This is so unfair!

76wendyful

Yes, I am acting like a whiney baby right now, but I am very upset.
I am trying to eat better, and according to MFP I am allowed 1200 calories a day. I only have 525 left and it is only lunch time! Its no wonder I give up and eat stuff and just don't log it ( I know, I'm just lying to myself!)
How can I eat decent and be satisifed for 1200 calories! Any suggestions would be appreciated.

otr12

1. Exercise.

2. Eat your exercise calories.

maidentl

We can't tell you that because we can't see your diary. Do you exercise? I'd advise eating your exercise calories back. 1200 is my goal as well and I feel like I eat plenty of food, especially when I eat those exercise calories back, too. And I lose faster when I eat them.

ncgingerich

Exercise and eat back those calories to net near 1200. Basically, by exercising you can eat more! You can do this!!

LisaKyle11

well you could workout and then eat your exercise cals! also, 1200 is the low baseline, depending upon a lot of different factors. make sure you set your activity level to match (as close as possible) what your actual days are like.

sylouette98

1. Exercise.

2. Eat your exercise calories.

Perfect answer!

TMcBooty

the more you exercise the more you can eat

potluck965

Get out and exercise and you will earn more calories. The rest is up to your self control.

I realized early on that if I was going to accomplish anything I just had to get used to feeling hungry.

You will gradually learn that there are things you can eat that will allow you to eat more with less calories.

Remember, this is a lifestyle change.

Adapt, or be left in the dust.

crazytxmom

A lot of that also depends on WHAT you're eating. Protein & fiber will make you feel full longer than anything else. You'll have to open your food diary for more useful input.

dannylives

Eat stuff with good fat in it. Eat stuff with fiber in it.

Deathwithab

Yep I agree with all the other comments excersize and then you will have more calories to eat

76wendyful

Thanks! I thought I made my diary public, let me try again!

arykh24

Make sure you are getting proper nutrition with your 1200 calories and NOT eating 1200 calories of junk.

lstpaul

I agree with eating healthy fats ... they keep you satisfied longer, and more protein.

Statsol

What is your weight loss goal per week? Perhaps it is too aggressive.

dmpizza

Is your goal too severe? If you slow your anticipated loss then you will get more calories a day.
You could also exercise more.

krisntraining

I was the exact same way when I started this! These are some of the things I have learned and do... (and I am not perfect by any means, I have binge days like everyone else they have just gone from 3000+ cals down to 2000 or less)

Lot's of veggies!! You can literally stuff yourself on veggies (non-starchy are best) and never get close to 1200. I have started eating all meals on the small app plates and 3/4 of that are veggies! When I feel hungry I eat 6 baby carrots before making whatever snack I really (think I) want and am never really hungry after that.

Don't drink your calories!

And yes, eat your exercise calories! (most of them anyway )

Oh and what others said about lean protein and MUFA's!! (monounsaturated "good" fats! - avocados, olive oil, nuts, etc... in moderation because they are higher in cals)

76wendyful

What is your weight loss goal per week? Perhaps it is too aggressive.

1.5 pounds per week

jennajava

1. Exercise.

2. Eat your exercise calories.

exactly. and eat lots of protein.

Qarol

My suggestion is...stay away from "diet" foods. The real thing is way more satisfying. And increased protein helps me not be so hungry. Perhaps lower your carbs intake a slight bit, as well.

hipposize

Try breaking your calories into allotments - 500 at breakfast, 500 at lunch and 500 at dinner. Then, make sure you fill up on lots of veggies. Raw or cooked, as long as you aren't adding fat, you can eat a lot of veggie (and thus feel satisifed) for fewer calories. Then, if you can work in a bit of exercise (walking one mile in about 20 minutes can burn a hundred calories or more), you can eat a little more at dinner.:ohwell:

mamagooskie

How many lbs a week are you set to lose? If you are set at 2lbs a week try 1.5 or 1 lbs instead and you will allowed more calories. I agree with the above posters get up and workout.....then eat those calories as well.

You will also need to learn to "budget" calories better. If you are eating a 700 calorie breakfast that only leaves you 500 for lunch, dinner and snacks you will need to make better choices.

GOOD LUCK!

fteale

Yup. Exercise. I was dying on 1200 cals a day. I was cold and hungry all the time.

76wendyful

Well, obviously the key here is exercising! :ohwell: I really need to get back into that. I just really started this journey again on Monday, so I will have to start up that exercise regimen!

daves160

If you aren't already doing it; Try a low glycemic diet. and eat at least 5- 6 times a day to get your betabolism going.

And yes, lots of good cardio exercise. That has helped me emmensely.

TMcBooty

What is your weight loss goal per week? Perhaps it is too aggressive.

1.5 pounds per week

I'd change it to 1 lb per week.
skip corn and add a green veggie
don't drink calories. so skip the milk and add a protein.. egg white, whey protein or veggie sausage etc

martinimcbride

What are you eating for breakfast & lunch? I've never gone over my calorie limit & only go to the gym 3x a week. The food logging really helps me stay away from cheeses & breads, my downfall. I'm new but have lost 6 lbs in a few weeks. Good luck, don't give up!!!

KimertRuns13_1

Drink your water.
Eat lean proteins, plenty of fiber, good fats, fresh fruits and veggies.
Exercise will allow you a few extra calories to eat as well.
Are the calories you are eating junk?

TMcBooty

Well, obviously the key here is exercising! :ohwell: I really need to get back into that. I just really started this journey again on Monday, so I will have to start up that exercise regimen!

I walk 3 times a day.. it can be that simple.

bethdris

This is just me and my opinon. What your eating isn't "bad" but I would start batch cooking for lunches at work. For 300 cals you could have a piece of boneless/skinless chicken(110), 2 cups broccoli(60), apple(80) and still have 50 cals left. I didn't find those frozen dinners very filling.

kapeluza

Go get on a thread mill and run for 1 hour!