STOP Under-Eating Folks!!

mahanaibu · May 2013

Good idea to do a little more research yourself before you start lecturing the universe. I actually don't quite a bit of research as well as working with experts myself.

1. Starvation mode is, as another person mentioned, when people are STARVING. Like 500-700 calories a day. The metabolism does slow some and the best remedy for that is to keep and build muscle by eating enough protein and actually using the muscles.

2. I've been on 1,200 a day since Dec. 31, I'm very happy with my weight loss so far, and I actually don't think it's so terrible when people say they're hungry on it. Maybe they need to eat more...but maybe they need to learn more about what to eat. 1,200 calories a day in French fries isn't going to work too well. I like to cook and to adapt recipes and I've been great, energetic and never felt healthier.

3. Even so, I know there are people who find other ways of weight loss work better, whether it's paleo, ketogenic, tdee, slower weight loss schedule...whatever. If it works for them I say, great for you and if this stops working for me one day, I'm glad to learn about these other methods because I might want to use them someday.

I wish you well in your weight-loss endeavor. We all cheer for your success and can live without your lectures. Carry on.

BrendaLee · May 2013

Man, you have to seriously WANT to be offended by this post. Its so innocuous!

:laugh:

Right??

flinkerz · May 2013

Keep doing what you're doing! It seems to be working for you and that's really all that matters. :-) It seems to me that a lot of people get so caught up in the losing side of weight loss that they panic when they plateau and think that their diet isn't working anymore. But I think you have the right outlook on this all...so congrats on your progress and here's to feeling (and being) AWESOME!!!

metaphoria · May 2013

Mary, thank you for the encouragement and sensible advice. There are some less caustic people on this site, and I sincerely hope you've found a few of them to add to your friends list.

A lot of people on here missed the "don't worry, be happy" part.

Just. Wow.

TheRealParisLove · May 2013

Isn't diversity great? Only the individual person can determine what is going to work best for them.

I hate one-size-fits-all advice. It fails almost every time.

HRLaurie614 · May 2013

My BMR is under 1200. If I don't exercise on a given day, I strive to stay around 1200 net e en if that includes negative exercise calories.

tmauck4472 · May 2013

I think you think I give a flying fig what you think I should do. Really? I've eaten this way for 18 months and please tell me how much I've lost? Oh and in those 18 months this is the FIRST time I've ever lost less than 8lbs.This is also the first time I've stalled. Do what you do but leave me to do as I do. I don't pretend to know what works for you so please don't pretend to know what works for me. Grrrrrr I seriously hate it when someone pretends they have all the answers for EVERYONE.

I think you assume everything is about you and need to chill the f**k out, the amount of posts of people saying they can't lose weight on 1200 calories is ridiculous and I agree with everything in the post because a lot of those people argue back saying eating 1200 is fine. It also seems more like it was aimed at those who don't eat back calories which I'm pretty sure you do.

You agreeind doesn't make it right. pfffft...and I don't eat my exercise calories back. Don't plan to start now either. She came off as knowing it all and only just starting out. I've been at this a lot longer than her and I know what's right for me. She should have said I know what's right for me and this is what it is. Maybe we took it wrong after all without emotions of the voice what looks rude to me may not look rude to you...imagaine that people taking things differently, sounds like my way of losing weight.

tmauck4472 · May 2013

Don't tell other people what to do. People will eat however they want. You assume a lot about people.

See you in a months time posting on the forums asking why you have hit a weight loss plateau

LMAO and again speaking on something you know nothing about, but have speak upon it.

Bearbrat · May 2013

I only take offense to this because every website people have given me to determine my needed calorie intake gives me between 1200-1300 calories. I still eat 6 times a day, usually. If I'm still hungry, I will eat more. If I work out, I will eat more. If I'm over or under by a bit, no big deal. It's just a guideline. I really don't understand why you get so upset at others for the way they eat or exercise... Do they get all upset at you?? If someone on your friends list is complaining about being hungry, tell them to eat. Maybe give them a low cal, high protein, snack idea.... If it annoys you this much, delete them. Every one is here to better themselves. No one deserves to be put down and made to feel like even when they try to make themselves better and healthier, they still aren't doing it right.

This^^

rosemaryhon · May 2013

...
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!!

I've read posts like this ^^ too.

But, they don't speak for ME.

I am very much NOT starving (you're welcome to look at my open diary and see why I'm not

).

I am eating 1200 calories a day and I AM consistently losing for the last 4 months.

If I want chocolate, I eat it (though chocolate is not my particular thing

).

I do not at all feel on the verge of bingeing, and I haven't felt that way in all of these last 4 months.

Oh and I love veggies

rosemaryhon · May 2013

Don't tell other people what to do. People will eat however they want. You assume a lot about people.

Succinctly well said

rosemaryhon · May 2013

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.

This ^^ rings true for me too.

cebiginalaska · May 2013

LMAO

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]

meeper123 · May 2013

WHAT you mean I am suppose to eat! lol

meeper123 · May 2013

LMAO

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]

that bird is adorable

angel_of_harmony · May 2013

I think when it comes down to it, it is more important to be healthy. If you are unsure how many calories you should be consuming in a day then you should probably see a dietitian. As it has been brought up in this thread, every body is different and has different nutritional needs.

rosemaryhon · May 2013

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.

Add me too, interesting read, thank you for your input.

Mother_Superior · May 2013

Excellent resource that explains what happens when you eat, and also how to properly struicture your calorie/macro goals. http://body-improvements.com/resources/eat/

beachgal0626 · May 2013

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

I don't think that reminding people that they don't have to be hungry all the time to lose weight is being preachy. For some reason, some people appear to have overreacted to what seemed like a well-intentioned post, to me.

You didn't do anything wrong.

Ang108 · May 2013

Dear OP,

I only now had the chance to check out your food diary and now I am utterly confused.
You tell the MFP community at large to eat at least 1200 calories, but preferably. You tell us you are right on target with your food plan.
I must ask you respectfully; why don't you heed your own advise ? And what healthy plan is it to eat less than 1000 calories ( according to your diary and philosophy ) and as little as 650 and skips meals all together ?
As I said, I looked into your food diary and found that you consistently skip meals and in 11 days ( that's as far back as I went ) you had only one day over 1200 calories, one day just under and the rest was less than a 1000 and as little as 650. I don't want to get into a discussion what amount of calories are good for an individual, but wonder why you write one thing and practice another ?
Earlier in my posts I was very willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, but now I just wonder what your post was all about ?
Still, I wish you success...

777twist · May 2013

I think the OP's post is SPOT ON!

Now lets see if I can deflect some anger from her onto me...

Chopping an arm off is a form of weight loss... but it doesn't mean it's healthy.

I don't understand how 20 year old females think that it's healthy for them to eat 1200 calories... I mean, are they 4 foot zero, 130lbs and partake in zero activity? You're 20 years old... GET OUT THERE AND DO SOMETHING!

I do agree that a older inactive woman may have to drop her calories to the low end of the scale though.

I find it funny most of the people saying they eat 1200 cal and it's working for them, yet they have hidden diaries.

But look, there's a lot of information out there and I'm not saying the OP's comments were right for 100% of the people out there. But there are way too many women out there who eat nothing. And when I look at them, they look extremely unhealthy, flabby skin, no muscle tone, just sickly looking. I knew a girl who was "skinny" and she would eat things like cheese sticks for lunch. But she was one of the most unhealthy looking people I know.

I think women like to fool themselves... I used to eat lunch with a girl who needed to lose some weight, she wasn't fat, but I'm sure she wanted to lose 10 - 20 lbs anyway. And she would finish her meal and be like "I'm so full, I couldn't eat another bite." And then no more than 5min later, she is sneaking french fries off other people's plates. Another way women seem to fool themselves is in the portion of a meal... And I really do think this is psychological... They get their meal and almost immediately say "wow, this is a lot of food, I will be able to get 2 or 3 meals out of this." BTW, I know a guy who does this too, and I WANT TO PUNCH HIM IN THE FACE!!! You're 230lbs buddy, you ain't fooling anyone with this small portion size crap at work. He must pigout at home. You can't be 230lbs and eat the way he does in front of me. He would weigh like 120lbs.

But look if eating 1200 calories a day works for you... and you lost 20, 50, 100 or more pounds and have kept it off for years and have had no medical problems to show for it. Then GREAT. I just don't think that's going to be a majority thing.

I really think this is all psychological for most people. And I get if you haven't had luck losing weight that maybe 1200 calories looks like the holy grail.

Good luck to all.

Graelwyn75 · May 2013

It provides my nightly amusement to see people getting so defensive over something as utterly trivial as their calorie intake, how sad, of all the things to feel a need to defend in life...really ?

lowkeyasfck · May 2013

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:

OP is on point with all this. I support this post. To everyone getting butthurt and defensive, you mad?

littlelaurie14 · May 2013

Yeah! It's fuel for your body! Why deprive yourself?? Food rocks.

jofjltncb6 · May 2013

In...

...to read later...

...(as if it won't be a total train wreck and likely mod-nuked before then. I'll try to read quickly.)

Achrya · May 2013

So many angry people who are bad at reading. If you are eating 1200 and aren't hungry or miserable then thre op wasn't talking about you, its that simple. Everything isn't about you and your miniscule amount of calories, gosh.

Though for abunch of folks claiming to be happy some of you seem defensive and, dare i say, hangry.

SteelySunshine · May 2013

If you are cranky it's a good sign you need to eat more. Dunno if it has to be more calories, but there sure is a reason the 1200 calorie people are hangry.