According to my log, I do not eat my optimal amount of calories. Prior to starting this "fitness journey", I may have eaten once or twice a day, definitely not healthy. Not eating enough has an adverse affect for me. The less I eat (healthy or otherwise), the more weight I gain. My body does not metabolize because there is nothing to break down so in turn, I store the fat rather than burning it. Now, I am eating healthy (OH MY GOODNESS I AM A LABEL READER!!!), and I eat every two to three hours and I am still not getting all my calories in. I guess I need to consider eating foods that are higher in healthy calories.

First, it is not a given that 1200 is "the" lowest number for all people... most likely the number is a bit higher for most adults. 1200 is just the lowest MFP allows as a "catch all" safety number. Unless you have a tiny physique, it's just unlikely that 1200 calories will "keep you alive".

You are 16? First, someone could report you since, technically, MFP is for those 18 yrs old and older. I am not going to report you, but you really might consider using a site that is geared towards teens who are still growing and have special physical needs.... including likely eating more than 1200 calories unless doctor/nutritionist supervised.

So, yes, not consuming all your calories IS a problem, especially at your age. First and foremost your goal should be to be HEALTHY. Focus on the types of foods you are eating. Eat fruits and veggies and lean meats. You can have your food treats, but they should be the small portion of your calories everyday, not the biggest portion. Skip the sodas (even the diet ones) and drink water - even the flavored waters (with a little fruit juice) is way better than the sodas. And, be active - have some fun, dance with friends, run around the block, do sports, whatever!

Talk to your parents, older trusted adults, your doctor. And, Good luck!

I've always heard the best thing to do in those cases is a spoonful or two of peanut butter at the end of the day to up your calorie intake, plenty of calories in a spoonful and still good for you.

MFP "yells" at me everyday because 1200 is nearly impossible for me also...especially when it is good, fresh, unprocessed foods. It's easy to eat 1200 or more when eating McDonalds (which I still crave :-) and processed foods at home.

My MFP base is now set at 1300 plus calories earned from workouts...so if I reach 1100-1200, I am doing good. I've been alternating between 1000 & 1200 (which keeps my body tricked) and feel utterly stuffed. IF the time comes where I must increase my calories, I guess I'll have to add some "junk" into my menu so that I can reach it.

I have the same issue. I think my biggest issue has always been that I DON'T eat enough so my body holds on to fat. I have been using EAS AvantEDGE shakes or Atkins shakes to help me get in more calories that are healthy without making me feel so full when I am already not even feeling hungry. I find that not only do they help, but they also give me some energy as well.

Please don't take this in a negative and hateful way, its not the intention... but EAT! Seriously, 9 months into this and 80+ lbs down you realize that undereating is a problem. You won't lose weight faster, and even if you do, your body is breaking down lean muscle, not fat (I assume most of you want to lose fat lbs). Now it seems like most of you realize you need to eat more, just don't know how to do it in a healthy way. Here are a few suggestions:

Peanut Butter (has a decent amount of fat, but its fat that is good for you)
Nuts or Granola as a snack
- Alternatively, a healthy granola bar or snack bar might be a way to get in additonal calories, they make everything from 90-100 cal snacks to 200-220 cal meal replacement type bars.
Whole grains (Whole grain bread, pasta, rice, etc.)
Lean Meat (Turkey based meats, chicken, lean red meats such as bison)
Sweet Potatoes (in any form... fries, chips, baked, casserole)
Dark Chocolate (good for you and lower in fat than milk chocolate)
Yogurt (frozen, regular or greek, low fat... can combine with granola to add calories, fiber, etc)
Egg whites for breakfast (combine with whole grain english muffin and turkey based meat for a healthy mcmuffin alternate)

As someone else mentioned, shakes are an alternative to getting more calories in your diet. Most reading i've done shows that it is far preferable to get calories and nutrients through eating real food instead of going to protein shakes, but if you really can't get to the number even after all these ideas, meal replacement type shakes might be a good alternative. Also if you are working out and trying to cut fat while hold on to the lean muscle, or even build a bit of lean muscle (good for increasing your metabolism) protein shakes are an easy way to increase your protein intake to help those goals. Personally I like Nitro Core 24 by Optimum Nutrition as a meal replacement. Throw their chocolate powder, water or milk (depending on how many calories you want to consume, or for different flavor), and even a bit of PB2 (look it up, its roasted peanuts that have the fat pressed out and its packaged dry... you add water to make a healthy but protein packed peanut butter) into a shaker cup, mix and drink.

Hope that helps... and honestly, if all else fails, find something sweet you crave at the end of the night and have a small amount in moderation to get to your calorie goal. Its about eating at a deficit, not depriving yourself of all the good things in life.