1200 calories

I've learned that i had to get used to hunger. I make my stomach growl before i eat, and if i manage to get hungry and not be able to eat (like, im out somewhere), after a bit i get used to it.
I dont do combining, i found it highly confusing, not to mention expensive. I just count calories. When i DID concentrate on lowering carbs and upping protein, i found i was hungry ALL the time, and it was a very uncomfortable sort of hunger.
Are you exercising?

Do research on GOOGLE that's what I do for me and my husband, are you a picky eater? I check the labels on everything I eat and count an balance it out. I usually try to stay away from bread I eat oatmeal for breakfast and that has protein also eggs but always eat your breakfast I don't think that protein shakes have all needed nutrients. I am also at the 1200 calorie thing and I at first was hungry to but now that I know what Im doing I dont get hungry I am satisfied.

I have been cooking from websites that post calories and nutritional info on their recipes such as www.skinnytaste.com. By eating the right foods like lots of fruits and vegetables, beans, seeds, etc. you can definitely eat delicious food, be satisfied and stay under 1200. However, I work out most days of the week and therefore eat more as long as I net 1200 at the end of the day. I have been doing this for about a month and lost 10lbs. Good luck!

First check your weight loss goal. Unless you are obese you will find it extremely difficult to lose 2 or even sometimes 1 pound a week. MFP when it gives you the calorie goal does not take what our bodies can realistically do into account. It just takes the numbers you supply and plugs it into a formula then poof...goal calories. If you are constantly hungry you may want to increase your calories, it may be that the MFP formula was wrong for you.

As for your macros (carbs, fats, and proteins), if it is too confusing dont focus on them immediately. As long as you are eating at a *reasonable* calorie deficit you will lose weight. Low carb will probably start off faster but in the long run they all work equally well if you stick too it. If you are interested in hitting certain macro nutrients, expand your food choices. There is plenty more carbs to eat than just bread. All vegetables and fruit have lots of carbs plus vitamins and minerals so you stay healthy while losing weight. There are whole grains without gluten such as quinoa that have plenty of carbs, protein and fiber. Search around the interweb plenty of great fun recipes to try. Proteins are also easy. I dont eat much meat and refuse to eat protein powder. Instead I eat beans, lentils, eggs, and milk. All of these things are very filling and will help you stay within your calorie limit. Bottom line start making your food and youll find your macros fall into place.

I just joined and my goal is similar (1270). I'm going through the same feeling - just flat out hungry at times. But I want this so bad that I just know I'll be REALLY mad at myself if I give up. I'm actively researching types of protein drinks that take longer to burn and just tried half of a Lucerna bar for the slower burning carbs. A work in progress! ;o) Anyway, I guess all I can truly offer is my empathy as a fellow sufferer of, "THE HUNGER!" Try to be strong Amanda, you can do it!

Try to eat 1200-1300 calories for now, and then up it bit by bit later. Be reasonable though. You should see great results with the 1200! I started with 1200 and about the same amount of cardio your doing ( i only did cardio though, no lifting or anything) & wow great results!!! HUGE DIFFERENCE! Lost about 20lbs. And the inches FELL OFF! Best of luck xx

I have been cooking from websites that post calories and nutritional info on their recipes such as www.skinnytaste.com. By eating the right foods like lots of fruits and vegetables, beans, seeds, etc. you can definitely eat delicious food, be satisfied and stay under 1200. However, I work out most days of the week and therefore eat more as long as I net 1200 at the end of the day. I have been doing this for about a month and lost 10lbs. Good luck!

Totally second skinnytaste.com. She has some of the best recipes I've ever tried!

I was on 1200.... and cause i was working out 6 times a week and doing hard workouts, I found I got really hungry.

This week I've changed my goal to 1300, and might eventually raise it to 1400.. but 1300 is working well, i'm not getting as hungry as I was

I was also netting too low - I thought it would help with the weight loss, but then I got worried that it could stall the weight loss after reading threads about it. So his week I've been eating almost all exercise calories back, which has been fine

Try eating snacks between meals. I;ve added a sample of what I eat.

My breakfast = a protein shake;
Snack = sm banana;
Lunch = 1/2 a ham or turkey pastrami sandwich - 2 oz of meat w/peppercini's and sliced tomatoes & spicy mustard, 16g of Finn crisp rye bread (hard) w/1.5 T of cream cheese & 1.5 T of Strawberry jelly.
Snack = large apple
Dinner = 4 oz lean pork chop - 1 cup broccoli or other veggie - 1/2 cup milk - sm. baked potatoe.

If I don't have snacks I am starving by dinner and then I will eat anything that is in the fridge that is fast & easy and end up overeating 'cause I still eat dinner after raiding the fridge.

Another thing that works for me and also saves me money at the grocery store is I plan a menu for the week and then get the just the groceries need for the menu for that week.

I don't always stick to the plan but it gives me a base and I also don't come home wondering what I will cook for dinner.

Best of luck to you in your endeavors. Have faith in yourself.

You sound a little lost, frustrated and overwhelmed. If you can't eat bread due to gluten intolerance, there are many fine gluten free products available. My husband suffers from GI and we have a number of things in our freezer for him. My personal favorite is gluten free raisin bread. You might enjoy potatoes, sweet potatoes or yams, quinoa, and all sorts of lovely raw fruits and vegetables like carrots and apples. We love sweet potato fries and can buy them already made and frozen in bags at Costco and our local IGA. You can really eat all sorts of things, and MyFintessPal will figure out the nutrition for you. Play with it and have some fun while you diet.