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

angel79202

Hi,
The only thing i see on your diary that you may want to work on is the fat content..my doctor told me no more than 30 percent of calories from fat..so for 1200 calories, try to aim at 36...
if you want you can take the weight off your ticker so others can't see..good luck on your journey feel free to add me!

ShrinkingChelle

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 dont think people are trying to be rude, but 1200 is really easy to eat so if you arent there is likely a reason. Ie. Eating the wrong foods, starving yourself, not logging everything, not actually entering the correct potions (do you weight your foods?).

CiciPorcayo

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!

Yeah and that is what I am trying to figure out should I eat those calories anyways even when I am not hungry or not...? That is all and I am not intentionally taking in fewer calories I LOVE food! Lots of food. just only some days.. I don't wanna be skinny I wanna be in shape and healthy 130lbs for being 5'2 is a good healthy weight to me. Not what I use to be which was 103-105lbs

angel79202

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.

i can't see ur diary...are u asking for help?

katyejean

Hmm! All of your meals do look fairly well balanced. I am no nutrition expert, but I do see that you're getting your proteins and your veggies both. I would try maybe planning your meals ahead if possible. And be sure that in your settings, you have everything accurate. Especially your daily activity. Since you are at the bare minimum, you either have to go over, or stay under. I would double check that, and try to stay about 50-100 cals over if it doesn't change. 1,200 is what you need for just laying in bed all day. If you are hardly sitting down throughout the day, maybe you need to change your daily activity level. I really hope this is helpful, at good luck on finding your medium and good luck on your losses!

godricshollow

I was on 1200 calories a day and I was struggling to eat them all, especially because I exercise almost daily. I upped my calories, started snacking more during the day (as well as eating my 3 solid meals) and it helped a lot! Basically I just quit eating diet food and just... ate whatever I wanted, as long as it was within my calorie range.

krist3ng

I dunno, is it such a big deal to hit 1200? I often don't. I like to give myself wiggle room in case I want a midnight snack. First of all, I'm generally estimating my calories (I have to eyeball portions, I don't go around with a scale and measuring cup) and second of all, I was horribly unhealthy before I started dieting, so even if I don't get enough protein all the time (or INSERT VITAMIN), I'm still being better than I had been.

neesono

Hey CiCi....I have been messing around with MFP and P90X since March. I was doing really well from March-May, went on vacation, and I've been struggling to get back into my routine ever since.

But during the time I was really working at all this I was seeing results.

With that said here is what I found......

Everyone is different. And there are a lot of "experts" out there. Depending on your height, age, gender, lifestyle, and even genetics, you're daily calorie intake is going to change.

There really is no magic number. Some will tell you that 1200 is the absolute healthy minimum. But I know vegans who are incredibly fit and healthy and operate between 800-1000. And of course the pros need anywhere between 2000-3000+

The only person who knows what's best for you is you. Of course do your research so you can have a nice place to start. But then you're going to have to tailor it to fit you.

I tried for a long time to stick to a rigid number of calories but for me that didn't work. I had to play around with my numbers on a weekly basis. I let my body and my clothing tell me how I was doing.

It could take you months to tweak your numbers until you find what is comfortable for you. But once you find that happy place then you'll start noticing steady and significant weight loss.

One bit of advice that I got from MFP that seems to be universal is to change things up. At least every 2-3 weeks. Change your diet, change your exercise routine. Be consistent with your food intake and exercise of course but mix it up a little so your body doesn't adapt.

Another bit of advise I will give you....throw away your scale. Do it now! Keep a measuring tape in the house but if you want to weight yourself go to the gym and do it once a week...if that.

If you ever feel like you're not getting enough of something...your body will let you know....grab a multi vitamin.

You'll find your groove eventually as long as you stick with it.

shiseido_faerie

I was on 1200 calories a day and I was struggling to eat them all, especially because I exercise almost daily. I upped my calories, started snacking more during the day (as well as eating my 3 solid meals) and it helped a lot! Basically I just quit eating diet food and just... ate whatever I wanted, as long as it was within my calorie range.

This! I find on days where I eat super healthy...a lot of veggies and protein, some but not a lot of carbs etc, that I feel very full without coming close to 1200, as I can eat a lot of the foods for very few calories. So I stopped, I upped my calories by adding say a glass of chocoate almond milk, or a fat free chocolate pudding, or some potatoes with dinner, some dip with my veggies etc. I eat pretty much whatever I want, within reason, as long as I can fit it into my calorie goal. I am also 5'2 and a 130 was given 1200 calories net. You're welcome to look at my diary but ignore this last weekend it was a complete blowout with Christmas parties and such!

evergreen5

When I started MFP I had a hard time eating 1200 net calories. I would eat most of them in the evening trying to get them all in. I felt really stuffed and uncomfortable. Now I eat more in the morning and early in the day. I do have more energy than I have had in a long time.
I'm not going to step on a scale until 2 weeks after Christmas to see if this is working. But my clothes are starting to get loose and I have more energy so I do think it is the right thing for me.

lala4u

Look nobody can tell you how to do your diet. Only you know what best for u. Ask urself this, is what am doing giving me results? if it is then dont stress. i eat around 500-1000 a day and just like you im not hungry a lot. dont force ur body to eat. that will make you sick. Do what work for you. Everybody here will give u their "opinons" but they cant lose ur weight. so do wat work for u. if u think u r eating to little then go up. if you dont then dont fix what aint broke.

erinkeely4

Hey CiCi....I have been messing around with MFP and P90X since March. I was doing really well from March-May, went on vacation, and I've been struggling to get back into my routine ever since.

But during the time I was really working at all this I was seeing results.

With that said here is what I found......

Everyone is different. And there are a lot of "experts" out there. Depending on your height, age, gender, lifestyle, and even genetics, you're daily calorie intake is going to change.

There really is no magic number. Some will tell you that 1200 is the absolute healthy minimum. But I know vegans who are incredibly fit and healthy and operate between 800-1000. And of course the pros need anywhere between 2000-3000+

The only person who knows what's best for you is you. Of course do your research so you can have a nice place to start. But then you're going to have to tailor it to fit you.

I tried for a long time to stick to a rigid number of calories but for me that didn't work. I had to play around with my numbers on a weekly basis. I let my body and my clothing tell me how I was doing.

It could take you months to tweak your numbers until you find what is comfortable for you. But once you find that happy place then you'll start noticing steady and significant weight loss.

One bit of advice that I got from MFP that seems to be universal is to change things up. At least every 2-3 weeks. Change your diet, change your exercise routine. Be consistent with your food intake and exercise of course but mix it up a little so your body doesn't adapt.

Another bit of advise I will give you....throw away your scale. Do it now! Keep a measuring tape in the house but if you want to weight yourself go to the gym and do it once a week...if that.

If you ever feel like you're not getting enough of something...your body will let you know....grab a multi vitamin.

You'll find your groove eventually as long as you stick with it.

This dude. Wise

The one bit of advice I have for upping your calories in a healthy way is adding a small hand full of raw nuts, some avocado or some coconut on the days you're low. And maybe some cheese, too. The nutrients in these foods are incredible, and they are high calorie but not overly filling (which unfortunately makes a lot of people skip out on them and miss the benefits!!).

Seamoan87

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!

Ok here's my thing. I am on your side. Except for me, it tells me I should be on a 1200 Calorie diet. but for me I still feel hungry! So I'm wondering what I'm doing wrong. What I try to do for myself on these days is just drink more water because I don't always get enough. What I think for you, since you have young kids and are a working mother, you don't get to burn as much calories through the day. Whenever I run or burn a lot of calories, I tend to be hungrier. But I think since you don't get to work out as much and you aren't burning as much calories, you aren't as hungry. And that is OK. I think if you were burning a lot of calories, you would be more hungrier. So honestly, I wouldn't worry about it. I see by your ticker you have lost weight and in my opinion, are doing just fine.

Yolanda_dlc

I am having the same issue...I feel 1200 cals is a lot now...but you should try and meet that goal. If you don't, your body will get into starvation mode and then it will be more difficult to lose weight. I seen on a previous post about a protein drink or something like that. That is a good Idea if you are not really hungry. Muscle Milk and EAS shakes are usually recommended by the trainers that I have dealt...but everyone has their own onion. I like the Muscle Milk...just make sure it is really cold. I also keep nuts and raisins and fruits around the house to munch on here and there so I can try and meet my goal.

HAPPY LOSING!!!

Yolanda_dlc

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!

Ok here's my thing. I am on your side. Except for me, it tells me I should be on a 1200 Calorie diet. but for me I still feel hungry! So I'm wondering what I'm doing wrong. What I try to do for myself on these days is just drink more water because I don't always get enough. What I think for you, since you have young kids and are a working mother, you don't get to burn as much calories through the day. Whenever I run or burn a lot of calories, I tend to be hungrier. But I think since you don't get to work out as much and you aren't burning as much calories, you aren't as hungry. And that is OK. I think if you were burning a lot of calories, you would be more hungrier. So honestly, I wouldn't worry about it. I see by your ticker you have lost weight and in my opinion, are doing just fine.

TO SEAMOAN87....I don't know what your food intake is...but I recommend taking in more protein. Protein helps stabilize you and I know for me...it helps to keep my sugar up and not bottom out so quick. Make sure you drink lots of water. I try to drink a full glass of water before meals...or eat a small apple before a meal. I feel full a lot quicker...plus don't forget to try and have your lil snacks in between meals. I like pistachios. That and water with crystal lite is just enough to get me through to my next meal. Hope this helps

cheekyleonie

1200 is not much at all. I struggle only eating that much!!!!

Best way to know you're doing it right is to go see your doctor or a nutritionist.

BobbyClerici

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!

You only need do this if you seek to reach your fitness goals long term.
Eating more than 1200 calories must have been no problem when you were fat, so try feeding your body what it needs in terms of fuel and nutrition now or your gains won't last.

Believe it!

Gabbahh

Remember that the 6 meals a day dogma isn't needed at all, honestly. It's just hype. Eat as many meals you feel comfortable with. Nothing magic with any specific amount of meals.

Lozze

I looked at your diary and it appears you don't have lunch? Is there a reason for that?

BarbWhite09

If you aren't hungry, then don't eat. Or have a small snack, whole wheat toast with PB or somethin like that.

reginahimes

According to my fitness trainer, if you are eating healthy the calories do not matter. I eat only veggies, fruit, nuts and lean meats. No dairy, bread or pasta. I have been a "calorie" counter my whole life. I continued to count calories and expressed that I was concerned because I was comming in 100 to 200 cal under 1200 per day but I was not hungry at all. In the past on unhealthy diets I was always starved and weak if I was eating less then 1200 cal/day. This time is totally different. With the totally healthy diet I do not feel hungry, I feel full. Trainer says do not force myself to eat more. Through MFP I can see that I am getting my nutrients even with a low cal diet because of the particular foods I am eating. He says the "starvation mode" is all hype. It was dissproved in a Military study (which is allowed to be much more intense then a university study). This is not a popular opinion, I know, but other experts are saying the same thing now. I have been on this diet for three weeks and have lost 10 lbs as of today so as long as it is working for me I am going to continue to do it and try to not worry about how many calories per day. As long as I am not hungry, I am getting my nurtrients and I am loosing weight and getting fit, I am going to continue.