Eating 1200 Calories but not loosing weight

This is a very common thing for those who are under eating. I can't tell you how many plateau threads or other people who can not lose because they eat 1200 calories a day. And 1.5 lbs a week will be too aggressive at this point. Really a goal of 1 lb per week would be better. In fact, the majority of women I know are losing at 1700-2100 calories total. Even many of them in their 50's.

Also, you can't gain new fat until you exceed your TDEE. So adding a few hundred calories a week for a few weeks will not make you gain new fat, only add some water weight. And since what you are doing now is failing, why not try to set your goal at 1700 calories and not eat back exercise calories to see how you do. And since you are young, you will definitely need more calories. But based on your stats, 1700 total calories would be good. Just make sure you are accurately tracking and measuring.

One last thing, change up your exercise and start weight training. Do like 3-4 days of heavy weight lifting and 1-2 days of bike. You will see better composition changes doing this and get a lot stronger.

This is a very common thing for those who are under eating. I can't tell you how many plateau threads or other people who can not lose because they eat 1200 calories a day. And 1.5 lbs a week will be too aggressive at this point. Really a goal of 1 lb per week would be better. In fact, the majority of women I know are losing at 1700-2100 calories total. Even many of them in their 50's.

Also, you can't gain new fat until you exceed your TDEE. So adding a few hundred calories a week for a few weeks will not make you gain new fat, only add some water weight. And since what you are doing now is failing, why not try to set your goal at 1700 calories and not eat back exercise calories to see how you do. And since you are young, you will definitely need more calories. But based on your stats, 1700 total calories would be good. Just make sure you are accurately tracking and measuring.

One last thing, change up your exercise and start weight training. Do like 3-4 days of heavy weight lifting and 1-2 days of bike. You will see better composition changes doing this and get a lot stronger.

All of this is very true.

However, I'm guessing the OP is overly concerned (obsessed?) with scale weight. The minute she increases her cals (or starts weight training), she's likely to see a small increase due to water weigth, which will send her panicing.

First thing she needs to do is get her feet back under her and have a more level headed, patient, realistic approach.

Yes, this is true. But the sooner a person learns it, the faster they will see results.

a 3 week stall after losing so much is a totally normal weight loss pattern.

Chances are, you're body is used to your exercise and eating routine. It's adapted and to see another loss you'll need to change something up.

You can try to add length or intensity to your workouts. Maybe try adding some push ups, jumping jacks, and squats after your cardio.

Also try to change up the time of day you consume calories. Try to eat a HUGE breakfast one day then a small one the next. You basically want your body to keep guessing.

Don't give up, you got this. Chances are you'll see a big loss very soon.

You may be gaining lean muscle mass (a good thing)! Forget about the scale, and pull out a measuring tape to see if you are dropping inches.

Not on 1000 calories a day.

^This.

I'm just scared that if I increase my calories, I'll gain a much weight!! Arghh this is so frustrating

Perhaps you should do some more reading. Educating yourself is the best way to overcome irrational fears.

Relaxed Fit Pants. Defintiely fit looser in the waist and thighs. Wait...wut?

I would suggest that you're probably overestimating your calorie intake...i.e. you're not logging everything or you're not weighing and/or otherwise measuring your ingredients and portions. You have no idea how many people I come across on this site who do things like log a serving of chicken breast (4oz) but really, they ate about double that since the average, actual chicken breast is closer to 8 oz and often more.

Log, and log accurately.

This.

Ditto...

I am one of those oddballs that loses less or even gains weight if I eat more. Shocking, isn't it? :bigsmile:

Anyway, I have to agree with the earlier poster about portions or missed items. If the math is right the scale will move.

oh me too!!!....bugger, isnt it....I sooooo long to be "eat more to weigh less"...some people have all the ruddy luck!!

I'm going to read some of the eat more to weigh less articles and hopefully that will help me as well

Do research on tdee and bmr. If your calories dont exceed tdee, then you cant gain new fat. I have a desk job and workout for an hour a day. I eat 2500 calories a day lose 1 lb per week. This means my tdee is 3000 calories. So while I can gain weight at less than 3000 calories due to water fluctuations I can not gain new muscle or fat until I exceed 3000 calories.

My doctor suggested eating 5-6 small meals a day. My meals consist of a protein, carb and a fruit or vegetable with 2-3 of these meals a day. For example, I might have a yogurt, 1/2 bagel with nutella. The benefits of eating 5/6 small meals a day? My blood sugar stays consistent and I have found that I actually eat less calories and stay satisfied. I also make sure to take a meal off once a week so I don't feel deprived.