eating 1200

wahmx3

THIS

People do not eat exercise calories back because they feel like they need an excuse to eat more. This is simply the more sustainable and healthier approach to weight loss. You will have more energy in the long run and it will help you maintain the lean muscle you already have. If you want to hear success stories, that is fine, but these folks who are only half way to their weight loss goals are not good examples. Wait until they come back asking why their body fat percentage is still high, or they have reached a stall in their weight loss. You have to remember that when you are losing weight, you are losing muscle as well. Eating enough and strength training is way to prevent losing too much of it.

Exactly. I eat over 2000 calories a day to lose fat. I don't want to lose just weight, but fat. Eating 1200 a day and no exercise calories might work, but you lose a lot of muscle that way. So when people come back wondering why they are at a low weight put still look pudgy and not lean.. welll... there ya go.

kenny_johnson

I couldn't eat 1,200 if I tried. I'd starve -- but I'm also a 343 pound man. However, I have to admit that I scared to to eat too much -- especially when I do feel satisfied. I've been eating between 2000 and 2400 calories a day over the last 4 weeks plus exercising (Power 90 and walking) 6 days a week. I rarely eat back my exercise calories -- unless I'm hungry. I don't usually feel tired or feel like I lack energy (unless I get too little sleep).

MFP recommends I eat 2200 calories a day to get a 2lb a week weight loss. Because I've ready that I can actually average closer to 1% safely, I haven't eaten back my exercise calories in order to get about an extra 500 calories a day deficit -- which in my mind mean about 3 lbs/week -- which is still less than 1%

I just hope that doesn't mean I'm screwing up my metabolism or losing too much muscle (I'm doing resistance training). I just ordered a scale that supposed to measure body fat -- which even if not completely accurate, should at least tell me progress and give me a better idea of what my Lean Body Mass is.

---Confused--

I reckon you are quite safe there, you've got your head screwed on.

Where did you buy your scales?

Thanks,. I hope so!. I bought this one. It had good reviews and was inexpensive (compared to others I've seen):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UGNV12/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details

birdieintx

I'm sure you can lose weight this way. But why would you, when you don't have to?

MTE

mfpcopine

I never eat back exercise calories. I consider them part of my margin for error. My assumption is that one way or another I have underestimated my food calories and over-estimated my exercise calories.

I also don't consider the 1,200 number sacrosanct. People have different calorie needs. A very low-calorie diet would be difficult to sustain, but I have read an article quoting a study concluding that the theory that with very low calories you can easily put yourself into starvation mood and consume muscle is not accurate.

If you weigh yourself regularly and keep records of your body fat composition and measurements, it shouldn't be too difficult to test these ideas on yourself.

I've also read that you should worry about your total calorie intake for the week, not the day. Some days you may go over, others, under. It tends to even itself out. You don't want to exceed your weekly limit.

brookepenni

Another post where the OP is looking for people who HAVE done this - not asking for people who havent - yet they are still offering opinions anyway....

Ive stuck between 1200-1300 for 10 months now and have lost 66lbs (almost 30kgs). I dont eat my exercise cals back unless I have a special occasion like going out to dinner or having pizza on rare occasions.

Ive lost consistantly. I run around 40kms a week (have a half marathon in two weeks), and I lift heavy weights twice a week. I also lift heavier than most other women at the gym - even those I see there every day. I have real muscle, am toned and fit. Have also (for work, I am a nursing student) just had full bloods done and there is nothing wrong with my thyroid or metabolism as a result of what Ive been doing. Im 5"1.

I agree completely that its not for everyone. If you are hungry, grumpy or feel deprived then dont do it. DecemberChild said its important you eat the right foods for this to work and thats 100% right. Im lucky, I love my salad sandwiches and veggies - so this is right for me.

Youre welcome to check out my diary for ideas and I have before and in progress photos on my profile.

And please dont come on here telling me what I am doing is wrong. Ive heard it all before - but its my body, so jam it.

mfpcopine

I'm sure you can lose weight this way. But why would you, when you don't have to?

MTE

If it worked and you got quicker results, it might be worth it for some people, who otherwise would get discouraged.

straitcrzyMary

I started out at 1200 calories. I had really bad headaches. I have now increased to 1300 calories a day. I feel much better. I do not use my exercise calories. I stay within my 1300 calories. If I do go over it is okay with me.

applekoko19

I have been on a low calorie diet, lots of protein and very little processed food... It is working very well. When I upped my exercise I upped my cals too but not eating back exercise cals. Best wishes and just do whatever you feel happy doin hat you feel you can sustain.

Lots of people talk about not being able to handle a 1200 cal diet as it's too low for them... This has not been true for me but we're all different!

grassette

I've been eating like that (1200 no matter how much exercise), and I am losing at the rate of 1 lb. per week. Now I am sedentary, and a senior, so my calorie allotment is low to begin with. If I were a mom with a young baby, I would be plenty more active than the 2 hours of exercise I tend to get in daily.

So what you need depends upon your age AND your activity level.

That being said, you can eat 1200 calories and not be hungry if you make sure that you are not eating empty calories. For example my breakfast is old fashioned rolled oats cooked into a porridge, to which 1/2 cup of blueberries, 1 Tbsp ground flax is added. I eat this with 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt. That breakfast sticks to my ribs all day.

For lunch, I will eat soup, a pasta with a topping of fresh veggies and tofu/tuna/salmon. That is the biggest meal of the day.

A fruit at 3 pm

I tend to have two suppers, one at 5 pm, and another at around 8 pm. Both are small meals, and keep up my blood sugar so I don't get hunger pangs.

Drinking lots of water is key to staying under 1200 cals per day.

BreatheSelina_

My boyfriend lost about 50lbs in two months by not eating over 1200 and exercise.

grannygethealthy1111

Each person is different and you have to discover what works for YOUR body. I ate 1200 calories daily, never ate back my exercise calories, and I have kept the weight off for 2 years. That being said, I am also 61-years-old and only 5'1" tall. My metabolism is NATURALLY slower than someone in their 20s, 30s, 40s, or 50s. On maintenance I eat 1400 plus some of my exercise calories back. This is the advice my doctor gave me and I followed it. I did try eating back my exercise calories to lose weight but it did not work for me. Yes, I have an HRM. Yes, I measured each and every bite that went into my mouth. Eating back my exercise calories simply did not work for me when I was trying to lose weight. Good luck in whatever choice you make.


Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

jarredondo

I have a friend that used MFP and lost over 60 pounds. She was never under the 1200. She worked out almost every day but would only eat half of her exercise calories she earned. It worked for her, and so far it has been working for me.

DeniseB0711

My NET calories is set to 1200. Now I only eat that low amount if I haven't exercised. I use exercise as a way to eat more!!! Most days I eat around 1400 ot more.

Denise

kwest_4_fitness

I usually stay within 1200 to 1300 calories and do not eat back exercise calories. I've lost 72 lbs since last April doing this. I eat a ton of food (feel free to eye my diary), but I use a lot of what I learned (but never applied before now) from WW flex plan points system. I walk at a brisk pace for 50 minutes a day, do cardio and strength training. I think the calorie theory varies from person to person. I just do what works for me because I find it sustainable. I'm never hungry, as I'm kind of a grazer. I've completely changed my life and can't wait to hit my goal - less than 30 lbs away!!!

Hope1971

The important thing here is this........if you are eating 1200 calories and its all crap like say a McDonald's burger & Fries, or stuff that is high calorie and not really that good for you...then you are going to be starving and hard to stick to the 1200 and your body will need more fuel if you exercise....however.....if you are eating a ton of low calorie food that is GOOD for you like, fruit, veggies, nuts, and include some needed eggs, meat, real cheese...then you are fueling your body correctly and you shouldn't be starving or hungry! Its all in what you decide to put in your body in my opinion!

I would also like to add that you can eat 1200 or1800 calories or any number a day and if it is alot of crap your body will still be starving because you are not giving it the nutrients it is starving for so bad. so even though your not starving food wise you are still starving nutrient wise!

ksloop00

I don't eat mine back. I burn over 1000+, i can't eat that much! I've lost 50 lbs. since April 11, 2011 :happy:

Hope1971

I don't eat mine back. I burn over 1000+, i can't eat that much! I've lost 50 lbs. since April 11, 2011 :happy:

WAY TO GO!!! You must be eating good foods!!!

ksloop00

I don't eat mine back. I burn over 1000+, i can't eat that much! I've lost 50 lbs. since April 11, 2011 :happy:

I burn that much each day, sorry I forgot that.

magickmitch

Hi All,

I started trying to lose weight a couple years ago. When I started thinking about it I was 335 pounds. I'm a taller guy (6'5) so I got away with a lot more weight than my shorter friends. That being said I was still way out of shape. I really still am out of shape but I've lost 72 pounds and am currently 263 pounds. I've lost it by being restrictive in my calories. I usually stick somewhere between 1200 and 1500 calories a day. I rarely exercize aside from playing in a weekend baseball league. I've found it comfortable to stick around this level of calories and it hasn't effected my health according to my doctor. I'm a half assed vegitarian too but its not a moral thing I just dont like beef and pork at all. I'll still eat chicken and turkey (hence the half assed) but for the most part I dont eat animals. Cheese and other stuff like that is still on the menu tho. I just thought I'd share my little speil here. I'm hoping to drop down to 230 or 240 when all is said and done. Its taken me 2 years so far to drop the 72 pounds and it would rock to drop an even 100 but Im easy either way. Again for me its all calorie restriction with almost no exercize and I drink a lot of diet soda. (coke zero) I know its not the healthiest way to do it but it keeps me full and doesnt bring calories to the party and tastes pretty good in the offing.

ksloop00

I don't eat mine back. I burn over 1000+, i can't eat that much! I've lost 50 lbs. since April 11, 2011 :happy:

WAY TO GO!!! You must be eating good foods!!!

Thanks, I try to! Lots of veggies and fish, lol.

Hope1971

I don't eat mine back. I burn over 1000+, i can't eat that much! I've lost 50 lbs. since April 11, 2011 :happy:

WAY TO GO!!! You must be eating good foods!!!

Thanks, I try to! Lots of veggies and fish, lol.

That right there is exactly why you have succeeded !!

LuLuSUPER

I was eating 1200 and I did lose....but I have since moved up to 1500 and I seem to be losing at the same pace....sometimes I eat my calories back and sometimes I don't.

Since moving to 1500 I can say that I have WAY more energy....which in turn would make sense that I burn more. It takes fuel to burn fat!!!

I also try to look at it as a weekly challenge.....if I go over one day...I try to go under another....it seems to be working...plus I don't feel so bad about it.

I agree , i tried 1220-1400 and felt like i was high all the time.:ohwell: just a little bit out of touch and now im gradually adding 100 more calories to get up to 1600-1800 which my dr reccmmneded.
also i was constipated and sluggish, even after working out and i lost weight plus muscle. when my thighs started to get jiggly, i had to do something different. so it took a while to turn it around but i feel so much better.

sad thing is i am NEVER hungry so i have to force it

Hope1971

Hi All,

I started trying to lose weight a couple years ago. When I started thinking about it I was 335 pounds. I'm a taller guy (6'5) so I got away with a lot more weight than my shorter friends. That being said I was still way out of shape. I really still am out of shape but I've lost 72 pounds and am currently 263 pounds. I've lost it by being restrictive in my calories. I usually stick somewhere between 1200 and 1500 calories a day. I rarely exercize aside from playing in a weekend baseball league. I've found it comfortable to stick around this level of calories and it hasn't effected my health according to my doctor. I'm a half assed vegitarian too but its not a moral thing I just dont like beef and pork at all. I'll still eat chicken and turkey (hence the half assed) but for the most part I dont eat animals. Cheese and other stuff like that is still on the menu tho. I just thought I'd share my little speil here. I'm hoping to drop down to 230 or 240 when all is said and done. Its taken me 2 years so far to drop the 72 pounds and it would rock to drop an even 100 but Im easy either way. Again for me its all calorie restriction with almost no exercize and I drink a lot of diet soda. (coke zero) I know its not the healthiest way to do it but it keeps me full and doesnt bring calories to the party and tastes pretty good in the offing.

If I could make a little suggestion...replace half your diet soda with just water or 3/4 of it with water and just have the pop as a treat here and there I bet you drop more faster...:) I have a link that will make your head spin..it did mine..here it is..but it can only be watched free for the next 13 hours....

"Could the foods we are eating actually be keeping us stuck in the diet trap?" Just a reminder for those interested. Hungry for Change is only available to view for free until tomorrow night. http://www.hungryforchange.tv/

LReneeWalker

As you can see, I still have alot to learn and a long way to go on this journey. That said, the people I know who are very fit (not just skinny) and healthy do NOT go hungry. They eat a good 2000 or more calories a day. But they eat healthy stuff; not the crap I prefer LOL. And they exercise faithfully! My cousin has one bad habit and that is alcohol. But everything else she eats/drinks is healthy. And she does a variety of exercises. I strive to have her body!

k8lyn_235

I'm sure you can lose weight this way. But why would you, when you don't have to?

AGREED.

if you are going to lose about the same weight at 1200 cals/day, not eating exercise cals back as you would at 1600 cals/day, eating exercise cals back.. why would you choose the one where you eat less???

also, i would rather lose fat and only fat to make the scale go down than lose fat AND muscle to make it go down. but, to each his own. it's your body.

--edited to fix grammar

daisyverma

For me personally I was starving on a net of 1200 calories

So I upped it to 1400 on my settings but i normally do net of 1500 to 1700 and exercise a few days a week...I eat more on my exercise days

However I am losing weight so I'm happy and feel full

I learned thru trial and error as to what works for me

aliric

Another post where the OP is looking for people who HAVE done this - not asking for people who havent - yet they are still offering opinions anyway....

Ive stuck between 1200-1300 for 10 months now and have lost 66lbs (almost 30kgs). I dont eat my exercise cals back unless I have a special occasion like going out to dinner or having pizza on rare occasions.

Ive lost consistantly. I run around 40kms a week (have a half marathon in two weeks), and I lift heavy weights twice a week. I also lift heavier than most other women at the gym - even those I see there every day. I have real muscle, am toned and fit. Have also (for work, I am a nursing student) just had full bloods done and there is nothing wrong with my thyroid or metabolism as a result of what Ive been doing. Im 5"1.

I agree completely that its not for everyone. If you are hungry, grumpy or feel deprived then dont do it. DecemberChild said its important you eat the right foods for this to work and thats 100% right. Im lucky, I love my salad sandwiches and veggies - so this is right for me.

Youre welcome to check out my diary for ideas and I have before and in progress photos on my profile.

And please dont come on here telling me what I am doing is wrong. Ive heard it all before - but its my body, so jam it.

aliric

Yay!!! My thoughts exactly:))

branditabonita

Yay!!! My thoughts exactly:))

Thanks for replyign! My thoughts exactly! too!

shellsy0424

WOW, a lot for me to consider. Thank you each and every one of you for your input. I think I will have to experiment and see what works best for my body that is all. I have not had any cheats or bad days in nearly three weeks. I find the less crap you put in your body, the less your body craves it. I have been focusing on what it is I am eating, like the carbs and the sugars and salts the most. I know there is going to be a day when the husband wants to go out to eat or there is a party or something and then I don't want to freak out because I don't know how many calories is in something. I also agree with one of the posts on here that there should be a daily allowance for error because just because it says that you burned so many calories in a workout, what if you didn't go as hard that day, or went harder another day. It will all even out I am sure but I really want to trust this process. The first 5 pounds came off pretty easy but this week I haven't changed what I am eating and it has stalled already. It has only been three weeks and this week kind of sucked in the weight department.