Have a hard time eating 1200 calorie minimum

I would even go so far as to say that if you really do feel bloated or full after so few calories, then you should see a doctor. There are food intolerances, for example, that can cause your body to bloat or give you other uncomfortable symptoms. Sort of a protective mechanism if you are putting something into your body that it doesn't want. My husband used to be very thin and even though he would try to eat he would often just not be able to. He didn't always realize that the food was causing him discomfort, but his body would send up signals for him to stop eating. He was finally diagnosed with celiac disease, and he is now able to put on weight for the first time in his life. (He's happy about that.)

Just something to consider. As others have said, it is not normal or healthy for a 20-year old male to be eating such a low number of calories.

This is a fairly sexist thing to say, but when I see a post like this and it's from a dude, it just blows my mind.

Thank you all for the replies! Thinking back on it, I normally wouldn't have eaten more pre-weight loss than I do now. Would upping my intake cause weight gain? I'll still continue exercising for an hour a day, I just don't want to think I've done all of this work so far for nothing

BlueObsidian: I just opened up my diary . My protein intake is always close to max for the day (eggsssssssss :P)

You should be getting 1g of protein per lb of LBM to try to maintain muscle while on a deficit - you should also be doing strength training.

If you really are in discomfort when you eat, or you have eaten this little for some time and have not lost weight - see a doctor.

If you want, check out this link by MFPer Heliotsdan - It'll give you a detailed walkthrough (with pictures even) on finding your TDEE and calculating what you should be eating.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

Or for a different version to figure out your TDEE, as well as some great advice...check out:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/833500-what-do-i-do-common-sense-cliff-notes
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/844040-raspberry-ketones-for-the-rest-of-us


Also, if you are worried about the calorie intake, I also suggest you read this thread that has numerous people who met their goals and are maintaining. Some for years and they also provide their calorie intake and how often they work out.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/816542-let-s-hear-it-for-maintainenance


For more information about fitness and nutrition, I highly suggest checking out and joining this group: (Read all the stickies. It's great information to know.)
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/865230-resources-and-references


For those eating below their BMR (which I think 1200 is below your BMR to be honest), not going to preach at you, but here's something you might want to look at:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/81391-starvation-mode-myths-and-science
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/859495-if-only-i-had-known?page=1#posts-12919931


For the whole eating under a 1000 calories, look...you are going to do what you want but check out the link below at some of the stories of people who thought it was okay (especially because they weren't "feeling" hungry a lot of times) but ended up regretting it. These links are just information for you to be aware of.http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/521480-1000-calories-or-less-a-day
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/3047-700-calories-a-day-and-not-losing
http://www.fitwatch.com/weight-loss/3-reasons-why-eating-less-than-1000-calories-is-a-waste-of-time-3347.html


Yes, this is can all be overwhelming and complicated , but you are more than welcome to ask questions on the post.
One of the things that I have found that has been one of the best methods for me to get fit is to understand fitness. To understand where all these figures, etc come from.

The good thing is once you get the hang of it - it is something you'll be aware of constantly and you'll get a better understanding about your eating habits.

So I HIGHLY suggest making the effort to take every chance to educate yourself. Even if you don't end up going with any of these methods, calculations, etc - at least you understand what they are, where others are coming from, and maybe they will still be able to help you figure out what is best for you.

Another thing - it isn't always about eating more but eating "smarter". You can meet calorie goals by including foods that are higher in calories (and no, it doesn't necessarily have to be junk food or fast food). Foods like, nuts, peanut butter, eggs (which you seem to be consuming okay ), butter (the real stuff), no low calorie items, bread (and not the low cal one type either), pastas, olive oil, avocado, protein powders, granola bars (like Nature Valley), protein bars, oatmeal, potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes, rice, cheese, milk, meats, etc. Maybe include some ice cream in there

I been using almond milk to make smoothies between meals,so i get lots of protein.Use one cup of the almond milk and throw in some fruits,I also use kale for my greens in the smoothis and they taste great.

Alright, thanks everyone Looks like I'll be starting a new diet plan tomorrow haha. I'll shoot for about 2k calories. thanks again!

It's great you're reaching out here, and I'm glad to see you're going to try to up your calories.

That being said, if you eat at your recommended caloric intake with a modest deficit (all the links and info you need are right here in this thread) and you are still feeling ill/bloated/whatever after a few days, please reach out to a healthcare professional and tell them what you told us.

Good luck!!

^^what he said.

You are a good looking lad and obviously don't have much to lose anyway. Don't ruin your health for the sake of that little weight. As everyone has said, eat more, and focus on health before weight loss, and health means getting adequate nutrition and keeping your strength up. Maybe have a go at body weight exercises or weight training if it is your appearance you are not happy with.

Yea sorry i meant to say it has alot of fiber which in my case makes me feel full.

No worries - good way to get your veggies in.

Phew! He said he was gonna start EATING! Yay! :flowerforyou: