Frustrated

I'm new to all of this, but I'm really frustrated and down by those of you who can keep your diet under 1200 calories. My coach suggested I eat between 1600 and 2000 calories, but I'm having trouble even staying under 2000. I look at what some people eat and I can't imagine surviving on those things!

Help?

Replies

  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    Sorry to hear you're down.

    If you are logging your food in the diary on here perhaps you could open it up so people can comment on what you're eating more easily.

    1600 - 2000 isn't a very low food intake though I can see it may be a step down from your normal. I dropped bread, pasta, fries etc to reduce my calories while retaining the things I like most that fill me up.
  • AwesomelyAmber
    AwesomelyAmber Posts: 1,617 Member
    You should do what is right for YOU. Others will always do things differently than you do. In my opinion it is NOT healthy for people to eat under 1200 cals per day... but it is not my worry. Many people don't like the fact that I am a smoker. I get lots of input from people every day on that:tongue: But in the end it is my own choice... as it is the choice of others to lose weight how they see fit. Stick with what you and your doctor have decided is a good plan and you will do fine :smile:
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,426 MFP Moderator
    I'm new to all of this, but I'm really frustrated and down by those of you who can keep your diet under 1200 calories. My coach suggested I eat between 1600 and 2000 calories, but I'm having trouble even staying under 2000. I look at what some people eat and I can't imagine surviving on those things!

    Help?

    Why would you be frustrate by those keep their diets to 1200 calories. You act like its a god thing. Every woman i work with is eating 1800+ calories and doing heavy resistance training and all of them are losing weight and cutting fat. Many of these women are eating 2000+ calories as well on RT days.
  • jmilian825
    jmilian825 Posts: 193 Member
    don't lose hope it just takes time each small step you take gets easier each day for example wanting to dive face first into a little debbie cake but chosing to go for 3/4 cup crunchy granola cereal instead. it does satisfy my sweet craving it's a small step but a step forward. Every step you take is worth it and the fact that you are trying even if you go over is still a good step! don't beat yourself up about it :) your doing good for even trying keep it up it will come to you the more you do it..
  • ka97
    ka97 Posts: 1,984 Member
    Don't worry so much about what others are doing. If a professional has given you a range to work towards, there is probably a readon for that and it is most likely what is right for YOUR body and YOUR goals. Also, don't try to make a huge jump. Focus on where you are at, and try to start making healthy swaps to gradually get down to 1600 (or wherever you decide you need to be).
  • KristenBru
    KristenBru Posts: 25
    Thanks everybody! I'm trying to make this a lifestyle change, not a quick diet. I think for me just getting down to 2000 is a good thing, even though I'd like to make it to 1800. Small steps, small steps.
  • bjfrezell
    bjfrezell Posts: 241
    I agree, small steps until it becomes a habit. And it's okay to feel frustrated at times. Hang in there!
  • onyxaj
    onyxaj Posts: 17
    Sometimes it is hard to cut what you eat like that, but like everyone said it takes time. For example, when I decided to lose a bit of weight, I started taking smaller lunches to work. At first, I was still hungry after such a small meal, but after a week of 'training' my body on these small portions, I got use to it,. Just cut back what you eat little by little, and your body will adjust in time.

    NOTE - The key is really WHAT you eat. If your body is hungry, listen to it, it means it needs fuel. Just try to resist the inaccurate craving for sweets. Thats more of your braining craving the taste, and not the body requiring the food.
  • Tybear73
    Tybear73 Posts: 20 Member
    That's right, much better. Baby steps is a great mantra. Any time we attempt a quantum leap from where we ARE to where we want to be, if there is a significant difference, the chances of failure are almost certain. We can "white knuckle" it for a while (holding on for dear life), but in the end we will find the leap was just too far to maintain. Incremental change is the way to go and this is true of everything in life.

    If you can move towards an attitude of "allowing" (such as, allow your body's wisdom to use the nutrients and energy it needs and release the rest, allow the weight to come off as it will), rather than "trying" or "doing", this will help your emotional health too.

    Be easy on yourself and try to spend time in gratitude, for the health you do have, each and every day.

    All my best, T
  • Sharonks
    Sharonks Posts: 884 Member
    Don't get over concerned about what others are doing. For example, I eat about 1260 net. I am 4' 10.5" and my body requires less cals than other people who are taller. I'm a full time student so spend lots of time sitting in front of the computer or with a book or in a classroom. That requires less cals than someone who is on their feet 8 hrs a day at work. Yes I work out but some days I don't have time.

    Find the right balance for you and do what is healthy for you. This is for the long haul. You are changing your lifestyle not temporarily dieting.
  • KristenBru
    KristenBru Posts: 25
    Don't get over concerned about what others are doing. For example, I eat about 1260 net. I am 4' 10.5" and my body requires less cals than other people who are taller. I'm a full time student so spend lots of time sitting in front of the computer or with a book or in a classroom. That requires less cals than someone who is on their feet 8 hrs a day at work. Yes I work out but some days I don't have time.

    Find the right balance for you and do what is healthy for you. This is for the long haul. You are changing your lifestyle not temporarily dieting.

    Thanks! That makes me feel better considering I'm 5'9"!