Question for those on 1200 calories

newarkco05

How do you usually split up your calories? I've usually put all my foods in to the log the day before but I still end up going over or I end up hungrier than I though and have to snack more and end up going over. So I was thinking about starting a maximum calorie intake for each meal...

Here was my idea:
Breakfast- 200
Lunch- 400
Dinner- 600

Then if I want extra snacks then those are the calories I need to exercise off, or exercise to earn calories, whichever way you look at it.

I was also looking for ideas on low calorie things to snack on... I usually get hungry about an hour before lunch, when I am making dinner and towards bed time. I need a few go to things that I can munch on and not undo my day.

I also wanted to mention, It is not an option to switch the Breakfast and Dinner intake. Dinner is the only meal of the day I can sit down with my fiance and we cook together so I prefer to keep a decent amount of calories for it. It doesn't have to be 600, but I can not just have a salad for dinner. Thanks in advance!

rbryntes

There are low calorie, filling dinners that do not have to be salad - I made split pea and sausage soup/stew for dinner last night that worked out to be 350 calories per srving and I could barely eat an entire serving.

The more fiber and protein you have in the day, the less hungry you'll be at night. I would ensure breakfast is high protein and high fiber, and decrease the evening calories. But is there a reason you are on 1200 calories?

kitjos

Youve got it in a nutshell

Your welcome to have a look at my diary but i use approx 200 on breakfast, 400-500 on lunch and 500-600 on dinner. I usually burn off approx 300 cals per day through cardio so i have no problems to stick to the 1200 per day. Have you only just started on the 1200 per day or have you been doing it a while? x

kitjos

Oooops double post! x

SLambertAlaska

I like your idea of exercising for the "snack" calories or any calories over. Exercise is really important both for overall health and for upping your metabolism to burn more calories during the day.
As for the hunger before meals: one thing to try is a big drink (won't necc. curb hunger but gives your mouth something to do) or mint gum. I read that the mint help with appetite and it seems to work for me. (I figure even if its in my head, if it works I don't care why.)
Good for you for seeking out new strategies. Good luck!

hlouisej

Hi there,
I am on 1240 cals. I usually split 400 / 400 / 400 as I'm a breakfast kind of person and I hate feeling hungry during the morning. This means that for lunch and dinner I have cut out carbs almost completely. I usually stick to lean proteins, veggies, low fat yoghurt or fruit.

TeacherAnge

First of all, I HIGHLY recommend working out in order to get more calories!! This is what has worked for me:
Breakfast - 400 calories
Lunch #1 (around 10:30) - 300
Lunch #2 (around 1:30) - 300
Dinner - 400 calories

I realize that works out to 1400, but if you can't exercise I would cut everything by 50 calories. So breakfast 350, lunch 250, lunch 250 and dinner 350. It IS possible to eat a great dinner this way. Your carb portion will just have to be really small and your veggie portion about 1/2 your plate

Good luck! And, again EXERCISE!! It is so worth the extra calories!!

samantha_runs

I wouldn't stack all your calories at dinner because you're not going to burn them at night its better to eat bigger in the morning if you are going to do it that way, you don't need a big meal before sleep. Its like a bear at hibernation... just a thought.
How I do it.
Breakfast - 300
Snack - 200
Lunch - 300
Snack - 200
Dinner - 300

Of course if I am going to go out or something then I will cut one of my snacks so one of my meals can then be around 500 (:

** this is 1300 so one of the snacks could be cut by 100 to drop it

ABetterBalance

My preset is 1240.

Breakfast is usually 300-400
Lunch is the same 300-400.
Dinner is anywhere from 400-600

Most days I exercise and have extra calories to play with for snacks if I want them. Or my breakfast and/or lunch will be lower in calories and leave room for snacks too.

newarkco05

First of all, I HIGHLY recommend working out in order to get more calories!! This is what has worked for me:
Breakfast - 400 calories
Lunch #1 (around 10:30) - 300
Lunch #2 (around 1:30) - 300
Dinner - 400 calories

I realize that works out to 1400, but if you can't exercise I would cut everything by 50 calories. So breakfast 350, lunch 250, lunch 250 and dinner 350. It IS possible to eat a great dinner this way. Your carb portion will just have to be really small and your veggie portion about 1/2 your plate

Good luck! And, again EXERCISE!! It is so worth the extra calories!!

I like the idea of 2 lunches! I am a teacher and I watch the children eat their lunch at 11 and then I wait til 1 to have my lunch (my break time!) But I could split the calories.

newarkco05

Thank you for the replies everyone! One of the reasons I mentioned working off snack calories if because I work full time, come home, make dinner and I am going to school online part time. I'm not making excuses, I do make some time to exercise, I just don't have the time to burn hundreds of calories every night so I want to make sure I have a meal plan in place that if I don't exercise (insert calories) I am going to gain weight. I also live in an apartment so getting up super early to exercise is not an option as I live on the 2nd level so I can be kicked out for making too much noise so early! Thanks again everyone!

stephcarranza

Why do you log your food intake the day before? You should do it immediately after each meal, that way you can keep better track and have a daily goal to work towards. My usual break down is 300 calories for breakfast and lunch and 600 for dinner, dinner doubled for the same reason you give.

I do a fiber rich cereal in the morning with skim milk, because fiber and protein keep you feeling fuller longer. For lunch I do the same, usually Greek yogurt and an apple. In between I try to drink at least 32 oz of water because water also fills you up and tricks you into feeling full. You may be mistaking your thirst for hunger if you don't drink enough fluids throughout the day.

For dinner, I always have 4 oz. protein (chicken or fish), healthy carbs (brown or basmati rice, quinoa) and veggies (anything green mainly, i stay away from bright colors here, like corn or carrots because they have a lot of sugar). The veggies take up 50% of my plate. Always make sure you are measuring what you eat, because people are prone to underestimating what they are putting in their mouths.

I go hard at the gym as well, just to be safe. I do 45 minutes of cardio, plus i walk to/from the gym and and to/from work. I also do weights 3 times weekly. I started dieting on 5/9/11 and so far I have lost 35 pounds. Keep up your hard work and you will see results!

newarkco05

Why do you log your food intake the day before? You should do it immediately after each meal, that way you can keep better track and have a daily goal to work towards. My usual break down is 300 calories for breakfast and lunch and 600 for dinner, dinner doubled for the same reason you give.

I do a fiber rich cereal in the morning with skim milk, because fiber and protein keep you feeling fuller longer. For lunch I do the same, usually Greek yogurt and an apple. In between I try to drink at least 32 oz of water because water also fills you up and tricks you into feeling full. You may be mistaking your thirst for hunger if you don't drink enough fluids throughout the day.

For dinner, I always have 4 oz. protein (chicken or fish), healthy carbs (brown or basmati rice, quinoa) and veggies (anything green mainly, i stay away from bright colors here, like corn or carrots because they have a lot of sugar). The veggies take up 50% of my plate. Always make sure you are measuring what you eat, because people are prone to underestimating what they are putting in their mouths.

I go hard at the gym as well, just to be safe. I do 45 minutes of cardio, plus i walk to/from the gym and and to/from work. I also do weights 3 times weekly. I started dieting on 5/9/11 and so far I have lost 35 pounds. Keep up your hard work and you will see results!

I pre log all my meals to have an idea of my calorie intake for the following day and see if I need to change anything before I eat it. Logging after the meals just makes it easier for me to go over my calories for the day.

wildestian

Something that helps is drinking tons of water, when I get hungry between meals I make sure I drink a glass of water first, and the hunger goes away.. I don't even snack anymore, I burn around 230 cals, so I have more calories for my bigger meal (In my case it's lunch).
A great snack are fruit, they keep me full and are so low in calories.

heathermckillop

Hi. I'm also on 1200. My breakfast is 250 and that's by having a muffin that I make myself which has oats in it to be a slow release. For lunch I have spiced cous cous during the week and that's really low in Cals. I always have about 600 or so Cals for dinner and hardly have to snack. If I do I make sure its not over 100 Cals and I'm trying to drink 8 glasses of water a day. I try to do some form of exercise and if I can't get out then I march on the spot or climb my stairs

ice1200s

I'm doing 1200 calories/day as well. However, I'm doing ~500/400/300. It works for me, because I get full in the morning and maintain it with lunch, dinner and snacks. I also drink two 8oz glasses of water when I sit down to eat lunch and dinner, but before I pick up the fork. This keeps me full all day.

kj_4

I am only into this one month, so I haven't quite figured out my splits too well between meals. I try to log things when I get home from work and then see what I have left for supper. Hopefully I haven't gone too overboard.
Just a couple of ideas for snacks that I do: cut up some cucumbers and tomatoes and just eat them - very low in calories.
I have bought a few snacks that are prepackaged 100 calorie snacks - like almonds, microwave popcorn and then I know that is all I eat and it's only 100 calories. Another good one is some salsa and instead of tortilla chips - I use rice crackers or water crackers which are low in calories to get in a filling savory,crunchy snack. Fruit is also a good choice for a snack too.
My other trick in the evening which is usually my weak time, when I really feel like snacking is to have a cup of tea instead. Sugarfree gum is also another trick to keep from eating and going over your calories.

redraidergirl2009

How do you usually split up your calories? I've usually put all my foods in to the log the day before but I still end up going over or I end up hungrier than I though and have to snack more and end up going over. So I was thinking about starting a maximum calorie intake for each meal...

Here was my idea:
Breakfast- 200
Lunch- 400
Dinner- 600

Then if I want extra snacks then those are the calories I need to exercise off, or exercise to earn calories, whichever way you look at it.

I was also looking for ideas on low calorie things to snack on... I usually get hungry about an hour before lunch, when I am making dinner and towards bed time. I need a few go to things that I can munch on and not undo my day.

I also wanted to mention, It is not an option to switch the Breakfast and Dinner intake. Dinner is the only meal of the day I can sit down with my fiance and we cook together so I prefer to keep a decent amount of calories for it. It doesn't have to be 600, but I can not just have a salad for dinner. Thanks in advance!

I have this down

Breakfast - 200
Lunch - 200/300
Snack - 100
Dinner - 400/500

I keep dinner as my largest meal since I am usually up late anyway. If I get hungry after dinner I'll usually grab and apple or some other piece of fruit.

leomentlines

I've been doing 1250 a day, and what I've found that works really well for me is:

Breakfast: 200-300 cals (heavy protein - think greek yogurt + string cheese, or low carb egg white wrap w/ cheese)
Snack: 100-200 cals (varies, but nutritional bar or small package of almonds if I don't have time for anything else)
Lunch:300-350 cals (veggie burger on english muffin/pasta+salad/this varies.. higher carbs but still some protein here)
Snack: 100-200 cals (these really good cookies called almondinas really hit the spot around this time of day, either that or some oatmeal)
Dinner: 300-400 cals (same schtick as lunch, really. Usually something quick, as this tends to be eaten around midnight)

As you can see, this ranges from 1200-1450, but making it to the gym is a huge reason I'm able to stay under my calorie goals. I find it hard to eat only 1250 and not be hungry by the end of the day, so it ends up being extra motivation for me to hit the gym and burn some calories so I can eat a little more. Oddly enough, I sometimes kill my hunger by doing the exercise in the first place!

Deathwithab

i have 1240 cals and i have an easy time keeping in that , or very close with extra workout cals

tishpickle

I just split my calories how I feel each day so it changes slightly.

I have a spreadsheet for this (OCD is fun!)

Over 5 weeks I have had the following breakdown;

Breakfast: 315
Lunch:357
Dinner: 493
Snack: 86
Exercise: 175

veryblessedmomof2

I just read this and This is me, Granted I have only been doing this for 5 or so days but Yes I find I am over many days. If I stay on track when I work out right after I have the shakes, I have to something right away. Any ideas on this one? ( Note I posted a post just last night asking for pros and cons on something and got attacked for it So I am really taking a leap of faith that I just ran into some bad apples, and not everyone is like them last night) Please if you are going to attack me please Don't. Thank you have a great day everyone.

clairabell2024

Try porridge in the morning, its a slow releasing carb so fills you up for longer! I manager a decent portion for about 200 cals and thats with a teaspoon of suagr too! Plus porridge oats are really cheap to buy, about £1 for homebrand for a huge bag!!

xx

clairabell2024

I just split my calories how I feel each day so it changes slightly.

I have a spreadsheet for this (OCD is fun!)

Over 5 weeks I have had the following breakdown;

Breakfast: 315
Lunch:357
Dinner: 493
Snack: 86
Exercise: 175

My friend uses a spreadsheet too, its all singing all dancing!

Im the same with calories, i dont stick to a certain amount per breakfast, lunch and dinner!

xx

SCOUSERWENCH

I budget with my calories and eat whatever i want. cant be doing with low fat crap and fad diets i eat real food, because you need fatty food and real food to burn off the calories. in the past 4 week i've lost 9lb in weight and i dont see why i should cut out my favourite foods out, just eat in moderation, measure weigh foods and equal portions out. it's worked for me. Whatever Calories I have burnt i have eaten back and left some.

hillsidefarmlady

I am also on 1200 calories... It gets easier the longer you keep to your limit. Exercise helps too. For me, when I exercise, I am more aware of my caloric intake. I don't want to mess up all the work I just put in. Even if you just do some simple calisthenics on your lunch break, it will help. Something is better than nothing. You don't have to burn 300 calories every day. Sometimes I only burn 75 calories, (on days that I can't seem to fit in my regular exercise) but like I said, it's better than nothing. I've done stretching, crunches and modified push-up's in parking lots, random grass areas, my living room floor... anywhere! To keep to my calorie limit, I also plan my dinners for the month. That way after breakfast, I can input the rest of my calories for the day. Lunch is usually leftover dinner from the night before, and since I have a menu scheduled for dinner, I know what I will be eating all day. String cheese is my favorite snack! It's only 80 calories, and usually takes the edge off... especially if I'm drinking lots of water. Iv'e been on the weight loss journey for about 1 1/2 years and have lost 50 pounds. I'm 7 pounds from my goal. It can be difficult at times, but so worth it!! Good luck, and keep up the good work!!

hummingbird71

I split mine up as follows most days:

Breakfast- 230 calories - 8:00 AM
Snack- 90 calories - 10:00 AM
Snack- 100 calories - noon
Lunch- 200 calories or under - 1:00 PM
Snack- 100 caloires - 3:30ish PM
Supper- 450, plus whatever extra calories I need for my 1200 for the day, calories - 5:30ish PM

I walk 25 mins a day- taking my dog walking, plus do a cardio 10 min workout on youtube- I don't always eat back my workout calories, but some nights I do.

My Supper almost always has lots of protein which keeps me from getting hungry or wanting to snack in the evenings.

This I have found works for me- good luck!

megsie25

Hey hun, I have heen on 1200 cal for awhile now your more than welcome to have a look at my diary, it seems to be working andarely work out at all. (Obviously I'm not encouraging it but I have three young kids and i am flat out)

For snacks I have

Forme no fat yoghurt in
Sticky date pudding
Classic cheesecake and
Apple pie

They are about 75cal a tub and yummy

Or for savoury I have beef jerky (biltong)
For a large stick 30g its under 100 cal and fills me up because it takes so long to chew.

I hope this helps hun and good luck

NuttyBrewnette

I am trying to work on more cals at breakfast based on the Eat Clean principles. It's tough, but I'm finding it helpful and easier to stick to my limits. So all I'd do is reverse it-more cals during the day, fewer in the evening/dinner time.

I find that when I eat whole, real food I am full faster and stay that way longer than when I eat processed stuff.

I also aim to have a glass of water or tea before I eat, when I first feel hungry. Sometimes, I'm thirsty. Sometimes, I'm hungry, then I go ahead and eat, but at least I've "checked it out" first. I'm having to re-learn to trust my body and it's signals, after I've ignored them for so long.

It's a process-and I think you are on the right track.

Be kind to yourself.

madisonsteelex

Try switching it around.
Breakfast should be AT LEAST 350. The bigger the breakfast the less hungry you are through out the day. Lunch around 400, depending how big the breakfast, dinner 400-450. This should help keep you fuller through out the day
and if you're exercising, you can eat those calories so you don't have to worry much about going over or being hungry later

chinadoll725

Ditto, you really should eat more often and taper your cals down throughout the day, not eat more at the end of the day, IMO.