1200 Calories??? Are you kidding me...lol

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Replies

  • kathleenmary73
    kathleenmary73 Posts: 33 Member
    Girl I just wrote an article about Trigger foods--there are many--but it's up to the individual to discover what they are. It is a well known and documented fact that sugar tends to make you hungrier not just for sugar but for anything. It is one of my biggest trigger foods. I also have trouble with bread, especially home baked--it does not have a chance to get cold at my house, no sooner is the loaf out of the over and it's on it's way to gone. Another thing to consider is Trigger people--there might be certain people that you are around who tend to drag you into 'let's eat this!" situations. I could never leave my mother's house without having to hold my pants up because in the process of the visit, I ate so much I had to unzip them. And there are also environment triggers--like the movie theater, where you just can't sit down without a bucket of popcorn, a soda and a couple of boxes of candy. Sometimes people just have to pay attention to what they're doing to make the changes they need to lose a bit of weight and become healthier. This is just my opinion and it is offered in the spirit of friendship to you as such and with the desire to be a help to you.
  • michellekicks
    michellekicks Posts: 3,624 Member
    I lose eating about 2100 calories/day while exercising. I'd die if I tried to eat even 1500 for a day.
  • pwnderosa
    pwnderosa Posts: 280 Member
    BIG congrats on quitting smoking, that is a major achievement and something to celebrate!! Hooray for you!!

    I agree with those on here that it sounds like that is too few calories for you, especially if you are feeling that hungry when you get home. Go easy on yourself and try restricting just a little bit or changing out a few bad habits, like replacing junk food with healthy snacks and/or upping your activity level. I found exercise the very best help to quitting smoking there is!

    Good luck and be kind to yourself, you have already overcome a huge obstacle so I hope you pat yourself on the back every day for it!
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    You could probably boost your calorie goal to 1300-1500 calories. You'll get another snack in for the day, but still probably be at a deficit. Check out what your BMR and TDEE at fit2fat.com (I think that's the site--google will take you there). It will give you a better picture of what your calorie level is.

    I agree with this. 1,200 calories is too little for too many. I've come to believe it's some sort of obligatory setting MFP gives to women. With only 30 Lbs to lose you could easily do 20% less of your TDEE and probably lose those 30 Lbs in 6-9 months. Slow and steady wins the race. Too many people start out losing big on 1,200 and then just plateau out before they're anywhere close to their goal...if they would have just taken it slower to begin with, they'd be ahead of the game.
  • CM9178
    CM9178 Posts: 1,251 Member
    I'm at 1200 calories and I have absolutely no problem with being hungry or tired, etc, in fact some times I have a hard time eating up to the 1200 calories.
    I find that when I increase protein and lower carbs and eat more fruits and veggies, I can eat a lot more food for 1200 calories, verses trying to eat a bunch of "low fat" stuff, because that tends to have higher calories.

    I've also had no issue losing weight at 1200 calories - Averaging about 1/2 to 1 lb per week (lost 37 so far). I have a sedentary job and I do not exercise.

    Oh and I forgot to mention, if you find yourself eating while cooking dinner, chew a piece of sugar free gum. It works.
  • PositivelyFit74
    PositivelyFit74 Posts: 5 Member
    You can totally do it! But I would suggest working your way to that number instead of just jumping in. Perhaps just make some different food choices. Incorporate more fruits and veggies to start. Drink an 8 oz glass of water when you feel hungry and see if you aren't just thirsty first. So often we mistake thirst for hunger. :)
  • wisconsinboogie
    wisconsinboogie Posts: 127 Member
    Trust me after 2 weeks it gets easier, your body needs to be rid of all the toxic junk food, once you have gotten past 2 weeks the cravings for crappy food diminish, hang in there.
  • dmcole13
    dmcole13 Posts: 133 Member
    I copied your list - hoping it will help me with my "night time starvations". My days are set at 1430 calories & with exercies I can have more. I don't know if I could do 1200, have trouble with the 1430!!!! I lost 35lbs in my 1st 8 months & then decided to quit smoking after 30+ years. I did gain bout 20lbs back in the 1st 3 months, but really buckled down & lost it again in a month. Still smoke free after 8 months, but still think about it alot. Good luck to you.....
  • calibriintx
    calibriintx Posts: 1,741 Member
    Eat more! http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

    ^This!
  • AnniePenny
    AnniePenny Posts: 62 Member
    Eat more! http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

    THIS ^^^^^^ !!!

    Take your time and go here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/9-general-diet-and-weight-loss-help and read the pinned threads on things you should read.. it takes time to get the information right, def make yourself some tea as there's some serious reading ahead.. but yea you'll discover how important it is to EAT and NOT STARVE to lose weight :)

    Good luck!
  • crazytreelady
    crazytreelady Posts: 752 Member
    If you were eating that much before... I would start with 1500-1700....

    I ate around 1700 before, so 1200... Not so bad haha.
  • misssiri
    misssiri Posts: 335 Member
    You have little to lose, your goal should be 1 lb per week or less. Also, if you exercise you can eat more. So you probably can eat 1500-2200 depending on your activity level.
    Eat more! http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12


    Once again because it works. This
  • ssvierck1020
    ssvierck1020 Posts: 13
    lol..yes it is for a sedentary person like myself. I plan on adding exercise but I haven't yet.
  • ssvierck1020
    ssvierck1020 Posts: 13
    Thank you for the information
  • lovelyMYlovely
    lovelyMYlovely Posts: 1,066 Member
    at first i COULDNT BELIEVE that they told me to eat 1200 calories... but i dont have a job where im active and i also dont really exercise much... i was a junk food addict and i would eat 2000+ calories a day

    now i almost dont make it to 1200 calories a day.... sometimes i do go over many times im under... and it has grown on me..... i still eat all the foods i want but in little portions...

    oh yes at first i did have hunger pains and it took about 1 week to get adjusted to it... and yes many times when i first started i over ate.... but keep in mind im 5'2 and 105 pounds to begin with so if ur any bigger i would change the calories to 1500 a day ESPECIALLY if u exercise.. but always stay under 1500 even when u earn more calories after u exercise... :)
  • allisonlane61
    allisonlane61 Posts: 187 Member
    What I've discovered, for myself, is 1200 calories is satisfactory WHEN I eat the right foods. You get a lot of leafy greens and fruits for 1200 calories. I am also not starving when I get home, so that tells me during the day you may not be eating what's satisfactory to your body. For instance, to start my day, I make a green smoothie of no less than two cups of a leafy green, at least an apple in it (I stay away from bananas), ground flaxseed, matcha green tea--and I have tons of varieties I make. I drink a cup of that, eat a pear, and nurse the remainder of the smoothie until a, say, grapefruit snack. Lunch is another two cups of a leafy green with either a can of tuna or some blue cheese, almonds (sometimes), grape tomatoes, cucumbers, and fat free dressing (still 50 cal for 2 TBSP though). Sometimes I have more fruit, sometimes I don't. Sometimes it's chicken breast, sometimes tuna, sometimes salmon...the trick is variety. I even go the Whole Foods stuffed grape leaves route sometimes in lieu of something else, although it's a bit higher in fat from the oil (and I also try to avoid soy and dairy, except that danged blue cheese).

    What I find is I still have darned near 500-600 calories left for dinner. I eat a lot of raw vegetables and fruits, and these take up much more space than a handful of chips or pretzels. Cutting out processed carbs and cutting out processed sugars were critical for me.

    So I'd really look again at what it is your eating during the day. Also, sometimes I go over the 1200 by a few cal, sometimes I go below, but it pretty much evens out. I also have 30 pounds to lose.
  • sociologywoman
    sociologywoman Posts: 24 Member
    I'm also on a 1200 cal a day program, however, because I have a really restrictive eating philospohy...ie: Paleo with a more strick twist....you'd be surprised how much you can eat from fresh fruits and veggies!! Just think 3 cups of steamed veggies is about 100-120 calories depending on what you add.....and 3 cups is quite a bit of food lol...

    You just have to find smarter things to eat that are less calorie dense...ie veggies, vs. nuts....for only like 1/4 cup (maybe fits in the palm of your hand) nuts have around 200 calories....I know that 1/4 of nuts is NOT enough for me, and for most people...hence most people end up eating more..

    Good Luck!!!
  • ssvierck1020
    ssvierck1020 Posts: 13
    Thank you everyone for your post. I wish we had a like button just like FB...lol
    Now, in response to making breakfast at home, I get up at 4:30 AM and do not have time to make breakfast at home so I bring it to work at I usually eat about 6:30. I cant use a blender at work even though a smoothie is a great idea. I usually stick to oatmeal, malto meal or English muffins. with honey and yogurt spread. I eat my snack around 9:30 which is usually fruit. I eat lunch between 11-11:30 which is a healthy choice meal as it is easier to heat up at work. Then If I am hungry I eat my afternoon snack between 1:30-2:00 which is my vegetable juice, or fresh veggies or if I am craving a sweet I eat a 100 calorie pack of chocolate covered pretzels, and then I head off to school. I usually get home around 5:00 and I start dinner... that's when I am starving for food. I like the idea of keeping almonds in my car for the drive home, or even a high in protein bar to eat before I actually get home to tie me over. I think I will try that. I also like the whole foods idea. I love veggies and will eat allot of them but then I tend to get very gassy...lol

    I do not eat allot of carbs. as they make me crave more carbs. I don't eat allot of white flour, breads etc. I would rather eat meat and veggies...
  • jcstanton
    jcstanton Posts: 1,849 Member
    If you make your own food you'd be surprised how much 1200 can really be. You could just workout really hard and probably add another ~400+ to your daily. I could easily live off of sub 1200, but it effects my energy levels at the gym.

    ^^This. Eat whole foods as much as possible, and prepare your meals fresh. 1200 calories of whole foods has much more volume than 2,000-3,000 calories of overprocessed junk.

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/377891-eating-healthy-vs-junk-food/

    and if it's below the OP's BMR, it won't make a difference.

    I understand that. I was responding to the fact that the OP was concerned that she was going to be hungry all the time. My point was that you get much larger portion sizes when you eat low calorie, nutrient dense, whole foods. Therefore, fewer calories doesn't necessarily mean more hunger (whether it be 1200 calories, or 1800 calories, or whatever her BMR numbers say she should be eating).
  • allisonlane61
    allisonlane61 Posts: 187 Member
    I don't know what would work for others, but for myself, the Healthy Choice meals, Lean Cuisines, all that stuff, never was enough for me. I actually need more "volume." Also, I wouldn't be able to cut a bowl of oatmeal or an English muffin for breakfast, for the same reason--I need more "volume." I do know others who are fine though with what you've been eating. Maybe if you think you'd like the Smoothie, you could make it the night before and store it in a mason jar. They usually maintain their nutritional value for a day or two, so you should be okay on storing it from the night before.

    Upping your caloric intake is reasonable because you started out on so many calories, so 1200 just might feel like "culture shock" to you right now and your body is protesting. It's a drastic cut for you.
  • Lesa_Sass
    Lesa_Sass Posts: 2,213 Member
    i too eat only 1200 calories a day, it takes a bit to adjust, what helps me is to remember why im doing what im doing, and to ALWAYS keep a handful of almonds in the car. ( helps with defeating the urge to smoke in the car, i quit smoking 13 mnths ago) if i eat one serving of almonds on my way home from work, my body doesnt freak out and tell me i need to eat everything in my fridge when i start cooking dinner. also: WATER! (i hate water, i mean HATE it.) but make tea or add lemon and drink everytime you think you are hungry, if the hunger doesnt leave then eat something small and healthy.

    If you have been eating 1200 calories a day and been doing that since Novemeber and your ticker is correct and have only lost 4 lbs, you probably want to consider moving that number up.

    It was not until I started eating 1400 a day that I started losing weight. I am a small girl at 5'3 and 44 years old.
  • actingnurse1
    actingnurse1 Posts: 153 Member
    I had to do a liquid diet prior to surgery and well... I didnt stick to it but I did restrict my calories. One thing I'd do is hit up subway and get a footlong oven roasted chicken breast - no mayo and no cheese... that's only around 650 calories for the whole footlong. I'd have a protein shake for breakfast and then eat sensibly at dinner... Lost 6 pounds the week prior to surgery and stayed 1200 cals or less.
  • jerseyjenus
    jerseyjenus Posts: 82 Member
    Do This: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
    lol..yes it is for a sedentary person like myself. I plan on adding exercise but I haven't yet.
    are you talking about 1200 calories being enough? Have you checked any of the threads folks have posted about the roadmap? Calculated your BMR?
  • CHELLET31
    CHELLET31 Posts: 13 Member
    good questions hunni maybe i should do that when i get urges to binge or give up feel free to add me should u wish to aybe we can help each other
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
    good questions hunni maybe i should do that when i get urges to binge or give up feel free to add me should u wish to aybe we can help each other

    Hi, welcome to MFP. Get started on the right foot and do this:
    Do This: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

    that. follow that link.
  • sally_jeffswife
    sally_jeffswife Posts: 766 Member
    I still eat enough to not feel hungry I just try to eat healthier foods and when I go over I excercise more to make up for it. Its surprising how many calories you get and how much more you can eat when you work out longer. I think it took awhile for my stomach to shrink down with the fewer calories for it to feel less hungry At first I felt like I was completely starving. I try to drink more when I'm hungry instead of eating too between meals. I will go for a diet fuze iced tea or mio water or coffee. Something with less sugar than caffeinated pops like I used to always drink. Still every now and then I really crave a Big Red Soda, then I just tell myself I gotta work out longer.
  • Trilby16
    Trilby16 Posts: 707 Member
    1200 calories is not a lot of junk food, that's true. But it's a buttload of celery! Just saying, it depends on the choices you make whether it's a little food or a lot.
  • sally_jeffswife
    sally_jeffswife Posts: 766 Member
    Broth based soups are really good to fill you up too. Things like Hamburger and Cabbage Soup or Chili are pretty filling and not so many calories.
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
    1200 calories is not a lot of junk food, that's true. But it's a buttload of celery! Just saying, it depends on the choices you make whether it's a little food or a lot.

    and if the OP's BMR is 1700... and they're still eating 1200 calories of celery, nutella, or bacon, it still isn't enough.

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