Still think your 1200 or less diet is a good idea?

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Replies

  • rodow
    rodow Posts: 26
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  • Trilby16
    Trilby16 Posts: 707 Member
    I've actually been doing quite well with this calorie amount. I lost 2.5 lbs in the first week! It really depends on the individual. I'm not sure why you care how many calories other people eat to be successful at weight loss?

    ^^THIS!^^
  • j_masher
    j_masher Posts: 18 Member
    oh, speaking of bikini girls on 1200 cals.

    its been a while since CaliforniaGirl has posted, but she's been an advocate for a good long while.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/californiagirl2012

    Thanks for posting this. I had not been active on MFP for months and when I returned I did not see Bobbie posting. I am 43 and the tiniest of frames, so I liked seeing someone of similar build get rocked like that. Maybe in 10 yrs I can be there. lol
  • CoachReddy
    CoachReddy Posts: 3,949 Member
    I've actually been doing quite well with this calorie amount. I lost 2.5 lbs in the first week! It really depends on the individual. I'm not sure why you care how many calories other people eat to be successful at weight loss?

    yep. that's normal. eventually the loss will plateau.
  • I just really don't understand what is wrong with 1200 calories a day. If you are 5'1 and a female and weigh 120 then 1200 is perfect even with workouts. If you are eating correctly then you can eat more food than most ppl bc there is very little calories in veggies and fruits. A whole head of cauliflower is something like under 60 calories.

    If you are a man 6'4 and play basketball 5 nights a week then 1200 is not good for you.

    This thread is assuming that EVERYONE is the same body type, body weight and has the same goals. If you want to lose then you make a deficit and if 1200 calories is what calculates to work for you then that is what works for you.


    I wanted to lose weight for a trip to Jamaica so I ate 1,000 to 1100 a day and lost 20 lbs. I worked out daily.

    last night half of you here were arguing that it is about calories in and calories out in the "is bread fattening thread". What happened to that theory? If you aren't burning, you need to cut what you eat and reduce calories.

    More so though it is about WHAT you eat vs how much. So many do not understand that concept though. So many mislead people.

    I'm shorter and lighter than you mentioned--eating 2000 (minimum) and certain that I'd die on 1200 calories given my activity level. If you're working out effectively then it is absolutely false that "If you are 5'1 and a female and weigh 120 then 1200 is perfect even with workouts." Perfect? For what goal exactly? To lose all of your muscle mass? Develop an eating disorder? Become a binge eater? Lose your periods? What would be the ultimate outcome of this 120 pound 5'1 female eating 1200 calories while working out?
    There are MANY factors, which is my point. It works for some, but not for others. If you are lifting heavy, you best up your calories - 2000 sounds good to me. My point was that it is IMPOSSIBLE for OP or any of you to get on here and assume 1200 is too low for every single person on the planet. That is what I find to be very silly to say or assume.

    I adjust my calories according to what I am doing. If I want to maintain I am shooting for one calorie intake goal.

    If I want to lose, it is another intake caloric goal.

    If I am lifting it is another.

    If I am pregnant, it is another.

    If I am bed ridden it is another.

    When I was 20, it was another.

    Now that I am in my 40s, it is another.



    I eat so many fruits and veggies that I eat a table full of food and can barely get past 700 calories and am stuffed. I am now having to eat more meat and nuts to get up to 1200. Dang weight keeps falling off on this plan too. And being that I need to lose 54 more lbs. I can't stop shooting for 1200 calories bc it effing WORKS for me. And I have so much energy that I have never experienced this before or rather not in over a decade. What t am I doing wrong?

    you said that 1200 is "perfect" even if exercising--I simply said that's just not true. It's not PERFECT for more people than not--especially those who exercise. So, you've contradicted yourself by bringing weight lifting into the equation--you said perfect EVEN IF exercising. Thank you for changing your perspective, it makes much more sense now. So, maybe IT'S PERFECT if bedridden, I'll give you that.
  • Sunny____
    Sunny____ Posts: 214
    I've actually been doing quite well with this calorie amount. I lost 2.5 lbs in the first week! It really depends on the individual. I'm not sure why you care how many calories other people eat to be successful at weight loss?

    yep. that's normal. eventually the loss will plateau.
    And then what? You change your calories to an increase . . .correct? I am at 1200 now, but when I platue, I need to eat more food . . .is that right?
  • I've actually been doing quite well with this calorie amount. I lost 2.5 lbs in the first week! It really depends on the individual. I'm not sure why you care how many calories other people eat to be successful at weight loss?

    yep. that's normal. eventually the loss will plateau.

    If that happens I will adjust accordingly, but right now I am sticking to what is working for me.
  • I've actually been doing quite well with this calorie amount. I lost 2.5 lbs in the first week! It really depends on the individual. I'm not sure why you care how many calories other people eat to be successful at weight loss?

    yep. that's normal. eventually the loss will plateau.
    And then what? You change your calories to an increase . . .correct? I am at 1200 now, but when I platue, I need to eat more food . . .is that right?

    Well, that's your only real option unless you want to eat 1000 calories or exercise more or just be stuck. That's why eating more in the first place works out so well--then you could simply decrease your calories by 125-250 and start losing again.
  • lyndalpn
    lyndalpn Posts: 151 Member
    So.... I read ten pages of this last night, went to bed, slept for 8 hours, went for a run, came back and you guys are still banging on about this? Quit trolling and go lift heavy **** or whatever it is that you do when you're not arguing with random people on the internet.

    My summary

    1.Some people who are slim, short, old, have medical problems or other exceptional circumstances may need to eat 1200 a day to lose weight, are doing so and are doing fine. (I am one of these people FWIW)
    2.Some people who are none of those things (and some who are) COULD be eating heaps more, lifiting heavy, losing weight and doing fine. And many are.
    3. Lots of people are lost in the middle - probably should be doing what the second group say but instead are doing what the first group do despite 400,000 threads telling them to rethink their decision, this has degenrated into 20 pages of argument about why each group is wrong? Is that it?

    Have fun klds. I'm going to pack my lunch and go to work :)
  • Sunny____
    Sunny____ Posts: 214
    I just really don't understand what is wrong with 1200 calories a day. If you are 5'1 and a female and weigh 120 then 1200 is perfect even with workouts. If you are eating correctly then you can eat more food than most ppl bc there is very little calories in veggies and fruits. A whole head of cauliflower is something like under 60 calories.

    If you are a man 6'4 and play basketball 5 nights a week then 1200 is not good for you.

    This thread is assuming that EVERYONE is the same body type, body weight and has the same goals. If you want to lose then you make a deficit and if 1200 calories is what calculates to work for you then that is what works for you.


    I wanted to lose weight for a trip to Jamaica so I ate 1,000 to 1100 a day and lost 20 lbs. I worked out daily.

    last night half of you here were arguing that it is about calories in and calories out in the "is bread fattening thread". What happened to that theory? If you aren't burning, you need to cut what you eat and reduce calories.

    More so though it is about WHAT you eat vs how much. So many do not understand that concept though. So many mislead people.

    I'm shorter and lighter than you mentioned--eating 2000 (minimum) and certain that I'd die on 1200 calories given my activity level. If you're working out effectively then it is absolutely false that "If you are 5'1 and a female and weigh 120 then 1200 is perfect even with workouts." Perfect? For what goal exactly? To lose all of your muscle mass? Develop an eating disorder? Become a binge eater? Lose your periods? What would be the ultimate outcome of this 120 pound 5'1 female eating 1200 calories while working out?
    There are MANY factors, which is my point. It works for some, but not for others. If you are lifting heavy, you best up your calories - 2000 sounds good to me. My point was that it is IMPOSSIBLE for OP or any of you to get on here and assume 1200 is too low for every single person on the planet. That is what I find to be very silly to say or assume.

    I adjust my calories according to what I am doing. If I want to maintain I am shooting for one calorie intake goal.

    If I want to lose, it is another intake caloric goal.

    If I am lifting it is another.

    If I am pregnant, it is another.

    If I am bed ridden it is another.

    When I was 20, it was another.

    Now that I am in my 40s, it is another.



    I eat so many fruits and veggies that I eat a table full of food and can barely get past 700 calories and am stuffed. I am now having to eat more meat and nuts to get up to 1200. Dang weight keeps falling off on this plan too. And being that I need to lose 54 more lbs. I can't stop shooting for 1200 calories bc it effing WORKS for me. And I have so much energy that I have never experienced this before or rather not in over a decade. What t am I doing wrong?

    you said that 1200 is "perfect" even if exercising--I simply said that's just not true. It's not PERFECT for more people than not--especially those who exercise. So, you've contradicted yourself by bringing weight lifting into the equation--you said perfect EVEN IF exercising. Thank you for changing your perspective, it makes much more sense now. So, maybe IT'S PERFECT if bedridden, I'll give you that.
    I am sorry how YOU interpreted my writing. I didn't mean it the way you took it originally and I am glad that you NOW understand my meaning. It works for me RIGHT NOW. I do exercise. I am not lifting. I am going to take up lifting in April and will eat more food then to build my muscle. It is just that this thread was really silly in saying that "1200 calories doesn't work". Sometimes it DOES work, it doesn't work for everyone and it isn't a forever thing for some. But did you see Californiagirls2012's diary, pics and body? Someone posted the link. It works for her and she obviously lifts.
  • LeanerBeef
    LeanerBeef Posts: 1,432 Member
    Is there a doctor in the house? Is there a nutritionist in the house? No? Neither? Then shutup! Most of you (like me) are here because you are fat or used to be fat. You are not expert. You are an expert of you. The tone of this thread from the start does not come off as helpful or useful, unless you're a friend/fan of the OP and enjoy knocking down others who are trying - maybe they're not trying your way or the right way but they are trying.

    However, kudos to the OP for stirring the pot and bringing out the real crazy, snarky, know- it-alls,,,,,Funny, because he really didn't say anything negative and actually shared some good info but presentation is everything....for that you FAIL....
  • Trilby16
    Trilby16 Posts: 707 Member
    Yay for food!




    I like food :smile:

    You have a lot of company here!
  • Sunny____
    Sunny____ Posts: 214
    I've actually been doing quite well with this calorie amount. I lost 2.5 lbs in the first week! It really depends on the individual. I'm not sure why you care how many calories other people eat to be successful at weight loss?

    yep. that's normal. eventually the loss will plateau.
    And then what? You change your calories to an increase . . .correct? I am at 1200 now, but when I platue, I need to eat more food . . .is that right?

    Well, that's your only real option unless you want to eat 1000 calories or exercise more or just be stuck. That's why eating more in the first place works out so well--then you could simply decrease your calories by 125-250 and start losing again.
    No, no, disagree with you. YOu eat less and then to break a plateau you eat more. This is per Jillian Michael's and then you go back to as you were with the less. I see she knows what she is talking about. I was only asking Coach, I trust very few ppl on here to know what they are talking about. He is about one of four that I trust. So I am going to wait for his response.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    oh, speaking of bikini girls on 1200 cals.

    its been a while since CaliforniaGirl has posted, but she's been an advocate for a good long while.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/californiagirl2012

    She is a 52 year old incredibly lean woman who is also about 100lb (if I recall correctly)....context.
  • Sunny____
    Sunny____ Posts: 214
    Is there a doctor in the house? Is there a nutritionist in the house? No? Neither? Then shutup! Most of you (like me) are here because you are fat or used to be fat. You are not expert. You are an expert of you. The tone of this thread from the start does not come off as helpful or useful, unless you're a friend/fan of the OP and enjoy knocking down others who are trying - maybe they're not trying your way or the right way but they are trying.

    However, kudos to the OP for stirring the pot and bringing out the real crazy, snarky, know- it-alls,,,,,Funny, because he really didn't say anything negative and actually shared some good info but presentation is everything....for that you FAIL....
    AMEN!
  • CristinaL1983
    CristinaL1983 Posts: 1,119 Member
    I've actually been doing quite well with this calorie amount. I lost 2.5 lbs in the first week! It really depends on the individual. I'm not sure why you care how many calories other people eat to be successful at weight loss?

    yep. that's normal. eventually the loss will plateau.

    When does that happen exactly?
  • Sunny____
    Sunny____ Posts: 214
    oh, speaking of bikini girls on 1200 cals.

    its been a while since CaliforniaGirl has posted, but she's been an advocate for a good long while.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/californiagirl2012

    She is a 52 year old incredibly lean woman....context.
    She eats 1200 calories a day. Doesn't this prove it CAN work? The lady is 52 so not a young one with a high metabolism due to young age. I think this is a good example. BTW, she is beautiful. Kudos to her.
  • pucenavel
    pucenavel Posts: 972 Member
    oh, speaking of bikini girls on 1200 cals.

    its been a while since CaliforniaGirl has posted, but she's been an advocate for a good long while.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/californiagirl2012

    She is a 52 year old incredibly lean woman....context.

    and I don't mean to point out the obvious....

    What was her intake to get that rockin' bod?
  • I've actually been doing quite well with this calorie amount. I lost 2.5 lbs in the first week! It really depends on the individual. I'm not sure why you care how many calories other people eat to be successful at weight loss?

    yep. that's normal. eventually the loss will plateau.
    And then what? You change your calories to an increase . . .correct? I am at 1200 now, but when I platue, I need to eat more food . . .is that right?

    Well, that's your only real option unless you want to eat 1000 calories or exercise more or just be stuck. That's why eating more in the first place works out so well--then you could simply decrease your calories by 125-250 and start losing again.
    No, no, disagree with you. YOu eat less and then to break a plateau you eat more. This is per Jillian Michael's and then you go back to as you were with the less. I see she knows what she is talking about. I was only asking Coach, I trust very few ppl on here to know what they are talking about. He is about one of four that I trust. So I am going to wait for his response.

    OK! I guess. Ultimately you're going to have to decrease them again--you said do you increase them to break a plateau. Temporary, diet-breaks as they are called, are definitely one approach to breaking a plateau but the diet break itself isn't going to cause weight loss. You then have to reduce your calories again. You can't just eat your way out of a plateau.
  • Sunny____
    Sunny____ Posts: 214
    oh, speaking of bikini girls on 1200 cals.

    its been a while since CaliforniaGirl has posted, but she's been an advocate for a good long while.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/californiagirl2012

    She is a 52 year old incredibly lean woman....context.

    and I don't mean to point out the obvious....

    What was her intake?
    Someone only posted her link, pics and diary which is open to show she eats 1200 a day. It can work!
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    oh, speaking of bikini girls on 1200 cals.

    its been a while since CaliforniaGirl has posted, but she's been an advocate for a good long while.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/californiagirl2012

    She is a 52 year old incredibly lean woman....context.
    She eats 1200 calories a day. Doesn't this prove it CAN work? The lady is 52 so not a young one with a high metabolism due to young age. I think this is a good example. BTW, she is beautiful. Kudos to her.

    I believe she is maintaining now and eats more than that...but you would have to ask he. Maybe you should send a FR.
  • oh, speaking of bikini girls on 1200 cals.

    its been a while since CaliforniaGirl has posted, but she's been an advocate for a good long while.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/californiagirl2012

    She is a 52 year old incredibly lean woman....context.
    She eats 1200 calories a day. Doesn't this prove it CAN work? The lady is 52 so not a young one with a high metabolism due to young age. I think this is a good example. BTW, she is beautiful. Kudos to her.

    Of course it CAN work. But at what cost? You'll lose weight at 1200 calories, did anyone dispute that?
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    Is there a doctor in the house? Is there a nutritionist in the house? No? Neither? Then shutup! Most of you (like me) are here because you are fat or used to be fat. You are not expert. You are an expert of you. The tone of this thread from the start does not come off as helpful or useful, unless you're a friend/fan of the OP and enjoy knocking down others who are trying - maybe they're not trying your way or the right way but they are trying.

    However, kudos to the OP for stirring the pot and bringing out the real crazy, snarky, know- it-alls,,,,,Funny, because he really didn't say anything negative and actually shared some good info but presentation is everything....for that you FAIL....

    Oh, do we need to hold doctorate degrees now to able to grok simple concepts? Have you ever balanced a checkbook? How did you do that without a PhD in mathematics? Ever changed your own motor oil... without going to a vocational school to become a certified automotive technician?

    I'm not sure you're in a position to call other people failures.
  • Sunny____
    Sunny____ Posts: 214
    I've actually been doing quite well with this calorie amount. I lost 2.5 lbs in the first week! It really depends on the individual. I'm not sure why you care how many calories other people eat to be successful at weight loss?

    yep. that's normal. eventually the loss will plateau.
    And then what? You change your calories to an increase . . .correct? I am at 1200 now, but when I platue, I need to eat more food . . .is that right?

    Well, that's your only real option unless you want to eat 1000 calories or exercise more or just be stuck. That's why eating more in the first place works out so well--then you could simply decrease your calories by 125-250 and start losing again.
    No, no, disagree with you. YOu eat less and then to break a plateau you eat more. This is per Jillian Michael's and then you go back to as you were with the less. I see she knows what she is talking about. I was only asking Coach, I trust very few ppl on here to know what they are talking about. He is about one of four that I trust. So I am going to wait for his response.

    OK! I guess. Ultimately you're going to have to decrease them again--you said do you increase them to break a plateau. Temporary, diet-breaks as they are called, are definitely one approach to breaking a plateau but the diet break itself isn't going to cause weight loss. You then have to reduce your calories again. You can't just eat your way out of a plateau.
    Yes, thanks! That is what I thought. Thanks for answering :)
  • MissKris14
    MissKris14 Posts: 65 Member
    5'4" female here. Started at 175, lost 50 pounds on 1200 diet. Was never able to lose weight on a higher calorie diet (believe me I tried). Bottom line: some people need to eat less calories to lose weight. So sick of the broad generalization that people eating 1200 are undereating and would be just as successful eating more. NOT EVERYONE IS THE SAME.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    oh, speaking of bikini girls on 1200 cals.

    its been a while since CaliforniaGirl has posted, but she's been an advocate for a good long while.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/californiagirl2012

    She is a 52 year old incredibly lean woman....context.

    and I don't mean to point out the obvious....

    What was her intake to get that rockin' bod?

    I believe that she said it was 1,200, She is also only about 100lb from what I recall.
  • Sunny____
    Sunny____ Posts: 214
    Is there a doctor in the house? Is there a nutritionist in the house? No? Neither? Then shutup! Most of you (like me) are here because you are fat or used to be fat. You are not expert. You are an expert of you. The tone of this thread from the start does not come off as helpful or useful, unless you're a friend/fan of the OP and enjoy knocking down others who are trying - maybe they're not trying your way or the right way but they are trying.

    However, kudos to the OP for stirring the pot and bringing out the real crazy, snarky, know- it-alls,,,,,Funny, because he really didn't say anything negative and actually shared some good info but presentation is everything....for that you FAIL....

    Oh, do we need to hold doctorate degrees now to able to grok simple concepts? Have you ever balanced a checkbook? How did you do that without a PhD in mathematics? Ever changed your own motor oil... without going to a vocational school to become a certified automotive technician?

    I'm not sure you're in a position to call other people failures.
    Explain the link a few posts up about the 52 yr old California bikini girl who eats 1200 a day with the best body I have seen on MFP then OP?
  • Sunny____
    Sunny____ Posts: 214
    5'4" female here. Started at 175, lost 50 pounds on 1200 diet. Was never able to lose weight on a higher calorie diet (believe me I tried). Bottom line: some people need to eat less calories to lose weight. So sick of the broad generalization that people eating 1200 are undereating and would be just as successful eating more. NOT EVERYONE IS THE SAME.
    Amen!
  • LeanerBeef
    LeanerBeef Posts: 1,432 Member
    Is there a doctor in the house? Is there a nutritionist in the house? No? Neither? Then shutup! Most of you (like me) are here because you are fat or used to be fat. You are not expert. You are an expert of you. The tone of this thread from the start does not come off as helpful or useful, unless you're a friend/fan of the OP and enjoy knocking down others who are trying - maybe they're not trying your way or the right way but they are trying.

    However, kudos to the OP for stirring the pot and bringing out the real crazy, snarky, know- it-alls,,,,,Funny, because he really didn't say anything negative and actually shared some good info but presentation is everything....for that you FAIL....

    Oh, do we need to hold doctorate degrees now to able to grok simple concepts? Have you ever balanced a checkbook? How did you do that without a PhD in mathematics? Ever changed your own motor oil... without going to a vocational school to become a certified automotive technician?

    I'm not sure you're in a position to call other people failures.

    It's douche-y post from the start.....
  • 5'4" female here. Started at 175, lost 50 pounds on 1200 diet. Was never able to lose weight on a higher calorie diet (believe me I tried). Bottom line: some people need to eat less calories to lose weight. So sick of the broad generalization that people eating 1200 are undereating and would be just as successful eating more. NOT EVERYONE IS THE SAME.

    At 24 and 175 pounds you'd have to have some SERIOUS hormonal issues or other condition to have to eat 1200 calories to lose weight. Plain and simple. I'd go to the doctor and get that checked, otherwise just chalk it up to inaccuracies in counting your calorie intake.