STOP Under-Eating Folks!!
Replies
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When you think about it, you gain weight by OVER eating, so you HAVE to Under-eat to lose it! Simple science there!
That isn't science, and no, you don't. You have to eat at a moderate calorie deficit, and move more.
I don't know why you read the OP's post as "preaching".
My definition of OVER eating is eating more calories than your body burns. So therefore, UNDER eating would be eating LESS than your body burns, thus creating a calorie deficit and resulting in weight loss.
And, the way I read it, the OP's overzealous post did come off a bit preachy, especially since she is very new to this game. But as she stated, that was not her intention, so perhaps she will take a pause to think how her posts may be read, before she creates a thread in the future.
She also didn't specify what exactly constituted under-eating. If 1200 a day puts me at a 400 calorie deficit, is THAT under-eating? If 2000 a day is a 1000 cal deficit for someone else, is that considered under-eating? It is all relative to your own situation, and bottom line is we have to figure out what is right for US, and can't simply follow the crowd that yells the loudest.0 -
Starvation mode is a term that is abused on here...True starvation mode is in fact, when your body is actually starving (i.e. feeding on internal organs after it has burned through all else to survive). Look it up...it's not a magical occurrence as soon as you eat less than 1300 calories.
That being said, the 1200 mark is mainly about macros. It seems very difficult for the average adult to get the proper nutrient needs with such a small amount of calories.
I couldn't function on 1200 calories, but I cannot comment on other's intake as I don't know their height, weight, lifestyle, and activity level. Everyone is different, so it's best to focus on what works for you and how you're eating in order to get to your goal.
I mentioned this in another post yesterday. I am a nutrition specialist ( and have been since 1976) in International Humanitarian Aid and work for the PanAmerican branch of the WHO. We consider 800 calories " hunger " and anywhere from 700 calories down to 500 calories ( and yes there are millions of people who live on 500 calories a day ! ) as " starvation " or " extreme starvation " mode. I know this is extreme, but must say that I find 1000-1200 calories not so low for SOME PEOPLE so they could not live and even thrive. I am 65 and five feet tall and my daily calorie allotment is 1640. I can only eat with great difficulty that much. I usually eat anywhere from 1000-1200 calories and in comparing foods with others, in general I eat more, because I eat only whole fresh food. I agree with you; you cannot handle 1200 calories and go hungry, while I must force myself and eat ( and no I never had a ED and love food ). We are a good example of the spectrum. I don't like it when non professionals tell me what will happen to my body and my life, if I don't eat the way they see fit. I might not know my body 100%, but still know it better than an absolute stranger.
I have so far not been able to find real scientific material to back up the " eat at least 1200 calories or you are going to starve " philosophy other than in diet related material mostly from the US. However it is possible that I have not found the correct material yet. I am a fairly new member, but no stranger to exercise and weightloss and the first time that I have heard of the " 1200 calorie code " being made " law " ( albeit unwritten ) is here on MFP.0 -
I give up. Be offended. Enjoy!0
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I'm 5'3 and 150lbs. 1200 to me is going to be a lot different than 1200 for someone who is much taller and weighs much more than me. The only way I lose weight is if I eat between 1200 and 1300 calories a day. I've tried upping calories and it just didn't work. At all. And 1200 calories from lean meat, vegetables, etc is going to go a lot farther for me than 1800 calories of junk, just because I 'need' extra calories. I'm not hungry. I'm losing at a decent pace. I control my cravings. If eating more works for you, awesome, enjoy. But everyone's body is not the same. Please realize this and stop assuming you know what is best for everyone.
Well said.0 -
I really dislike it when people set themselves up as the expert on something that they clearly have had a problem with themselves... i.e. dieting. If the OP was an expert I would expect her to be at her perfect weight for her age and height, which she clearly is not. What exactly makes the OP and expert? That she is dieting now and going to an nutritionist, (the person working at the health food store here calls himself a nutritionist too? This does not make you an expert for how all people should eat. Do you really think that all people lose at the same rate?
Quit preaching and just work your own program. Give people a pat on the back with they need it, move on.0 -
I don't have a huge amount of weight to lose, either. But I've chosen to "take the freaking slow boat to China route" so I could really focus on changing some awful eating habits and improve my fitness. Nonetheless, it's looks like we've made similar progress for having joined MFP at roughly the same time, no? So maybe there's more than one right answer.Well, what can I say?
I'm sorry if my post offended you - I certainly didn't intend to ruffle feathers or insult anyone. And I didn't mean to sound preachy.
I'm just happy I found MFP, and I'm thankful for all the information people have shared, and the support offered. I guess I just wanted to share too.
So again - my apologies to anyone I've insulted. And thank you to others who have commented. :flowerforyou:
Mary
It's a sensible post, and you're far more gracious than the forums deserve. :drinker:
I am really confused at many of the responses. All the OP was saying is that you don't have to starve yourselves and you can take it slow. I don't think it was meant to be at all negative. She has discovered these things and wanted to share them, because many people think they have to lose as much weight as possible in as short a time as possible, and can end up making themselves miserable, uncomfortable or ill.
She wasn't saying anyone HAS to do anything - just that losing weight doesn't have to be a miserable experience.
It didn't come off that way to me. Rather it seemed sanctimonious and "my way or the highway." Her way might work for some, but let me tell you, with only 30-some pounds to lose to begin with, why on earth would I take the freaking slow boat to China route and remain fat and frustrated?
My weight gain was due to a medical problem that got progressively worse and was finally diagnosed and treated. I'm on my way back to the size 6 that I maintained for years, and am adding in some additional exercise for better tone and to ward off age related medical problems like osteoperosis. I don't go hungry or binge. Frankly my BMI is well within the healthy range, I could stop "dieting" right now, but I want a supermodel body. Given my frame and overall health, having less than 20% body fat is a doable goal for me. I don't need someone preaching to tell me I'm doing it wrong. The reality is that I seem to be the one doing it right.0 -
I agree with this post to some extent. It's probably more for the people who complain and look for advice, but then don't take the advice they are given. To the person who said starvation mode doesn't exist, you are wrong. It does exist. And people automatically think that eating a lot means high-calories - it doesn't. I can eat a HUGE salad with spinach, steak, veggies, and consume less calories that a measly pizza pocket, and be much more full. It's about what you eat, and how you are feeding your metabolism than about the amount of calories you consume.
Stress also causes weight gain, so why stress about how many calories you're eating, when the stress alone will cause you to gain weight?? Doesn't make sense to me.
I agree - don't worry be happy....and healthy
But this woman isn't talking about what people eat but she refers to eating 1200 calories is starvation. Just like you said yourself, if you eat plenty of veggies, fruit and lean protein you can get a big amount of food.0 -
I really dislike it when people set themselves up as the expert on something that they clearly have had a problem with themselves... i.e. dieting. If the OP was an expert I would expect her to be at her perfect weight for her age and height, which she clearly is not. What exactly makes the OP and expert? That she is dieting now and going to an nutritionist, (the person working at the health food store here calls himself a nutritionist too? This does not make you an expert for how all people should eat. Do you really think that all people lose at the same rate?
Quit preaching and just work your own program. Give people a pat on the back with they need it, move on.
I can't help but agree. We are for the most part adults, who can work out for themselves with a bit of understanding and help what is right for us. I see this same kind of post over and over and actually think it's rather quite rude.
Perhaps people should mind their own business and let others do the same. People will post if they would like some support or answers to questions, so unless asked for then I fail to see the merit of this type of post.0 -
I don't have a huge amount of weight to lose, either. But I've chosen to "take the freaking slow boat to China route" so I could really focus on changing some awful eating habits and improve my fitness. Nonetheless, it's looks like we've made similar progress for having joined MFP at roughly the same time, no? So maybe there's more than one right answer.Well, what can I say?
I'm sorry if my post offended you - I certainly didn't intend to ruffle feathers or insult anyone. And I didn't mean to sound preachy.
I'm just happy I found MFP, and I'm thankful for all the information people have shared, and the support offered. I guess I just wanted to share too.
So again - my apologies to anyone I've insulted. And thank you to others who have commented. :flowerforyou:
Mary
It's a sensible post, and you're far more gracious than the forums deserve. :drinker:
I am really confused at many of the responses. All the OP was saying is that you don't have to starve yourselves and you can take it slow. I don't think it was meant to be at all negative. She has discovered these things and wanted to share them, because many people think they have to lose as much weight as possible in as short a time as possible, and can end up making themselves miserable, uncomfortable or ill.
She wasn't saying anyone HAS to do anything - just that losing weight doesn't have to be a miserable experience.
It didn't come off that way to me. Rather it seemed sanctimonious and "my way or the highway." Her way might work for some, but let me tell you, with only 30-some pounds to lose to begin with, why on earth would I take the freaking slow boat to China route and remain fat and frustrated?
My weight gain was due to a medical problem that got progressively worse and was finally diagnosed and treated. I'm on my way back to the size 6 that I maintained for years, and am adding in some additional exercise for better tone and to ward off age related medical problems like osteoperosis. I don't go hungry or binge. Frankly my BMI is well within the healthy range, I could stop "dieting" right now, but I want a supermodel body. Given my frame and overall health, having less than 20% body fat is a doable goal for me. I don't need someone preaching to tell me I'm doing it wrong. The reality is that I seem to be the one doing it right.
I joined trying to lose weight several years ago, but was unsuccessful in getting to my goal due to a medical condition that was finally diagnosed and treated late last year. A couple of moths ago I was cleared to get back to business and I've lost 18 pounds in a couple of months. My eating habits were never a problem and I've never stopped doing yoga. So no, our situations are nothing alike.0 -
Starvation mode is a term that is abused on here...True starvation mode is in fact, when your body is actually starving (i.e. feeding on internal organs after it has burned through all else to survive). Look it up...it's not a magical occurrence as soon as you eat less than 1300 calories.
That being said, the 1200 mark is mainly about macros. It seems very difficult for the average adult to get the proper nutrient needs with such a small amount of calories.
I couldn't function on 1200 calories, but I cannot comment on other's intake as I don't know their height, weight, lifestyle, and activity level. Everyone is different, so it's best to focus on what works for you and how you're eating in order to get to your goal.0 -
I really dislike it when people set themselves up as the expert on something that they clearly have had a problem with themselves... i.e. dieting. If the OP was an expert I would expect her to be at her perfect weight for her age and height, which she clearly is not. What exactly makes the OP and expert? That she is dieting now and going to an nutritionist, (the person working at the health food store here calls himself a nutritionist too? This does not make you an expert for how all people should eat. Do you really think that all people lose at the same rate?
Quit preaching and just work your own program. Give people a pat on the back with they need it, move on.
I am sorry and with all due respect, I cannot agree with you....at all. This is like saying a doctor should never get sick, or every sports coach would have to be slender and if they are not they are a bad coach.
I think someone who is a nutrition expert can have the kind of relationship ( for all kinds of reasons from childhood starvation and abuse to rape and violence of other forms ) with food that does not allow them to have the perfect body. We all have often said " I know I should not do this " ( have that extra drink, drive drunk, eat to feeling unwell, buying something even though the credit card is maxed out ) and we still go ahead and do it for irrational unexplicable reasons we go ahead . We all have our demons to fight and just because let's say a dietician is overweight does not mean they don't know what they are talking about.
I believe that applies to a certain degree to almost all of us, because many of us became overweight even though we knew better.
I think the OP was well meaning , but miscalculated her tone a bit.....something that happens to all of us. What I resented was the blanket statement in regard to 1200 calories, because as so many have said, we are all different.0 -
I haven't been around here at MFP for long - but one thing I've learned from all the reading I've done here, is that you won't lose more weight if you undereat!!
Why go hungry?
Why put yourself in starvation mode?
Why set 1200 calories as your goal - and even then under-eat?
Why don't you eat your exercise calories?
Why don't you plan ahead?
I see so many posts:
I'm starving!!
I'm eating 1200 calories and not losing - what should I do?
I haven't lost in six weeks - help!!
I'm eating 1200 and exercising 6 days a week for 3 hours a day and not losing??!!
I want chocolate!!
Help me - I'm going to binge!!
I hate veggies!!
Read, Ask Questions, Listen and Learn!!
It's not rocket science.
It's not a race.
It's not a diet.
I'm taking it slowly. I have an appointment with my nutritionist next week, and expect to post another loss.
Don't know if it will be two pounds, five pounds or ten - I only weigh once a month - so I'm confident it will be a loss because I've been eating pretty much on target - over a little bit a day here or there - but not over by much and only two or three days this month.
I'm not hungry; I'm not starving myself; I eat foods I like and enjoy.
I don't get support from SO - but I come here and get it.
I plan ahead.
I work my plan. :blushing:
Life happens - if I have a bad day, I don't agonize over it.
I know it's not going to happen overnight.
I'm happy!
Go with the flow! :flowerforyou:
Don't worry - be happy! :bigsmile:
THE NERVE OF YOU! IF U DONT HAVE ANYTHING POSITIVE TO SAY DONT SAY ANYTHING AT ALL.
Please be kidding.0 -
I really dislike it when people set themselves up as the expert on something that they clearly have had a problem with themselves... i.e. dieting. If the OP was an expert I would expect her to be at her perfect weight for her age and height, which she clearly is not. What exactly makes the OP and expert? That she is dieting now and going to an nutritionist, (the person working at the health food store here calls himself a nutritionist too? This does not make you an expert for how all people should eat. Do you really think that all people lose at the same rate?
Quit preaching and just work your own program. Give people a pat on the back with they need it, move on.
I am sorry and with all due respect, I cannot agree with you....at all. This is like saying a doctor should never get sick, or every sports coach would have to be slender and if they are not they are a bad coach.
I think someone who is a nutrition expert can have the kind of relationship ( for all kinds of reasons from childhood starvation and abuse to rape and violence of other forms ) with food that does not allow them to have the perfect body. We all have often said " I know I should not do this " ( have that extra drink, drive drunk, eat to feeling unwell, buying something even though the credit card is maxed out ) and we still go ahead and do it for irrational unexplicable reasons we go ahead . We all have our demons to fight and just because let's say a dietician is overweight does not mean they don't know what they are talking about.
I believe that applies to a certain degree to almost all of us, because many of us became overweight even though we knew better.
I think the OP was well meaning , but miscalculated her tone a bit.....something that happens to all of us. What I resented was the blanket statement in regard to 1200 calories, because as so many have said, we are all different.
There is no way that I'd take medical advice from an obese doctor, nutritionist, or coach. Period. They aren't walking the walk if they are obese. If they have a problem causing them to not be able to have a healthy weight, doctor heal thyself.0 -
This ^^^ Is Awesome : )0 -
And you completely missed my point. But have a nice evening.
I don't have a huge amount of weight to lose, either. But I've chosen to "take the freaking slow boat to China route" so I could really focus on changing some awful eating habits and improve my fitness. Nonetheless, it's looks like we've made similar progress for having joined MFP at roughly the same time, no? So maybe there's more than one right answer.Well, what can I say?
I'm sorry if my post offended you - I certainly didn't intend to ruffle feathers or insult anyone. And I didn't mean to sound preachy.
I'm just happy I found MFP, and I'm thankful for all the information people have shared, and the support offered. I guess I just wanted to share too.
So again - my apologies to anyone I've insulted. And thank you to others who have commented. :flowerforyou:
Mary
It's a sensible post, and you're far more gracious than the forums deserve. :drinker:
I am really confused at many of the responses. All the OP was saying is that you don't have to starve yourselves and you can take it slow. I don't think it was meant to be at all negative. She has discovered these things and wanted to share them, because many people think they have to lose as much weight as possible in as short a time as possible, and can end up making themselves miserable, uncomfortable or ill.
She wasn't saying anyone HAS to do anything - just that losing weight doesn't have to be a miserable experience.
It didn't come off that way to me. Rather it seemed sanctimonious and "my way or the highway." Her way might work for some, but let me tell you, with only 30-some pounds to lose to begin with, why on earth would I take the freaking slow boat to China route and remain fat and frustrated?
My weight gain was due to a medical problem that got progressively worse and was finally diagnosed and treated. I'm on my way back to the size 6 that I maintained for years, and am adding in some additional exercise for better tone and to ward off age related medical problems like osteoperosis. I don't go hungry or binge. Frankly my BMI is well within the healthy range, I could stop "dieting" right now, but I want a supermodel body. Given my frame and overall health, having less than 20% body fat is a doable goal for me. I don't need someone preaching to tell me I'm doing it wrong. The reality is that I seem to be the one doing it right.
I joined trying to lose weight several years ago, but was unsuccessful in getting to my goal due to a medical condition that was finally diagnosed and treated late last year. A couple of moths ago I was cleared to get back to business and I've lost 18 pounds in a couple of months. My eating habits were never a problem and I've never stopped doing yoga. So no, our situations are nothing alike.0 -
Man, you have to seriously WANT to be offended by this post. Its so innocuous!0
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Your post makes a lot of sense
prepare to have hangry people yell at you over it.
:laugh: This!!!0 -
I really dislike it when people set themselves up as the expert on something that they clearly have had a problem with themselves... i.e. dieting. If the OP was an expert I would expect her to be at her perfect weight for her age and height, which she clearly is not. What exactly makes the OP and expert? That she is dieting now and going to an nutritionist, (the person working at the health food store here calls himself a nutritionist too? This does not make you an expert for how all people should eat. Do you really think that all people lose at the same rate?
Quit preaching and just work your own program. Give people a pat on the back with they need it, move on.
I am sorry and with all due respect, I cannot agree with you....at all. This is like saying a doctor should never get sick, or every sports coach would have to be slender and if they are not they are a bad coach.
I think someone who is a nutrition expert can have the kind of relationship ( for all kinds of reasons from childhood starvation and abuse to rape and violence of other forms ) with food that does not allow them to have the perfect body. We all have often said " I know I should not do this " ( have that extra drink, drive drunk, eat to feeling unwell, buying something even though the credit card is maxed out ) and we still go ahead and do it for irrational unexplicable reasons we go ahead . We all have our demons to fight and just because let's say a dietician is overweight does not mean they don't know what they are talking about.
I believe that applies to a certain degree to almost all of us, because many of us became overweight even though we knew better.
I think the OP was well meaning , but miscalculated her tone a bit.....something that happens to all of us. What I resented was the blanket statement in regard to 1200 calories, because as so many have said, we are all different.
Back to my original statement.... What makes the OP and expert? What makes her the authority on what and how everyone else should eat? The answer is, nothing. She has set herself up as and expert on the subject and is very rudely telling everyone how they should diet. She may have been well meaning, but should really think about how she is being perceived and the tone of her message. It is not helpful in the least to those that are struggling.0 -
Starvation mode is a term that is abused on here...True starvation mode is in fact, when your body is actually starving (i.e. feeding on internal organs after it has burned through all else to survive). Look it up...it's not a magical occurrence as soon as you eat less than 1300 calories.
That being said, the 1200 mark is mainly about macros. It seems very difficult for the average adult to get the proper nutrient needs with such a small amount of calories.
I couldn't function on 1200 calories, but I cannot comment on other's intake as I don't know their height, weight, lifestyle, and activity level. Everyone is different, so it's best to focus on what works for you and how you're eating in order to get to your goal.
I mentioned this in another post yesterday. I am a nutrition specialist ( and have been since 1976) in International Humanitarian Aid and work for the PanAmerican branch of the WHO. We consider 800 calories " hunger " and anywhere from 700 calories down to 500 calories ( and yes there are millions of people who live on 500 calories a day ! ) as " starvation " or " extreme starvation " mode. I know this is extreme, but must say that I find 1000-1200 calories not so low for SOME PEOPLE so they could not live and even thrive. I am 65 and five feet tall and my daily calorie allotment is 1640. I can only eat with great difficulty that much. I usually eat anywhere from 1000-1200 calories and in comparing foods with others, in general I eat more, because I eat only whole fresh food. I agree with you; you cannot handle 1200 calories and go hungry, while I must force myself and eat ( and no I never had a ED and love food ). We are a good example of the spectrum. I don't like it when non professionals tell me what will happen to my body and my life, if I don't eat the way they see fit. I might not know my body 100%, but still know it better than an absolute stranger.
I have so far not been able to find real scientific material to back up the " eat at least 1200 calories or you are going to starve " philosophy other than in diet related material mostly from the US. However it is possible that I have not found the correct material yet. I am a fairly new member, but no stranger to exercise and weightloss and the first time that I have heard of the " 1200 calorie code " being made " law " ( albeit unwritten ) is here on MFP.
Thank you for brining an educated opinion to this discussion.0 -
Man, you have to seriously WANT to be offended by this post. Its so innocuous!
:laugh:0 -
Starvation mode is a term that is abused on here...True starvation mode is in fact, when your body is actually starving (i.e. feeding on internal organs after it has burned through all else to survive). Look it up...it's not a magical occurrence as soon as you eat less than 1300 calories.
That being said, the 1200 mark is mainly about macros. It seems very difficult for the average adult to get the proper nutrient needs with such a small amount of calories.
I couldn't function on 1200 calories, but I cannot comment on other's intake as I don't know their height, weight, lifestyle, and activity level. Everyone is different, so it's best to focus on what works for you and how you're eating in order to get to your goal.
I mentioned this in another post yesterday. I am a nutrition specialist ( and have been since 1976) in International Humanitarian Aid and work for the PanAmerican branch of the WHO. We consider 800 calories " hunger " and anywhere from 700 calories down to 500 calories ( and yes there are millions of people who live on 500 calories a day ! ) as " starvation " or " extreme starvation " mode. I know this is extreme, but must say that I find 1000-1200 calories not so low for SOME PEOPLE so they could not live and even thrive. I am 65 and five feet tall and my daily calorie allotment is 1640. I can only eat with great difficulty that much. I usually eat anywhere from 1000-1200 calories and in comparing foods with others, in general I eat more, because I eat only whole fresh food. I agree with you; you cannot handle 1200 calories and go hungry, while I must force myself and eat ( and no I never had a ED and love food ). We are a good example of the spectrum. I don't like it when non professionals tell me what will happen to my body and my life, if I don't eat the way they see fit. I might not know my body 100%, but still know it better than an absolute stranger.
I have so far not been able to find real scientific material to back up the " eat at least 1200 calories or you are going to starve " philosophy other than in diet related material mostly from the US. However it is possible that I have not found the correct material yet. I am a fairly new member, but no stranger to exercise and weightloss and the first time that I have heard of the " 1200 calorie code " being made " law " ( albeit unwritten ) is here on MFP.
Thank you for brining an educated opinion to this discussion.
I second those thanks.0 -
So funny because someone posted something very similar to this and everyone was like YEAH!! and now someone else posts it and everyone is like UM NO!
[img]http://i942.photobucket.com/albums/ad263/strawberryturtle/GIF Album/tumblr_lm1uxuLml31qh9y1d.gif[/img]
Quoting because this gif is awesome!!
Yeah! I love this bird!0 -
Your post makes a lot of sense
prepare to have hangry people yell at you over it.
^^^ this!
I don't understand why people are so quick to defend 1200 calorie diets against the advice "you know, the vast majority of people can eat more than that and still lose weight, and lose it more easily without the risk of bingeing, and actually maintain their goal weight more easily when they get there". but they are. maybe they enjoy self-deprivation.
a small minority of people, e.g. short, small framed, sedentary older women, will find that 1200 cals/day is the right amount to lose on, because their TDEE may be very low. But it worries me when 20 somethings who are doing loads of exercise are eating only 1200 cals/day
im short and small framed but i workout a lot im in my 20s and i eat 12-14 a day and im not hungry so i dunno why you feel like everyone needs to eat more then that and i dont binge if i want something i eat it i just eat a smaller portion of it!
I don't really care what you as an individual choose to do when you have all this information about metabolism and how much you should eat for your size and activity levels. However there are a lot of people out there who simply do not know that they can eat more and have a much easier time losing weight, and actually be healthier and find maintenance a lot easier.
Anyway, if you're here to defend eating 1200 calories a day and how it's worked for you, go right ahead and do that. I will carrying telling people that the vast majority can eat considerably more than that and still lose weight, because it's true.
QFT0 -
I really dislike it when people set themselves up as the expert on something that they clearly have had a problem with themselves... i.e. dieting. If the OP was an expert I would expect her to be at her perfect weight for her age and height, which she clearly is not. What exactly makes the OP and expert? That she is dieting now and going to an nutritionist, (the person working at the health food store here calls himself a nutritionist too? This does not make you an expert for how all people should eat. Do you really think that all people lose at the same rate?
Quit preaching and just work your own program. Give people a pat on the back with they need it, move on.
I am sorry and with all due respect, I cannot agree with you....at all. This is like saying a doctor should never get sick, or every sports coach would have to be slender and if they are not they are a bad coach.
I think someone who is a nutrition expert can have the kind of relationship ( for all kinds of reasons from childhood starvation and abuse to rape and violence of other forms ) with food that does not allow them to have the perfect body. We all have often said " I know I should not do this " ( have that extra drink, drive drunk, eat to feeling unwell, buying something even though the credit card is maxed out ) and we still go ahead and do it for irrational unexplicable reasons we go ahead . We all have our demons to fight and just because let's say a dietician is overweight does not mean they don't know what they are talking about.
I believe that applies to a certain degree to almost all of us, because many of us became overweight even though we knew better.
I think the OP was well meaning , but miscalculated her tone a bit.....something that happens to all of us. What I resented was the blanket statement in regard to 1200 calories, because as so many have said, we are all different.
Back to my original statement.... What makes the OP and expert? What makes her the authority on what and how everyone else should eat? The answer is, nothing. She has set herself up as and expert on the subject and is very rudely telling everyone how they should diet. She may have been well meaning, but should really think about how she is being perceived and the tone of her message. It is not helpful in the least to those that are struggling.
But that was not what I was talking about. If we think like this all policemen would stay in the limits of the law, no psychologist or psychiatrist would ever get divorced and no MD or nurse would ever get sick...because otherwise they would know nothing about their job.
I don't think the OP has set herself up as an expert, but has repeated and summarized what is being said in dozens of threads hundreds of times a day. It was probably neither the place nor time and she was probably too bold about it.
And yes, I also agree that she maybe should have waited a few more month having more information at hand. Who knows, maybe she might not even have the need to write such a post. I agree with much that has been said, but even though I am one of the people who is getting sick of being told I need to eat more than 1200 calories and others resent the post for other reasons, it is still not very helpful to pile up on her over and over again. I think she heard us the first time......0 -
Well, what can I say?
I'm sorry if my post offended you - I certainly didn't intend to ruffle feathers or insult anyone. And I didn't mean to sound preachy.
I'm just happy I found MFP, and I'm thankful for all the information people have shared, and the support offered. I guess I just wanted to share too.
So again - my apologies to anyone I've insulted. And thank you to others who have commented. :flowerforyou:
Mary
Perhaps you should wait a while before posting a thread such as this one. You are in the 'honeymoon' phase of weight loss right now, as you have only been at it for 6 weeks, and being almost 200 pounds overweight, you can lose quickly on a modest deficit. When the initial water weight is gone, and it gets down to the hard part, then you will see for yourself that it isn't quite so cut and dried as you put it in your OP.
For those of us who have been at this for awhile, and are succeeding by doing what we have found works best for us, a new person coming in preaching about what we should and shouldn't do, can certainly be offensive and ruffle some feathers. Think about it, if it was as simple as you stated, then why did it take you to age 61 and 200 lbs overweight to figure out?
I'm glad you have found your motivation and what is working for you. I hope you keep your zeal for your own health's sake, but try not to get discouraged when the newness wears off and you find yourself having to make some calorie adjustments to continue losing.
Under-eating is a very vague term and means different levels for different people.
When you think about it, you gain weight by OVER eating, so you HAVE to Under-eat to lose it! Simple science there!
Just want to point out (ever so politely) is that noone is FORCED to read ANY of the posts here, so noone really needs to take any offence to any posts.. So basically, if you think a post is going to annoy you and you will find it offensive because it disagrees with what you think, then dont read it!! I read the posts because I find them quite entertaining - everyone's (apparent) over-reaction...<sigh>0 -
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See you in a months time posting on the forums asking why you have hit a weight loss plateauDon't tell other people what to do. People will eat however they want. You assume a lot about people.
I want to know when this weight loss plateau is supposed to happen. I'm 5 lbs over my initial goal and 10 lbs over what I changed my goal to. I'm in the healthy weight range for my height, at a fit body fat percentage and have done this for 4 months with no plateau. I'm so confused. I guess I lost half a pound less over the last month than what is predicted by the numbers only 7.something pounds instead of 8. Is that it? Am I plateaued? What should I do? What's right for my body? Please, tell me. I'm freaking out!0 -
Back to my original statement.... What makes the OP and expert? What makes her the authority on what and how everyone else should eat? The answer is, nothing. She has set herself up as and expert on the subject and is very rudely telling everyone how they should diet. She may have been well meaning, but should really think about how she is being perceived and the tone of her message. It is not helpful in the least to those that are struggling.
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Starvation mode is a term that is abused on here...True starvation mode is in fact, when your body is actually starving (i.e. feeding on internal organs after it has burned through all else to survive). Look it up...it's not a magical occurrence as soon as you eat less than 1300 calories.
That being said, the 1200 mark is mainly about macros. It seems very difficult for the average adult to get the proper nutrient needs with such a small amount of calories.
I couldn't function on 1200 calories, but I cannot comment on other's intake as I don't know their height, weight, lifestyle, and activity level. Everyone is different, so it's best to focus on what works for you and how you're eating in order to get to your goal.
I mentioned this in another post yesterday. I am a nutrition specialist ( and have been since 1976) in International Humanitarian Aid and work for the PanAmerican branch of the WHO. We consider 800 calories " hunger " and anywhere from 700 calories down to 500 calories ( and yes there are millions of people who live on 500 calories a day ! ) as " starvation " or " extreme starvation " mode. I know this is extreme, but must say that I find 1000-1200 calories not so low for SOME PEOPLE so they could not live and even thrive. I am 65 and five feet tall and my daily calorie allotment is 1640. I can only eat with great difficulty that much. I usually eat anywhere from 1000-1200 calories and in comparing foods with others, in general I eat more, because I eat only whole fresh food. I agree with you; you cannot handle 1200 calories and go hungry, while I must force myself and eat ( and no I never had a ED and love food ). We are a good example of the spectrum. I don't like it when non professionals tell me what will happen to my body and my life, if I don't eat the way they see fit. I might not know my body 100%, but still know it better than an absolute stranger.
I have so far not been able to find real scientific material to back up the " eat at least 1200 calories or you are going to starve " philosophy other than in diet related material mostly from the US. However it is possible that I have not found the correct material yet. I am a fairly new member, but no stranger to exercise and weightloss and the first time that I have heard of the " 1200 calorie code " being made " law " ( albeit unwritten ) is here on MFP.
you are so sensible!!! Thank you :-)0 -
I ignore all "starving" complaints and the "binging" ones that follow. Don't worry about them. They don't worry about you. :noway:
This. 100%0
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