Less than 1200

KenosFeoh

My informed opinion (and I've been reading many articles in recent weeks) is that you won't go into starvation mode unless your net calories are in the range of 500 or less per day for months. Your metabolic rate at so few of calories will be slowed by around 40%. At calories around 1000-1200, your metabolic rate slows by 14-22%. This isn't enough to hurt you long term, but you can probably see how a more modest calorie deficit that doesn't cause as much metabolic rate slow down would enable you to lose weight while enjoying a truly satisfying amount of food.

It's up to you. Choose wisely.

qwertymh

x

CoderGal

I am not eating too little, I am eating what my body feels like eating.

That is not an indicator of eating to little. This is why there are so many studies noting the satiety of those eating very little who are malnourished on strict diets, have eating disorders, or other reasons.

I am healthy, I am not aiming for any big weight loss goal and not loosing any muscle mass.

Since you claimed these things could you back them up with evidence? Just curious how you know.

Yes your body does need a certain amount, but everyone's bodies are different.

I agree.

There are some reasons someone would choose the 1200 number. In watching the forms and my experience, that number is usually chosen from ignorance and not based on anything else.

Just because you couldn't yourself or other cannot have under 1200 calories, doesn't mean everyone else can't.

I didn't say I couldn't, I did for a long time, so did my sister, so did a few irl friends, so did hundreds of people who have messaged me for help. None of them are the ones that should have been eating in that range. But yes, there are reasons some people have to.

It doesn't work for you, so don't eat under, but don't tell someone else they can't.

It worked perfectly for me until it severely didn't, same as the people below[1]. Also, could you show me where I said people can't do this? I don't think I did, particularly since I don't agree with it. And I do not look kindly at those who claim lies about things I have not stated. Particularly when I don't agree with the made up statements.

[1]:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/419136-what-am-i-doing-wrong
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/419393-need-serious-help-please
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/420759-gaining-weight-on-a-low-carb-diet-please-help
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/421412-so-fed-up-there-has-to-be-an-easier-way
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/446248-why-am-i-gaining-weight
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/447513-disillusioned
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/448803-not-loosing-weight-or-inches
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/454374-gaining-with-scrict-diet-and-workouts
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/455392-no-results-at-all-despair
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/457566-why-cant-i-loose-weight-or-inches
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/457037-feeling-disheartened
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/467001-why-1200-c-a-day-and-still-no-weight-loss
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/480698-assistance-please-this-is-getting-ridiculous
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/480186-tiredness
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/487729-the-scale-wont-move
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/493331-i-need-some-straight-up-advice-on-this-dieting
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/503342-mfp-lied-help
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/509836-i-can-t-seem-to-lose-any-weight
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/517635-what-is-wrong-with-me
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/526497-1000cal-day-diet-daily-work-out-not-losing
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/552142-giving-up
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/557832-why-am-i-not-loosing-weight-help-im-doing-everything-i
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/585081-help-working-out-and-eating-1200-calories-no-change
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/589043-sick-of-trying-with-no-results
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/665625-could-someone-look-at-my-logs
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/668039-why-haven-t-i-lost-weight-in-2-weeks
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/680195-helppppp
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/705854-hair-loss
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/713154-900-calories-a-day
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/713967-not-seeing-any-progress
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/721909-1200-every-day-and-no-change-demotivated-completely
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/739340-1200cal-daily-for-3-weeks-and-havent-lost-a-single-pound
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/854231-calorie-problem
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/854236-stuck-fat
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/867360-i-m-scared
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/873449-need-advice
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/890176-not-losing-with-1200-calorie-plan
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/892991-4-weeks-dieting-and-haven-t-lost-1-pound
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/901715-anybody-busting-their-butts-and-seeing-no-results
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/905033-why-am-i-not-losing
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/905493-daily-600-net-calories-no-weight-lost-what-s-wrong

It is people's own choice what they eat and how they feel about it.

Absolutely agreed. There are many on this forum however, who are not informed over why they choose this number. I choose to inform people, I don't think that's a bad thing.

Life is for living, not for obsessing over every calorie you do or don't eat. As long as your happy and healthy, who cares!

Exactly why I let people know they can in fact lose on more. It is really up to them. More importantly I think it's good to know what the benefits and disadvantages are to choosing what you're doing.

AbsoluteNG

Cat Fight! Looks like the fear monger is winning and posting hundreds of links to people who would have failed no matter what diet they were on. If I spent all day on these forums gathering up links of people who failed by eating more, I''d be able to build such a list too. However, the only link i prefer to save is the one of a Licensed by the State of Texas Dietitian who has confirmed that a 600cal net is fine. Link below as he said it on the first page. You are welcome to ask him the same question.


http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/933325-registered-dietitian-in-tx-here-to-answer-questions

bajoyba

I just don't think it's good advice to promote a low calorie diet over the internet to a total stranger. If someone is really determined to net 600 calories a day, they should go to their regular physician (who knows their medical history and can assess their body's needs) or other nutritional professional IN PERSON and find out what is healthy and sustainable at an individual level.

It's not dangerous advice to recommend that someone eat what is generally considered to be a normal amount of calories at a moderate deficit for weight loss.

It IS dangerous advice to recommend that someone net the amount of calories generally considered to be an eating disorder. If you're going to eat that little, you should be under the direction and supervision of your doctor.

CoderGal

I just don't think it's good advice to promote a low calorie diet over the internet to a total stranger. If someone is really determined to net 600 calories a day, they should go to their regular physician (who knows their medical history and can assess their body's needs) or other nutritional professional IN PERSON and find out what is healthy and sustainable at an individual level.

It's not dangerous advice to recommend that someone eat what is generally considered to be a normal amount of calories at a moderate deficit for weight loss.

It IS dangerous advice to recommend that someone net the amount of calories generally considered to be an eating disorder. If you're going to eat that little, you should be under the direction and supervision of your doctor.

Hearts, I send them out to you

eboyas

I used to eat less than 1200 calories per day, and after a while, I just could not lose weight. Then, I got pregnant with my second child, and no matter how I restricted my eating, my body gained 95 pounds. A dietitian told me I had hurt my body by eating so little, and that I was in starvation mode. When I got pregnant, my body was clinging to everything to feed my child. In summary, it will hurt your metabolism in the long run (not right away).







http://www.smallestloser.blogspot.com

ladyraven68

Since starting my diet I have been eating less than 1200cal/day. Will my body switch to starvation mode and hang onto the weight or should I just keep at it? I do an hours walk/run every day and work in a nursery school so am always busy and on the move. Any advice would be appreciated

Yes, you can lose weight at 1200 calories a day, but with your activity you could also lose at 1600 a day, so why dive in as low as that?

Make sure you have sufficient nutrients and espacially protein - that is quite difficult to do on less than 1200 calories, that is why 1200 is the minimum recommended by the ACSM.

missymakayla

I too am supposed to eat 1200 a day, but I find it hard to do that now. My body has gotten used to me not eating all the junk I used to eat. I think it all depends on the person, you do what's best for you....

jofjltncb6

I too am supposed to eat 1200 a day, but I find it hard to do that now. My body has gotten used to me not eating all the junk I used to eat. I think it all depends on the person, you do what's best for you....

The problem is, many people won't realize what that is until after they've suffered the consequences of having done something far less than optimal for far too long. Discussions like this thread can sometimes help some people make a better decision than they might have made otherwise.

chels0722

I feel dumber after reading most of the things on this thread.

donyellemoniquex3

A present for you.

http://myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/974888-in-place-of-a-road-map-2k13

RGv2

Cat Fight! Looks like the fear monger is winning and posting hundreds of links to people who would have failed no matter what diet they were on. If I spent all day on these forums gathering up links of people who failed by eating more, I''d be able to build such a list too. However, the only link i prefer to save is the one of a Licensed by the State of Texas Dietitian who has confirmed that a 600cal net is fine. Link below as he said it on the first page. You are welcome to ask him the same question.


http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/933325-registered-dietitian-in-tx-here-to-answer-questions

Um....no.

Net 600, I don't think so.

diannethegeek

A present for you.

http://myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/974888-in-place-of-a-road-map-2k13

Out of curiosity, why have you been reviving so many long dead threads today?

donyellemoniquex3

A present for you.

http://myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/974888-in-place-of-a-road-map-2k13

Out of curiosity, why have you been reviving so many long dead threads today?

I have this thing about "I'll hold out my hand and if you wish to take it, then do so." Where if you don't want to take my hand at least you have the info if you ever wish to take it in the future. Also, it might help others in their shoes.

UFCPride23

Wow! I wish I could say I was under the 1200 calorie mark everyday. I'm over everyday by a couple hundred calories. I try to be under, but my breakfast cereal in the morning and my protein shake eats into half my calories. I do eat 5-6 small meals a day to keep my metabolism up though and I don't really eat junk. I'm not sure why you're not hitting you're calorie mark, but if it's a concern for you, have you thought about meal replacement drinks like ensure or any kind of protein drinks? Not hitting your calorie mark isn't go to kill you, but it may slow your metabolism down.

TeaBea

Wow! I wish I could say I was under the 1200 calorie mark everyday. I'm over everyday by a couple hundred calories. I try to be under, but my breakfast cereal in the morning and my protein shake eats into half my calories. I do eat 5-6 small meals a day to keep my metabolism up though and I don't really eat junk. I'm not sure why you're not hitting you're calorie mark, but if it's a concern for you, have you thought about meal replacement drinks like ensure or any kind of protein drinks? Not hitting your calorie mark isn't go to kill you, but it may slow your metabolism down.

1. Wow! I wish I could say I was under the 1200 calorie mark everyday .............why? because you want to lose muscle mass.

2. I do eat 5-6 small meals a day to keep my metabolism up .......... um, no. This is false. Meal timing does not keep your metabolism "Up"

3. Have you thought about meal replacement drinks like ensure or any kind of protein drinks? ..... I have an idea ...(it's kind of radical though) .... why not just eat food?

Add some calorie dense foods (back in). Sometimes when people start eating healthy they go for low fat this, fat free that ....... fat does not make you fat. Way back when, all fat was created equal ..... and fat was "bad" ...... no we know better. Trans fats are bad; but nuts, nut butters, olive oil, avocado .... all these natural fats are very healthy.

RGv2

Wow! I wish I could say I was under the 1200 calorie mark everyday. I'm over everyday by a couple hundred calories. I try to be under, but my breakfast cereal in the morning and my protein shake eats into half my calories. I do eat 5-6 small meals a day to keep my metabolism up though and I don't really eat junk. I'm not sure why you're not hitting you're calorie mark, but if it's a concern for you, have you thought about meal replacement drinks like ensure or any kind of protein drinks? Not hitting your calorie mark isn't go to kill you, but it may slow your metabolism down.

1. Wow! I wish I could say I was under the 1200 calorie mark everyday .............why? because you want to lose muscle mass.

2. I do eat 5-6 small meals a day to keep my metabolism up .......... um, no. This is false. Meal timing does not keep your metabolism "Up"

3. Have you thought about meal replacement drinks like ensure or any kind of protein drinks? ..... I have an idea ...(it's kind of radical though) .... why not just eat food?

Add some calorie dense foods (back in). Sometimes when people start eating healthy they go for low fat this, fat free that ....... fat does not make you fat. Way back when, all fat was created equal ..... and fat was "bad" ...... no we know better. Trans fats are bad; but nuts, nut butters, olive oil, avocado .... all these natural fats are very healthy.

^^Yep...that's all I've got.