1200 is not difficult.
Replies
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I don't agree with this at all. I've been at this close to a year, workout 7 days a week & am still losing weight onI'm sorry OP, but this thread is not going to end well for you.
People are going to jump all over you, you're going to get angry, and it's going to devolve in to a debate about starvation mode.
1200 calories is a BARE MINIMUM to get adequate nutrition. You're likely sacrificing muscle mass by losing so fast, and you're going to hit an early plateau. I don't want to attack you, I'm happy for your success thus far, but that's the truth.
The point should also be made that hunger is not a good barometer for adequate intake. Consider obese people, who eat, say, 7000 calories a day. They still get hungry between meals, despite getting plenty of calories. Also, people on VLCD's lose their regular appetite. Hunger is largely a trained behavior- you get hungry when you're used to eating. Think about when you have a big breakfast- often you'll still be hungry at your regular lunch time. Hunger can't be trusted.
1200 calories. That right there is proof that it does work for some. I've plateaued a few times like everyone else with as much weight to lose as I have, but I've over come it every time by switching things up with exercise, eating more or less of my exercise calories back, things like that. Get off the poor girls *kitten* for stating her opinion. Everyone's different.
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Eventually it will stop. And you will try harder and harder to lose. You decrease your calories thinking you need to eat less or increase activity trying to burn more. When fact of the matter is you've plateaued - you body no longer intends to try and survive on such a defcit. It's basic daily functions take priority and if that means storing energy then so be it. You may hate your body the your body loves you and will do anything to keep you alive. Storing fat is one of them. At this time, your metabolism slows to store everything as fat adjusting to the lack of energy intake needed. You may lose a little weight, yes. It's bone density and lean body mass you're giving up. So as you stare at that scale only caring about the number rather than the composition you slowly allow your vital pieces to begin wasting away to a malnutrition. Paying no mind to the loss in libido, poor cognitive ability, general fatigue, loss in strength or emotion.
Then you reach your weight goal. Congrats! What now? Back to eating more? More of what? Even at this point it doesnt matter your body decides its going to store it away in adipose tissue for fear you'll disrespect it again. What should happen if you, lets say, go binging after such a long deficit and gain 10lbs back (which is very likely). Well, maybe you're the same weight from where you started but now higher in BF%. Was is worth it?0 -
Here's a brief summary of the thread:
Original post:
"hey, I started eating really healthy and it's been easy to maintain my calorie deficit. I have a decent amount to lose and it's been working for me, but I'm not saying I would recommend this to anyone."
Replies:
"I can't believe you're recommending this to everyone"
"You sound very snotty"
"I'm a completely different height, weight, gender, and activity level than you and what you do wouldn't work for me, therefore, you're completely wrong"
"You'll gain it all back, whereas I will be successful for life."
"That works for me too, thanks".
"8oz of yogurt for breakfast?? OMG!!!!!"0 -
Your BMR is the number of calories to MAINTAIN your current weight if you are sedentary.
Wow. Just wow. My BMR is 1400, and if I sit at my desk all day (sedentary) my TDEE is 1900. Get your facts straight please.
Also, nobody is trying to scare anyone. Why eat 1200 per day if you can lose eating between BMR and TDEE?
So your BMR is 1400. Truly sedentary means lying in bed all day. You move around some, daily activities and walking into your office, to the bathroom, etc and burn 1900 a day=your TDEE. Your TDEE is 500 calories above your BMR, therefore if you eat 1400 cals at this activity level you would theoretically lose 1 pound per week. If you eat 1900 calories, you will MAINTAIN your weight.
So tell me where I am wrong in my facts? My point was that your BMR is what your body burns while being completely sedentary. This number is to maintain your current weight, NOT to simply keep you alive. A person in a coma can stay alive and have organs functioning on much fewer calories than that.0 -
Here's a brief summary of the thread:
Original post:
"hey, I started eating really healthy and it's been easy to maintain my calorie deficit. I have a decent amount to lose and it's been working for me, but I'm not saying I would recommend this to anyone."
Replies:
"I can't believe you're recommending this to everyone"
"You sound very snotty"
"I'm a completely different height, weight, gender, and activity level than you and what you do wouldn't work for me, therefore, you're completely wrong"
"You'll gain it all back, whereas I will be successful for life."
"That works for me too, thanks".
"8oz of yogurt for breakfast?? OMG!!!!!"
Yep, welcome to the MFP forums!0 -
Here's a brief summary of the thread:
Original post:
"hey, I started eating really healthy and it's been easy to maintain my calorie deficit. I have a decent amount to lose and it's been working for me, but I'm not saying I would recommend this to anyone."
Replies:
"I can't believe you're recommending this to everyone"
"You sound very snotty"
"I'm a completely different height, weight, gender, and activity level than you and what you do wouldn't work for me, therefore, you're completely wrong"
"You'll gain it all back, whereas I will be successful for life."
"That works for me too, thanks".
"8oz of yogurt for breakfast?? OMG!!!!!"
:laugh:0 -
Here's a brief summary of the thread:
Original post:
"hey, I started eating really healthy and it's been easy to maintain my calorie deficit. I have a decent amount to lose and it's been working for me, but I'm not saying I would recommend this to anyone."
Replies:
"I can't believe you're recommending this to everyone"
"You sound very snotty"
"I'm a completely different height, weight, gender, and activity level than you and what you do wouldn't work for me, therefore, you're completely wrong"
"You'll gain it all back, whereas I will be successful for life."
"That works for me too, thanks".
"8oz of yogurt for breakfast?? OMG!!!!!"
Not entirely true. The way you phrased it and the way you've reacted to people who have disagreed with you was condescending. Acting like your way is the only way and you're God's gift to diet and fitness isn't going to get a lot of credit on here. I think if you had phrased the topic post differently and not been so rude, you would not have received the negative feedback you did.0 -
1200 calories a day makes people want to avoid me. I hate everyone and want to eat a baby. I'd rather keep my friends and family and importantly I'd rather stay married.
My doc tells me to never go under 1500 calories. I stay around 1700 -2100 a day. And I'm happier, healthier, & building some sexy muscles.
I'm not one to deprive myself. I eat and drink and mainly focus on my protein and exercise routines.
but if it works for you - good. just dont eat any babies0 -
I just simply cannot be bothered to read through this whole thread, got through the first 2 pages and there was enough BS on there to last me at least the next couple of weeks. The simple fact is, and it is fact, that if you restrict yourself to 1200 cals a day you are losing muscle mass along with fat. This will eventually come back and bite you on the *kitten* as the less muscle mass you have the fewer calories you burn on a daily basis, and when you eat normally again your body will lay down fat like it's going out of fashion. Can you not see it's basic physics that by eating at 1200 you are only setting yourself up for future failure? It's not us against you, it's just common sense that you are eating away at your muscle mass and only making things harder for yourself in the future.
80 grams of protein is only 320 calories. That leaves 880 left for fats and carbs. If they are getting enough protein and exercising then they are not necessarily losing a bunch of LBM.
Depends on the exercise.
And depends on the age, height, weight, body fat% and activity of the individual in question.
True, but it's not impossible. All of the factors you give should also be used to determine if 1200 is even the correct calorie goal. It *is* an appropriate level for certain people. (Thank God it's not for me
) 0 -
Here's a brief summary of the thread:
Original post:
"hey, I started eating really healthy and it's been easy to maintain my calorie deficit. I have a decent amount to lose and it's been working for me, but I'm not saying I would recommend this to anyone."
Replies:
"I can't believe you're recommending this to everyone"
"You sound very snotty"
"I'm a completely different height, weight, gender, and activity level than you and what you do wouldn't work for me, therefore, you're completely wrong"
"You'll gain it all back, whereas I will be successful for life."
"That works for me too, thanks".
"8oz of yogurt for breakfast?? OMG!!!!!"
Not entirely true. The way you phrased it and the way you've reacted to people who have disagreed with you was condescending. Acting like your way is the only way and you're God's gift to diet and fitness isn't going to get a lot of credit on here. I think if you had phrased the topic post differently and not been so rude, you would not have received the negative feedback you did.
please show me where i was rude and anywhere that I say it's only my way. because I have repeatedly said that this works for ME, but everyone should do what works for them. I am pretty sure I haven't been nasty to anyone, including the people (such as yourself...) who were not really nice in their response, but I would welcome anything to the contrary and gladly offer an apology.0 -
I was at 1400 calories but I was working out and burning almost 900 calories in one session and I was so hungry by the time I went to bed so I bumped it up to 1600 calories but I only do 14 00 on the day I don't workout and that helped a lot and I am still loosing weight. If it works for you and you are healthy that is all that matters. 0
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Here's a brief summary of the thread:
Original post:
"hey, I started eating really healthy and it's been easy to maintain my calorie deficit. I have a decent amount to lose and it's been working for me, but I'm not saying I would recommend this to anyone."
Replies:
"I can't believe you're recommending this to everyone"
"You sound very snotty"
"I'm a completely different height, weight, gender, and activity level than you and what you do wouldn't work for me, therefore, you're completely wrong"
"You'll gain it all back, whereas I will be successful for life."
"That works for me too, thanks".
"8oz of yogurt for breakfast?? OMG!!!!!"
Your title is "1200 calories is not difficult". Not "not difficult for me".
You said it wasn't difficult because you ate healthy food and cut out garbage, implying that people who can't survive on 1200 are eating garbage. I simply said that I could not survive on your meals, that 1200 calories the way you eat WOULD be difficult and gave an example of yogurt. Pretty sure there was no "OMG" in there. my point was 1200 can, in fact, be difficult contrary to your statement it is not.
I realize from your other posts what your intention was, however, your title and your oringal post did not reflect that.0 -
i agree, 1200 calories is not difficult if you really are trying. on the days i go over its because i'm eating crap and i'm fully aware of that. the sad part is the crap i eat on those days doesnt even fill me up, so i'm still hungry whereas on the 1200 calorie days that i eat the correct foods i feel satisfied.
edit- and obviously i eat my exercise calories back.0 -
1200 calories a day makes people want to avoid me. I hate everyone and want to eat a baby. I'd rather keep my friends and family and importantly I'd rather stay married.
My doc tells me to never go under 1500 calories. I stay around 1700 -2100 a day. And I'm happier, healthier, & building some sexy muscles.
I'm not one to deprive myself. I eat and drink and mainly focus on my protein and exercise routines.
but if it works for you - good. just dont eat any babies
but babies are high in protein.
thanks for being amongst the people who know how to respond with "this doesn't work for me, but i'm glad it works for you."
Keep up the good work everyone. Do what works for you.0 -
if i eat lots and lots of green vegetables, I find myself full and way under my calorie goal.0
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I sustained 1200 calories for exactly one week. I couldn't do it. I couldn't handle being hungry all the time. Everyone is different; what works for you may not work for me, and vice versa.
if you keep it up your stomache will shrink meaning that smaller portions will fill you up and you will not feel hungry.0 -
Here's a brief summary of the thread:
Original post:
"hey, I started eating really healthy and it's been easy to maintain my calorie deficit. I have a decent amount to lose and it's been working for me, but I'm not saying I would recommend this to anyone."
Replies:
"I can't believe you're recommending this to everyone"
"You sound very snotty"
"I'm a completely different height, weight, gender, and activity level than you and what you do wouldn't work for me, therefore, you're completely wrong"
"You'll gain it all back, whereas I will be successful for life."
"That works for me too, thanks".
"8oz of yogurt for breakfast?? OMG!!!!!"
Your title is "1200 calories is not difficult". Not "not difficult for me".
You said it wasn't difficult because you ate healthy food and cut out garbage, implying that people who can't survive on 1200 are eating garbage. I simply said that I could not survive on your meals, that 1200 calories the way you eat WOULD be difficult and gave an example of yogurt. Pretty sure there was no "OMG" in there.
I realize from your other posts what your intention was, however, your title and your oringal post did not reflect that.
wow. i didn't imply anything other than if i you eat a lot of garbage, it's hard to eat at 1200. It's not impossible, but it's not healthy.
but you're right. 1200 is not difficult FOR ME. you are correct and I should have clarified that for those who get offended easily.0 -
Eventually it will stop. And you will try harder and harder to lose. You decrease your calories thinking you need to eat less or increase activity trying to burn more. When fact of the matter is you've plateaued - you body no longer intends to try and survive on such a defcit. It's basic daily functions take priority and if that means storing energy then so be it. You may hate your body the your body loves you and will do anything to keep you alive. Storing fat is one of them. At this time, your metabolism slows to store everything as fat adjusting to the lack of energy intake needed. You may lose a little weight, yes. It's bone density and lean body mass you're giving up. So as you stare at that scale only caring about the number rather than the composition you slowly allow your vital pieces to begin wasting away to a malnutrition. Paying no mind to the loss in libido, poor cognitive ability, general fatigue, loss in strength or emotion.
Then you reach your weight goal. Congrats! What now? Back to eating more? More of what? Even at this point it doesnt matter your body decides its going to store it away in adipose tissue for fear you'll disrespect it again. What should happen if you, lets say, go binging after such a long deficit and gain 10lbs back (which is very likely). Well, maybe you're the same weight from where you started but now higher in BF%. Was is worth it?
Hi, first off, I read your profile and see that you are well educated in fitness and nutrition, so I will not dispute your expertise in that area. I also looked at your past 7 full days of food diaries. You averaged around 1780/day.
You are a 20 year old male, with next to no body fat and a LOT of muscles. No doubt you spend a lot of time in the gym and burn a lot of calories. You only have 4 pounds left to lose to get to your weight class.
Compare yourself to the OP who is- a FEMALE, 45 years old, 60 pounds overweight, and is not a bodybuilder or competitive athlete. At 1200 cals, she is eating around 580 calories less per day than you are eating, and is now averaging around 2 pounds a week weight loss. I can guarantee that you are burning more than 580 calories above what she burns every day. So why is her calorie level so shocking to you and some others? Why aren't people screaming at you to eat more?
When you look at people as individuals, and consider their particular situation, the caloric needs can vary greatly between one person and another. Stating that her body will turn on her because she is eating at too large of a deficit, yet you are eating at an even larger deficit than she is, is very hypocritical, and not accurate. You lose credibility as a fitness professional when you make blanket statements like that.0 -
1200 calories a day makes people want to avoid me. I hate everyone and want to eat a baby. I'd rather keep my friends and family and importantly I'd rather stay married.
My doc tells me to never go under 1500 calories. I stay around 1700 -2100 a day. And I'm happier, healthier, & building some sexy muscles.
I'm not one to deprive myself. I eat and drink and mainly focus on my protein and exercise routines.
but if it works for you - good. just dont eat any babies
but babies are high in protein.
thanks for being amongst the people who know how to respond with "this doesn't work for me, but i'm glad it works for you."
Keep up the good work everyone. Do what works for you.
next time I'm binge eating I might consider it :P
one of the fun things about this particular forum - everyone has an opinion and they're not shy about expressing it.0 -
I started at 196, ate 1200 cals or less and did cardio every day, yea I lost weight super fast and got down to 147, now I'm stuck and have been stuck for over a year. Now I eat 200 cals and weight train my weight is 155 but I'm much leaner and stronger. My point is I wish someone told me from the very beginning to eat more and incorporate weights because I would probably have my dream body by now, over 2 years later. Not eating enough for your body size and height s just a quick fix but in the long run its not worth it.0
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I started at 196, ate 1200 cals or less and did cardio every day, yea I lost weight super fast and got down to 147, now I'm stuck and have been stuck for over a year. Now I eat 200 cals and weight train my weight is 155 but I'm much leaner and stronger. My point is I wish someone told me from the very beginning to eat more and incorporate weights because I would probably have my dream body by now, over 2 years later. Not eating enough for your body size and height s just a quick fix but in the long run its not worth it.
2000***0 -
Good for you.
When you reach a plateau, come back around and we can help you break that.
BTW, I weighed 4 pounds MORE than I do now 2 years ago and people kept asking me if I was sick. This is because I was under eating and not getting the nutrition my body needed. The same woman that asked me 2 years ago if I was okay told me last Saturday that I looked so healthy. The difference? I am eating more and getting nutrients from food, not just watching the calories I eat.
I am living a healthy life today so I can be there for people that need me tomorrow. Being thin is a great side effect.
I turned 44 in August. Feel free to look at my pictures, you will see that by properly fueling my body as well as giving it the nutrition it needs, I look no where near my age.0 -
Here's a brief summary of the thread:
Original post:
"hey, I started eating really healthy and it's been easy to maintain my calorie deficit. I have a decent amount to lose and it's been working for me, but I'm not saying I would recommend this to anyone."
Replies:
"I can't believe you're recommending this to everyone"
"You sound very snotty"
"I'm a completely different height, weight, gender, and activity level than you and what you do wouldn't work for me, therefore, you're completely wrong"
"You'll gain it all back, whereas I will be successful for life."
"That works for me too, thanks".
"8oz of yogurt for breakfast?? OMG!!!!!"
Your title is "1200 calories is not difficult". Not "not difficult for me".
You said it wasn't difficult because you ate healthy food and cut out garbage, implying that people who can't survive on 1200 are eating garbage. I simply said that I could not survive on your meals, that 1200 calories the way you eat WOULD be difficult and gave an example of yogurt. Pretty sure there was no "OMG" in there.
I realize from your other posts what your intention was, however, your title and your oringal post did not reflect that.
wow. i didn't imply anything other than if i you eat a lot of garbage, it's hard to eat at 1200. It's not impossible, but it's not healthy.
but you're right. 1200 is not difficult FOR ME. you are correct and I should have clarified that for those who get offended easily.
I am anything but offended. I was home sick last night and simply participating in an online forum. Just because I post an opposing opinion does not mean I am offended by it.
I think you are missing what I am saying completely.0 -
The 1200 thing is the one thing you can ALWAYS count on to come up at least 5 times a week.0
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Good for you.
When you reach a plateau, come back around and we can help you break that.
BTW, I weighed 4 pounds MORE than I do now 2 years ago and people kept asking me if I was sick. This is because I was under eating and not getting the nutrition my body needed. The same woman that asked me 2 years ago if I was okay told me last Saturday that I looked so healthy. The difference? I am eating more and getting nutrients from food, not just watching the calories I eat.
I am living a healthy life today so I can be there for people that need me tomorrow. Being thin is a great side effect.
I turned 44 in August. Feel free to look at my pictures, you will see that by properly fueling my body as well as giving it the nutrition it needs, I look no where near my age.
well that's great! You look good!
I assume you'll help all the people that plateau on higher calorie deficits as well?
Its too bad that you weren't getting the nutrition you needed. That's a problem for a lot of people, no matter how much they eat if they're not eating healthy. I'm pretty sure that I'm getting in most of the right stuff at 1200 cals, which was the point of this thread btw, not telling anyone that's the amount they should eat. 0 -
if i eat lots and lots of green vegetables, I find myself full and way under my calorie goal.
You still need to get to your calorie goal..if you are full on green veggies, how do you reach your goal ?0 -
Yes but I'm eating 2000+ cals a day and feel great, am losing at a steady pace AND have TONS of energy. I would MUCH rather eat more real and healthy foods than not 0
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OMG ,what are you guys talking about?!!!! 1200
calories are too much if you want to lose weight:(((0 -
Just chiming in to say that I'm so happy that I can lose weight eating 3000 calories. Some of the daily totals you guys are touting is my breakfast.0
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i go slighlty over and i'm still losing weight,some days i'm really under as i'm too busy to eat.. 1,200 is more than enough for me, i feel like i'm eating more than ever x0
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