Do all people need 1200 calories to function per day?

lmiedema

I know the amount of calories you need depends on your size, and it is commonly said that a person needs at least 1200 calories a day just to have their body functioning normally. But I was wondering if the person is kinda small, can they have less?

I signed up for my fitness pal a while ago, and it put me on a calorie count of 1200 calories, but I've found it kinda hard to get to 1200 calories. Instead getting from 850-1000 calories per day, I've been doing fine! I was just wondering if that's's due to my height and weight, just under 5ft 2in and 126lbs. And if it's not healthy, why exactly?

csplatt

You have to calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate. (Go to the tools section.) That number is how many calories per day your body needs if you are laying on a couch and do nothing all day long. If you eat less than that number, it will affect your cortisol levels, hormone levels, metabolism, etc. It will make it difficult to lose weight because all of those #s will be off. It is not healthy.

That's your basic answer.

csplatt

An easy way to up your calories... a piece of whole grain toast. With a tablespoon or two of peanut butter.

AllTehBeers

I think 1200 has been put out there as a general minimum because it's where you can reach healthy nutrition goals with a minimum amount of calories. To have an adequate amount of carbs, fats and proteins (not to mention your micro nutrients), you obviously have to eat an adequate amount of calories.

BaileyBoo13524

Everyone's BMR is different for example mines 1440 which means this is what my body needs everyday to function. Due to your height and weight it's definitely possible for you to have a lower BMR. In my opinion I don't think it's safe to eat below 1200 simply because it's hard to get all the nutrients your body needs and if you are exercising on top of eating only 800-1000 you aren't leaving much else for your body to function on. That being said no one can force you to eat if you are full and satisfied with 800-1000 calories per day. Everyone's different and just do what works for you! Good luck with your journey!

gramacanada

It's hard to reach your nutritional needs on less than 1200. Are you eating mostly healthy foods? Lots of times an unbalanced diet will keep you feeling full but you could very well be lacking nutrition.

BelindaDuvessa

I'm 5'1" and even though I'm pregnant, there are days I struggle to get 1000 calories in of solid foods. I do waste a few calories on empty caloric drinks, but even if I didn't, I wouldn't be able to hit that mark most days.

The big question is, how do you feel? Do you feel sluggish and slow? Then you probably need to eat more. If you feel awake and alert, then you might be getting enough calories in.

The best advice I have, though, is to get your BMR calculated. That is your single best indicator (although definitely not the only one) for how many calories a day you need. My BMR is around 1310, but because I'm pregnant (6 months), I eat considerably more than that.

1200 calories a day is a generic to cover pretty much EVERYONE. MFP will always put you at 1200 minimum. Go to another website to get your calculated.

http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/
http://health.discovery.com/centers/heart/basal/basal.html
http://www.bmr-calculator.org/

All of these will give you about the same answer. They also are calculating based on you doing absolutely no physical activity whatsoever.

apocalypsepwnie

I'm 5'4 and I'm on 1550 to lose weight. Many days I make just on 1200 and sometimes go under. I go by how hungry I feel in what I'm actually eating, I pre log so mostly leave my calories till dinner. However if I'm under 1200 I'll drink a glass of milk or juice to put me over. I take vitamins to supplement my diet just to make sure I'm hitting those needs.
Try adding more calorie dense foods as suggested like wholemeal breads, pastas, peanut butter ect. They pack a punch for a tiny amount of food.

Aviva92

I've just been eating until I'm full. That doesn't always result in hitting 1200 calories, sometimes does and sometimes doesn't. If it doesn't, I don't force it. I'm not sure I care what the opinion is of others on this. It won't make me eat more as a result just to meet 1200 calories which may or may not really be accurate. I'm losing weight with this approach.

amnsetie

5' 2" is not that small. under 5' is small.
eat up

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/10665-newbies-please-read-me-2nd-edition