Afraid to gain weight eating 1200cals or more

Hi So I've been here about a week, clearly I was eating too low cals maybe thats why I was gaining and gaining. I keep reading and trying to understand that I need the cals for my metabolism to work and burn the fat. i get it. So Why am i so afraid I'm going to gain more with all this food.. Can any of you reassure me that this wont happen? I work out 4 days a week burning 500/600 cals thanks
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Replies

  • WinnerVictorious
    WinnerVictorious Posts: 4,733 Member
    you just have to do it to see for yourself.

    eat above your BMR and below your TDEE and you will lose weight and not have adverse health affects.
  • traceytwink
    traceytwink Posts: 538 Member
    It's true you have to eat to lose weight sounds wrong but if you starve your body stores fat, I eat around 2000 cals a day sometime more sometimes less although less isn't very often and my weight has stayed the same for about 4 months x
  • Its just number game - the less deficit you have you'll just lose weight slower but its more maintainable.
  • jzammetti
    jzammetti Posts: 1,956 Member
    you just have to do it to see for yourself.

    eat above your BMR and below your TDEE and you will lose weight and not have adverse health affects.

    This ^^^

    Commit to it for 4-6 weeks (because VLCD's damage your body's ability to process stuff correctly and you need time to repair) and see what results you get. It worked wonders for me!
  • rm7161
    rm7161 Posts: 505
    you just have to do it to see for yourself.

    eat above your BMR and below your TDEE and you will lose weight and not have adverse health affects.

    this.

    I really doubt most folks who claim to be eating less than 1200 are actually doing so. I know how hard it is for me to stay between 1600-1800, and I have been losing just fine. The thought of 1200 a day makes my head literally spin.
  • ReinaLorenz
    ReinaLorenz Posts: 88 Member
    know first hand how scary it is to up your calorie intake....I did it last Friday. I was eating between 800-1000 calories a day and working out 4-6 times a week, burning between 400-800 calories.....and guess what I stalled my weight loss. I now eat 1500 calories a day and have not gained an ounce so far, and as a matter of fact the scale finally went down a pound this week, I know it is scary but do it now and save yourself a whole bunch of headaches later
  • Youd be surprised... you actually feel kinda high when you're starving and it can become addicting... granted you have no energy etc but the euphoria is real... and unhealthy...
    you just have to do it to see for yourself.

    eat above your BMR and below your TDEE and you will lose weight and not have adverse health affects.

    this.

    I really doubt most folks who claim to be eating less than 1200 are actually doing so. I know how hard it is for me to stay between 1600-1800, and I have been losing just fine.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,409 Member
    starvinkevin, that is one of the most irresponsible things I've read on here in a long time.
  • Haha I just stated a fact from personal experience... It's not advice DON'T STARVE...
    starvinkevin, that is one of the most irresponsible things I've read on here in a long time.
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    <
    1800+ calories a day. I'm already at 1145 for today, and I haven't had dinner yet. :bigsmile:

    Seriously, the person who posted about eating between your BMR and your TDEE is right. I've been doing that for almost a year with wonderful success. Even through the holidays - I ate all the foodz and enjoyed all my favorite treats (without going crazy of course) and didn't gain ANY weight during that time. I've been steadily losing fat and inches while eating at this level, and am 1/2 pound away from goal weight - which I honestly don't care much about anymore because the fat and inches lost is way better than the number on the scale!

    Food is fuel! :drinker:
  • BackTatJIM
    BackTatJIM Posts: 1,140 Member
    I eat about 3,000 cals a day and don't gain weight..... just eat more and see what happens
  • halffullpgh
    halffullpgh Posts: 74 Member
    you just have to do it to see for yourself.

    eat above your BMR and below your TDEE and you will lose weight and not have adverse health affects.
    I am only on week two of doing this and I can already see a change in my body.
  • shorty35565
    shorty35565 Posts: 1,425 Member
    You burn mega calories! You need to b eating WAY more than 1200. If you do gain, it won't be fat. It will only b temporary & be from actually having more food in your belly (because food has weight). It will b alright. I eat 15-1600 cals.
    Find your BMR & TDEE, like others have mentioned & eat between them.
    You could search the forums for dan's in place of a road map post. It should help you a lot. I don't have the link for you it, but mayb someone else can give it.
  • Juliechilli
    Juliechilli Posts: 123 Member
    I was at 1200 or less net for the last 3 months and tons of cardio. Lost 7lbs and stalled. I upped my cals to 1500 last week and started eating 6 CLEAN meals a day and lifting heavy. I'd better see results! I feel so much better by cleaning up my diet and am trying to be patient to let my body respond. Giving myself a good month. I wouldn't be able to up my calories if I wasn't eating clean. I'd be too scared too. I tried that and I actually did gain weight :ohwell:
  • wahmx3
    wahmx3 Posts: 633 Member
    <
    1800+ calories a day. I'm already at 1145 for today, and I haven't had dinner yet. :bigsmile:

    Seriously, the person who posted about eating between your BMR and your TDEE is right. I've been doing that for almost a year with wonderful success. Even through the holidays - I ate all the foodz and enjoyed all my favorite treats (without going crazy of course) and didn't gain ANY weight during that time. I've been steadily losing fat and inches while eating at this level, and am 1/2 pound away from goal weight - which I honestly don't care much about anymore because the fat and inches lost is way better than the number on the scale!

    Food is fuel! :drinker:

    Totally agree, food is fuel, your brain,heart,lungs and every other body organ needs it
  • tadlana
    tadlana Posts: 27 Member
    Thank you all for the advice, I was eating salads and fruit mostly and I really didnt feel starved, maybe that explains my exhaustion !! ah ha moment?? I am trying hard to increase with good choices. I'm hoping to be successful, i hope I hope :blushing:
  • 2bmeagain12
    2bmeagain12 Posts: 284 Member
    you just have to do it to see for yourself.

    eat above your BMR and below your TDEE and you will lose weight and not have adverse health affects.

    ^^^
    This is dead on. Look up some of the eat more weigh less threads. Educate yourself on the types of calories that are best for you. Get plenty of water. A minimum of 8-8 oz cups up to 1/2 ounce for every pound of body weight.

    I too am one who lost at 1200, plateaued, educated myself and then upped my calories to 1500. Definitely helped me get back on track. Good luck!
  • geekyjock76
    geekyjock76 Posts: 2,720 Member
    What I find is that although the endocrinological adaptations prove too stressful, it's usually the psychological damage that makes assuming significant deficits unadvisable.
  • AbsoluteNG
    AbsoluteNG Posts: 1,079 Member
    It's obvious that you're not exercising. Eating more is just going to make you gain weight. If you want to eat more to lose weight, you have to exercise. The notion that only eating more will fix your problems is very misleading and can lead to real problems such as diabetes or heart diseases. If you want to eat more to lose weight then you have to exercise. Below is a quote from a Registered dietitian that frequents these forums.


    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/755899-registered-dietitian-in-tx-here-to-answer-questions
    3. If you "have tried everything and cannot lose weight" or if you're eating "x amount of calories and still can't lose weight." my answer will always be the same- you are eating too many calories. Be consistent with your current intake and cut by 10-20% while making sure you are getting enough protein. Make sure you are correct with your portion sizes and choosing the right foods in the MFP. In other words, if you can't lose weight- you need to eat less and exercise more.
  • geekyjock76
    geekyjock76 Posts: 2,720 Member
    In her last sentence, she states she does exercise.
    It's obvious that you're not exercising. Eating more is just going to make you gain weight. If you want to eat more to lose weight, you have to exercise. The notion that only eating more will fix your problems is very misleading and can lead to real problems such as diabetes or heart diseases. If you want to eat more to lose weight then you have to exercise. Below is a quote from a Registered dietitian that frequents these forums.


    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/755899-registered-dietitian-in-tx-here-to-answer-questions
    3. If you "have tried everything and cannot lose weight" or if you're eating "x amount of calories and still can't lose weight." my answer will always be the same- you are eating too many calories. Be consistent with your current intake and cut by 10-20% while making sure you are getting enough protein. Make sure you are correct with your portion sizes and choosing the right foods in the MFP. In other words, if you can't lose weight- you need to eat less and exercise more.
  • Jo4applerose
    Jo4applerose Posts: 36 Member
    Can I private msg someone not sure how to figure my calories for losing seems too complicated. Been on the 1200 calories but just freezing and so tired. That long thread on this seems so complicated. :/ Can someone help me?
  • marjoleina
    marjoleina Posts: 189 Member
    Can I private msg someone not sure how to figure my calories for losing seems too complicated. Been on the 1200 calories but just freezing and so tired. That long thread on this seems so complicated. :/ Can someone help me?

    Please search for haybales in find members, the link to the spreadsheet is there, follow the instructions and you can get your calories, or google TDEE calculator, complete the online calculator and subtract 20% and eat that many calories. You can do this! Good luck
  • Jo4applerose
    Jo4applerose Posts: 36 Member
    Thank you. I will try to figure it out. Dont think mfp has me on the right calories.
  • lelaspeaks
    lelaspeaks Posts: 163 Member
    These rules have worked for me since the new year started:

    1. Set your realistic activity level. What do you do for a living? If it's a desk job - sedentary, if it's a teacher - lightly active, if you're running around all day - active, etc. You get the point.
    2. Set your profile to lose 1 pound a week.
    3. Eat your exercise calories back... never NET below 1200.
    4. Never eat below your BMR... Don't know what it is? MFP has a calculator for you: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/tools/bmr-calculator. If your 1 pound a week weightloss is below your BMR, do light physical activity to get you there. Once again, never eat below BMR.
    5. Think about your macros - I like a 40/30/30 (carbs/fats/protein) split.
    6. Monitor your salt and fiber intake. I have my three macros referenced above and these two items. Go above the salt recommendation and you'll most likely hold or gain water weight. Fiber keeps your digestive system moving.
    7. Start weight lifting... this will make you solid.
    8. Expect to gain weight when you first start adjusting your calorie intake. If your body is used to being straved it will hold on to nutrients like crazy... wait about 2-4 weeks for your body to adjust and then watch the magic happen! I've lost 4 pounds in two weeks and I'm eating between 1500-1800 a day.
    9. Worried about what you'll eat? Plan your meals out the day before. I always do this and it leaves very little up to chance.
    10. KISS. Don't over think this.
  • 1LiFe8
    1LiFe8 Posts: 20
    Bump
  • JessicaRobin67
    JessicaRobin67 Posts: 275 Member
    I was skeptical eating 1900 calories but I am losing.
  • tadlana
    tadlana Posts: 27 Member
    what does bump mean?
  • Jo4applerose
    Jo4applerose Posts: 36 Member
    Thank you. I looked up TDEE minus 20% that leaves me with 1700 calories. Yikes I will go for it and give it a few weeks. I had been eating around 1200 on most days.
  • Its just a word people type to move the topic higher on the forum list.
    what does bump mean?
  • If you're trying to lose weight 500 calories is a safe deficit... I say continue eating 1200...
    Thank you. I looked up TDEE minus 20% that leaves me with 1700 calories. Yikes I will go for it and give it a few weeks. I had been eating around 1200 on most days.