Eating under 1200 calories

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Replies

  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
    What eating under 1200 calories can do:

    1) slow your metabolism over time...as your metabolism slows, so will weight loss, and eventually you'll stall out
    2) not enough fuel to workout (though you're not working out)
    3) If you ever go back to eating like normal, you will most likely gain weight back.

    It isn't recommended unless your under close supervision by a doctor. It can cause health problems the longer you go about it.

    You might want to read this thread:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/919536-get-your-metabolic-rate-tested-my-metabolic-reset-story?hl=get+your+metabolic+rate+tested

    Thank you I will read that! It's not that I am intentionally eating under. I'm just not always hungry. There were a couple days, after I started tracking calories on here, that I forced my self to eat a little more just to meet at least 1200 and it made me feel miserable. I do try to snack but even then I still sometimes don't hit 1200

    I think if you aren't hungry and it works for you then go for it. If you are eating nutrient dense low calorie food you might go under 1200 calories and still be full. Don't try to fix what isn't broken.

    Don't listen to this. This is ridiculous.

    You need to figure out your numbers and eat what suits you. Nutrient dense low calorie food is still not going to get you the calories you NEED.
  • HealthyBodySickMind
    HealthyBodySickMind Posts: 1,207 Member
    I wasn't watching my calorie intake at all. However I got curious as to what I was actually consuming, so I joined MFP. I learned that most of the time I am not even hitting 1200 calories


    Just as a side note, since you just joined, you may not yet have logging down. I started logging because I was "curious as to what I was actually consuming" also, but how I log now is not the same as how I logged when I just started and was learning. You might be logging accurately right off the bat, but I know I wasn't. I logged way fewer calories than I was actually consuming when I first started. Measure everything.
  • JeraLee31885
    JeraLee31885 Posts: 21
    Body by Vi shakes are not nutritional. Please read this review from a Fitness & Nutrtion Coach. Please read the whole thing becasue most of the nutrition stuff is towards the middle.
    http://www.davidmodderman.com/blog/index.php/weight-loss/body-by-vi-is-it-all-hype/

    Have read it, more than once as a matter of fact. Read a lot of other things and did quite a bit research before trying the product. And to each their own and I am fine with that. I am not here to shove what is/has worked for me to balance out and change my lifestyle habits, but compared to my lifestyle before body by vi the shakes are a nutritional benefit. I am not here to argue about the quality of the program I have decided to do, it is working for me and to me that is what matters. There are quite a few nutritional advantages that using the products added to my not very healthy lifestyle before hand. I did my own research and I have seen all of the controversies from both sides of the pot and there will always be controversies no matter what the subject is, but ultimately you are the only that can make the decision on whether or not something could be beneficial to you.

    So...I'm guessing that this is the "Yes, I plan on drinking two shakes a day for the rest of my life" answer to the question that was asked earlier as well? Because if you're not planning on drinking them for the rest of your life, you have learned a thing about how to eat, or nutrition.

    My personal overall question is why did you make this post? It wasn't to get opinions or advice, you make that very evident in the way you responded here and in the overall tone of the original post. Wouldn't have been better as a blog post, so you can just state your opinion and be done with it? Who know, maybe use this space for something more productive like, "I'm a Body by Vi user, they are awesome, look at me, if you want some yourself, PM me." Because, if this post is more than that...I just don't see it.

    I do want tips and advice, I have done my research and only stated my opinions after. How much clearer than "I am not here to argue about the quality of the program" can I get? Forget I mentioned the shakes if that helps. But thanks anyways for your input
  • LaurenAOK
    LaurenAOK Posts: 2,475 Member
    I intend on incorporating a shake a day after I meet my goals. I do eat real food too, I use vegetables and fruits in my shakes. I eat as healthy as I can at dinner and snacks in between. I didn't use the shakes for 6 months between the challenges and I still lost 22 lbs in those 6 months eating 3 reg meals and snacking. I am still learning to make healthier choices everyday.

    That's great! It sounds like you know how to be healthy and that's a really good thing. But what I was saying was, eat real food INSTEAD of the shakes. At least once a day. The shakes are what, 200 calories? (That's an estimate, I admit I'm not very familiar). If you replaced that with a hearty (500 calorie or so) meal of real food, you'd have no problem hitting 1200. And it would definitely be healthier, assuming you're eating the right kinds of foods.

    I'm not here to bash Body by Vi (though I'm not a big fan), but I do think it's silly to say you "can't" reach 1200 when you're drinking low-calorie shakes for two meals a day.
  • JeraLee31885
    JeraLee31885 Posts: 21
    Thank you to everyone for the advice and tips. I want to check into a gym membership as well and know that burning calories means eating more calories. And was thinking about adding low calorie foods with the shakes anyways and stop using them as replacements, just was hoping to get more opinions to add into my own thoughts, so I really do appreciate those who have made useful posts! :smile:
  • bevmcarthur
    bevmcarthur Posts: 341 Member
    Can you open your diary up so i can see what other foods you are eating ? That way i may be able to recommend some ideas to you to get more CLEAN good foods in your diet to bring your calories up in a healthy good way . I do not use meal replacement shakes in my diet as it is not for me as i do not eat foods that are not organic when ever possible or processed food .I do drink a Protein shake daily after cardio or before bed just so i can be sure i get all my calories in my diet and protein.Do you had good fats to your diet ? that will help to get your calories up in a good easy way? if i can help you in anyway add me as a friend

    Thank you to everyone for the advice and tips. I want to check into a gym membership as well and know that burning calories means eating more calories. And was thinking about adding low calorie foods with the shakes anyways and stop using them as replacements, just was hoping to get more opinions to add into my own thoughts, so I really do appreciate those who have made useful posts! :smile:
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  • JeraLee31885
    JeraLee31885 Posts: 21
    Of course, and to be completely honest, the past few days I have neglected to log all day long but there are quite a few full days with the guilty pleasures that I caved to. That is not normal just been a recent thing, not sure why though and its quite frustrating as I usually don't have any sort of sweet tooth.
  • bevmcarthur
    bevmcarthur Posts: 341 Member
    Only1
    you may be craving the sugary snack because you are not eating enough FRESH Veggies and clean food . I find that when i dont eat enough i crave stuff like that If you are in need of some good snacks and meal look back on my food chart and get some ideas you will have to go back to the end of march and farther back to see them as i was away in Jamaica for a few weeks and didnt have internet to chart my foods.
    Try adding Coconut oil to your diet i also fond that helps me when i crave sweets i will add it to my smoothie oatmeal or even just eat in on a spoon
  • JeraLee31885
    JeraLee31885 Posts: 21
    I usually cook my veggies, most of them though. Some I don't mind eating raw and others I generally just kinda steam cook in the microwave. Most of my days its hard to be exact on the calories because I try to make a lot of things homemade to avoid a lot of processed foods. Still a learning process but I am devoted. But today my calorie diary shows 1204 calories so far! But over on fat, protein, & sugar. Someone mentioned earlier my counts may not be exact and that I could be consuming more calories than I think, I believe that is a good possibility! I do measure a lot of stuff and other times I just estimate. But I really appreciate your input, it has been helpful!
  • SJackson50
    SJackson50 Posts: 282 Member
    Jillian Michaels eats somewhere around 1800-2000 a day.

    And she is hot.

    Just saying.

    (she actually doesn't advocate calorie counting, but she does advocate eating super healthy and super clean, which ultimately results in calorie reduction)
    ^^This for sure!
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    Based on your diary, here are my thoughts:

    Start logging completely and accurately. Use a food scale, not measuring cups. Measuring cups just aren't as accurate.

    Try to get more vegetables in. You do seem to eat a lot of fruit, but I didn't see many veggies at all.

    Consider increasing your calorie goal. You don't have much to lose and you're running too steep a deficit at the moment *if* you're correct about how much you're eating.
  • JeraLee31885
    JeraLee31885 Posts: 21
    Based on your diary, here are my thoughts:

    Start logging completely and accurately. Use a food scale, not measuring cups. Measuring cups just aren't as accurate.

    Try to get more vegetables in. You do seem to eat a lot of fruit, but I didn't see many veggies at all.

    Consider increasing your calorie goal. You don't have much to lose and you're running too steep a deficit at the moment *if* you're correct about how much you're eating.

    Thank you! Your post reminded me that I forgot to log the green beans and applesauce with dinner! My only problem with most of my dinners is that I try to make everything as close to homemade as possible and have no idea honestly how many servings there are in those kinda of meals. I probably ate less than 2 servings, based on 12 servings but I am not totally sure and I didn't think to cut it into 12 pieces before dishing it out. I do need to start paying more attention to that kinds of things though.

    I generally cook with veggies. The cornbread casserole had onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and corn all in it. I try to add 2 or more veggies in my meals as well as something on the side. I need to eat more fresh produce though, for sure.

    As far as increasing my calorie goal, I shouldn't use MFP's suggestion as a guide? That is their recommendation based on a sedentary lifestyle and losing 1# per week.
  • bevmcarthur
    bevmcarthur Posts: 341 Member
    check this site out it will tell you what you should be eating by adding your numbers to it
    http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    Based on your diary, here are my thoughts:

    Start logging completely and accurately. Use a food scale, not measuring cups. Measuring cups just aren't as accurate.

    Try to get more vegetables in. You do seem to eat a lot of fruit, but I didn't see many veggies at all.

    Consider increasing your calorie goal. You don't have much to lose and you're running too steep a deficit at the moment *if* you're correct about how much you're eating.

    Thank you! Your post reminded me that I forgot to log the green beans and applesauce with dinner! My only problem with most of my dinners is that I try to make everything as close to homemade as possible and have no idea honestly how many servings there are in those kinda of meals. I probably ate less than 2 servings, based on 12 servings but I am not totally sure and I didn't think to cut it into 12 pieces before dishing it out. I do need to start paying more attention to that kinds of things though.

    I generally cook with veggies. The cornbread casserole had onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and corn all in it. I try to add 2 or more veggies in my meals as well as something on the side. I need to eat more fresh produce though, for sure.

    As far as increasing my calorie goal, I shouldn't use MFP's suggestion as a guide? That is their recommendation based on a sedentary lifestyle and losing 1# per week.

    I cook meals at home too. I use the recipe builder and then I weigh out how many grams of food there are and divide that by how many servings I want to get the number of grams per serving. So say I got 500 grams (just to have a nice round number) but I know I want 4 servings. Each serving would be 125 grams.

    Are you actually sedentary? I'm a housewife and I'm not sedentary. I calculated my true TDEE and it came out to a little higher than lightly active. That's with no kids, just light cleaning and chores. Also you're meant to eat back your exercise calories with the MFP method.
  • herblackwings39
    herblackwings39 Posts: 3,930 Member
    You'd have a better chance of meeting 1,200 calories if you switched to full fat dairy and (unless you have a medical condition restricting it) full fat/sugar pudding, even full fat peanut butter.
  • mockchoc
    mockchoc Posts: 6,573 Member
    What eating under 1200 calories can do:

    1) slow your metabolism over time...as your metabolism slows, so will weight loss, and eventually you'll stall out
    2) not enough fuel to workout (though you're not working out)
    3) If you ever go back to eating like normal, you will most likely gain weight back.

    It isn't recommended unless your under close supervision by a doctor. It can cause health problems the longer you go about it.

    You might want to read this thread:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/919536-get-your-metabolic-rate-tested-my-metabolic-reset-story?hl=get+your+metabolic+rate+tested

    Thank you I will read that! It's not that I am intentionally eating under. I'm just not always hungry. There were a couple days, after I started tracking calories on here, that I forced my self to eat a little more just to meet at least 1200 and it made me feel miserable. I do try to snack but even then I still sometimes don't hit 1200

    I think if you aren't hungry and it works for you then go for it. If you are eating nutrient dense low calorie food you might go under 1200 calories and still be full. Don't try to fix what isn't broken.

    You have been on MFP since December 2011 and according to your ticker you have lost 0lbs. I'm not sure you should be handing out advice since what you are doing doesn't work.
  • HartJames
    HartJames Posts: 789 Member
    Whelp.....do you want to be skinny or do you want to be healthy? If you have lost that much weight without exercise and so low cal, I imagine your body composition and muscle tone are not ideal.
  • Broejen
    Broejen Posts: 414 Member
    It's possible that you don't feel like even eating 1200 calories because your body is used to eating so little. Figure out your numbers and eat up girl!
  • ChaseAlder
    ChaseAlder Posts: 804 Member
    I'm a very big fan of eating whole, cleans foods... lots of fruits and veggies, lean protein, meat, etc. Fuel your body with the right stuff and that calories will add up. Your body needs fuel to work and I know I personally would be starving if I was only eating 1200 calories a day.

    If you're wanting to eat more than 1200 calories, I'd try some more calorie-dense foods... almonds, avocados, eggs, olives.

    Train hard, eat well. Move your body, push some weight, eat good clean food that makes you feel good.
  • JeraLee31885
    JeraLee31885 Posts: 21
    So when you burn calories exercising, you don't necessarily need to add back calories? As far as the full fat - full sugar thing .... I was under the impression that too much sugars (added more so than natural) can back fire on you and be counterproductive to your weight loss goals. Also when I started my lifestyle change I went from drinking pepsi 24/7 and only eating once a day unless I snacked and my choices then was basically potato chips or snack cakes or the likes, and occasionally a cnady bar. But again I only ate 1 time a day and that was to sit and eat with my family. And the majority of what I cooked then was a lot of processed foods. Thank you all again for all the advice!
  • ShandaLeaS
    ShandaLeaS Posts: 136 Member
    Use the recipe builder...I cook from scratch and that's how I do it. Example tonite I made lasagna, I measured/weighed everything, put the lasagna together, looked at the pan to see how many servings it would be and then told it how many servings. I have even made somethings and went back and changed how many servings a recipe was due to it being too high/low in calories for a main dish. I bet if you accurately tracked and added in some more veggies you'd be good to go.
  • JeraLee31885
    JeraLee31885 Posts: 21
    So when you burn calories exercising, you don't necessarily need to add back calories? As far as the full fat - full sugar thing .... I was under the impression that too much sugars (added more so than natural) can back fire on you and be counterproductive to your weight loss goals. Also when I started my lifestyle change I went from drinking pepsi 24/7 and only eating once a day unless I snacked and my choices then was basically potato chips or snack cakes or the likes, and occasionally a cnady bar. But again I only ate 1 time a day and that was to sit and eat with my family. And the majority of what I cooked then was a lot of processed foods. Thank you all again for all the advice!

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