1200 calories is hard!

2

Replies

  • ginaquinn2
    ginaquinn2 Posts: 136 Member
    Egg whites in the carton.....hard boil eggs and eat only the white, that is a 17 calorie snack,.........oscar meyer bacon bits are
    only 25 calories a tablespoon and a tablespoon has a lot of flavor. I myself love spinach I buy it frozen and add 1 oz cheese
    and 1tbs of bacon bits to it. Good luck I am not looking forward to when I only have 1,200 calories. Sounds very hard to me. :drinker:
  • mccbabe1
    mccbabe1 Posts: 737 Member
    if you have 50+ pounds to loose then u can prob up your cals... i do and i did the 1200 a day for almost a month and i felt a bit deprived... and i upped the chart to loose 1 1/2#'s a wk vs 2 and get 1380 a day now! that 180 cals felt like christmas, LOL..and gives me more flex room since almost 200 more cals.. and i actually lost more wt when i switched..!!!
    but having light healthy stuff with things you like.. for example if u love a certain sandwich (high is cals) and norm have chips and stuff with it.. instead have a fresh sliced tomatoe.. or carrots or snapped peas... for crunch.. ways to 'stretch' the cals!
    i also eat like all the time.. I NEVER go more then 4hrs.. w/out eating... i eat like 6 times a day.. boosts the metabolism...
    try to always have a balance bar or something in your purse for on the go...
    oh and YES eat your exercise cals back!!! theres a reason there added to your daily cals 'left' .. ur body needs fuel! :bigsmile:
  • triciab79
    triciab79 Posts: 1,713 Member
    There are a lot of great low calorie replacements for foods you like. Some of my favorites are Flat out Wraps (sandwiches and for pizza crust) Smart and Delicious tortillas (tacos) Butterball crispy turkey bacon (yes you can get it crispy). Arctic Zero icecream 150 calories a PINT. Special K cracker chips (taste like pringles) Almond Milk (replace normal milk for recipes at about 1/3 the calories) Eating Right Yogurt dressings (Ranch and Blue cheese are 45 calories for 2tbs and tasty) Walden Farms products are zero calories and they have salad dressings, chocolate, carmel and strawberry sauces, bbq sauce, and even peanut butter. All of which should be eaten with something cause they only resemble the flavors. Fresh berries and watermelon are great for sweet tooth. There is 45 cal a slice bread if you just can't give that up. There are 45 calorie turkey hot dogs by Ball Park that taste really good. Use cooking spray everywhere that calls for oil to saute, use country crock or apple sauce to replace butter in baking recipes and leave the butter out completely if you are making any pasta, potato or rice dish that comes out of a box. There is 40 calorie pasta if you live near an Asian market ( it smells funny but that goes away if you rinse it and nuke it for a minute) I use it to make mac and cheese and just add a single serving of real (Smart Taste 170cal) pasta to bulk it up. There is fat free cheddar, italian, and pepperjack cheese 45 cal for 1/4 cup. Fat free sour cream 20 cal for 2 tbsp. Kay's Natural makes chips and cereals that are decently low calorie and have huge amounts of protein and fiber (keep you full longer). Look at the Diabetic section of your grocery store and read labels. Also check your local health food store.
  • lilacsun
    lilacsun Posts: 204 Member
    I honestly don't get the replies. They're all saying "HOW TO" eat 1,200 calories a day. Is this a eating disorder support thread? 1,200 calories is wrong 95% of the time. Go do a forum search for "plateau" and see how many calories most people are eating. 1,200. Here's why a copy from one of my topics
    A plateaus is when the body reaches homeostasis, meaning you're burning as many calories as you're consuming. Someone might ask, "I am exercising a lot and eating very little and I am not losing weight, that statement makes no sense." This statement is correct, your metabolism has declined so much you're burning very few calories a day. This is a very common debate, "Well the starving people in Africa are losing weight, so starvation mode does exist" Yes they are losing weight, because despite everything their food consumption is so low, they are still eating below their daily calorie burn, even if their calorie burn is 500 calories a day.

    There are 3 things that cause metabolic decline,

    1. Loss of weight
    2. Loss of muscle mass
    3. Impaired hormonal functions.

    1. As you lose weight, you will weigh less and burn less calories when you move.
    2. Muscle mass burns more calories per minute than fat, if you lose muscle mass you're also impairing your calorie burn abilities.
    3. When you eat low amount of calories, thyroid function(which controls metabolic rate) Gets impaired. (not going to discuss leptin here)

    You can't do anything about losing weight and slowed down metabolic rate. I mean that's most of our goals here to lose weight, and as we weigh less we burn less calories. There is something you can do about loss of muscle mass, and impaired thyroid functions.

    A person should have a deficit of 15-20%. The leaner you are, the smaller the deficit should be, people around 10% bodyfat should have about a 10% deficit. Why? Because if your calorie deficit is to great you can easily suffer from loss of muscle mass (slows down your metabolism) and impaired thyroid functions(slows down your metabolism).

    So lets say I am a woman burning 1700 calories a day. You know what 20% of 1700 is? 340 calories. So if you have a metabolic rate of 1700 calories, you should eat 1360 calories. BUT MFP has you eat 1200 calories, because it only has the option to lose 1lbs a week or 2 lbs a week.

    You have to burn about 500 calories a day to lose 1lbs a week. 1700-500 = 1200(this is what MFP will put you at). This is a deficit of .29.5%. WHICH IS EXTREMELY HIGH, for smaller people.


    Very informative! Ive been at 1200 and I am sure it is too low. Thank you.
  • YamadaSan
    YamadaSan Posts: 39 Member
    Very interested in meeting my 1200 limit! Add me up. :D
  • Growtinymusclesgrow
    Growtinymusclesgrow Posts: 152 Member
    Hey guys!

    I just started using My Fitness pal in the last few days...I have yet to stay under 1200 calories, but it's getting a bit better each day so I am learning!

    Any advice on the best filling low cal foods?

    Jenna
    Rochester, MN
    WORKING ALL NIGHT

    I would be fairly careful when approaching the 1200 calorie area. Some people can pull of 1200 or even 1100 calories a day without it adversely affecting your weight loss goals. I would pick one or two days and go over...even around 1400 or more. It will keep your body from realizing you are not trying to starve it. I would be sure to add a good multivitamin and follow a 40/30/30 for your daily goals. If you notice that you are not losing weight or putting it back on, up your daily caloric intake slightly.

    I eat around 1200-1700 calories per day. If I want to cut, I am able to go to around 1150ish as long as I cut it from the right spot! I would advise to do your own research, play around and figure out what works for you! God Bless and wishing you much success in reaching all of your fitness goals.
  • Growtinymusclesgrow
    Growtinymusclesgrow Posts: 152 Member
    I honestly don't get the replies. They're all saying "HOW TO" eat 1,200 calories a day. Is this a eating disorder support thread? 1,200 calories is wrong 95% of the time. Go do a forum search for "plateau" and see how many calories most people are eating. 1,200. Here's why a copy from one of my topics
    A plateaus is when the body reaches homeostasis, meaning you're burning as many calories as you're consuming. Someone might ask, "I am exercising a lot and eating very little and I am not losing weight, that statement makes no sense." This statement is correct, your metabolism has declined so much you're burning very few calories a day. This is a very common debate, "Well the starving people in Africa are losing weight, so starvation mode does exist" Yes they are losing weight, because despite everything their food consumption is so low, they are still eating below their daily calorie burn, even if their calorie burn is 500 calories a day.

    There are 3 things that cause metabolic decline,

    1. Loss of weight
    2. Loss of muscle mass
    3. Impaired hormonal functions.

    1. As you lose weight, you will weigh less and burn less calories when you move.
    2. Muscle mass burns more calories per minute than fat, if you lose muscle mass you're also impairing your calorie burn abilities.
    3. When you eat low amount of calories, thyroid function(which controls metabolic rate) Gets impaired. (not going to discuss leptin here)

    You can't do anything about losing weight and slowed down metabolic rate. I mean that's most of our goals here to lose weight, and as we weigh less we burn less calories. There is something you can do about loss of muscle mass, and impaired thyroid functions.

    A person should have a deficit of 15-20%. The leaner you are, the smaller the deficit should be, people around 10% bodyfat should have about a 10% deficit. Why? Because if your calorie deficit is to great you can easily suffer from loss of muscle mass (slows down your metabolism) and impaired thyroid functions(slows down your metabolism).

    So lets say I am a woman burning 1700 calories a day. You know what 20% of 1700 is? 340 calories. So if you have a metabolic rate of 1700 calories, you should eat 1360 calories. BUT MFP has you eat 1200 calories, because it only has the option to lose 1lbs a week or 2 lbs a week.

    You have to burn about 500 calories a day to lose 1lbs a week. 1700-500 = 1200(this is what MFP will put you at). This is a deficit of .29.5%. WHICH IS EXTREMELY HIGH, for smaller people.


    Very informative! Ive been at 1200 and I am sure it is too low. Thank you.

    Great information! To add just a bit of good information, our bodies are able to turn lean muscle into energy easier than stored fat. So if you are starving yourself and still losing weight, it is because you are losing lean muscle mass.
  • Cheri_Moves
    Cheri_Moves Posts: 625 Member
    OP, please listen to PU_239 and the others! 1200 is too low for the majority of people... I know first hand the damage that can be done my eating too little (1200) for too long... I have been fighting a plateau for 6 months. I am working on a metabolic reset, have been for months and I will most likely have another 6 months of "work" to do before I will be able to loose the last of my weight to get to goal.

    This is serious. IMO, MFP is seriously irresponsible for setting people at this when they don't know the consequences.

    Do your own research; learn your BMR, your TDEE and your cut value. It will pay off hugely in the end. And just incase someone else hadn't posted it yet, check this out:

    www.scoobysworkshop.com
    www.fat2fitradio.com
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    Well, yes, starving yourself usually is hard, survival instinct and all that...
  • iciaramirez
    iciaramirez Posts: 22 Member
    I usually eat around 900-1200 calories a day! It'll be a lot easier if you cook your own food trust me.

    -Wheat bread, just 1 slice. Toast and cut them into 4 pieces.
    -Make your own Tuna spread just by mixing: Tuna and water with plain yogurt (add cayenne pepper or green peas if desired) Super low calorie
    -try baking squash! Super good! Just add in some white chicken meat :)
  • runboostie
    runboostie Posts: 51 Member
    I agree that 1200 is too low. Could you be setting yourself up for a hard time? 1400 sounds way more reasonable to me.
  • vienna26
    vienna26 Posts: 115 Member
    MFP also has set me at 1200 cals im around 5ft 4 and weigh 140lbs wanting to lose 2lbs a week,is this right for me or should i up my calorie intake lil bit confused now lol any info given is appreciated :-)
  • meshaal_twanted
    meshaal_twanted Posts: 4 Member
    I just started MFP a few days ago, and I agree: 1200 calories is too hard, but mostly if you eat white starches (rice, bread) and processed food. If you stick to snacking on fresh fruit, and having lots of boiled veg in your meals, you'll be filled up for longer!

    Feel free to add me :) Or take a look at my diary if you like.
  • slipchuck
    slipchuck Posts: 5 Member
    When I am getting close to my calories I have Kiwi or unsweetened applesauce and that works for me
  • sandieashing
    sandieashing Posts: 9 Member
    Hi have a hypno gastric band fitted (as the name suggests not a real surgical one) but my mind sends a signal to my stomach that I am full and stay feeling full after eating only a cup full size of a meal. I am using this site and counter to make sure I actually reach the 1200 cals a day ! as I am full up after 900 each day so must eat yoghurt's ect to boost the calls.
  • astrylian
    astrylian Posts: 194 Member
    1200 calories for me is a LOT of food, I eat a lot of vegetables and lean cuts of fish. Majority of my intake is vegetables, which often make me feel like I am eating a lot more for less. I also drink a lot of water, all the time - sometimes you think you are hungry when you are actually thirsty. I only eat grains in the morning, if ever - a slice of pumpernickel toast with hummus or something - and I never eat cheese or fatty toppings.
  • brighteyes31143
    brighteyes31143 Posts: 87
    Bump!!! Gotta Run!!!!
  • Kristie18
    Kristie18 Posts: 332 Member
    I did 1200 for a year and I was always starving. I didn't eat my exercise calories. Now I eat 1200 on non workout days and 1300-1500 on workout days.
  • RealWomenLovePitbulls
    RealWomenLovePitbulls Posts: 729 Member
    if you are drinking soda and such during the day, switch to water. it will be hard to stick to 1200 if u are drinking half of them... open your diary so we can give better advice!
  • LuxHappens
    LuxHappens Posts: 72 Member
    Everyone using MFP should understand that if you have a goal of losing more than a few (>10-15 pounds), the "have MFP set my goals for me (recommended)" option is going to set you at 1200 calories per day. You can manually adjust your calories.
  • nataliexxxx
    nataliexxxx Posts: 262
    Lots of veg and fruit, celery is good as its negative calorie, yoghurts, potatoes (they are filling), rice, pasta, meat such as turkey, chicken and tuna. Ive basically listed everything I eat but I find it quite easy to eat 1200 most days.
    If you do exercise you can eat more calories.
  • jmagdalena707
    jmagdalena707 Posts: 28 Member
    I honestly don't get the replies. They're all saying "HOW TO" eat 1,200 calories a day. Is this a eating disorder support thread? 1,200 calories is wrong 95% of the time. Go do a forum search for "plateau" and see how many calories most people are eating. 1,200. Here's why a copy from one of my topics
    A plateaus is when the body reaches homeostasis, meaning you're burning as many calories as you're consuming. Someone might ask, "I am exercising a lot and eating very little and I am not losing weight, that statement makes no sense." This statement is correct, your metabolism has declined so much you're burning very few calories a day. This is a very common debate, "Well the starving people in Africa are losing weight, so starvation mode does exist" Yes they are losing weight, because despite everything their food consumption is so low, they are still eating below their daily calorie burn, even if their calorie burn is 500 calories a day.

    There are 3 things that cause metabolic decline,

    1. Loss of weight
    2. Loss of muscle mass
    3. Impaired hormonal functions.

    1. As you lose weight, you will weigh less and burn less calories when you move.
    2. Muscle mass burns more calories per minute than fat, if you lose muscle mass you're also impairing your calorie burn abilities.
    3. When you eat low amount of calories, thyroid function(which controls metabolic rate) Gets impaired. (not going to discuss leptin here)

    You can't do anything about losing weight and slowed down metabolic rate. I mean that's most of our goals here to lose weight, and as we weigh less we burn less calories. There is something you can do about loss of muscle mass, and impaired thyroid functions.

    A person should have a deficit of 15-20%. The leaner you are, the smaller the deficit should be, people around 10% bodyfat should have about a 10% deficit. Why? Because if your calorie deficit is to great you can easily suffer from loss of muscle mass (slows down your metabolism) and impaired thyroid functions(slows down your metabolism).

    So lets say I am a woman burning 1700 calories a day. You know what 20% of 1700 is? 340 calories. So if you have a metabolic rate of 1700 calories, you should eat 1360 calories. BUT MFP has you eat 1200 calories, because it only has the option to lose 1lbs a week or 2 lbs a week.

    You have to burn about 500 calories a day to lose 1lbs a week. 1700-500 = 1200(this is what MFP will put you at). This is a deficit of .29.5%. WHICH IS EXTREMELY HIGH, for smaller people.

    Thanks for sharing this. This is great info!
  • tbellamy1
    tbellamy1 Posts: 353
    The only thing I see making 1200 calories hard is excepting the fact that I can only EAT 1200 calories!!! Why are you eating 1200 calories? Is this your BMR? How much do you exercise?

    Lets say you burn 500 calories and you only eat 1200 calories
    1200-500=700 calories that your body is using to function. Which eventually is going to cause to stop losing weight and if you do lose it wont be fat it will be muscle. You want to keep the muscle and lose the fat. But eating that little amout will force your body to hole on to the fat and release the muscle.
    Im sorry but Id rather lose the fat and keep my muscle. ENJOY YOUR BIRD FOOD!!
  • christimw
    christimw Posts: 183 Member
    The only thing I see making 1200 calories hard is excepting the fact that I can only EAT 1200 calories!!! Why are you eating 1200 calories? Is this your BMR? How much do you exercise?

    Lets say you burn 500 calories and you only eat 1200 calories
    1200-500=700 calories that your body is using to function. Which eventually is going to cause to stop losing weight and if you do lose it wont be fat it will be muscle. You want to keep the muscle and lose the fat. But eating that little amout will force your body to hole on to the fat and release the muscle.
    Im sorry but Id rather lose the fat and keep my muscle. ENJOY YOUR BIRD FOOD!!

    i'm the opposite, its hard for me to even get to 1200 calories since i changed the way i eat. now, i had no problem eating that or much more when i was eating junk with empty calories. now that i only eat meat, veggies, and fruit, and i even added coconut oil just for extra calories, and it's still really hard. i'm eating foods that keep me fuller for longer. i'm also 4'11 with a small frame. i was -73 from my 1200 goal yesterday, and that was after literally STUFFING myself to the point i was uncomfortable. all on meat, fruit, and veggies. it was suggested i eat back the calories i burn from working out to get to 1200, so i've tried that only to gain back 5 lbs in two days. i had 6 ounces of chicken, 1.5 cups of collards, and .25 cup of veggies stir fried in coconut oil last night. far from bird food i was beyond stuffed from that meal, if i had that three times a day, i would only have just over 1000 calories. not everyone who doesn't reach 1200 calories isn't eating bird food.
  • tml224
    tml224 Posts: 19 Member
    1200 cals is NOT GOOD for anyone unless you are a bariatric patient! Even someone who is sedentary and doesn't exercise requires more calories just for every day living! If you are having a hard time "eating below" your threshold, my guess is that you will not sustain this for very long. The holidays are right around the corner and your willpower will definitely be tested and you will find yourself on that new Year's resolution kick for weight loss. Check out the Eat More 2 Weigh less group and their website eatmore2weighless.com and you will be amazed and the info and what you will learn!
  • ShanR77
    ShanR77 Posts: 287 Member
    Open your Diary and let us have a peek and maybe we can see what is putting u over.

    Also do you have your weight loss at 1 lbs a week? You might need to do some readjusting because 1,200 calories is a bit low.
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    Thanks for all the help so far! Keep it coming!

    1200/day is what my app started me at based on wanting to lose 10 pounds at a rate of 2 lbs/week approximately.

    with only 10lbs to lose your goal should be more like 0.5lbs/week, to fast a weight loss when you don't have much to lose will lead to the loss of a large % of lean muscle, not just the fat you want to lose.
  • Brandicaloriecountess
    Brandicaloriecountess Posts: 2,126 Member
    That is why I eat like 1800-2000 a day ;)
  • christimw
    christimw Posts: 183 Member
    exercise and eat those calories back. trust me :)

    i've been doing that, and i've gained weight. and i'm not eating anything junk, processed, or any grains or sugar, all good nutritious food. so why am i gaining and not losing? it doesn't make sense.
  • MemphisKitten
    MemphisKitten Posts: 878 Member
    You shouldn't be eating a diet that low in calories anyway. You may lose weight quickly, but you aren't replacing your fat with muscle, increasing your metabolism, or fueling your body the way you should be. Message me if you're interested in learning how to eat closer to 2000 calories a day and still lose weight!

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