Seeing a lot of rude comments about 1200/cal....

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Replies

  • Bob314159
    Bob314159 Posts: 1,178 Member
    Research states that if you eat a 1200 calorie diet your body may think that it is going into starvation mode and hold onto fat rather than loose it. I said MAY but so long as u workout and a clean diet you should be fine . If you workout make sure you eat after refuel your body with salmon, veggies, brown rice . MFP gave me a 1290 deficit it works for me and usually I burn off 1200 to 1400 cals in any given workout so I get extra calories and eat more . Do your reasearch I do good luck

    Please give references to the research

    1,200 calories daily for women (not men) is a number chosen to give minimum nutrients
  • Do what you find is best for you.
  • LinDiSm26262
    LinDiSm26262 Posts: 234 Member
    Hi Dan

    I just read your post "In Place Of A Road Map" from July. It's very interesting. If I give you my information would you tell me if my calculations are correct. I figured I should be eating 1,144 calories each day after taking off 20%. I have been eating 1200.

    Female
    62 years old
    weight 214
    height 64"
    Neck 14"
    Waist 39.5"
    Hips 48"
    Wrist 7"
    Thigh 31"
    Calf 15.5"
    Forearm 11.5"

    Goal weight of 154 is based on the Goal Body Weight calculator
    BMR = 1430, less 20% = 1,144 calories
    Katch McArdle
    Body fat 49.8%
    Sedentary 1601 calories (until my foot heals) but using light weights and leg exercises every other day
    Light 1834 calories

    Did I do this right?
    Thanks for your time.
  • jenvic
    jenvic Posts: 13 Member
    It all really depends on your current weight, height, and activity level. And, the goal you are trying to reach.
  • Laddiegirl
    Laddiegirl Posts: 382 Member
    If it is working for you and you aren't feeling hungry or deprived, then do it. Just make sure you are netting 1200 otherwise you are falling below and that is not enough for most women (there are always exceptions and should be specified that you fall into that by a doctor not a fitness website). If after a period of time you hit a plateau, don't be afraid to up your calories which helps reset your body and can start you losing weight again.

    Personally for me I follow the "eating my BMR" plan and it has been working well for me as I'm never hungry/feel deprived and have lots of energy. I've lost a steady 1.5-2 lbs a week since I started. So this is what works for me.

    Some people on here like to tout exactly what they are doing as the ONLY thing that will help you lose weight and its not true because everyone is different with a different body chemistry and metabolism. Just pay attention to what your body is telling you and how it is responding and you should be good. And don't be in a rush to lose the weight. Slow and steady still wins the race even though it can be a bit frustrating at times. The end result you want is a healthy body, for some that happens quickly and for some its a slower process but still a WIN however long it takes!
  • gjulie
    gjulie Posts: 391
    Hi there glad to see you are doing well as most posts say do what suits you personally I find it impossible to function on 1200 cals a day I usually do at least 40 mins cardio 5 mornings a week also strength training so I need about 1500 cals a day Im 5ft 2 and weigh 144 lbs Im happy enough at that feel great,do what is best for you eat good food and not too much from packets and tins!:wink:
  • Hi Dan

    I just read your post "In Place Of A Road Map" from July. It's very interesting. If I give you my information would you tell me if my calculations are correct. I figured I should be eating 1,144 calories each day after taking off 20%. I have been eating 1200.

    Female
    62 years old
    weight 214
    height 64"
    Neck 14"
    Waist 39.5"
    Hips 48"
    Wrist 7"
    Thigh 31"
    Calf 15.5"
    Forearm 11.5"

    Goal weight of 154 is based on the Goal Body Weight calculator
    BMR = 1430, less 20% = 1,144 calories
    Katch McArdle
    Body fat 49.8%
    Sedentary 1601 calories (until my foot heals) but using light weights and leg exercises every other day
    Light 1834 calories

    Did I do this right?
    Thanks for your time.

    There are people far more qualified than me so please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you take the 20% of your TDEE which for now is 1601, so you would eat around 1280. Because TDEE takes into account your daily activity you do not eat back your exercise calories. I'm sorry I didn't check if you entered the data correctly into the formula, but hope this helps a little :)
  • I think for some people they cannot fathom living on 1200 calories a day, I never understand how people can have trouble getting to this number.
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    You CAN lose weight eating 1200 calories. You CAN lose weight eating a lot more than 1200. I'm currently on 1688 calories a day PLUS exercise calories. Every last delicious one of them.

    Different things suit different people. Personally, I prefer to eat more, not feel deprived, have more energy for my workouts and still lose. Check out the Eat More to Weigh Less group to see amazing success stories.

    Truth is, many of us were eating far more than we thought when we realised we were overweight. If I track an "old me" day it comes in at 3000 calories, and that was with fairly healthy choices and no junk food. It doesn't take much of a cut in calories intake to register a steady, sustainable loss.
  • anything under 1200 cals a day is considered starvation mode. food for thought.

    People who are never hungry rarely lose weight. Also food for thought.

    Completely untrue. If I get hungry I eat something, I guess my weight loss is imagined.
  • pkw58
    pkw58 Posts: 2,038 Member
    You CAN lose weight eating 1200 calories. You CAN lose weight eating a lot more than 1200. I'm currently on 1688 calories a day PLUS exercise calories. Every last delicious one of them.

    Different things suit different people. Personally, I prefer to eat more, not feel deprived, have more energy for my workouts and still lose. Check out the Eat More to Weigh Less group to see amazing success stories.

    Truth is, many of us were eating far more than we thought when we realised we were overweight. If I track an "old me" day it comes in at 3000 calories, and that was with fairly healthy choices and no junk food. It doesn't take much of a cut in calories intake to register a steady, sustainable loss.



    Amen on the eating "3000" calories of healthy food - combine that with my desk job and I managed to pack on the pounds.

    All I can say is that your nutrition and activity need to be monitored with a diary, and MFP has great tools for us all to figure it out on our own. I don't really thing the people who post about "eating enough calories" are haters, they just are successful and passionate about that success and sharing it. I am really happy with my journey this year and am joined MFP after I had lost the big part of my excess weight. "the eat more to weigh less" group is helping me as I maintain and lose a the last few pounds. Increasing my activity level helps me sleep better, the nutrition plan helps me feel and look better. It all fits together.
  • i am in 1200 cals. a day and it makes me feel better than all the calories i used to eat before i started my diet. just eat small calories for breakfast and lunch then before dinner exercise and burn up those fats and then eat something healthy for dinner like steamed vegetables or lean meats that wont be so heavy on your stomach you will see results. forget what people got to say nobody is the same weight and height everybody is different and everybody came on here with a goal :flowerforyou:
  • MrsSWW
    MrsSWW Posts: 1,585 Member
    People who are never hungry rarely lose weight. Also food for thought.

    Sorry, just have to interject here. I eat more now than I used to, I just eat better - and if I'm hungry I EAT. I've lost a fair few pounds by not being hungry, just saying....:flowerforyou:
  • FitspoEm
    FitspoEm Posts: 94 Member
    im on a 1200 calorie diet and feel fine... yes some days i go up to 1500 but i dont feel guilty for those as usually its 1200...
    1200 is fine :D
  • TheRoadDog
    TheRoadDog Posts: 11,788 Member
    So I'm kinda new here. I made a profile, and filled out my information, and MFP came up with 1200/cal day as my goal. Now I had no idea if that what considered very low, or average, or whatever. But I have been trying to stick with it. And I'm actually finding that I need to make myself eat MORE that I want to just to get to 1200. And I have seen several nasty comments from people on here about "those 1200 calorie people". Why? I have lost 5 pounds so far and I feel really good about my progress. What am I missing? I feel like I'm missing the joke.

    Welcome to MFP. Home of the judgemental.
  • angel79202
    angel79202 Posts: 1,012 Member
    Just figure out what works for you and don't worry about anyone else..
  • dittmarml
    dittmarml Posts: 351 Member
    Ignore 'em.

    I'm 5'1", a nutritionist suggested between 1250 and 1350; MFP set me at 1200 and I bumped to 1250; seems to be working. On days that I do alot more or exercise alot I eat more and just focus on netting 1250'ish.

    Bottom line - keep up sufficient intake to fuel your body, become more active, take in fewer calories than you burn, and eat nutritionally-dense foods - you'll lose weight. Might take a bit of playing with intake, exercise, etc to figure out where you do best. Be patient, it's a journey.

    Everyone else can take a flying... ;)
  • cutchro
    cutchro Posts: 396 Member
    Lifecycle of an MFPer

    1. Start out at 1200 calories
    2. Complain about how you're "stuffed" at 1200 calories and don't understand why everyone wants you to eat more
    3. Make a post calling out the mean people
    4. Gradually up your calorie goals when you grow tired of being "stuffed" on asparagus spears
    5. Realize that you're still losing weight and feeling much better
    6. Try to help 1200 calorie people
    7. Get called an arrogant ahole one too many times
    8. Retreat to chit-chat forum more or less permanently, only occasionally emerging to lay down a burn

    That about sums it up! :drinker:
  • Not everyone starts at 1200, I'm on1480. I think it's because I'm so tall, I'm not massively overweight. If MFP downgrades me to 1200 I will weeeep.
  • MFP set me at 1200 calories after I entered everything in???
  • SarahCW1979
    SarahCW1979 Posts: 572 Member
    Im always between 1100 and 1400, its working for me :happy:
    I think most of the oldbies that are 'hating' on the 1200cal posts are aiming for the posts where the OP is not losing weight/hungry all the time/lacking in energy for workouts. Some of them may come across as harsh but most of them are honestly trying to help. The ones that are harsh have usually had months of being chewed out by people after offering advice.

    Weightloss is a personal thing, do what works for you :flowerforyou:
  • angieleighbyrd
    angieleighbyrd Posts: 989 Member
    Lifecycle of an MFPer

    1. Start out at 1200 calories
    2. Complain about how you're "stuffed" at 1200 calories and don't understand why everyone wants you to eat more
    3. Make a post calling out the mean people
    4. Gradually up your calorie goals when you grow tired of being "stuffed" on asparagus spears
    5. Realize that you're still losing weight and feeling much better
    6. Try to help 1200 calorie people
    7. Get called an arrogant ahole one too many times
    8. Retreat to chit-chat forum more or less permanently, only occasionally emerging to lay down a burn

    sums it up


    78 pounds lost so far on 1200 calories. I feel fine. I eat constantly but I don't fill my body with crap everyday so the lower calorie foods allow me to eat more of them. I feel healthier than I have ever felt in my life. I no longer am diabetic, have high cholesterol or blood pressure problems. I haven't reached any sort of stop in my loss. I haven't upped my calories. I also don't go on the forums with trying to educate people on what to eat, how to eat, how much to eat. For one, everyone is different. Eating more to weigh less does work, for some. Not for everyone. I find that most of the people in that group insist that it works for everyone which isn't the case. I also don't push people to eat 1200 a day. Different strokes for different folks and I really wish certain people that have lost a lot of weight would get off their damn high horse. I've lost a lot of weight as well but I don't know all. I still learn new things about what my body needs constantly.
  • Selphie8
    Selphie8 Posts: 10 Member
    Do what works for you, don't waste your time with the "haters". I've noticed lots of women say that MFP figures they should eat 1200 cals a day...hmmm...sounds like its more than a coincidence.

    That's because a lot of people set their weight loss goals to 2 lbs a week, which is far too high for most people. 1200 calorie diets are not healthy for the majority of people.
  • cobracars
    cobracars Posts: 949 Member
    everyone starts off at 1200 calories

    I must be the snowflake in the room, I started at 1800 and as I lost weight it recalculated to 1610
  • ajfc1971
    ajfc1971 Posts: 258 Member
    I have been to see a dietican at the hospital as I was seeing a lot of things about starvation mode etc. I asked the dietican about eating 1200 and she said that as long as I wasn't hungry then this was fine and that I ate back any exercise calories. She did also say that the body would not go into starvation unless you were eating between 600 -800 a day for over a week.
    As I have lost every week I will be sticking with 1200 and eating back exercise cals.

    I have to believe her as she has studied for years to get to the position she is in and has the medical background to go with it.
    But a the end of the day you must do what is best for you. You know your own body more than anyone else.
    If by upping your calories you feel better and lose weight then do it. If not stick with what your doing.

    Each to there own.........
  • Bex2Bslim
    Bex2Bslim Posts: 1,092
    I aim for 1200 cals a day, but then I don't worry too much if I'm slightly over my cals. I find the more cals you think you have to play with, the more you eat and no one can realistically stick to 1200 every single day so I therefore don't worry about starvation mode either, I figure I average about 1350 normally.
  • almc170
    almc170 Posts: 1,093 Member
    Lifecycle of an MFPer

    1. Start out at 1200 calories
    2. Complain about how you're "stuffed" at 1200 calories and don't understand why everyone wants you to eat more
    3. Make a post calling out the mean people
    4. Gradually up your calorie goals when you grow tired of being "stuffed" on asparagus spears
    5. Realize that you're still losing weight and feeling much better
    6. Try to help 1200 calorie people
    7. Get called an arrogant ahole one too many times
    8. Retreat to chit-chat forum more or less permanently, only occasionally emerging to lay down a burn
    this
  • chelseafxx
    chelseafxx Posts: 251 Member
    Hi cj, looks like we joined in the same month. I've noticed the comments also and have wondered why ppl think that's too low a goal. Something they don't understand is when we're short (I'm 5'3") we naturally need less calories.

    Not trying to sound rude but this is actually not true AT ALL. It's a HUGE misconception. I'm 5'2" and eat 1500 calories a day and lose. I would starve if I ate 1200 a day. Some days I eat 1700..still lose..has nothing to do with your height. If you train your metabolism to work PROPERLY and you fuel your body every 3 hours you can eat way more than 1200 and lose. That being said, do what you need to do or what works for you.
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    If you set it to "lose 2 pounds per week", for most women that is going to give you the minimum recommended calories. 1200.

    Setting it to lose 2 pounds a week is not appropriate for everyone. Of course everyone wants that, so everyone sets it that way at first until they become more educated. Or until after about 2-3 weeks when their body says this is crazy, I'm starving.

    If you have less than 40 pounds to lose, do not set it for 2 pounds a week, and it will give you a more reasonable calorie amount to eat.
  • bluebird321
    bluebird321 Posts: 733 Member
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