Losing On 1200 Calories Does NOT Mean Regaining

I would NEVER recommend that each and every person eat only 1200 calories daily to lose weight. What I do recommend is that you each find what works for YOUR body and go with it. We are individuals. I had never been overweight in my life until after my 51st birthday. I have lifted weights since my teens and have been within normal weight limits until the death of our child the day before his 29th birthday. I am speaking out in defense of eating 1200 calories daily because I am sick and tired of reading how I am going to regain the weight I lost and how I will have horribly sagging skin because of my quick weight loss when it simply is not true.

MFP is GREAT and most of the information is true; however, eating back your exercise calories does NOT work for every person. I GAINED 23 additional pounds following this advice. I have an electronic scale and use a BodyBug. I have been tested before and after by DEXA for my body fat. I know what my progress is. I am not guessing.

I ate 1200 calories daily and never ate one calorie back on the advice of my son who is a surgeon. I realize the 20-year-old body builders on here believe they know much more than most doctors, but YOUR way did not work for me. If it works for you ... go for it, but please do not slam everyone who wants to try something different when your way does not work for them. On maintenance I eat between 1400 and 1600 calories. I still NEVER eat back all of my exercise calories. I added calories at 100 per week until I found MY sweet spot.

I am the last person who would advocate eating 500 calories per day. I had a niece who died in her 20s from anorexia. Just find what works for YOUR body and best wishes to everyone on their journey. What does work for each and every person regardless of your sex, your height, or your age? Burn more calories than you take in daily. It really is that simple for 99% of us.