt you.
Your energy and health will suffer and you will start overeating or even bingeing to compensate.
If you are in it for the long haul, please give yourself chance to be successful and heathy at the same time.
Good luck!

Thank you! That is good advice about eating back a portion of the calories you burn. This is why I posted what I did, I needed some advice and support. Again, thanks!!!

auddii

Many people who decide they need to "eat healthy" will start cutting out a lot of foods from their diet that they consider bad or unhealthy. There is no unhealthy food, and you can incorporate the old foods in moderation. In addition, there are lots of calorie dense healthy foods. For example, you can have a basic salad that just lettuce, some veggies, and dressing that is only 100-150 calories. But, that salad tastes a lot better (in my opinion) with chicken and avocado. Sometimes I go with cheese too. So it's easier to make foods you eat more calorie dense without adding a lot of volume to your foods. Some good foods for this: eggs, chicken, avocado, dried fruit, nuts, nut butters, yogurt, cheese, etc.

lamps1303

I can see where you're coming from - eating when you're not hungry is not easy, especially when you want to lose weight.

If I were you I would either;
1) have meals higher in calories so you meet your goals without necessarily eating more and more often, e.g. have 2 eggs for breakfast rather than one, etc.

2) plan out your meals in advance, taking into account your exercise so you know what you need to eat that day. Set yourself times to eat, e.g. every 2-3hours and ensure you eat. It makes a difference what you eat too, you're not going to want anything heavy or rich if you're not hungry, but perhaps a handful of nuts or some fruit with greek yoghurt?

beachlover317

So MFP has given me a set calorie goal for each day, as it does for everyone. However, what I've found is that I am totally satisfied and not wanting to keeping eating once I hit a certain point, which almost every day is below my calorie budget. The app tells me I'm not eating enough (under 1200) and it bugs me! I don't want to force feed myself, and if I'm getting just under 1200 calories I don't know that it should matter. I also work out just about everyday, so that adds more calories to eat but I just don't want to. Losing weight has always been a struggle, but over the past month my stomach capacity has shrunk so I don't need to eat as much and it's helping me lose.

Do you guys think it's alright? Should I maybe eat a bit more to hit my goal everyday? I'm no 120lb girl trying to lose 5lbs either, I started almost 100 lbs higher than that and have seen such great progress so far...I'm a bit torn.

If what you are saying is that you have your daily calories set to 1200, you don't feel hungry enough to eat that many, and you work out - but don't eat any of those calories back either? Then NO - that is not alright.

It means that your net cals are way below what your body needs. It means that you are probably NOT getting the proper nutrition. It means that this is not sustainable as a change in your habits long term. I'm not going to tell you what to do - but if you're wise and want the weight to stay off, start reading about proper nutrition to lose weight. Read about how your hormones react to very low calorie diets and how this effects your hunger and satiety signals. Read and learn.


ETA: a spoonful of peanut butter is my go to for days when I need a boost to reach my calories. Good luck.

mandakittykitty

No, its not alright to eat under 1200 calories and yes, eat more. You can eat more calories and lose weight effectively and keep it off.

Edited to say you are not sedentary. You have a job and do light workouts. Personally, I would use the lightly active setting. Give it a few weeks and the calories suggested. If you do not lose, then go down a bit. Trust the process - it works.

You really think so? I feel sedentary...but when I started I wasn't getting any exercise at all. I will try changing that setting and see what changes. Thanks for the advice!

MinnieInMaine

You have to consider your health long term. When you were heavier, your body was able to more readily accept a very low calorie diet because you had fat stores to keep everything balanced. Now you're getting closer to goal and the body has less of it's own stores and relies more on what you're injesting. You may not feel like you should eat more but you really should in order to make sure you're providing with your body with enough nutrients, as well as making sure you're losing fat and not muscle.

Also, you're kind of wasting your time in the gym as you won't be able to build any real endurance or strength if you're not injestiong enough calories and nutrients. You need to make sure you're netting at least 1200. As as mentioned above. If you feel you can't eat at a higher volume than you do now, switch your food choices to calorie/nutrient dense foods like meats, whole eggs, avocado, nuts, seeds, peanut butter, beans, etc.

mandakittykitty

I can see where you're coming from - eating when you're not hungry is not easy, especially when you want to lose weight.

If I were you I would either;
1) have meals higher in calories so you meet your goals without necessarily eating more and more often, e.g. have 2 eggs for breakfast rather than one, etc.

2) plan out your meals in advance, taking into account your exercise so you know what you need to eat that day. Set yourself times to eat, e.g. every 2-3hours and ensure you eat. It makes a difference what you eat too, you're not going to want anything heavy or rich if you're not hungry, but perhaps a handful of nuts or some fruit with greek yoghurt?

I think the main thing is to consume some more calories in the meals I already have planned. I do plan my meals out each night for the next day, and I'm thinking breakfast is where I can beef things up a bit. I have a very easy schedule for eating due to my desk job, which actually helps alot. A lot of these comments are knocking on nutrition, but what I'm eating is lots of vegetables and grains and fats, so I am balanced but you have to eat a ton of vegetables to get as many calories as I need, haha. I really appreciate yours and everyone's advice, this is why I posted. Thank you!

Phrick

She said,

The app tells me I'm not eating enough (under 1200) and it bugs me! I don't want to force feed myself, and if I'm getting just under 1200 calories I don't know that it should matter. I also work out just about everyday, so that adds more calories to eat but I just don't want to.

This states: My goal is [minimum] 1200 calories a day. I don't reach it. MFP, doing exactly what MFP is designed to do, tells me I am not eating enough. This bugs me - I don't like it, and I don't think it matters anyway; I don't want to.

AKA: I don't like how it works.

mandakittykitty

If what you are saying is that you have your daily calories set to 1200, you don't feel hungry enough to eat that many, and you work out - but don't eat any of those calories back either? Then NO - that is not alright.

It means that your net cals are way below what your body needs. It means that you are probably NOT getting the proper nutrition. It means that this is not sustainable as a change in your habits long term. I'm not going to tell you what to do - but if you're wise and want the weight to stay off, start reading about proper nutrition to lose weight. Read about how your hormones react to very low calorie diets and how this effects your hunger and satiety signals. Read and learn.


ETA: a spoonful of peanut butter is my go to for days when I need a boost to reach my calories. Good luck.

Peanut butter is my weakness...if I go for a spoonful I leave with 4. However, I love this idea for boosting calories...it takes care of a guilty pleasure and the calories! Thank you!

DuckDynastyMakesMeLaugh

Copied a post by @Trogalicious from another thread…

1. don't trust the initial setup that MFP provides. If you put in the wrong/inaccurate information, it'll tell you to eat an amount that may not be applicable.
2. Make sure you eat enough.
3. Figure out what works for you and is sustainable/healthy/long term.
4. avoid fads. don't buy in to any "Hey, try the twinkie and vodka diet"
5. Don't cut out anything now that you don't plan on literally giving up forever.
6. GET A FOOD SCALE. Weigh everything. No, seriously.
7. Get an HRM with a chest strap. You'll at least have a better idea of what you're burning. It'll be more accurate than the generic info in the exercise database.. and even more than the cardio machines. This is great for steady state cardio (run/walk/etc)
8. Don't go balls out. You'll burn out. I see 300 lb people show up here, instantly start working out and cutting their intake SEVERELY... trying to cut out all of their carbs at once.. whatever. Take it slow. Figure out how much you need to eat FIRST in order to lose.. then incorporate exercise.
9. Don't cardio yourself to death.
10. Take the information on the forums with a grain of salt. A lot of people that have been here for a while.. and have been successful, may seem jaded. They give out GREAT advice day after day, only to be met with people that refuse to listen.
11. Eat real food. Not diet food. Not "low fat, sugar free, now without X." It's easier to get/find/count.
12. don't set time restrictions.
13. measure yourself weekly. Don't just weigh. Measure and take pictures.
14 BE PATIENT.
15. Avoid forum topics that have "1200" in the title. It's just full of butthurt. Lots of it.
16. If you ask a question on the forum, give as much information as you can ("yes, I have a food scale and weigh my food" is worlds better than "I eat a palm full of miscellaneous boiled chicken parts..sometimes.")
17. Be honest with yourself and honest with us.
18. This isn't a game, it's about changing your lifestyle. Do that.

And read…http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

jennycina93

I agree you should be eating more (at least your BMR). Also, just a little tip, when I'm under on my calories for the day, I like to eat spoonfuls of peanut butter. It's high in calories and protein. It is high in fat as well but this is good fat (as long as its consumed in moderation, and make sure you measure the peanut butter). If you are low in calories, then you may not be hitting your macros goals either which is not good. Try to to at least hit your protein goal everyday, at least if you are working out. Good luck!

mandakittykitty

She didn't say she didn't like how MFP works. She is simply asking for an outsider's input and advice. Putting something so harsh may make others not want to ask for help.

If you don't like how MFP works maybe don't use it?

She said,

The app tells me I'm not eating enough (under 1200) and it bugs me! I don't want to force feed myself, and if I'm getting just under 1200 calories I don't know that it should matter. I also work out just about everyday, so that adds more calories to eat but I just don't want to.

This states: My goal is [minimum] 1200 calories a day. I don't reach it. MFP, doing exactly what MFP is designed to do, tells me I am not eating enough. This bugs me - I don't like it, and I don't think it matters anyway; I don't want to.

AKA: I don't like how it works.

Thanks for picking apart how I hastily typed something early this morning. You can leave my thread now, because I've already explained that I DO like how this app works, I was just looking for some advice. I thought people around here were more supportive?

kikicooks

I work at a desk all day and besides my light workout, I am basically sedentary at home, too. And saying my stomach shrunk is mostly a turn of phrase, I know it just requires less food to feel full.

OK just saying because some people do believe their stomachs literally shrink.

rockmama72

Being under 1200 sometimes is OK; I don't think forcing food down is necessary, especially if you've eaten a lot of whole, nutritious foods that day. But don't make it a standard! Make sure you do eat when you're hungry.

I had 1150 calories yesterday, including a big dinner of a pork chop, quinoa and broccoli, and I was REALLY full. (I added a piece of chocolate just for fun later, but I didn't need it.) But some days I eat every last bit of my 1500 goal, plus all of my exercise calories too. It averages out.

beachlover317

If what you are saying is that you have your daily calories set to 1200, you don't feel hungry enough to eat that many, and you work out - but don't eat any of those calories back either? Then NO - that is not alright.

It means that your net cals are way below what your body needs. It means that you are probably NOT getting the proper nutrition. It means that this is not sustainable as a change in your habits long term. I'm not going to tell you what to do - but if you're wise and want the weight to stay off, start reading about proper nutrition to lose weight. Read about how your hormones react to very low calorie diets and how this effects your hunger and satiety signals. Read and learn.


ETA: a spoonful of peanut butter is my go to for days when I need a boost to reach my calories. Good luck.

Peanut butter is my weakness...if I go for a spoonful I leave with 4. However, I love this idea for boosting calories...it takes care of a guilty pleasure and the calories! Thank you!

It used to be a weakness of mine too. But, I have had to learn to moderate my habits of eating too much. It's the most important lesson we can learn. My opinion? If we don't learn this - we just keep repeating our past mistakes with food. I take spoons of pb and freeze them. They sort of taste like fudge then. Just grab one cube when you need a boost of cals.

serindipte

A lot of these comments are knocking on nutrition, but what I'm eating is lots of vegetables and grains and fats, so I am balanced but you have to eat a ton of vegetables to get as many calories as I need,

Is there a reason you've cut out meats? (If you have, that is) Lean protein is an important part of that balance. In addition to meeting the calorie goals, are you working on trying to keep your macros fulfilled? (carbs/proteins/fats)

Azchange

She didn't say she didn't like how MFP works. She is simply asking for an outsider's input and advice. Putting something so harsh may make others not want to ask for help.

If you don't like how MFP works maybe don't use it?

She said,

The app tells me I'm not eating enough (under 1200) and it bugs me! I don't want to force feed myself, and if I'm getting just under 1200 calories I don't know that it should matter. I also work out just about everyday, so that adds more calories to eat but I just don't want to.

This states: My goal is [minimum] 1200 calories a day. I don't reach it. MFP, doing exactly what MFP is designed to do, tells me I am not eating enough. This bugs me - I don't like it, and I don't think it matters anyway; I don't want to.

AKA: I don't like how it works.

Thanks for picking apart how I hastily typed something early this morning. You can leave my thread now, because I've already explained that I DO like how this app works, I was just looking for some advice. I thought people around here were more supportive?

You asked a legitimate question. Do not be concerned with the butthurt.

I have a similar issue as you. My TDEE less 25% tells me to eat something like 2100 calories, however, I stick with the MFP number WITHOUT eating back exercise calories (1750). This is what I feel comfortable with, and it works for me, and works well. I eat about 6 times a day, and am only sedentary for about 4 hours of the day, while being active the other 12 (not counting sleeping of course). If you are feeling TIRED or WEAK but still "full" then that is when, in my opinion, you need to change your foods. A piece of toast covered with peanut butter can boost your calories without adding such an intense feeling of 'stuffed'.

Pick what works, people tell me all the time that I under eat and it's not healthy yada yada. Perhaps in the future I will need to raise my calories, but for now what works for me, works for me.

Andrew

hosegirl

It was not easy for me to eat 1200 calories a day. I really had to work at it. what my doctor told me was that because you are not eating enough calories your body is storing fat so that it will have something to live off of. Once I started to eat 1200 calories and more when I worked out I started to lose weight faster. It might sound counter productive but you have to eat to lose.

shans129

She didn't say she didn't like how MFP works. She is simply asking for an outsider's input and advice. Putting something so harsh may make others not want to ask for help.

If you don't like how MFP works maybe don't use it?

She said,

The app tells me I'm not eating enough (under 1200) and it bugs me! I don't want to force feed myself, and if I'm getting just under 1200 calories I don't know that it should matter. I also work out just about everyday, so that adds more calories to eat but I just don't want to.

This states: My goal is [minimum] 1200 calories a day. I don't reach it. MFP, doing exactly what MFP is designed to do, tells me I am not eating enough. This bugs me - I don't like it, and I don't think it matters anyway; I don't want to.

AKA: I don't like how it works.

Or maybe "it bugs her" that she has done everything she thinks she should and now she is asking for advice. Eating when you are not hungry isn't easy and maybe that "bugs her".
This is the internet and just like a text message, you sometimes cannot tell one's tone from simply text alone. Obviously, by reading other's responses and her replies, she is appreciative of the help and advice.

wilsoje74

Im not trying to be rude, but I never get how people who are overweight say they can't eat 1200 cals(which most toddlers have no problem eating). If you physically can't eat that much, maybe see your doctor because a normal healthy person can eat 1500 cal easily. I can easily eat 2000-2500.

Try eating a piece of chocolate, avocado, peanut butter, nuts, etc

lamps1303

I can see where you're coming from - eating when you're not hungry is not easy, especially when you want to lose weight.

If I were you I would either;
1) have meals higher in calories so you meet your goals without necessarily eating more and more often, e.g. have 2 eggs for breakfast rather than one, etc.

2) plan out your meals in advance, taking into account your exercise so you know what you need to eat that day. Set yourself times to eat, e.g. every 2-3hours and ensure you eat. It makes a difference what you eat too, you're not going to want anything heavy or rich if you're not hungry, but perhaps a handful of nuts or some fruit with greek yoghurt?

I think the main thing is to consume some more calories in the meals I already have planned. I do plan my meals out each night for the next day, and I'm thinking breakfast is where I can beef things up a bit. I have a very easy schedule for eating due to my desk job, which actually helps alot. A lot of these comments are knocking on nutrition, but what I'm eating is lots of vegetables and grains and fats, so I am balanced but you have to eat a ton of vegetables to get as many calories as I need, haha. I really appreciate yours and everyone's advice, this is why I posted. Thank you!

Your diary isn't open so I cannot comment directly on what you're eating. It's all about trial and error. For a week you could stick to roughly the same meals and just up the portions slightly to meet your goals. Then another week increase the frequency of meals, i.e. breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack, and see which method you prefer and what suits your lifestyle. I hope you come to a happy (and successful) conclusion!

*ADDITION - are you weighing all your food? If not, you could be underestimating how much you're eating. Perhaps start weighing your food first, then see if you're really eating 1200kcals before you make any changes. Just a thought...

auddii

My post appears to have been missed. Add some calorie dense foods to the veggies and grains you've already been eating.

These can make great additions to salads:
eggs
bacon
cheese
chicken
avocado
pine nuts
dried cranberries (or other dried fruit)
full fat dressings (I like just a simple balsamic and olive oil blend, but mix it up with some horseradish mustard. Mmm)

You can have some quick snacks of a spoonful of nut butter. I too could eat a ton, but I bought a scale, measure out one serving, and then put the jar up. When I first started, I'd have three spoonfuls (but still fit it in my calories). Now I have better control. Moderation can be learned.

And all the foods I listed above can be added to all sorts of things. I love a cold bean salad with some corn, avocados, and red wine vinegar. I make a similar salad with grains too.

Cook your veggies with your preferred oil (I use olive, but I've hear coconut oil is really good).

There are tons of ways to add calories without adding a lot of volume.

mandakittykitty

My post appears to have been missed. Add some calorie dense foods to the veggies and grains you've already been eating.

These can make great additions to salads:
eggs
bacon
cheese
chicken
avocado
pine nuts
dried cranberries (or other dried fruit)
full fat dressings (I like just a simple balsamic and olive oil blend, but mix it up with some horseradish mustard. Mmm)

You can have some quick snacks of a spoonful of nut butter. I too could eat a ton, but I bought a scale, measure out one serving, and then put the jar up. When I first started, I'd have three spoonfuls (but still fit it in my calories). Now I have better control. Moderation can be learned.

And all the foods I listed above can be added to all sorts of things. I love a cold bean salad with some corn, avocados, and red wine vinegar. I make a similar salad with grains too.

Cook your veggies with your preferred oil (I use olive, but I've hear coconut oil is really good).

There are tons of ways to add calories without adding a lot of volume.

This is all great advice, thank you! I do measure everything I eat and have been shying away from high calorie oils (I love EVOO), so I think I just need to rework my mind frame and eat it! A lot of my problem here is mental, not physical, and I know I can up the calories and be OK. I really apprecaite your feedback!