question about caloric intake

summerhaze71
summerhaze71 Posts: 1,204 Member
in Food and Nutrition
When I first joined MFP, it suggested that I eat a daily caloric intake of 1200 calories. I find that I have a hard time meeting that on a daily basis. Some days I go over by 200-400 and other days I am under by 200-400. I am aware that eating less than the calories needed can put your body into starvation mode, but am curious if it is necessary to get at least 1200 a day, or can I go over one day and under the next and just consider that balanced out?

Replies

  • aneary1980
    aneary1980 Posts: 461 Member
    If you meet your cal allowance for the week you should be fine. I check my average over the week.

    BTW how much do you need to lose and how much have you set to loss each week?
  • Lottiotta
    Lottiotta Posts: 162 Member
    Starvation mode with regard to dieters has been very thoroughly debunked. You have to look like a skeleton before your body stops dropping fat. (Edit: And when that happens you should be more worried about dying and stuff. Plus nothing would fit you.)

    Having said that, eating under your goal means you'll get hungry more, and be more likely to binge. I've found that ignoring MFP's recommendation and just maintaining a deficit that I can keep up for at least 6 days of the week is the best way. The best diet is one you can keep up for a long time, yes? :)

    If you go over your goal by a few calories it's all fine - as long as you are under maintenance you won't be undoing your progress, just slowing it down a little.
  • summerhaze71
    summerhaze71 Posts: 1,204 Member
    I had about 60-70 lbs to lose when I first started. It is set to two pounds a week, but I rarely ever hit that. I normally go up and down in lbs from week to week, but am still losing about a half a pound a week. Nothing grand at all.

    @Lottiotta thanks for the input. Makes sense what you are saying. I am a long way from maintenance though... still have quite a bit to lose. I've found that I don't binge at home, because I am not really hungry and I don't keep any snack foods or soda at the house. When I go out to eat, I try getting a to-go box straight away and immediately divide my plate and take half home. That helps. My main problem is that I skip meals. I don't like eating when I first wake up.

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