1200 Calories is just too much! ? Advice...

CiciPorcayo

So my goal in take is 1200 Calories. and sometimes I meet that goal or exceed it. But only because I feel like I should be eating 3 small meals a day and 3 snacks in between all healthy of course. But something my husband and I noticed. His goal calorie intake is 1800... Mine is 1200 and sometimes we just aren't that hungry and force ourselves to eat. idk if we should eat less because we aren't hungry or keep eating our recommended even if that means not being hungry and eating!

CiciPorcayo

BUMP <--

skye_logan

I'd like to know this as well.

LeanMeanFitnessMachine

If you aren't hungry, try drinking a protien shake/meal replacement drink. They have anywhere from 200-500 calories, are great at unintentionally making you feel full, and are loaded with tons of essential macronutrients and calories (protien, carbs, fat, potassium, etc). Its not heavy, so it just tastes like a creamy drink, but would be a great way to reach your caloric and macro goals.

And yes, it is very impt for your health and metabolism that you not eat any less than 1200, in my opinion.

Pebble321

You are the only one that can decide this for yourself... but my personal opinion is that if you are eating less than1200 cals you are probably missing out on valuable nutrition that your body needs. Perhaps you need to look at the kind of food you are eating - if you are eating "diet foods" then replace them with real food.

Pebble321

Sorry, duplicate post.

inge88

Are you seriously logging EVERYTHING?!?! Weight and measure everything for a week and check if you are still not over 1200. Not to be rude, but how can you be 150lb when only eating 1200cal?

As said on many other threads, 1200 is a definite minimum, you will have to eat to keep your body going.

SuddenlyPickles

Yes, eat your calories... Your body needs them. If you can't stomach extra food, eat calorie-dense foods (nuts, cheeses, peanut butter, etc) or switch "diet" products for whole foods (such as switching skim milk for 2% or diet bread for regular bread).

NightOwl1

It's hard to say exactly since you haven't opened up your diary, but you're probably not eating as healthy as you think you are. Eating healthy means eating balanced, and eating foods that give you enough calories and complex carbs, healthy fats, and protein. A diet of strictly vegetables isn't healthy if it doesn't give you all of this. Look into eating more calorie dense foods. Foods that are high in calories for their weight and the amount they fill you up. Avacado, Peanut Butter, Cottage Cheese, are some examples of these foods.

Remember, being healthy means eating enough calories, not eating too little.

LeanMeanFitnessMachine

It's hard to say exactly since you haven't opened up your diary, but you're probably not eating as healthy as you think you are. Eating healthy means eating balanced, and eating foods that give you enough calories and complex carbs, healthy fats, and protein. A diet of strictly vegetables isn't healthy if it doesn't give you all of this. Look into eating more calorie dense foods. Foods that are high in calories for their weight and the amount they fill you up. Avacado, Peanut Butter, Cottage Cheese, are some examples of these foods.

Remember, being healthy means eating enough calories, not eating too little.

Agreed. Body builders, professional athletes, and fitness models all eat 1800 cals a day if not more! Just like a car, you've gotta put feul in the gas tank to keep it going.

CiciPorcayo

I have only been doing this 3 weeks and have lost between 4-5lbs... So I don't know how you can say that I am 150lbs because I am not...

CiciPorcayo

Are you seriously logging EVERYTHING?!?! Weight and measure everything for a week and check if you are still not over 1200. Not to be rude, but how can you be 150lb when only eating 1200cal?

As said on many other threads, 1200 is a definite minimum, you will have to eat to keep your body going.

I am 148.9 thanks though

Rayman79

Are you exercising?

CiciPorcayo

Are you exercising?

Moderatley not a whole lot because I work 9-5:30pm and I have two kids but I try to walk on my lunch 30 minutes and 10-15 minutes of cardio every other day 3 times a week

CiciPorcayo

moderately** Spell check sorry

Rayman79

Agreed. Body builders, professional athletes, and fitness models all eat 1800 cals a day if not more! Just like a car, you've gotta put feul in the gas tank to keep it going.

I think you'll find most athletes and body builders eat closer to 3000, not 1800!

foxygirlact

on days when I can't seem to eat enough calories, I add an avocado to one of my meals. Big increase of calories, but also good for you

Rayman79

Are you exercising?

Moderatley not a whole lot because I work 9-5:30pm and I have two kids but I try to walk on my lunch 30 minutes and 10-15 minutes of cardio every other day 3 times a week

I know your situation (I work 45-50 hrs a week, have 2 kids under 5 etc). My serious advice would be to incorporate some exercise into your routine, it could be some short HHIT sessions, or preferably some resistance/weight training. This should solve your hunger problem

CiciPorcayo

I just find it weird that people are more rude then helpful on here your opinions are no longer needed. I will eat my 1200 calories and enjoy it YUM! You guys have been so helpful and FYI Add me if you wanna see my food diary. I stopped eating out fast food... No soda and everything whole grain more fruit and veggies oh yeah and exercise. Ill un private it for you guys if you really like... there u go !

jellerose

How tall are you. I keep in mind that it will give the same 1200 calorie minimum for someone 5'6" and someone 4'10". Use this stuff as a guide, not a bible ; ).

JT1090

I am completely full and satisfied at the end of the day having only eaten 1000 calories. My caloric intake should be 1,200 also. Somedays that is just too much. Listen to your body. Eat when your hungry. Stop when your full.

EDesq

So my goal in take is 1200 Calories. and sometimes I meet that goal or exceed it. But only because I feel like I should be eating 3 small meals a day and 3 snacks in between all healthy of course. But something my husband and I noticed. His goal calorie intake is 1800... Mine is 1200 and sometimes we just aren't that hungry and force ourselves to eat. idk if we should eat less because we aren't hungry or keep eating our recommended even if that means not being hungry and eating!

How long have you been on your present eating plan? If it has been less than 4-6 weeks, you should give yourself and your body time to adjust. Staggered eating IS the natural way to eat; no one wants/desires/needs the same amount of nutrition each day...Life demands a NATURAL Stagger (some days are harder than others, some days you may want something sweet, some days you may not feel like eating very much at all...) If you have a plan and basically Average 1200 calories over 7Days, that fills the bill. If you have been on your plan MORE than 4-6 weeks and it is not working, then make small adjustments. Don't "tweek" something and you don't even know if it works or not. If you are in this for the long haul (Lifestyle Change) getting and staying healthy is the main purpose...eating 1200 calories per day, weight WILL come off!

NoAdditives

I just find it weird that people are more rude then helpful on here your opinions are no longer needed. I will eat my 1200 calories and enjoy it YUM! You guys have been so helpful and FYI Add me if you wanna see my food diary. I stopped eating out fast food... No soda and everything whole grain more fruit and veggies oh yeah and exercise. Ill un private it for you guys if you really like... there u go !

I didn't see anyone being rude, it seems like maybe you're being a little defensive because someone misread your current weight based on your ticker.

The bottom line is that yes, you need to meet your calorie goal. No one should eat fewer than 1200 calories. Toddlers need at least 1000 calories every day, an adult obviously needs significantly more than that even if they are trying to lose weight.

chatnel

wow i wish I had this problem. I am always hungry on 1200 calories and never satisfied.

I am a believer in listen to your body, no point eating if your not hungry, you body will let you know when it needs more.

NoAdditives

I am completely full and satisfied at the end of the day having only eaten 1000 calories. My caloric intake should be 1,200 also. Somedays that is just too much. Listen to your body. Eat when your hungry. Stop when your full.

Sometimes your body doesn't know what it actually needs. Plenty of people start here eating well under 1000 calories and find it hard to eat more because their body has gotten used to surviving on so little. Sometimes you have to actually retrain your body to want the proper amount of food.

Beaverton_2015

Hello all, I have a request for someone to look at the things I eat, I end up eating under my calories, and over on other things. Thanks in advance.

yayaoo7

i feel that you should eat what is recommended skinny isn't always healthy and eating too few calories can actually make you bigger! i am almost never hungry but i force myself to take in calories and i see myself slowly but surly getting fit thanks mfp!

fitnoflab

I just find it weird that people are more rude then helpful on here your opinions are no longer needed. I will eat my 1200 calories and enjoy it YUM! You guys have been so helpful and FYI Add me if you wanna see my food diary. I stopped eating out fast food... No soda and everything whole grain more fruit and veggies oh yeah and exercise. Ill un private it for you guys if you really like... there u go !

I actually thought several people were helpful. The incorporating HIIT to increase hunger, using a protein drink and adding a healthy calorie dense food to a meal are all great ideas. I actually read this thread cause I think you posted a good topic. Focus on the positive responses. I have also been on here for a short time and I think we should try and learn from people who have sound advice and try not to be sensitive. Your heading asked for advice...

CiciPorcayo

So my goal in take is 1200 Calories. and sometimes I meet that goal or exceed it. But only because I feel like I should be eating 3 small meals a day and 3 snacks in between all healthy of course. But something my husband and I noticed. His goal calorie intake is 1800... Mine is 1200 and sometimes we just aren't that hungry and force ourselves to eat. idk if we should eat less because we aren't hungry or keep eating our recommended even if that means not being hungry and eating!

I have only been doing this since december 1st

How long have you been on your present eating plan? If it has been less than 4-6 weeks, you should give yourself and your body time to adjust. Staggered eating IS the natural way to eat; no one wants/desires/needs the same amount of nutrition each day...Life demands a NATURAL Stagger (some days are harder than others, some days you may want something sweet, some days you may not feel like eating very much at all...) If you have a plan and basically Average 1200 calories over 7Days, that fills the bill. If you have been on your plan MORE than 4-6 weeks and it is not working, then make small adjustments. Don't "tweek" something and you don't even know if it works or not. If you are in this for the long haul (Lifestyle Change) getting and staying healthy is the main purpose...eating 1200 calories per day, weight WILL come off!

CiciPorcayo

defensive yes. because I am not a liar and have nothing to hide check my food diary if you all wish I eat generally healthy a few of my fav things here and there I am human... But I don't like to be told that I should weigh less if I am telling the truth

Bellyroll

Are you seriously logging EVERYTHING?!?! Weight and measure everything for a week and check if you are still not over 1200. Not to be rude, but how can you be 150lb when only eating 1200cal?

As said on many other threads, 1200 is a definite minimum, you will have to eat to keep your body going.

What she said.