Can cutting calories really make you lose weight?

It's the only thing that's ever worked for me, but I eat quite a bit more than 1200 calories

Thanks everyone for replying!

I don't know how to copy other member's questions---I still need to create a profile.

But I am 5'7, 166 lbs, 3 months PP and have a 3 and 2 year old (along with 3 month old). My body is a hot mess from having back to back pregnancies. My stomach muscles literally tore apart this third baby because I gave birth to a small turkey (born at 11 lbs.). I am 28 but feel like I seriously could be 60.

So, my husband and I are done with our family and I am serious about getting back to my pre-pre-pre pregnancy weight, which was 135. MFP said for me to get there and only giving myself 3 days of 60 min cardio, that I need to consume only 1200 calories a day.

I have never dieted before so this is def a new road for me.

I appreciate everyone's responses--its nice to get feedback. Sometimes I feel isolated with my self image--my husband is a runner and in amazing shape. He gets better with age and being a father, and my hips and feet get wider---how fair, right?

Most of what I was going to say has been said above:

* 1200 is very low. MFP sets most people at this level but it is rarely right. Have a look at this thread and consider upping your calories a litte: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/963088-level-obstacles-lose-weight-target-fat-easy

* What about asking your husband if he will help you take up running? A very fast, cheap, easy way to get your fitness up.

* You say that the amount you are eating looks like a lot of food - that's because you are thinking about what you are eating and making good choices. A whole cucumber looks massive but has the fraction of calories in a chocolate bar.

Oh, and welcome on board! :flowerforyou:

Hello all---I just signed up to MFP yesterday and am counting calories and measuring what I eat/make etc. I am to only consume 1200 calories a day and yesterday, after logging all my meals, it visually looks like I am eating a lot. I am eating healthy and clean--nothing processed, whole grain, and majority fresh fruits and veggies. MFP said that if I were to eat like this for the next five weeks I would drop 10 lbs (with only min. cardio).

I just can't seem to believe this. For those who have been active with MFP for quite some time, did you really see weight loss just by tracking your calorie intake?

I had a baby 3 months ago and have two little ones at home already--working out is a hit or miss depending on their divalicious antics that day. I really am serious about getting healthy and know my exercising won't be as strict as my eating--therefore, I want to take this calorie counting seriously.

Thanks!!

Strollers + bikes/scooters= power walk
That's how I did it when my kids were babies.
Eat less than you burn and you will lose weight.
You're young, you only have 30 lbs. to lose.
You can definitely do this.
Start with the weight loss from walking and as you get closer to your goal weight, see how you feel about your body shape and possibly look into strength training at that point.
Don't want to overwhelm you!
Welcome and good luck

Hello all---I just signed up to MFP yesterday

If by yesterday you mean February 2012.

I can say without a doubt YES! I started on MFP about a month and a half ago. After, I saw a friend of mine for the first time in several months and she had lost 63lbs at that time just doing MFP and working out. We had tried several things together before and nothing seemed to work. WW worked the first time I tried it but was to much hassle, expensive and I didn't see the results as fast as I wanted so I quit, I gained every pound back and then some. Since I have been using MFP I have lost 13 pounds. I was already working out at the YMCA, before starting MFP but have increased it from 2 day a week to 4 now. I love MFP, its convenient and easy.
I know with children its hard to find time to work out, but finding things you can do to include them can make it fun for both you and them. It also teaches them from a young age that being fit and healthy is a important. You are setting a great example. Check out your local YMCA or gym, you might find out that there are programs that you can get them involved in or even a child care area for them to stay in while you work out
KEEP IT UP AND YOU WILL SEE RESULTS!

<<<<Throwback Thursday pic...this was me after my first 10 lbs lost...I'm now down to 180ish with counting calories. Considering calories are a unit of energy and excess energy (calories) beyond what is necessary to operate your machine (body) get stored as fat...of course counting calories works.

I lost my first 20 Lbs before ever lifting a finger in exercise. MFP gives you a calorie goal that includes a deficit from maintenance calories that is net of any exercise...meaning no exercise is required and MFP doesn't believe you're going to do the exercise you say you're going to do. I just ate to may goal and lost weight.

I started working out because I wanted to eat more initially...yes...you're supposed to eat back exercise calories with MFP...as I noted before, your calorie goal already has a substantial deficit built in that is net of exercise. Also, exercise is an extremely inefficient way of incorporating a calorie deficit...it's much more efficient to incorporate it into your diet plan...just as MFP does for you.

No way is that you wolfman! :noway:


Wow!! :flowerforyou:

I questioned this also. My first 9 days, I lost 6lbs. I still cant believe the progress Im making and I started June 27th! It works as long as you stick to it.

So far, so good!

Obviously it works. You have to have all your other nutrients in check or there could be problems and cutting too hard can cause your metabolism to stall, but it works!