There is no need to under-eat. 1200 is under-eating for most people. MFP spits out that number when we put in too high of a weight loss goal. Depending on how much you have to lose, you cannot expect to lose 2 pounds per week, or even one. I lost weight quickly for the first 6 months, but now I lose about 0.5 per week on average. Primal/Paleo is about health, not just rapid weight loss. Focus on feeling good and getting healthy, and you WILL lose weight.

Lethargy is a response to under-eating. My dog just died and I didn't eat for two days. I was not hungry at all during that time, but I certainly was lethargic and screwed up.

Until you have adjusted to this lifestye, eat as much as you need of fat and protein foods, and limit the sugars (fruit) and starches (some veggies). You may feel a little crappy right at the beginning but that should pass quickly (for me it's only one day) and can be eased by eating as much as you want, of good foods. No calorie counting in the first week at least. Even after that, paying attention to the body and its needs should still over-rule calorie restriction.

I need to find the podcast I listened to when I first started. It basically said just eat until you have your "paleo dialed in" I can not say this enough with people who are just starting and hungry or etc. DONT record, just eat this isnt a diet or something that you do to loose weight and then you go back to your old ways...this is forever. SO dont worry if you gain a pound or two just eat within the guidelines and once you aren't cheating and feel confident then start keep track etc. I took several months off MFP to dial my paleo in. I just came back to keep track of calories (more so to make sure I am eating enough)

MFP warned me today that I'm eating too few calories. I can't think when that's been a problem before. I don't want my body to go into starvation mode, but I'm really not hungry most of the time! No cravings for bread/pasta/starch. I was a little wistful at our homeschool group's pizza party last night, but in the end I really thought my dinner (turkey slices, kale/cabbage salad, and gourmet olives from the whole foods store) tasted a lot better than Domino's would have. And because I didn't eat the tomato-laden pizza my knees aren't any worse today. That's a big plus.

Is it really necessary to eat if you're not hungry, to boost calorie count above 1200? If you have to fill in calories when you don't feel like it, what's your quick, easy, go-to solution?

It would be very difficult to get the macro- and micro-nutrients your body needs when eating such small amounts. Once in a while won't hurt, but you definitely don't want to make it a habit.

I make a paleo trail mix with walnuts, sunflower seeds, currants and/or raisins, and unsweetened coconut -- its a great sweet treat.

I also keep cans of sardines and tuna in the pantry for easy snacking. This weekend I plan to hard-boil a dozen eggs for snacks or lunches throughout the week.