1200 calories a day?

Ebwash89

According to MFP. In order to lose 1-2 pounds a week I have to eat a 1200 calorie a day diet. At first it worked very well for me. I've lost 40 pounds so far but now I feel like either my body has gotten used to it or maybe I need to eat more calories. I tried adjusting my goals in the setting but it still says the same thing. Am I right? Do I need to up my calories and ignore MFP? At 5'2 150 pounds is this not enough to continue losing weight?

CDeguc

Try eating the calories that you add by working out each day. That should give you more calories and help you get through a plateau. MFP has tons of guidelines, but that's just all they are, a starting point. If you're only eating the calories that you've worked for, then you won't have to worry about overeating, or undereating, to fuel your body. Another idea is to eat your "Weight X 10" to get a simple calculation of efficient intake. Hope this helps a little!

Ebwash89

So if I start out with 1200 a day, earn 500 from working out, I can eat 1700 calories? I always leave my workout calories alone.

carrie_eggo

So if I start out with 1200 a day, earn 500 from working out, I can eat 1700 calories?

Yes. Do this.

howeclectic

If you are eating only 1200 calories (and working out) there is a chance you might be have too great a deficit. 1200 calories is just the minimum they set as anything less would likely mean you weren't getting proper nutrition. (typically a doctor supervised diet must be done below this amount). I recommend eating back some of your workout calories. Keep in mind though... from my own experience the workout calorie counts that are used by MFP are VERY optimistic to say the least. If i work out for 45 mins, i tend to say i just worked out "30" or i down the effort level by one or two grades (biking 10-12 mph instead of 17-18) in order to get more realistic numbers. As you lose weight and get closer to your goal, your ability to lose weight quickly is reduced. You might only be capable of losing a pound or half a pound per week (while remaining healthy). The best thing to do is just stay the course.

If you dont see results, start nitpicking your diary. Measure all your food on a scale and log everything. If you see that maybe the numbers were fudged, adjust your eating habits. If everything is staying as is and you are still not seeing results.... I'd consider spending a few weeks eating at maintenance to give your body a chance to reset. Sometimes under eating can cause your progress to stall and the only way out is to actually eat more for a short while.