How to lose weight when I can't seem to stay under the 1200

dawnagetsfit

Most of all stick with it and ask the MFP members for support. We are here for you. You'll get 100 different answers, but find what works for you and your body.

Worth saying again

Aerohead21

I'd have a talk with your parents and let them know what your goals are and how they can help you get there. I would also look into the possibility of buying your own food if you can. The first time I lost weight I was dependent on my parents but they were supportive of me losing weight so they bought me food they knew would be healthier for me. They might not understand or even know why you want to lose weight so helping them understand can help you. Also, you may find out that they don't know how to help or your goals may be too high.

Lastly, as much as pizza and chicken sandwhiches/fries aren't bad, they definitely don't help dieting so try to find alternatives (salad w/fat free dressing instead of fries, mustard instead of mayo, grilled instead of fried). Modifying when you don't have a choice can help. And if you can't modify, watch the portion size. The unfortunate truth is that eating healthy foods gets you a lot more quantity and quality than the foods that got us to the place we are in now.

Good luck and feel free to add me

sunshinekind919

Unless you're fibbing about your age, your profile says you're 19. If you're working why don't you use some of your own money for veggies and things? If you don't have transportation or something like that, maybe you can offer to give money towards the things you want or extra chores around the house? (And the extra housework will burn some calories!)

I used to live in a household with limited healthy choices too, but if you eat out a lot, almost everywhere has a salad and there are things you can take off or ask without (croutons, bacon bits, shredded cheese). As far as dressings go, I grew up on ranch, blue cheese, and other full fat dressings and I had to learn to get used to the taste of veggies not smothered in dressing. A small amount of vinaigrette and some salt and pepper go a long way. I love it now. Salsa can help flavor too if you don't like oil and vinegar.

I'm on a 1200 calorie limit and actually try to stay under that. It can work if you want it to, you just have to be conscious of what you physically "need" and what you may "want". For instance, no one get sick from a brownie deficiency. People can get sick from not getting Vitamin C, so eat fruit instead. It will be hard at first, but you'll get used to it and feel really good about yourself when you make good choices. Hope this helps and good luck to you!

tigrrl

It can be a challenge to change your ways when you're surrounded by people who aren't interested in changing with you. Tracking your calories here is a major first step. Once you know where the calories are going it's much easier to cut back a little. Specifically - avoid carb-intense foods like breads and pastas when you can; you'll quickly go over your calories on those and they're usually not giving you a lot of nutrients or fiber other than excess energy which gets turned into fat if you're not using it up. It's okay to _sometimes_ eat those things, just watch how often and keep track of the calories. When you do have pizza or pasta, limit your serving size and don't eat breadsticks or garlic bread with it. Most cheeses, butter, mayo and salad dressings pack calories on fast - avoid them or only use a little, and try to find a lower-calorie substitute you like. Cut out sugar soda and other sugar drinks - check the labels and you'll realize how quickly a can or bottle here or there can add a ton of calories. Like everyone else has said, more exercise and more veggies! These are changes for life and they will help you live better, longer. You're doing the right thing and you will get there!

vvanm

You are 119 pounds and trying to lose ten? How tall are you? Pizza, fries, and breadsticks don't seem to be doing too much damage. So many nice people on here giving you their very best advice, you will reach your goals.

sondra216379

Hello,

I do not like this website's recommendations for calories.

I use this tool. http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm ... and do not eat back any sort of exercise calories. I've been eating in the 1650 -1850 range for months and consistently losing 1 to 2 pounds per week. I hope this helps.

Thi site has me at 500 calories more than MFP, I think I'm going to try it

Anyaaaa11

I can relate to you in so many ways. Let me tell you.. Lol
I still live with my parents and they do the same thing. Always buying junk
Always buying pizza and whatnot. It is hard to exercise also, especially when you don't have
Anyone to workout with.. And with the bad weather. Well where I am at least.
And you don't have to eat 1200 ,calories to lose weight!! I did the same thing. I ended up always
Giving in to junk food and going over my intake and saying I'll just try again tomorrow.. Well
With all the yo yo dieting I did. I decided it's best to upp my calories to maintanence which is about 2000
Just so i could give my body a little consistency..And then lowered them to about 1600 and I'm losing weight!(:

meldaniel

Eating highly caloric foods like pizza and bread will cause you to max out calories on one small meal. If you eat healthy, low calorie, healthy foods you should have no problem staying full on 1200 a day, especially if you are exercising and earning exercise calories. I am set at 1200 and I eat all day long and am full all the time! Check the food diaries of people you friend on here and observe what people are eating...you will catch on quickly!