What would a 1200 calorie diet look like

taylorswiftfan18

/ what should it look like

DaisyHamilton

I'm not sure I understand the question... Do you know how unhealthy only 1200 calories is?

julesdaisyjaz

its not unheathly i eat 1200 and i eat loads...even chocolate.....its the choice of foods!!!!

DocCollins_SFA

Well, this was mine today, despite the notion on here that nobody should ever eat just 1200cals. I had the same for lunch and dinner since I just made black bean soup. I usually have a big 40g protein shake for breakfast but I ran out! I ran out of fresh fruit too!

Breakfast
Vitalicious - Vitatops (Deep Chocolate), 1 VitaTop (55 g or 2 oz)


Lunch
Bush's - Best Black Beans Frijoles Negros*, 390 g
Mrs Renfro's - Black Bean Salsa, 0.25 container (462 g (2 tbsp) ea.)
Kroger - Diced Green Chile Peppers, 0.13 container (8 tbsp ea.)
Del Monte - Whole Kernel Corn (No Salt Added), 0.25 container (1 4/5 cups ea.)
Kroger - Santa Fe Style Tortilla Strips, 1/4 cup
Kroger - Fat Free Sour Cream / 2 Tbsp. / 20 Calories, 2 tbsp/ 30 g
Kitchen Basics - Unsalted Vegetable Stock, 60 ml


Dinner
Bush's - Best Black Beans Frijoles Negros*, 390 g
Mrs Renfro's - Black Bean Salsa, 0.25 container (462 g (2 tbsp) ea.)
Kroger - Diced Green Chile Peppers, 0.13 container (8 tbsp ea.)
Del Monte - Whole Kernel Corn (No Salt Added), 0.25 container (1 4/5 cups ea.)
Kroger - Santa Fe Style Tortilla Strips, 1/4 cup
Kroger - Fat Free Sour Cream / 2 Tbsp. / 20 Calories, 2 tbsp/ 30 g
Kitchen Basics - Unsalted Vegetable Stock, 60 ml

Snacks
Kroger - Multigrain Thin Sandwich Bun, 0.5 thin bun 43g
Kroger - Provolone Sliced Cheese, 1 slice
Oscar Mayer - Mesquite Smoked Turkey Breast, 4 Slices


Totals 1,210 235 22 74 56 44

Calories Carbs Fat Protein Fiber Sugar

Restybaby2012

Forgive me for asking..........no throwing of barbs or sniping.....Im merely responding innocuously

I have lost 50 pounds in the last 55 days or so. Since I started my circuit training and some strength training I can hardly net 1000 let alone 1200 or more. Its not 'zactly on purpose. I eat good. My diet is quite varied. I just find that by the end of the day Im tired, Im done working out and Im full and dont want to eat more. I suspect its working for me because I have a lot to lose. Im 6' tall and want to lose about 100 more pounds. Ive heard it said that the more you have to lose the easier it is to lose.....at least in the beginning.

I cannot, for the life of me grasp the whole concept of "eating back your calories". I know the whole starvation mode thing. I consume about 1300 calories average UNTIL I subtract my "exercise calories" then I bottom out with a net of 400 to 600. Everything I read here says that's not good. But isnt it more individual than that? Ive been consistently losing weight, I feel great, I have tons of energy, I dont crave anything, Im not overly tired and it just seems to be working.

FYI.......I have a couple health issues aside from the weight so I am doing this with a physicians approval as well as a dietician and nutritionist.

Thanks for any input

DocCollins_SFA

This is another day from this week. Normally I don't eat the same thing for breakfast and lunch but I've been doing it more recently just because I've been making larger dishes. Usually I get closer to 100g of protein but this has been a rough week with a back problem so at least I haven't needed it so much after working out because I've been laying flat on the couch, lol.

Breakfast
Quaker - Life Banana Nut Bread Soft Baked Bar, 1 bar 42g

Lunch
Buitoni - Roasted Garlic Marinara Sauce 125 g, 62.5 g
Udi's - Gluten Free Pizza Crust, 2.1 oz (119g)
John Soules Foods - Fully Cooked Rotisserie Style Chicken Breast Strips, 42 G (3oz)
Kroger - Provolone Sliced Cheese, 1.5 slice
Garlic - Raw, 1.5 cloves
Veg - Green Onion, 1/8 cup chopped
Pepper - Banana, raw, 0.5 small (4" long)
Vegetable (Usda Facts) - Red Onion - Chopped, 0.15 cup
Red Bell Pepper - Red Bell Pepper, 0.15 pepper

Dinner
Buitoni - Roasted Garlic Marinara Sauce 125 g, 62.5 g
Udi's - Gluten Free Pizza Crust, 2.1 oz (119g)
John Soules Foods - Fully Cooked Rotisserie Style Chicken Breast Strips, 42 G (3oz)
Kroger - Provolone Sliced Cheese, 1.5 slice
Garlic - Raw, 1.5 cloves
Veg - Green Onion, 1/8 cup chopped
Pepper - Banana, raw, 0.5 small (4" long)
Vegetable (Usda Facts) - Red Onion - Chopped, 0.15 cup
Red Bell Pepper - Red Bell Pepper, 0.15 pepper

Snacks
Beverages-Silk - Pure Almond Vanilla , 1 cup
Great Value - Frozen Fruit, Strawberry, Peach, Mango & Pineapple, 1.33 cup
Tap Room 21 Brewing Company - Beer - Lager, 12 oz
Nature's Way Alive! Women's Energy Vitamin - Multivitamin & Multimineral, 1 tablet
Sustenex Gummies - Probiotic, 1 piece


Totals 1,209 149 37 53 17 63

Calories Carbs Fat Protein Fiber Sugar

issyfit

Feel free to look at my diary. I am in the 1100-1300 range almost every day.

DocCollins_SFA

Forgive me for asking..........no throwing of barbs or sniping.....Im merely responding innocuously

I have lost 50 pounds in the last 55 days or so. Since I started my circuit training and some strength training I can hardly net 1000 let alone 1200 or more. Its not 'zactly on purpose. I eat good. My diet is quite varied. I just find that by the end of the day Im tired, Im done working out and Im full and dont want to eat more. I suspect its working for me because I have a lot to lose. Im 6' tall and want to lose about 100 more pounds. Ive heard it said that the more you have to lose the easier it is to lose.....at least in the beginning.

I cannot, for the life of me grasp the whole concept of "eating back your calories". I know the whole starvation mode thing. I consume about 1300 calories average UNTIL I subtract my "exercise calories" then I bottom out with a net of 400 to 600. Everything I read here says that's not good. But isnt it more individual than that? Ive been consistently losing weight, I feel great, I have tons of energy, I dont crave anything, Im not overly tired and it just seems to be working.

FYI.......I have a couple health issues aside from the weight so I am doing this with a physicians approval as well as a dietician and nutritionist.

Thanks for any input

I don't NET 1200 either after working out. I'm not particularly concerned. I don't think that you can say that a strict 1200net necessarily applies to everybody. Will I eventually slowly add calories back? Likely yes, but right now I feel full of energy and am completely satisfied with what I'm eating. I have great workouts and an all around positive response to 1200ish calories. Sure, if I feel like I need more one day, I don't have an issue with consuming more but I'm not going to do so if I feel fully healthy, happy, and energetic as I do 99% of the time. My body is responding well both physically and mentally so I don't see a problem unless that changes.

gramacanada

MFP has a lot of people set up on 1200 calories it's fine. If you don't know what to eat. Google it. Most people here are trying to figure it for themselves. Follow and stay within the MFP guide lines until you get a sense of what works for you. That's what this site is for. You already must know (I'm assuming) what healthy and unhealthy foods are.
Fruits - Vegetables - Proteins - Dairy - Whole Grains.

rjsimpson2002

I think that learning to stop eating when you are not hungry has been a big thing for me. I used to mindlessly snack in the evenings even though I ate pretty healthily during the day. Since I started logging my food I have cut out nearly all of this snacking.

I think each individual is an individual - stop eating when you are hungry, don't force yourself to eat more if you are full! Like Resty says - she has loads of energy and has the approval of health professionals - who am I to argue with that. In fact, I am relieved that this is so because we are all different and common sense must rule!

chroniclesofthinoholic

when i eat 1200 i end up feeling extremely full...and going over 1200 over stuffed...I do believe in the whole it being different for each individual....that being said taylorswiftfan i think my food diary is open to you...and from today onwards I'm striving for a healthier 1200 food options...see if you like any dish any day and feel free to ask for recipes....!

and I would rather divide your food into 5 smaller meals...helps keeping you full throughout the day!

windycitycupcake

I'm not sure I understand the question... Do you know how unhealthy only 1200 calories is?

not true. 1200 calories is not necessarily unhealthy.

KarenRae66

I have had some of the same questions that you have. I eat very healthy now and exercise..I am starting my 4th week on MFP. I am eating lots of veggies and the calories don't add up that fast with them. Many days I am under my calorie goal and I never eat my extra exercise calories. I feel great.. I think part of this whole get healthy and loose weight thing is also to learn not to over eat...and forcing your self to eat just to get a certain calorie count is over eating..learning to eat only if your hungry!!

boopboopadoop

I'm (trying to) stick to 1200 cals. Add me if you want to look at my diary

Trapwolf

Forgive me for asking..........no throwing of barbs or sniping.....Im merely responding innocuously

I have lost 50 pounds in the last 55 days or so. Since I started my circuit training and some strength training I can hardly net 1000 let alone 1200 or more. Its not 'zactly on purpose. I eat good. My diet is quite varied. I just find that by the end of the day Im tired, Im done working out and Im full and dont want to eat more. I suspect its working for me because I have a lot to lose. Im 6' tall and want to lose about 100 more pounds. Ive heard it said that the more you have to lose the easier it is to lose.....at least in the beginning.

I cannot, for the life of me grasp the whole concept of "eating back your calories". I know the whole starvation mode thing. I consume about 1300 calories average UNTIL I subtract my "exercise calories" then I bottom out with a net of 400 to 600. Everything I read here says that's not good. But isnt it more individual than that? Ive been consistently losing weight, I feel great, I have tons of energy, I dont crave anything, Im not overly tired and it just seems to be working.

FYI.......I have a couple health issues aside from the weight so I am doing this with a physicians approval as well as a dietician and nutritionist.

Thanks for any input

I don't NET 1200 either after working out. I'm not particularly concerned. I don't think that you can say that a strict 1200net necessarily applies to everybody. Will I eventually slowly add calories back? Likely yes, but right now I feel full of energy and am completely satisfied with what I'm eating. I have great workouts and an all around positive response to 1200ish calories. Sure, if I feel like I need more one day, I don't have an issue with consuming more but I'm not going to do so if I feel fully healthy, happy, and energetic as I do 99% of the time. My body is responding well both physically and mentally so I don't see a problem unless that changes.

You can also look at my diary My goals are 1000 and I dont have any trouble getting full or eating what I want.

firstsip

Forgive me for asking..........no throwing of barbs or sniping.....Im merely responding innocuously

I have lost 50 pounds in the last 55 days or so. Since I started my circuit training and some strength training I can hardly net 1000 let alone 1200 or more. Its not 'zactly on purpose. I eat good. My diet is quite varied. I just find that by the end of the day Im tired, Im done working out and Im full and dont want to eat more. I suspect its working for me because I have a lot to lose. Im 6' tall and want to lose about 100 more pounds. Ive heard it said that the more you have to lose the easier it is to lose.....at least in the beginning.

I cannot, for the life of me grasp the whole concept of "eating back your calories". I know the whole starvation mode thing. I consume about 1300 calories average UNTIL I subtract my "exercise calories" then I bottom out with a net of 400 to 600. Everything I read here says that's not good. But isnt it more individual than that? Ive been consistently losing weight, I feel great, I have tons of energy, I dont crave anything, Im not overly tired and it just seems to be working.

FYI.......I have a couple health issues aside from the weight so I am doing this with a physicians approval as well as a dietician and nutritionist.

Thanks for any input

I don't NET 1200 either after working out. I'm not particularly concerned. I don't think that you can say that a strict 1200net necessarily applies to everybody. Will I eventually slowly add calories back? Likely yes, but right now I feel full of energy and am completely satisfied with what I'm eating. I have great workouts and an all around positive response to 1200ish calories. Sure, if I feel like I need more one day, I don't have an issue with consuming more but I'm not going to do so if I feel fully healthy, happy, and energetic as I do 99% of the time. My body is responding well both physically and mentally so I don't see a problem unless that changes.

You can also look at my diary My goals are 1000 and I dont have any trouble getting full or eating what I want.

Now do YOU have a doctor supervising your weight loss? 1000 calories IS an unhealthy goal: 1200 is a proven bare minimum across ages and heights. You don't have a huge weight loss, so I know you had to manually tweak your goal calories against MFP recommendations.

delaney056

I'm not sure I understand the question... Do you know how unhealthy only 1200 calories is?

1,200 calories is not necessarily unhealthy. It all depends on your BMR and TDEE.

T34418l3angel

One foot long sandwich from subway, Jersey Mikes, or Quizno's.... That's it.

LorinaLynn

For me, 1200 calories would look like this ---> :sad:

1200 is generally considered the bare minimum. I don't want to get by on the bare minimum.

californiagirl2012

Mine has been basically that since January. My diary is open. I'm small so I don't need that much food. And if you see my pics I am certainly not starving myself.

LailaB123

I think that learning to stop eating when you are not hungry has been a big thing for me. I used to mindlessly snack in the evenings even though I ate pretty healthily during the day. Since I started logging my food I have cut out nearly all of this snacking.

I think each individual is an individual - stop eating when you are hungry, don't force yourself to eat more if you are full! Like Resty says - she has loads of energy and has the approval of health professionals - who am I to argue with that. In fact, I am relieved that this is so because we are all different and common sense must rule!

Thank you for saying this - I am in the same "snacking" boat, and thought I was alone. I'm very new at MFP, and also find that my nighttime snacking is more under control. I find that I'm making more filling choices, and eating less. Thank you!!

126siany

Here's a day where I didn't exercise so it was 1200:

*note, I'm not saying anyone "should" eat like me, just giving you a sample day from my diary*


Breakfast:
Milk - Nonfat (fat free or skim), 2 cup 172
Starbucks Caffe Verona Coffee, Ground, Bold - Starbucks Caffe Verona Coffee, Ground, Bold, 8 oz
Archer Farms - Gingerbread Coffee Syrup, 0.67 Tablespoons 27
Chobani - Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt, 8 oz (227 g) 140

Lunch:
Cabot - 50% Reduced Fat Cheddar - Shredded Cheese, 1/4 cup 70
Market Pantry - Low Fat Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Garlic and Herb Flavor, 6 oz 180
Mission Carb Balance Tortillas - Carb Balance Flour Tortillas Medium Soft Taco, 1 tortilla 120

Dinner:
Laura's Lean Beef - Ground Beef 8%, 4 oz 160
Arnold's Whole Wheat Sandwich Thins Flax and Fiber - 100 Calorie Sandwich Wheat Rounds, 1 roll 100
Taylor Organic - Baby Spring Mix Salad, 3 oz (about 2 cups) 20
Kraft Salad Dressing - Light Asian Toasted Sesame (Reduced Fat Dressing), 2 TBS 50
Shop Rite - Crumbled Blue Cheese, 1 oz. 100

Snacks:
Green Giant - Carrots, Baby Cut , 6 oz (85g) 70

RealWomenLovePitbulls

example 1(what i eat) : Breakfast (DAILY) - Activia Light Yogurt OR Special K granola bar - I am not a big breakfast eater

Lunch - Smoked Sausage, Rice, and Mixed Veggies and Dinner: 6 inch Spicy Italian Sub from Subway with veggies, cheese, light mayo and oil and Vinegar - 1274 Calories

2. Breakfast: Yogurt - Lunch: Leftover Eggplant parmesan, homemade and a piece of garlic bread - Dinner: homemade mexican pizza - refried beans, salsa, tomato, onion, sour cream between 2 fried tortillas - 1109 Calories

3. Breakfast: Yogurt - Lunch: - bean and cheese burrito and a bite of a brownie (it didnt taste that good) Dinner : Frisch's Salad bar - small salad, - 1/2 bowl vegetable soup - 1/2 bowl spicy tortilla soup - some italian pasta salad and a couple pieces of fruit AND a snack after work (we had a late dinner that night) of 1/2 PB&J on whole wheat and a choc. chip cookie 1263 Calories.

you don't have to starve, you just have to make good choices on what you do eat, don't drink away your calories and try to stay away from the junk food

Car0lynnM

My goal was 1200 for my first two months or so and I did great. Really kick started things. lost 15 pounds and really learned how to eat better. I'm 5'1", and my BMR is only 1338 (I just changed my calorie goal to that). I didn't cut anything out, just made better choices about how much to eat and how often. I have to also say that I was NOT exercising during those first two months (at all), and I live a very sedentary lifestyle (desk job). so 1200 was very appropriate for me. I have recently added small amounts of exercise, and will be meeting with a personal trainer next week. I expect to start eating more as I exercise more. If you're taller and weigh more, I fully expect you to think 1200 is way too low. However, do NOT tell someone as small as me that they need to be eating 1600 calories a day.
K. done now.

Nagoyagirl49

Congratulations on your weight loss. I think how you feel is a better indicator of what you should be eating than some abstract number someone came up with. I don't really understand the whole subtracting calories from what you have eaten except that it shows how many extra calories you are burning. I think as long as you are ingesting 1200 calories a day, your net calorie count is not important. I'm sure others will not agree, but I do believe you must individualize your program. I once had a doctor tell me that my metabolism was so slow that I would not lose weight at anything less than 1000 calories. Turns out he was wrong, if I eat healthy I can eat 1200-1300 calories a day a still lose weight. I do not believe that 1200 calories is unhealthy. But then I am a woman in my 60's and my calorie intake should be less than that of a younger person.

postrockandcats

Forgive me for asking..........no throwing of barbs or sniping.....Im merely responding innocuously

I have lost 50 pounds in the last 55 days or so. Since I started my circuit training and some strength training I can hardly net 1000 let alone 1200 or more. Its not 'zactly on purpose. I eat good. My diet is quite varied. I just find that by the end of the day Im tired, Im done working out and Im full and dont want to eat more. I suspect its working for me because I have a lot to lose. Im 6' tall and want to lose about 100 more pounds. Ive heard it said that the more you have to lose the easier it is to lose.....at least in the beginning.

I cannot, for the life of me grasp the whole concept of "eating back your calories". I know the whole starvation mode thing. I consume about 1300 calories average UNTIL I subtract my "exercise calories" then I bottom out with a net of 400 to 600. Everything I read here says that's not good. But isnt it more individual than that? Ive been consistently losing weight, I feel great, I have tons of energy, I dont crave anything, Im not overly tired and it just seems to be working.

FYI.......I have a couple health issues aside from the weight so I am doing this with a physicians approval as well as a dietician and nutritionist.

Thanks for any input

Things tend to be a little different for those with more than 50 pounds to loose. Your doc has you on this plan to get some of the weight off but I'll bet there are a few changes along the way as your body changes. MFP is just a guide. If you are following a doctor's plan then don't worry about it. You can even change your MFP goals to match your doctor's goals for you. No no worries

ETA- I hate the phrase "eating back calories;" it sounds like you're meant to come back home after a workout and stuff your face. I just plan for the workout days and eat more on those days.

The idea is, with the MFP plan is that you eat at a deficit of your TDEE, which is your daily calories burned. It calculates your daily caloric goal based on your weight, height, age, gender and normal activity level minus how much you want to gain/ loose weekly. A typical pound a week loss is based on a 500 calorie a day deficit from how much you burn from how much you eat. If you exercise more on one day, then you're burning more calories and therefore require more food while still taking the deficit into account.

For example (just throwing round numbers out there), if your normal TDEE is 2500 calories and you want to loose a pound a week, you eat 2000 a day. If you do a workout and burn 500 calories more than you normally would on a non-workout day, you've burned 3000 calories that day, so to maintain that 500 calorie a day deficit, you're now at 2500 calories a day that you can eat.

This isn't meant to start an argument, just trying to explain the concept. Everyone has their own minds and bodies and will, and SHOULD, do what's right for them.

B_loves_A

My diary is open to look at, I eat 1200 or a little less each day. I believe in only eating when I am hungry and not eating just to meet a number each day. But I also do low carb so my daily food are based on eating that way. Good luck on your weight loss!

HealthyisBeauty

1200 calories is what I am set to eat, it is not unhealthy it depends on how much you weigh and how tall you are. Under 1200 is unhealthy. If MFP set you to that goal then it is correct and I def do not starve.

I eat 5-6 small meals a day. I buy smart with my groceries. I mix higher calorie foods with low calorie ones to fill me up. For example I will eat a sandwhich 100% wheat bread with skim milk cheese and lean turkey, then I will eat that with carrots, celery, some fruit, lowfat cottage cheese, or other low calorie foods. I use fat free mayo and limit extra sauces and condiments. I try to make sure I get in all the food groups everyday (some meat, fruits, veggies, dairy, and grains..). This method works well for me and my snacks are healthy such as a low fat yogurt or an apple. If I get hungry I will eat, I just eat smart and strive for foods with high nutritional value. I drink a lot of water as well which keeps me full and hydrated and I also run so I can normally eat more than 1200. Since I eat frequent small meals I get full really quickly, my stomach is small and used to small meals at a time. I have Lean Cuisine meals a lot for dinner which is probably packed with sodium but I'm in college so I dont always have time to cook and they are low calorie meals and yummy. I also eat light progresso soups a lot (also a lot of sodium though) but they fill me up and are good. If I eat salad I eat it with a low-fat low-calore dressing, I really like Ken's Fat Free Italian dressing, only 10 cals/package. I never drink any pop and drink fat free milk. My weakness is jolly ranchers so sometimes I will eat 3 for a snack but will still be under 1200. This works well for me and is giving me great results.

xoxosarinaxoxo

i have about 300 cals for each catagory. or cometime 600 for dinner and no snacks

postrockandcats

/ what should it look like

If I were on a 1200 a day diet, I'd probably make it a higher protein, lower-ish carb diet to help keep me full. Probably one of those 40/30/30 setups. But, that would be me.