My doctor: the 1200 calorie diet

beyourbest2014
beyourbest2014 Posts: 4
in Health and Weight Loss
I know it's been debated before, but my doctor has me on 1200 calories. I lost 9 lbs. since I started on Feb. 1st. I have been eating between 1200 - 1400. I think 1200 is too low for a person over 200 lbs. I haven't been exercising much, but plan on getting that going regularly in the next week. Unsure how much, if any, I should increase my calories. Also, I eat zero processed food (cook with real butter and coconut oil). I rarely ate processed food prior to starting either. Just want some thoughts and advice. I am mid 40's and 221 lbs. at the moment. 1st goal is 180, next goal will be 165, which is my happy place (size 10/12). I feel and look great at that weight, although it sounds high for someone my height, I am 5'3". My doctor is a regular family doctor, is he wrong on this?

Replies

  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    The only way to find out is by trial & error. Follow your MFP calorie goal for two weeks, then reevaluate.

    Read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
  • cwsreddy
    cwsreddy Posts: 998 Member
    I know it's been debated before, but my doctor has me on 1200 calories. I lost 9 lbs. since I started on Feb. 1st. I have been eating between 1200 - 1400. I think 1200 is too low for a person over 200 lbs. I haven't been exercising much, but plan on getting that going regularly in the next week. Unsure how much, if any, I should increase my calories. Also, I eat zero processed food (cook with real butter and coconut oil). I rarely ate processed food prior to starting either. Just want some thoughts and advice. I am mid 40's and 221 lbs. at the moment. 1st goal is 180, next goal will be 165, which is my happy place (size 10/12). I feel and look great at that weight, although it sounds high for someone my height, I am 5'3". My doctor is a regular family doctor, is he wrong on this?

    You'll drop a bunch of weight fast, then you'll stall out and stop losing, which is what causes many of the 1200 cal dieters to give up and gain it all back because "what else can I do!?"

    If you choose to follow his advice just make sure that when you do stall out you start eating more AND increase your level of activity. Now, it's probably more sustainable and safer to not cut your calories so drastically and to just eat at a 500 cal deficit and exercise. The results will be slower but they'll create habits that will sustain you for the rest of your life instead of being a quick fix.

    Up to you!
  • beyourbest2014
    beyourbest2014 Posts: 4
    I really want to make this long term. I have been up and down over the years and I am just tired of it. The older I get, the harder it is to lose so I don't want just a quick fix.
    Thank you for your insight.
  • cwsreddy
    cwsreddy Posts: 998 Member
    I really want to make this long term. I have been up and down over the years and I am just tired of it. The older I get, the harder it is to lose so I don't want just a quick fix.
    Thank you for your insight.

    absolutely! good luck!
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,422 Member
    1200-1400 will work for a while, and you are fine at that level for the first 30 pounds or so. Eat 300 or so more calories on days when you exercise for 45 minutes to an hour.

    Just be ready to go UP in calories, not down. There is where the magic lies.

    I agree with the person above who gave you the link to "sexypants". Read that and make it your Gospel.


    Many doctors mean well, but unless they are bariatric specialists, they have almost zero nutrition education. Proceed with caution. It's really hard to meet your nutrition needs on 1200 calories, and you will be uncomfortable at that level for any amount of time.
  • beyourbest2014
    beyourbest2014 Posts: 4
    I see my reasons for questioning the low amount are valid. I was doing fine on the 1200, about 2 weeks in I had a "starving" day. I ate about 1800 that day and I lost a few more lbs. in the days after. Our bodies really do know what to do, don't they?

    I eat very high quality food, protein, vegetables, nuts, and seafood, mostly organic. Truthfully, my problem has always been sugar and sweets, and I do love wine and cocktails! I am avoiding them now, with the exception of a daily piece of dark chocolate and a rare glass of red wine.
  • ebayaddict0127
    ebayaddict0127 Posts: 523 Member
    I started at 1200 calories and surprisingly did very well with no issues for about 7 weeks. Then last week it hit me.. I was starved. I was shaky. I was weak. I was tired. I upped my calories to 1400 and feel so much better. Whether I'll see a loss is yet to be seen.. I weigh in Monday and binged last Wednesday... but if I lose at 1400 I'll keep on going. And just so you know my stats..

    Starting Weight: 240
    Height: 5'5"
    Age: 31
    Current Weight: 219
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,422 Member
    I see my reasons for questioning the low amount are valid. I was doing fine on the 1200, about 2 weeks in I had a "starving" day. I ate about 1800 that day and I lost a few more lbs. in the days after. Our bodies really do know what to do, don't they?

    I eat very high quality food, protein, vegetables, nuts, and seafood, mostly organic. Truthfully, my problem has always been sugar and sweets, and I do love wine and cocktails! I am avoiding them now, with the exception of a daily piece of dark chocolate and a rare glass of red wine.

    Absolutely. Those "starving days" serve a great purpose. You do need to eat at maintenance on occasion, and it isn't going to ruin anything. Just take it one day at a time, do the best you can do - listen to your body when it's hungry. 1400 may be much better for you, and more sustainable.
  • christa279
    christa279 Posts: 222 Member
    I agree with everyone else. 1200 calories will work, but is hard to stick to. I have found more success with a higher amount. I also think it's okay to have some sweets, I just make them fit into my calories for the day.

    Definitely read the "Sexypants" thread. That was a real eye-opener for me.
  • beyourbest2014
    beyourbest2014 Posts: 4
    Excellent:smile:
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    At 5'4, starting weight of 225, age 41, our statistics are remarkably similar. I eat about 1300 on days I don't work out and eat back most of my exercise calories when I do work out. If I under eat for more than a couple of days, I get grumpy, and HUNGRY. Like I can eat everything or sit here and cry out of frustration hungry. Even if you are handling it now, you might find side affects from low calories once you start exercising.

    Now, a few personal exceptions: I eat back most of my exercise calories, not necessarily every. last. one. And on very active days, I rarely log more than an hour of continuous activity, maybe two if it was particularly strenuous, but I am using the same settings I would normally use. For example, a couple of weeks ago we went biking in strong head winds. I still used the same entry as always, rather than trying to compensate for the difference.

    I also have the easiest time sticking to a lowish carb diet. That is, I don't avoid anything, but I don't use bread, pasta or rice as a filler very often. This morning, I had corned beef hash with my parents: they had toast with it, I didn't. That helped me keep the calories down, while still enjoying a special breakfast. I also had half as much. Day to day, for me this means I stick to high protein, lots of veggies, with some fruit and whole grains. With a brownie after supper :)
  • wonderwoman234
    wonderwoman234 Posts: 551 Member
    I know it's been debated before, but my doctor has me on 1200 calories. I lost 9 lbs. since I started on Feb. 1st. I have been eating between 1200 - 1400. I think 1200 is too low for a person over 200 lbs. I haven't been exercising much, but plan on getting that going regularly in the next week. Unsure how much, if any, I should increase my calories. Also, I eat zero processed food (cook with real butter and coconut oil). I rarely ate processed food prior to starting either. Just want some thoughts and advice. I am mid 40's and 221 lbs. at the moment. 1st goal is 180, next goal will be 165, which is my happy place (size 10/12). I feel and look great at that weight, although it sounds high for someone my height, I am 5'3". My doctor is a regular family doctor, is he wrong on this?

    You'll drop a bunch of weight fast, then you'll stall out and stop losing, which is what causes many of the 1200 cal dieters to give up and gain it all back because "what else can I do!?"

    If you choose to follow his advice just make sure that when you do stall out you start eating more AND increase your level of activity. Now, it's probably more sustainable and safer to not cut your calories so drastically and to just eat at a 500 cal deficit and exercise. The results will be slower but they'll create habits that will sustain you for the rest of your life instead of being a quick fix.

    Up to you!

    I agree with this completely. I was exercising a lot and trying to eat 1250-1330 and my weight loss was slow, less than .5 lbs. a week. I've slowly upped to closer to 1500-1700 and I lost 1 pound! I think if you go too low too fast your body thinks its starving and will slow metabolism to protect energy stores.

    Better to eat a bit more, and even more when you ramp up exercise, to keep your metabolism running well.
  • cheripugh1
    cheripugh1 Posts: 357 Member
    I did the 1200 and it was OK for about a month, then I found I was hungry real often so I upped it up to 1400 and so far so good. I normally workout everyday but my back is messed up right now so been down for two days, when I work out I do not eat them back, many say eat 1/2 back... so far I do not maybe when I'm thinner?

    Good luck to you! YOU can do this!
  • LianaG1115
    LianaG1115 Posts: 453 Member
    I'm 42 I am at 188 If you look at my photo you'll see I was much bigger and looking to hit my 100lb loss in 13 more pounds. I can say from my own experience, you have to want this, something within you has to click to be successful. The calories are one thing but exercise is soooo critically important too! Trust me when I say I was NEVER one for exercise and I still have a little resistance however I pull out old photos of me and get refocused and motivated...Its a beautiful thing when it all just clicks together. No one has the right answer but if you start working with a nutritionist or a trainer they can help guide you to make sure you're getting what you need.
  • bigldesigns
    bigldesigns Posts: 102 Member
    I am 5'4 38 years old and I started out in June 2013 at 260lb

    I've been eating approx 1200 cal for 8 months now with little to NO exercise..
    Its mainly veggies and salad items with a serve of protein 3 time a day.
    (No Bread, limited Gluten, No Dairy, No Added Sugar & No Packet food - Everything as home made as possible)
    Most days I struggle to consume enough food to reach the 1200 cal (I use digital kitchen scales to make sure I am measuring correct) so I have been eating a bowl of Sorbet for Dessert, or a hand full of dried Fruit before I go to bed

    Today I weighed in at 193lb

    (thats a loss of almost 70lb over 40 weeks or 1.75lb per week average)

    I'm quite happy with the amount of food I get to eat..
    I'm not starving.....
    and I get to eat Bacon and Eggs 2 - 3 time a week too :)


    Average serving size
    924f906a8fc711e3a7900e59ad914808_8.jpg
  • jacquiearchambault
    jacquiearchambault Posts: 86 Member
    It has only been two weeks on this 1200 calorie a day diet and I thought NO WAY! This is gonna be too hard! but you know what With some planning and a whole lot of sacrifice (believe me a lot) I have been able to stay under 1200 calories a day...not so bad really. Go for it! Try it! What do you have to lose? (PUN INTENDED LOL)
  • cwsreddy
    cwsreddy Posts: 998 Member
    I am 5'4 38 years old and I started out in June 2013 at 260lb

    I've been eating approx 1200 cal for 8 months now with little to NO exercise..
    Its mainly veggies and salad items with a serve of protein 3 time a day.
    (No Bread, limited Gluten, No Dairy, No Added Sugar & No Packet food - Everything as home made as possible)
    Most days I struggle to consume enough food to reach the 1200 cal (I use digital kitchen scales to make sure I am measuring correct) so I have been eating a bowl of Sorbet for Dessert, or a hand full of dried Fruit before I go to bed

    Today I weighed in at 193lb

    (thats a loss of almost 70lb over 40 weeks or 1.75lb per week average)

    I'm quite happy with the amount of food I get to eat..
    I'm not starving.....
    and I get to eat Bacon and Eggs 2 - 3 time a week too :)


    Average serving size
    924f906a8fc711e3a7900e59ad914808_8.jpg

    No doubt you've lost significant weight, and that's awesome. But your loss will stall out. That's a guarantee. And when it does do you have a plan? If you're ok with being "done" at that point then who is anyone to argue. Your happiness is the real goal here. But if - when you reach that point - you decide you want to continue to lose, you'll have to up the cals.

    Good luck!
  • cwsreddy
    cwsreddy Posts: 998 Member
    It has only been two weeks on this 1200 calorie a day diet and I thought NO WAY! This is gonna be too hard! but you know what With some planning and a whole lot of sacrifice (believe me a lot) I have been able to stay under 1200 calories a day...not so bad really. Go for it! Try it! What do you have to lose? (PUN INTENDED LOL)

    A lot, honestly. this 1200 cal thing is the biggest flaw in MFP's website and it's a travesty. No other way around it. It puts SO many people on the fast track to failure because they just don't know any better. It's not their fault, it's this site's.

    You shouldn't be eating below 1200 calories. Period. Sorry if this comes off as harsh.
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    It has only been two weeks on this 1200 calorie a day diet and I thought NO WAY! This is gonna be too hard! but you know what With some planning and a whole lot of sacrifice (believe me a lot) I have been able to stay under 1200 calories a day...not so bad really. Go for it! Try it! What do you have to lose? (PUN INTENDED LOL)

    I think you will find that with high quality food choices and just 100-200 more calories, you won't feel like everything is such a sacrifice, making it all much easier to continue!
  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    The goal is to find the maximum number of calories at which you lose weight, not the minimum.

    Read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
  • BenPVolk
    BenPVolk Posts: 22 Member
    1200 is easy, just eat tiny portions of healthy foods throughout the day. Take a multivitamin to stave off being in any kind of vitamin or essential mineral deficit that causes burnout or binging.
  • bhdon
    bhdon Posts: 117 Member
    Everyone is sooo different on this. Through trial and error over the years, I've learned it's unrealistic for me to sustain a 1200 calorie daily limit long term. It helps to experiment some to find out what works best for you, if you're in it for the long haul.
  • cwsreddy
    cwsreddy Posts: 998 Member
    1200 is easy, just eat tiny portions of healthy foods throughout the day. Take a multivitamin to stave off being in any kind of vitamin or essential mineral deficit that causes burnout or binging.

    easy (for you) and unsustainable long-term.
  • bigldesigns
    bigldesigns Posts: 102 Member

    No doubt you've lost significant weight, and that's awesome. But your loss will stall out. That's a guarantee. And when it does do you have a plan? If you're ok with being "done" at that point then who is anyone to argue. Your happiness is the real goal here. But if - when you reach that point - you decide you want to continue to lose, you'll have to up the cals.

    Good luck!


    My general plan was to continue eating the way I am and when my weight settles, just let it maintain at that level



    Of course that will all come under review when it actually happens..


    But at this stage I am struggling to eat any more food than I already am (without eating foods that will flare my medical condition)


    If anyone wants ideas on foods to eat at the 1200cal level, feel free to add me so you can have a look at my diary.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,422 Member
    Everyone is sooo different on this. Through trial and error over the years, I've learned it's unrealistic for me to sustain a 1200 calorie daily limit long term. It helps to experiment some to find out what works best for you, if you're in it for the long haul.

    Actually, I'm pleased that almost every person in this thread has agreed with the fact that 1200 is okay for a starting point, but as soon as fatigue, mood issues, lack of energy for daily tasks happens, then eat a bit more.

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