Keeping within calorie range

kezell83

I am having a hard time staying within the alloted calorie range, I havent been on here in a while. While i have 1200 calories, how do you keep from getting hungry (this is the reason that i havent been able to stick with it for long). Oatmeal, bananas and that type of food does not keep me full like most people. I guess my body is strange. But there are times that i feel like i am starving to death. and i will drink the water like everyone says but it still does not help.

But when you are eating during the day, how does everyone else stay on track with their calories? What type of things do you eat and how often. I have an office job and I am trying to exercise. ( I know i can have my exercise calories back)
Can someone please enlighten a confused woman, Please

carrie_eggo

If you are having a hard time complying with the 1200 calories diet, it may be more beneficial for you to choose a slower rate of loss. Base your meals and snacks around protein to help to feel full longer. You can even try eating all of your calories in 2 or 3 meals so you feel full, instead of spread out over the entire day.

sarajo16

Hey I'm on 1200 a day too and its so hard! If I don't exercise I find it really hard to stay within the cals. I have a terrible sweet tooth so I snack on chocolate which def doesn't help. I try to eat low GI food http://www.the-gi-diet.org/lowgifoods/ they keep me fuller for longer so I start with porridge (oatmeal) usually have mixed grain pitta (with ham and cheese) for lunch and brown rice (chicken/beef curry) for dinner. Fruit, extra veg on the side and diet coke! Diet coke is my saviour!!

fteale

I know what you mean. When I was on 1200 I literally felt like I was starving to death. I felt cold and faint all the time. It just isn't enough calories to live on for any length of time.

jenlarz

I have 1400 calories, I cut way down when I started. The first couple weeks I was hungry all the time but my body has adjusted and what I am eating seems to be more sustaining. Eat lots of veggies, volume without so many calories Good Luck!

susannamarie

1) Your ticker says you need to lose 84 lbs (assuming it's correct) -- 1200 might be awfully low for what you currently need. It might be better to choose a slower rate of loss in return for something you actually stick to. In other words -- -1 lb/week that you actually DO is better than having a higher goal rate of loss that you just feel guilty about not meeting.

2) I have mine set to 1440. If I don't exercise to get more calories, it's very hard to stay under it, and I have to be really careful about eating filling foods. If I weren't able to exercise as much as I do, I'd set it higher.

boobee32

I am also on the 1200 calories...It is hard...most days I am just like you...starving to death, constantly thinking of food..and I drink a ton of water, and it does NOT keep me full.
Some days, I am fine, and dont have a problem.
I feel like I eat alot of food. I mean, at dinner, my plate is piled high, but very low in calories. Take a look at my diary, it may help give you some insight.

SuffolkSally

Try working out your BMR - there are online calculators. This is the number of calories you need to exist as you are. If you consume less calories or increase your activity, you will lose weight. If your ticker's right then then you need to keep motivated to achieve it - better to consume rather more calories than the 1200 as long as you still lose weight. Even if it's relatively slow seeing progress will help keep you motivated. I don't feel satisfied on oatmeal and the like either, but do find I have more energy and fewer hunger pangs if I have more protein, so this might be worth a try.

I see you work in an office - if it's at all possible I would make and take your own lunch and have only that (maybe spread out as two small meals) with no snacks - eat everything else at home. That way you can control the calories, won't be in shops buying food when you're hungry and might be tempted, and you can include things you like to eat!

froeschli

cut out carbs and it'll be hard to get up to that many calories - just my experience.

even if you just cut down on refined sugars, or high glycemic index foods, chances are you won't be hungry as much.
increase fiber to feel fuller for longer.
snack on things like cottage cheese and celery.
have several small meals / snacks throughout the day - it takes less calories to never get hungry rather than eat when you're starving...

kezell83

I am so happy to see that I am not the only one that is having trouble with this. Thank you to all for your responses, they have helped out alot. It is greatly appreciated.

erickirb

either lower your weekly weight loss goal as was already stated or exercise more (you get to eat more when you exercise) or I would suggest a combo of both.

taso42

A couple things that help some people with satiety:

- get plenty of protein
- eat lots of smaller meals a day

If you're constantly hungry, even after the first few weeks, that's a red flag. Either your settings/goals are wrong or you're not eating right.

Onesnap

I don't have any trouble. I eat every few hours, I'm active every day and I don't really have trouble reaching NET 1260.

I also eat clean. I eat whole healthy foods. That is the best way to eat all day long, never be hungry and 'eat the rainbow' as they say to do.

The experts say it is best to eat every 2-3 hours.

chickybuns

If you're eating healthy, then try upping your calories a bit (change your weight loss goals), even though you may lose slower, you are less likely to get burnt out

nersgirl

i haven't been doing this very long, but yes 1200 is hard. sometimes i let myself have a few more calories, but not everyday. it seams to help. Chewing gum seems to help me as well??

Onesnap

I know what you mean. When I was on 1200 I literally felt like I was starving to death. I felt cold and faint all the time. It just isn't enough calories to live on for any length of time.

Not true. I'm 5'6" and I'm 140 lbs. I'm very active. I'm actually taking in WAY over 1200 but I'm NET 1200. So, on an average day I burn 400-500 calories and actually eat all day long thus NETTING the 1200.

Don't make a general statement that it's not enough to live on. I'm not overweight and it really is because I eat clean and eat whole foods.

TattieWeasle

Soup! I'm on 1200 calories and yes it is painful. But I use bouillion stock as a soup at 12 calories a cup. I also eat masses of lettuce with grated parmesan ( 1g goes a Looooong way) and it helps me think I am full.
I also eat a lot of carrots...
I do not cut out chocolate or indeed nor do I cut out wine etc I just have soda spritzers half and half. I never have milk in anything nor do I have any fizzy drinks - just water and black tea as I find it is drinks that have the most hidden calories.
Good luck!

trish1960

Eat as much as you want of low calorie food. Take cucumber slices, lettuce, celery, cauliflower - any of those type things with you to work. Last night I ate 4 cucumbers & 4 tomato's for dinner and I was so full I felt like throwing up. Sometimes you just have to keep trying different things until you find what works for your body.

Onesnap

Don't cut out chocolate. Just eat dark chocolate. It's very good for you.

Also, don't eat empty calories (diet soda, diet iced tea etc.) it just makes you crave a ton of sugar later on because you did not satisfy an actual craving for sugar.

Check out www.snack-girl.com and www.dailygarnish.com for healthy recipe ideas. Also, buy Everyday Food magazine--makes it very easy to log.

You would not believe how MUCH food I pack in my body each day for 1260 NET.

Onesnap

Eat as much as you want of low calorie food. Take cucumber slices, lettuce, celery, cauliflower - any of those type things with you to work. Last night I ate 4 cucumbers & 4 tomato's for dinner and I was so full I felt like throwing up. Sometimes you just have to keep trying different things until you find what works for your body.

4 cukes and 4 tomatoes for dinner...until you felt sick? So, no protein? What about adding in a lean source of non-meat protein like quinoa? No doctor would advise eating 4 cukes and 4 tomatoes and calling that 'dinner'. That is not a balanced meal.

Di3012

I am having a hard time staying within the alloted calorie range, I havent been on here in a while. While i have 1200 calories, how do you keep from getting hungry (this is the reason that i havent been able to stick with it for long). Oatmeal, bananas and that type of food does not keep me full like most people. I guess my body is strange. But there are times that i feel like i am starving to death. and i will drink the water like everyone says but it still does not help.

But when you are eating during the day, how does everyone else stay on track with their calories? What type of things do you eat and how often. I have an office job and I am trying to exercise. ( I know i can have my exercise calories back)
Can someone please enlighten a confused woman, Please

Bananas are high in carbs and excellent for bursts of energy, however, they will not keep you filled for long. Personally, I find foods high in protein keep me full and help me to wait for my next meal, rather than snack inbetween.

Eggs and chicken are two very good, protein foods.

fteale

I know what you mean. When I was on 1200 I literally felt like I was starving to death. I felt cold and faint all the time. It just isn't enough calories to live on for any length of time.

Not true. I'm 5'6" and I'm 140 lbs. I'm very active. I'm actually taking in WAY over 1200 but I'm NET 1200. So, on an average day I burn 400-500 calories and actually eat all day long thus NETTING the 1200.

Don't make a general statement that it's not enough to live on. I'm not overweight and it really is because I eat clean and eat whole foods.

It's NOT enough to live on. You couldn't net 1200 as a sustained amount for years on end without getting seriously underweight. The whole point in us all being here is to lose weight, so it's natural that at some point, your body is going to notice that. Hunger is NORMAL. There's no prizes for denying that.

I am 5'5" and very active, and weigh 123 lbs (not that I understand where your stats come into this). If you are eating more than 1200 I don't really understand your point. I am fine eating MORE than 1200 cals. My point was it is normal to feel starving ON 1200 cals or less. In fact I would go so far as to say it would be abnormal not to feel hungry on so little. Really the net vs gross thing is misleading. Your body doesn't base it's hunger on the net. Well, mine doesn't anyway.

Onesnap

It's NOT enough to live on. You couldn't net 1200 as a sustained amount for years on end without getting seriously underweight. The whole point in us all being here is to lose weight, so it's natural that at some point, your body is going to notice that. Hunger is NORMAL. There's no prizes for denying that.

What are you basing that on? Most days I actually TAKE IN NEARLY 2,000 CALORIES. I also typically burn 400-500 calories per day. So yes, I net 1260 when I'm trying to lose 1lb/week. I'm 1460 to lose .5/week and 1660 to MAINTAIN. And that's NET.

So you're telling me I'm starving myself?

Please. I eat all day long and NET 1260. How is NETTING 1260 not sustainable long-term? Show me some proof. Because I'm really eating close to 2,000 calories per day and doing something active each day. I am actually a very healthy woman!

Onesnap

Here's me the past week. Can someone explain to me how me NETTING 1260 is starving myself?

1652
1700
1965
1791
1687
1962

Hollyjd1019

As stated before you may have your cals set too low.

I have found that eating a snack between meals helps me. I try to get in fiber throughout the day too. For snacks try a protein and good carbs for example an apple w a serving of peanut butter. I also love laughing cow cheeses. They have them in small portions and they are great for snacks. Or string cheese... For me, a quality snack keeps me from being overly hungry at my next meal. And I drink at least 64 oz of water.

Sometimes I want to eat but I'm not actually hungry. I'm still trying to get over those hurdles.

This is just my experience and opinion. . Good luck to you.

ElizabethRoad

Hunger is NORMAL. There's no prizes for denying that.

I have lost weight without getting hungry. That is a prize in itself. But please, feel free to do it your way.

heybales

To several of the posters as well as the OP.

Still hungry - great!

Means your metabolism hasn't dropped yet. That's a good thing.

While at a healthy weight you can live easily on a suppressed metabolism, compared to where it could be, I'm not sure why someone would want their weight loss slower than it needs to be by doing it before you reach healthy weight.

Because if your healthy estimated BMR could be 1500, and you eat 1200 (don't include exercise yet) constantly, and you get to the point of functioning fine, your BMR is NO longer 1500.
It is below 1200.

So now your orginal figures that got you to 1200 are not correct.

1500 BMR x activity selection of sedentary 1.2 = 1800 maintenance.
1800 maintenance - weight loss goal 2 lbs wk or 1000 calories/day = 800

Guess what, MFP stops at 1200 - you weren't going to get 2 lbs a week anyway.

So with true BMR now at 1200 x 1.2 (if that is even true) = 1440 maintenance.

So now you are eating at 1200, and your true BMR is lower than it could be, so now your deficit is really only about 240 calories.

1/2 lb a week, almost.

Gee, I wonder why stalls and plateaus happen? And any overeating is added on as fat to store, instead of raising the metabolism.

You just lost a potential of free 300 calorie burn each and every day. Plus the fact your daily activities don't actually burn the number of calories you think.

This is the WRONG direction. You can only follow that downward spiral for so long, you body will win, and you will lose your willpower, or muscle very easily.

Add in exercise, and especially not feeding the workout at that low level, you just accelerated the whole situation and made it worse.

heybales

For any that want their metabolism to burn at max while they are trying to lose weight.
And not have to worry about exact exercise calories, eating them back, varying amounts each day, suppressed metabolism, not understanding BMR and metabolism and just want safer way:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/471769-an-easier-way-to-setup-goal-calories-eating-for-who-you-wi

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/477666-eating-for-future-you-method

Leahjensen7

I really find that exercising helps and the tools that show on your food intake where it breaks down carbs, protein, fat and sugars. is definitely a wake-up call. Increase your protein and fiber and try to cut back on fast carbs / sugar (which includes fruit).
One of my daily favorites in Chobani Greek Yogurt....tons of protein and it holds you. You may have to slow down your weight loss to allow for more calories per day. 1200 isn't much and your body may be in "starvation mode" - which in that case, you're going to hang onto fat anyway.

Good luck - hope this helps!

CharityEaton

Up your calories and make sure you eat a good lean source of protein at EVERY meal! This helps you stay full longer.

Bottom line is if you are "starving" you need to eat. Being a little bit hungry is fine between meals and a great way to leanryour actual hunger cues from you body.

I was on 1200 cals for about 2 months and I did fine eating at that level but I had NO energy! Now I eat at least 1440 cals...have no idea what I NET because that doesn't matter to me. I eat 1440-1500 a day and burn at leat 500 in exercise 5 days a week. On the weekends I only eat 1440 or so and no exercise.

I don't eat back all of my workout calories but they are there if I need them! The thing is if you eat a healthy well balanced diet of lean protein, plenty of fruit and veg with a reasonable amount of startchy crabs....you will be satsified and have the energy you need to be active all day!
BUMP YOUR calories up!!!! It is the only way! Weight loss is not an over night process. it takes time and the slower you lose it the more likely you are to be successful! The slow and steady approach is best! I work out like a maniac and have NEVER lost 2 pounds a week. I was hitting 1,000 cal burns a few months ago and eating only 1200 cals and even THAT did not make me lose 2 pounds a week!
I now eat 1440 cals per day and burn 500-750 cals a day and have a pretty steady weight loss of 2-4 pounds a month. EAT!

Saruman_w

You could perhaps log your entire day before hand to see the end result.. adjusting all the portion sizes to make sure it's within acceptable range.