1200 Calories

NanaWubbie

I stick with 1200 calories 97% of the time, but I am 5'3".

KML617

I just sent you a friend request so you can view my food diary if you like. My calorie goal is a lot higher becuase I recently set my goals to maintain instead of 1lb per week loss. However, I never really have a problem staying around the 1200 calorie mark. If you like to cook, check out skinnytaste.com they have great recipies that all give the calorie count per serving. I try to make dinner a few nights a week and pack up all my leftovers for lunches as well. Some of my favorite snacks that are low in calories are fruits and veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, snow peas, raspberries or bananas. I love peanut butter, but it's super high in calories so I use powdered peanut butter instead (look at whole foods) it's only 45 cals for 2 tbsp. And when I have a really sweet tooth craving I usually go for skinny cow. Good Luck!

But... like others said, maybe adjust your goals a bit and give yourself some more calories per week. You don't want to burn yourself out too early.

jacksonpt

You can get wrapped up in the numbers if you want (I do, but I'm obsessive like that), or you can take a more common sense approach to it all...

Are you losing weight? ---> Yes ---> Is your performance/energy levels affected? ---> No ---> Keep doing what you're doing
Are you losing weight? ---> Yes ---> Is your performance/energy levels affected? ---> Yes ---> Eat a little more
Are you losing weight? ---> No ---> Is your performance/energy levels affected? ---> No ---> Eat a little less
Are you losing weight? ---> No---> Is your performance/energy levels affected? ---> Yes---> Sucks to be you

.

smpalumbo4

I am 5'10" and 164 lbs right now, so very similar to you and I have been losing about 1 pound per week (a little more) on 1750 cals/day, plus exercise calories that I always eat back. I would be starving and grumpy at 1200 calories! In fact, I recently upped my goal to 2000 just to see what happens and if I continue to lose.

Keep me posted on how that works for you. I am going to try 1,400 a day now while I am pretty sedentary and once I start getting outdoors more I will eat them back.

smpalumbo4

I just sent you a friend request so you can view my food diary if you like. My calorie goal is a lot higher becuase I recently set my goals to maintain instead of 1lb per week loss. However, I never really have a problem staying around the 1200 calorie mark. If you like to cook, check out skinnytaste.com they have great recipies that all give the calorie count per serving. I try to make dinner a few nights a week and pack up all my leftovers for lunches as well. Some of my favorite snacks that are low in calories are fruits and veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, snow peas, raspberries or bananas. I love peanut butter, but it's super high in calories so I use powdered peanut butter instead (look at whole foods) it's only 45 cals for 2 tbsp. And when I have a really sweet tooth craving I usually go for skinny cow. Good Luck!

But... like others said, maybe adjust your goals a bit and give yourself some more calories per week. You don't want to burn yourself out too early.

Thanks!

PRMinx

This is so helpful, thank you.

So, then I guess here are my stats:

BMR: 1415
HB: 1698
Exercise: 400*3/7 = 171

Daily calorie goal: (1698 + 171) - 500
= 1,369

I was conservative on calories burned and spread the calorie deficit from working out three days a week across the whole week.

jacksonpt

This is so helpful, thank you.

So, then I guess here are my stats:

BMR: 1415
HB: 1698
Exercise: 400*3/7 = 171

Daily calorie goal: (1698 + 171) - 500
= 1,369

I was conservative on calories burned and spread the calorie deficit from working out three days a week across the whole week.

I think 1lb per week is a little aggressive for you, but if you can maintain it then you're probably ok.

cmkme

I started MFP in January and I was automatically set at 1200 calories. After 4 weeks I reset it to 1400. I've noticed that as I have regained muscle, I needed the extra fuel.

PRMinx

This is so helpful, thank you.

So, then I guess here are my stats:

BMR: 1415
HB: 1698
Exercise: 400*3/7 = 171

Daily calorie goal: (1698 + 171) - 500
= 1,369

I was conservative on calories burned and spread the calorie deficit from working out three days a week across the whole week.

I think 1lb per week is a little aggressive for you, but if you can maintain it then you're probably ok.

You are probably, most definitely, right. This is probably why I plateaued.

WinnerVictorious

there's more detailed info here for anyone who wants it:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

6paq

Most days I start off with an egg white omelette with spinach. Sometimes I'll include whole wheat bread.
I usually snack on greek yogurt, hummus with carrots, or the occasional handful of mixed nuts.
I will also eat lean meats such as chicken (no skin) or fish with veggies (kale, broccoli, more spinach)

I use MFP daily and plan out the next day ahead of time. Definitely helps keep me on track.

Oh, I also drink soy milk or fat free milk. TONS of water before and after each feeding

I try and tip the scales with protein, high fiber foods and healthy fats...I really cut down on carbs and sugars.


Hope this helps and good luck on your quest!

jacksonpt

This is so helpful, thank you.

So, then I guess here are my stats:

BMR: 1415
HB: 1698
Exercise: 400*3/7 = 171

Daily calorie goal: (1698 + 171) - 500
= 1,369

I was conservative on calories burned and spread the calorie deficit from working out three days a week across the whole week.

I think 1lb per week is a little aggressive for you, but if you can maintain it then you're probably ok.

You are probably, most definitely, right. This is probably why I plateaued.

FWIW, I don't think too few cals is what leads to plateaus, not enough intensity in your workouts does. Though, I get the feeling I'm in the minority on this.

ThisGirl2013

Yeah - 35/142# and wanting to get to 135# = I am at 1220 calories. I work a desk job and haven't been working out like I should and want to yadayada *lol* Hey! Just being honest! Anyway - I found that if I eat more during the morning/day and fast (meals or for a day) once in awhile, I gain more control and get a better perception of how I am eating. I want to eat to live, not live to eat. However, being honest with you and myself *lol* My diary shows I tend to be naughty. I want to interval and fake out my body - some days eat more, some days eat less. The more sugar/bad carbs I eat - the moodier I get and the more I want to eat.
So I can tell you that proteins at meal times, not eating at night, avoiding sugars/bad carbs works amazing for me but I don't always stick to it

Jennystimetolose

I was on 1200 a day and lost 23 pound in 7 weeks then I upped it to 1300 to 1400 because I didn't lose any weight 1 week, and because I upped them I lost 2 pound this week so that's 25 pound in 9 weeks, and no I don't restrict my foods I still eat what I want, I just have less portion sizes

spinnybecky

I am 5'10" and 164 lbs right now, so very similar to you and I have been losing about 1 pound per week (a little more) on 1750 cals/day, plus exercise calories that I always eat back. I would be starving and grumpy at 1200 calories! In fact, I recently upped my goal to 2000 just to see what happens and if I continue to lose.

Keep me posted on how that works for you. I am going to try 1,400 a day now while I am pretty sedentary and once I start getting outdoors more I will eat them back.

Yeah, I'm pretty active. I'm a stay at home mom of three kids and on my feet much of the day, plus I teach pole fitness a few times per week. I include all of that as my general lifestyle. The only exercise that I track and eat back is any additional cardio, like going out for a walk or run.

smpalumbo4

Thanks everyone this has been very helpful and insightful!

PRMinx

FWIW, I don't think too few cals is what leads to plateaus, not enough intensity in your workouts does. Though, I get the feeling I'm in the minority on this.

No, you are right on. My plateauing has more to do with me not exercising enough and cheating on days because....wine, friends and a social life. Now that I'm exercising, it's easier for me to stay within the parameters for two reasons: I'm burning more calories and I won't drink the night before a workout at all (CF at 6:15am).

WinnerVictorious

This is so helpful, thank you.

So, then I guess here are my stats:

BMR: 1415
HB: 1698
Exercise: 400*3/7 = 171

Daily calorie goal: (1698 + 171) - 500
= 1,369

I was conservative on calories burned and spread the calorie deficit from working out three days a week across the whole week.

I think 1lb per week is a little aggressive for you, but if you can maintain it then you're probably ok.

You are probably, most definitely, right. This is probably why I plateaued.

FWIW, I don't think too few cals is what leads to plateaus, not enough intensity in your workouts does. Though, I get the feeling I'm in the minority on this.

plateaus can have lots of causes i suppose, but i think for people bordering on eating too few calories, it's the hormonal imbalance that is probably the most likely culprit. higher than normal cortisol levels may well be all that's required to slow the rate of fat loss and doing more exercise can then exacerbate the problem. at least that's what some people think may be happening and it sounds plausible to me, though i can't point to any studies proving it to be the case.

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/why-big-caloric-deficits-and-lots-of-activity-can-hurt-fat-loss.html

jacksonpt

This is so helpful, thank you.

So, then I guess here are my stats:

BMR: 1415
HB: 1698
Exercise: 400*3/7 = 171

Daily calorie goal: (1698 + 171) - 500
= 1,369

I was conservative on calories burned and spread the calorie deficit from working out three days a week across the whole week.

I think 1lb per week is a little aggressive for you, but if you can maintain it then you're probably ok.

You are probably, most definitely, right. This is probably why I plateaued.

FWIW, I don't think too few cals is what leads to plateaus, not enough intensity in your workouts does. Though, I get the feeling I'm in the minority on this.

plateaus can have lots of causes i suppose, but i think for people bordering on eating too few calories, it's the hormonal imbalance that is probably the most likely culprit. higher than normal cortisol levels may well be all that's required to slow the rate of fat loss and doing more exercise can then exacerbate the problem. at least that's what some people think may be happening and it sounds plausible to me, though i can't point to any studies proving it to be the case.

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/why-big-caloric-deficits-and-lots-of-activity-can-hurt-fat-loss.html

I agree, but I don't think hormonal changes happen as quickly as people think when they are all to ready to blame hormones for their lack of progress.

"I've been eating 1200 cals for 3 weeks with no progress, what's wrong?"
"You're metabolism is shot and your hormones are all out of whack. You need to eat more"

Um, no.

WinnerVictorious

This is so helpful, thank you.

So, then I guess here are my stats:

BMR: 1415
HB: 1698
Exercise: 400*3/7 = 171

Daily calorie goal: (1698 + 171) - 500
= 1,369

I was conservative on calories burned and spread the calorie deficit from working out three days a week across the whole week.

I think 1lb per week is a little aggressive for you, but if you can maintain it then you're probably ok.

You are probably, most definitely, right. This is probably why I plateaued.

FWIW, I don't think too few cals is what leads to plateaus, not enough intensity in your workouts does. Though, I get the feeling I'm in the minority on this.

plateaus can have lots of causes i suppose, but i think for people bordering on eating too few calories, it's the hormonal imbalance that is probably the most likely culprit. higher than normal cortisol levels may well be all that's required to slow the rate of fat loss and doing more exercise can then exacerbate the problem. at least that's what some people think may be happening and it sounds plausible to me, though i can't point to any studies proving it to be the case.

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/why-big-caloric-deficits-and-lots-of-activity-can-hurt-fat-loss.html

I agree, but I don't think hormonal changes happen as quickly as people think when they are all to ready to blame hormones for their lack of progress.

"I've been eating 1200 cals for 3 weeks with no progress, what's wrong?"
"You're metabolism is shot and your hormones are all out of whack. You need to eat more"

Um, no.

i don't know. my gut instinct is that up to 2-3 weeks, you're probably ok. beyond that, i think it could happen. it's basically a bodily stress reaction. if you've got a stressful life and are the type of person who tends to worry a lot and you try going VLCD with a lot of cardio for 2-3 weeks, i could easily believe that you'd start running into problems. i have seen people on here doing something similar complaining that they reached a plateau after 4 weeks and were stuck on it for a long time. so who knows for sure?

jackiep2439

I feel your pain, three weeks in and only lost 1 lb at 1200 cal a day.

carmieg3

Is anyone else on here limited to 1,200 calories a day? I am 5'9" 159 lbs and trying to get down to 135 lbs. I am having a difficult time keeping it at 1,200! I used to be one of those people who could literally eat whatever I wanted and not gain a pound.

What are some of your favorite foods that keep you at your goal? What do you avoid at all costs? Once the snow melts I plan to start hiking again so I imagine I will be able to eat more calories, but for now this sucks!

I am around the same height as you, I started in December at 207lbs, and MFP had my goal at 1200 calories per day (because I had set my goals to loose 2lbs/ week). Eating 1200 calories is very, very hard, but not impossible. I kept my meals to around 300 calories each, which left me with 300 calories for snacks through out the day.

Breakfast: every day same one packet plain instant oatmeal, coffee (with sugar and skim milk) a couple of berries
Lunch: Soup OR Salad
Dinner: Fish or chicken and veggies.
Snacks: fruit, low cal crackers, yogurt, raw veggies with low cal. dressing

I avoided ALL breads, including whole wheat, flat bread etc, No white rice, or white anything for that matter.. no pasta at all either.

Now that I am past the half-way point, I have upped my calories to 1470 (changed my goal to loose 1lb/week) and it's awesome, I feel like I can eat soo much more, and I wish I had done it earlier. I have been on 1470 calories for one week and lost 1/2 a pound.. but I know that there is an adjustment period.

Matt_Wild

I'm at 1200 calories a day and set my goal to a pound and a half a week. It hasn't been working too well (although I did drop 7 pounds gained while traveling very fast). Admittedly, I'm not a stickler to it every day, I prefer to look at the whole week and see where I fall at the end. I also just started getting back into exercising regularly (CrossFit) and I'm starving so I eat back most of my exercise calories.

On days I don't work out, 1200 isn't too hard for me food wise. Wine kills me. But, I stay pretty full by eating cut veggies throughout the day, drinking water, having a snack around 4 and dinner around 6.

I'm always open to tips from others.

i'm pretty sure 1200 is too low for you.

did you calculate your BMR? do you know your Harris-Benedict activity level? how much exercise are you doing?

Thanks for jumping in here! My BMR is 1415.45, but I don't know what Harris Benedict is. Is there a calculator online? For the past two weeks I've been going to CrossFit three times a week. I plan on keeping to that schedule (went today, hoorah!).

Calculator:

http://www.nafwa.org/harrisbenedict.php


My view is well known on here. 1200 is far too low for most people. That's all I'm saying as I don't want to lose another evening disagreeing with people who will still be trying to lose fat in a year's time when those who I've helped hit target months and months before...

Beastx10

Here we go again.........

yes and again and again. new people!

EvaMRein

I'm at 1200 calories a day. I avoid beef, pork and dairy products (milk & cheese) at all costs.
I eat lots of fruits and vegetables. So far, I've lost 40 lbs and I still have 40lbs more to go.
Good luck!:flowerforyou:

Curious what your protein goal is and how hard or easy it is for you to hit.

Protien goal is 45. And it's not difficult to hit. I also eat fish, eggs and chicken to achieve. Also, quinoa is a good source of protien.

ThickMcRunFast

Just to throw in, I am also 5'9, and around 140-145 right now (stopped weighing to focus on body fat %), and medium framed. I think 135 is fine if you're small framed. I eat 1800 calories a day to lose, 2200 to maintain on a normal workout schedule, and 2700 to maintain during marathon training, so I agree with upping your calories. 1200 is just way to difficult for us tall girls to maintain.

I would note that upping your calories isn't a free pass to fill in 500 calories of wine a day (though I have been known to do that). Make sure to get lots of protein (MFP sets protein really low for some reason)

tlvasa

I am 5'9" and my goal is 155. That puts me in a size 10 jean. I am 52 years old and a mother of 2. While I was in the 125-135 range in my early 20's, I will never be there again. MFP put me on a 1200 calorie diet which as someone else mentioned, is pretty equitable to what Weight Watchers points would be. I started Jan. 2 of this year and have lost almost 18 pounds. I have about 12 to go. While 1200 doesn't seem like a lot, exercise is the key for me. It motivates me to earn more calories and I like the changes my body is making as a result of exercise.

Matt_Wild

I am 5'9" and my goal is 155. That puts me in a size 10 jean. I am 52 years old and a mother of 2. While I was in the 125-135 range in my early 20's, I will never be there again. MFP put me on a 1200 calorie diet which as someone else mentioned, is pretty equitable to what Weight Watchers points would be. I started Jan. 2 of this year and have lost almost 18 pounds. I have about 12 to go. While 1200 doesn't seem like a lot, exercise is the key for me. It motivates me to earn more calories and I like the changes my body is making as a result of exercise.

Therefore you aren't eating 1200 calories