1200 cal is NOT enough

veg56kg

I said "1200 calories isnt like a universal number that is meant for everyone"

...you then went on to say " or anyone really" ......

To me, this meant, 1200 is not enough as a universal number or for anyone...... Apologies if this is not what you meant!
For some of us...and I mean me.... to be absolutely specific!...... Losing weight at TDEE hasn't happened, losing weight at 1200 and eating back exercise calories, hasn't happened also. I am finding it hard to find my numbers! I am glad eating in excess of 1200 works for you... Great! It doesn't for others!!!

If you're eating back exercise calories and your small enough to where 1200 is enough for you I see nothing wrong with that.

Hmm, 19 years old and knows it all! Unless your are extremely brilliant, you aren't old enough to have any credentials to make any of your advice credible. I see no scientific studies backing your position. Quite frankly, I wouldn't accept your attitude from my own kids who are considerably older than you. How about you do you and I'll do me and let everyone else do what they want to do?

If you don't agree you don't have to comment. I swear everyone wants to use the 'age thing' as an argument.

Welcome to Internet forums!

People can comment whether they agree with you or not.

Exactly so why you're so upset over my post is beyond me. I corrected my wrongs and apologized.

KaruBlack

@veg56kg

Hello, just to let you know on how to stop the continuation of this miscommunication, just edit your initial post to something that people will not take as "offensive". I understand what you were trying to say, that 1200 calories is not a fit all size, especially since MFP normally starts you off at this point which makes people believe that this is how much they have to eat when in fact there is more information that needs to be taken into account in order to determine how many calories a person should have each day. Especially someone who is new and does not know what to look for this can become confusing.

Since this is a forum and no one can determine the tone you are writing in I think a lot of people became angry because of what they perceived as your tone and statement. Nor should anyone only focus on one part of a statement.

But I understand what you are trying to say and you should not have to apologize anymore since I have seen you apologize multiple times.

jmv7117

I see a lot of people on here do not know how much to eat. 1200 is practically the amount for a small child. 1200 calories was my lunch yesterday, not a days worth of intake! I don't want to hear any excuses like "I'm never hungry" or that you cant find any high calorie foods that are healthy.

My diet is heavily plant based. Even if my foods are not high calorie, I eat frequently and that adds up!

Furthermore, if you can't meet a simple calorie goal you shouldn't even be exercising and causing further damage to you body.
1200 calories isnt like a universal number that is meant for everyone (or anyone really) if you want to know how much you should really be eating calculate your BMR and then add calories based on your activity level OR calculate your TDEE which I highly recommend.

It seems most of you want quick and instant results but under eating isnt the way to do it. Permanent and HEALTHY results that you can sustain are going to take time, effort, and certainly a hell of a lot more food.

Some find 1,200 calories enough others don't. Furthermore, 1,200 calories is the value set by MFP. To each their own and if it is working for them, more power to them. I had no problem with 1,200 calories and I'm sure other smaller women have not problem with it either. I did calculate my BMR and TDEE too.

Please stop perpetuating this myth that all small women have to eat like birds. I fell for that too often. I'm just shy of 5'2 and 1200 was NOT enough for me based on the amount/kind of exercise I was doing.

If you're over 50, under 5'4 and sedentary or lightly active it's probably fine. Otherwise, it's not. I notice all the people who are defending it are in the beginning of their diets or what looks to be based on the amount they lost.

I have never met a person who was athletic or super fit (not talking about skinny fat, I'm mean fit like OP) who only ate 1200 calories a day. Have you?

No, I am two pounds lighter than my original goal so technically at the end of my weight loss journey. My current BMI is 20.8 with a BF% 20.2 so I don't plan on reducing much more than what I have done. Just because someone doesn't have a ticker on their posts does not mean they are at the beginning of their diets. Like me they may choose not to disclose how much weight they lost.

veg56kg

@veg56kg

Hello, just to let you know on how to stop the continuation of this miscommunication, just edit your initial post to something that people will not take as "offensive". I understand what you were trying to say, that 1200 calories is not a fit all size, especially since MFP normally starts you off at this point which makes people believe that this is how much they have to eat when in fact there is more information that needs to be taken into account in order to determine how many calories a person should have each day. Especially someone who is new and does not know what to look for this can become confusing.

Since this is a forum and no one can determine the tone you are writing in I think a lot of people became angry because of what they perceived as your tone and statement. Nor should anyone only focus on one part of a statement.

But I understand what you are trying to say and you should not have to apologize anymore since I have seen you apologize multiple times.

Thank you!! I thought about it but I can't figure out how to edit it or delete it. :explode:

amusedmonkey

Some days I eat 1000, other days 2500. I'm 168 (5'6) and 99 (219) so I have both the big NO-NOs not to go on 1200, but I eat the way it fits me, not the way that makes other people satisfied. I just think many people like to attach certain stigma to certain numbers, from the "I can only lose on 1200" regular height/activity/hormone function people to the "no adult should eat 1200" people.

It's simple: If you aren't sick, drained, hungry or have a screwed up relationship with food on a 1200 diet there is no harm in using it short term (or even long term with medical observation). Quite a few studies have shown that very low calorie diets work, and most only consumed 800 calories. Our bodies are not as brittle as it is sometimes portrayed. Our body is here looking the way it does and doing the things it does because it's pretty good at surviving.

Similarly, if you are sick, drained, hungry or have a screwed up relationship with food on a 1200 diet, don't limit yourself just because you are attached to a certain number.

jmv7117

Hmm, 19 years old and knows it all! Unless your are extremely brilliant, you aren't old enough to have any credentials to make any of your advice credible. I see no scientific studies backing your position. Quite frankly, I wouldn't accept your attitude from my own kids who are considerably older than you. How about you do you and I'll do me and let everyone else do what they want to do?

you must have missed that part where she said she took a mini class.......

<slaps forehead>Must have! Can't argue with book learning :laugh:

veg56kg

Does it matter? You shouldn't have to take a class to know that 1200 isn't enough for everyone.

Atrocity108

Honestly, I do between 1200-1300 a day, and I feel great. I am 6'4 and was at 360lbs. Now, I am down to 270 by maintaining that 6 days a week. It works for me.

veg56kg

Honestly, I do between 1200-1300 a day, and I feel great. I am 6'4 and was at 360lbs. Now, I am down to 270 by maintaining that 6 days a week. It works for me.

That is really sad. Your BMR is 2279.

somara627

Hi veg

I didn't take offense at all to your blog post; I'm in agreement that for ME 1200 is simply not enough calories.

I'm 5'3, 44 years old, never had any children and weigh 145 pounds.

I'm older and that means my metabolism is slowing down but for me to have enough energy to do the spinning, strength training and occasional barre, TRX, or yoga class I freaking need to eat more.

For me I'm all about being strong and healthy; ideally I'd love to be 130 with between 15-18% body fat so I'm throwing the 1200 calories out the window (since I cannot go that low without feeling weak) and instead calculating my TDEE and see how I do with the macros consume.

Everyone has different goals and such..some people want to be a number on the scale..or a size in their clothes..we all have our motivations.

You stated your opinion.. think it's cool..and great dialogue.from everyone on the forum.

No offense taken

KaruBlack

@veg56kg

Hello, just to let you know on how to stop the continuation of this miscommunication, just edit your initial post to something that people will not take as "offensive". I understand what you were trying to say, that 1200 calories is not a fit all size, especially since MFP normally starts you off at this point which makes people believe that this is how much they have to eat when in fact there is more information that needs to be taken into account in order to determine how many calories a person should have each day. Especially someone who is new and does not know what to look for this can become confusing.

Since this is a forum and no one can determine the tone you are writing in I think a lot of people became angry because of what they perceived as your tone and statement. Nor should anyone only focus on one part of a statement.

But I understand what you are trying to say and you should not have to apologize anymore since I have seen you apologize multiple times.

Thank you!! I thought about it but I can't figure out how to edit it or delete it. :explode:

MFP must have only basic forum features then. You may just need to let this die then. You are only going to stress yourself out by continue to post in this particular topic.

WalkingAlong

What gets me about the "1200 is dangerous" mentality is why people don't see that if it truly was, MFP would be open to all kinds of litigation for using it as their floor.

I truly believe it's not dangerous for anyone. You see 1200 and values like it used in all kinds of plans and apps. A lot don't even have floors (Fitbit, for example, as well as any diet plan that doesn't include calorie counting).

It's recommended here for weight loss, which by its nature is temporary and applies to those with excess body fat to use for energy in a deficit.

veg56kg

What gets me about the "1200 is dangerous" mentality is why people don't see that if it truly was, MFP would be open to all kinds of litigation for using it as their floor.

I truly believe it's not dangerous for anyone. You see 1200 and values like it used in all kinds of plans and apps. A lot don't even have floors (Fitbit, for example, as well as any diet plan that doesn't include calorie counting).

It's recommended here for weight loss, which by its nature is temporary and applies to those with excess body fat to use for energy in a deficit.

It is NOT for everyone. 1200 diet is a joke. It isn't one size fits all. Its bogus, I would not survive on 1200. I tried it before and you know where it got me? THE HOSPITAL. I would never ever suggest it to someone for no reason at all without any consideration of their height/weight/age/gender.

All these fad diets and books suggesting 1200 are just out to make money and don't give a crap about your health.

paperpudding

I said "1200 calories isnt like a universal number that is meant for everyone"

...you then went on to say " or anyone really" ......

To me, this meant, 1200 is not enough as a universal number or for anyone...... Apologies if this is not what you meant!
For some of us...and I mean me.... to be absolutely specific!...... Losing weight at TDEE hasn't happened, losing weight at 1200 and eating back exercise calories, hasn't happened also. I am finding it hard to find my numbers! I am glad eating in excess of 1200 works for you... Great! It doesn't for others!!!

If you're eating back exercise calories and your small enough to where 1200 is enough for you I see nothing wrong with that.

Hmm, 19 years old and knows it all! Unless your are extremely brilliant, you aren't old enough to have any credentials to make any of your advice credible. I see no scientific studies backing your position. Quite frankly, I wouldn't accept your attitude from my own kids who are considerably older than you. How about you do you and I'll do me and let everyone else do what they want to do?

If you don't agree you don't have to comment. I swear everyone wants to use the 'age thing' as an argument.

Welcome to Internet forums!

People can comment whether they agree with you or not.

Exactly so why you're so upset over my post is beyond me. I corrected my wrongs and apologized.

I am not upset.

I just don't agree with you.

WalkingAlong

What gets me about the "1200 is dangerous" mentality is why people don't see that if it truly was, MFP would be open to all kinds of litigation for using it as their floor.

I truly believe it's not dangerous for anyone. You see 1200 and values like it used in all kinds of plans and apps. A lot don't even have floors (Fitbit, for example, as well as any diet plan that doesn't include calorie counting).

It's recommended here for weight loss, which by its nature is temporary and applies to those with excess body fat to use for energy in a deficit.

It is NOT for everyone. 1200 diet is a joke. It isn't one size fits all. Its bogus, I would not survive on 1200. I tried it before and you know where it got me? THE HOSPITAL. I would never ever suggest it to someone for no reason at all without any consideration of their height/weight/age/gender.

All these fad diets and books suggesting 1200 are just out to make money and don't give a crap about your health.

It's recommended here for weight loss, which by its nature is temporary and applies to those with excess body fat to use for energy in a deficit. You are 5'8" and 130. It's not going to tell you 1200 unless you tell it you want to lose weight. You don't have weight to lose. If you did really need to lose 2 lbs., you'd lose it in a couple weeks and avoid the hospital.

You understand how MFP arrives at 1200, right? It's just math and it does consider one's height, weight, gender and age.

mikegerber1

bump

Atrocity108

Honestly, I do between 1200-1300 a day, and I feel great. I am 6'4 and was at 360lbs. Now, I am down to 270 by maintaining that 6 days a week. It works for me.

That is really sad. Your BMR is 2279.

yet I have lost a lot of weight and feel great. Also, this was under my doctors recommendation. So, how is that sad?

mrsgoodwine

I took no offense to what you said. I am 5'2" and 53 years old. I need to eat less than you, but I eat more than 1200. I am fairly active and if I didn't I would starve. I don't know why people get so crazy. Hang in there, girl.

MKEgal

I see a lot of people on here do not know how much to eat. 1200 is practically the amount for a small child.
... 1200 calories isnt like a universal number that is meant for everyone (or anyone really)

1200 is the minimum someone should be eating unless they're under the supervision of a doctor (or are very short).

1200 is the minimum someone? Isn't this what I JUST got yelled at for because a statement like that ignores a persons height, weight, gender, age. 1200 IS NOT a universal number.

That's the medically-established minimum (for women), yes.
Will you believe Harvard Medical School? (I'm pretty sure they know what they're talking about.)

http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/HB_web/calorie-counting-made-easy.htm
calorie intake should not fall below 1,200 a day in women or 1,500 a day in men, except under the supervision of a health professional

Maybe you'll learn about this once you start classes.

paperpudding

@veg56kg

Hello, just to let you know on how to stop the continuation of this miscommunication, just edit your initial post to something that people will not take as "offensive". I understand what you were trying to say, that 1200 calories is not a fit all size, especially since MFP normally starts you off at this point which makes people believe that this is how much they have to eat when in fact there is more information that needs to be taken into account in order to determine how many calories a person should have each day. Especially someone who is new and does not know what to look for this can become confusing.

Since this is a forum and no one can determine the tone you are writing in I think a lot of people became angry because of what they perceived as your tone and statement. Nor should anyone only focus on one part of a statement.

But I understand what you are trying to say and you should not have to apologize anymore since I have seen you apologize multiple times.

Thank you!! I thought about it but I can't figure out how to edit it or delete it. :explode:

MFP must have only basic forum features then. You may just need to let this die then. You are only going to stress yourself out by continue to post in this particular topic.

You can edit your posts.

You just click on edit button under your existing post that you want to edit, and change whatever in the post you want to change.