Eating Fewer Calories

kimmiedunne
kimmiedunne Posts: 82 Member
in Food and Nutrition
My calorie goal is 1,200/day. I exercise on a daily basis and burn typically 300-600 calories/day. I rarely eat back my exercise calories, at least not all the calories, but I've been eating 1,200 calories/day and lose typically0.4 or 0.8 pounds a week - I know it's a loss so I'm happy about that, but I thought maybe I'd try eating fewer then 1,200/day to see if I can lose at least a pound a week. I know you're not supposed to eat fewer than 1,200 - has anyone else tried this and has it worked? I'm not planning on starving myself (I love food too much for that!), but just trying to escalate the process a little.

Replies

  • jzammetti
    jzammetti Posts: 1,956 Member
    I don't know your stats (age, height, weight, etc) but t is very possible that you need to up your calories instead of lower them. Search the discussions for In Place of A Roadmap 2 and calculate your TDEE to see what you should be eating.
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    You are most likely not eating enough. Unless you are very short (less than 5' tall) then your BMR (basal metabolic rate - this is the number they would feed you in a coma to fuel your basic bodily functions) is probably more than 1200. Plus you are exercising.

    Read this:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12
  • kimmiedunne
    kimmiedunne Posts: 82 Member
    I typically eat between 1,200 and 1,500/day and find it hard to eat that much. Eating when I'm not hungry doesn't make sense to me but I have forced myself to eat that much because I know I'm supposed to eat at least 1,200 a day or you lose muscle mass and not weight. I won't up my calories anymore and MFP was the one that calculated (based on my height, weight, etc.) the 1,200 calories/day.
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    I typically eat between 1,200 and 1,500/day and find it hard to eat that much. Eating when I'm not hungry doesn't make sense to me but I have forced myself to eat that much because I know I'm supposed to eat at least 1,200 a day or you lose muscle mass and not weight. I won't up my calories anymore and MFP was the one that calculated (based on my height, weight, etc.) the 1,200 calories/day.

    don't eat more, just change what you are eating.
    Eat/drink higher calorie foods, such as milk, juice, nuts, seeds, etc.
  • mom2handh1975
    mom2handh1975 Posts: 224 Member
    An easy way to add calories without adding a huge amount of food is by adding healthy fats, which I'm sure you already know. Add some nuts or olive oil to your diet. You won't feel like you're stuffing yourself, but you'll meet your calorie requirements.
  • mathteacher2010
    mathteacher2010 Posts: 85 Member
    If you are a shorter woman (close to 5' or less), you could go down to 1100. I am doing this (with my doctor's approval), and am losing a pound most weeks, sometimes a little more, sometimes less. You can eat quite a lot for 1100 if you choose wisely. I up my calories on the weekends so my body doesn't get stuck at one calorie level. I feel great, am losing body fat, am exercising (TRX) 3-4 days a week, and feel no ill effects whatsoever.
  • Sogj76
    Sogj76 Posts: 21
    If you're trying to lose more per week try eating a better breakfast, maybe not more calories but more protein and fiber. My nutritionist keeps telling me its the path to better weight loss.
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    I typically eat between 1,200 and 1,500/day and find it hard to eat that much. Eating when I'm not hungry doesn't make sense to me but I have forced myself to eat that much because I know I'm supposed to eat at least 1,200 a day or you lose muscle mass and not weight. I won't up my calories anymore and MFP was the one that calculated (based on my height, weight, etc.) the 1,200 calories/day.

    I read some of your past posts. You have lost quite a lot of weight! Conrats! The thing is, as you get closer to your goal, it becomes harder to lose than it was before when you had more excess. And because you are already at a minimum number of calories, you can't cut further to get there, and a pound a week is now more than you are likely able to lose. I would recommend setting your MFP goal to losing half a pound a week.
  • kimmiedunne
    kimmiedunne Posts: 82 Member
    Thanks for all of your responses! I know it gets harder to lose as you get lower so I'll just keep plugging away :) I'll try to change up some of my food as well per your suggestions.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,387 Member
    If you are a shorter woman (close to 5' or less), you could go down to 1100. I am doing this (with my doctor's approval), and am losing a pound most weeks, sometimes a little more, sometimes less. You can eat quite a lot for 1100 if you choose wisely. I up my calories on the weekends so my body doesn't get stuck at one calorie level. I feel great, am losing body fat, am exercising (TRX) 3-4 days a week, and feel no ill effects whatsoever.

    Except you're 59, and she looks like about 19....makes a huge difference. Plus she isn't even eating enough to fuel her workouts. I'll be quiet now. Not here to highjack...

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