1200 calories, exercise, but no weight loss!!

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Replies

  • How are you doing it??
    I'm having a hard time with 1500 calories a day. I'm having a hard time figuring out foods and it does not help that my oven does not work.
  • Qski
    Qski Posts: 246 Member
    I think I your post where you list all the conflicting advice sounds farcical but that is essentially what you should do since you want your measuring style to remain constant and sustainable for you. Any of the suggestions could work for you that don't involve changing the way you measure.

    If you try one option at a time for a couple of weeks you won't do significant damage to yourself and you can evaluate how each change works or does not for your situation.

    Some people on this site can be harsh or mean but even those are trying to help it just comes across as if its bashing because they have tried to help lots of people before and each helpful post gets more and more diluted as time goes on. No-one would persist as much as they do or get as passionate about what they are saying if they didn't really believe what they are trying to tell you.
  • Raindrop_
    Raindrop_ Posts: 10 Member
    sillysquirrel68, I wish you Good Luck on your weight loss adventure. I'm not too sure how much help you actually got here! But honestly, I do hope the scales starts to move in the right direction for you real soon! :smile:
  • SloMo47
    SloMo47 Posts: 1 Member
    I had the same problem. For me, it was the carbs that were too high. I had to reduce my carb intake, and increase my protein and fat intake. I went from losing nothing in 3 months to about a 17 pound loss in an equal amount of time. Of course, this is all done under the watchful eye of a healthcare professional.
  • Reduce ur carb intake.Also those beach body workouts tend to make.u gain muscle. I did the insanity one and put on weight which was actually muscle.
  • brower47
    brower47 Posts: 16,356 Member
    In a nutshell, it seems that the majority of people responding to my post feel that I am eating a lot more calories than what I am logging. I am logging everything and I don't think it would be healthy for me to eat less than what I am eating now. So, basically I have learned that I should eat more, I should eat less, I should work out more, I should work out less, I am paranoid, I may have an ED, I need to change what I am doing, I need to stick to what I am doing, etc. I am more confused now than I was when I originally posted this! Ha Ha!!! To those of you that are truly here to help....THANK YOU!! And to those of you that find joy in being rude and sarcastic and have no desire to be helpful, get a life!

    Well that was rude.
  • FlaxMilk
    FlaxMilk Posts: 3,452 Member
    In a nutshell, it seems that the majority of people responding to my post feel that I am eating a lot more calories than what I am logging. I am logging everything and I don't think it would be healthy for me to eat less than what I am eating now. So, basically I have learned that I should eat more, I should eat less, I should work out more, I should work out less, I am paranoid, I may have an ED, I need to change what I am doing, I need to stick to what I am doing, etc. I am more confused now than I was when I originally posted this! Ha Ha!!! To those of you that are truly here to help....THANK YOU!! And to those of you that find joy in being rude and sarcastic and have no desire to be helpful, get a life!

    You left off going to the doctor. If you really feel you are not miscalculating in any kind of way, then you need to see your doctor for some tests. If you don't get any answers, ask if they can recommend a place to get your RMR or BMR tested, so you know what your body needs.

    I think that you logging is going to make a big difference for you. Do log those bites of cake, and do consider overestimating for takeout or restaurants, because what's on the website is often not what is actually served. You're right that weighing is not essential for weight loss, but since you aren't losing, at least do what you suggested, which is not to fill your measuring scoops and spoons to the top.

    The only other possible idea I have for you is to eat only prepackaged foods, so there is no estimating error. While packaged foods are allowed to be 20% off, if you are eating as little as you are, that won't make enough of a difference to matter. Actually, if everything you ate was 20% underestimated, that would put you right where MFP says you should be, in the 1400 calorie range.

    For what it's worth, I don't think you are paranoid, and I don't think you have an ED. It's reasonable to not want to eat more when you haven't been losing any weight.
  • pinksparklefairy
    pinksparklefairy Posts: 97 Member
    Sorry if I missed the answer to this - but how long have you been on this diet?

    I keep on failing due to the boredom factor. However, the one time I truly stuck to the plan for a solid 2.5 months, religiously weighed things, kept to the daily calorie limits (no cheating, no under-eating!) and kept up the workouts (just high-impact cardio back then, I did not even use weights at all) I successfully lost weight. This was with a diagnosed under-active thyroid, which I do not believe makes much impact in terms of metabolism.

    However, it was very SLOW. Some weeks I did not lose anything at all. It's tough to see that on the scales when you have been working so hard and avoiding so many temptations. But other weeks I finally lost a pound or two as a small reward. It is very hard not to get discouraged and I think the fact results are so slow is why dieting is such a challenge.
  • tmauck4472
    tmauck4472 Posts: 1,785 Member
    In a nutshell, it seems that the majority of people responding to my post feel that I am eating a lot more calories than what I am logging. I am logging everything and I don't think it would be healthy for me to eat less than what I am eating now. So, basically I have learned that I should eat more, I should eat less, I should work out more, I should work out less, I am paranoid, I may have an ED, I need to change what I am doing, I need to stick to what I am doing, etc. I am more confused now than I was when I originally posted this! Ha Ha!!! To those of you that are truly here to help....THANK YOU!! And to those of you that find joy in being rude and sarcastic and have no desire to be helpful, get a life!

    Well that was rude.

    Not rude, just the truth. Everyone has their own way and their own reasons for telling her what she might be doing wrong. My suggestion is to take what you think may help you and leave the rest on these pages. It's not worth the effort of arguing with people who are passionate about their way of dieting, even if you think it's wrong for you. Pick a way, try it for two weeks if it doesn't work pick a new way.
  • 3foldchord
    3foldchord Posts: 2,918 Member
    Well in that casement never mind, just continue to do the same thing over & over that isn't succeeding and expect different results next time,

    Thank you for your input. However, I am not here looking for sarcasm. I was just innocently looking for some advice. If that isn't something that you can offer, please don't post. Thank you.

    I did offer advice. Weight food, see your doctor.
    Other people offered advice..consume fewer calories, log differently, eat less, see a doctor, etc

    You are not taking advice.

    If you're not gonna take advice why ask for advice?
  • If you're truly only eating 1000-1200 calories but weigh what you listed, you are probably in metabolic downregulation. Your body is smart, and it senses the over-deficit of calories, therefore it's conserving. The ultimate goal for you should be to eat as many calories as you can while still losing weight (and sometimes this takes careful tracking and some trial and error). This article explains it well - http://www.coachcalorie.com/how-to-lose-20-pounds/. My personal recommendation is to consider doing what is recommended in the article.
  • jonnythan
    jonnythan Posts: 10,161 Member
    In for the ragequit because OP didn't get the answer she wanted.
  • In a nutshell, it seems that the majority of people responding to my post feel that I am eating a lot more calories than what I am logging. I am logging everything and I don't think it would be healthy for me to eat less than what I am eating now. So, basically I have learned that I should eat more, I should eat less, I should work out more, I should work out less, I am paranoid, I may have an ED, I need to change what I am doing, I need to stick to what I am doing, etc. I am more confused now than I was when I originally posted this! Ha Ha!!! To those of you that are truly here to help....THANK YOU!! And to those of you that find joy in being rude and sarcastic and have no desire to be helpful, get a life!

    HaHa! All of this feedback brings it right back to you though. No doubt many of the folks who have chimed in are sharing what works for them - everybody (or every body, if you will) is a little bit different in terms of how their body responds. So my suggestion would be to try a variety of methods for a few days or a week or two to see what works best for you.

    From the sounds of your OP, it does sound like you are eating too little and need to bump it up a bit - especially since you are exercising regularly.

    Good luck with figuring this all out - and hang in there! It's terrific that you are making the attempt to change your eating habits - and change your life. :smile:
  • Maybe you need to cut out wheat and sugar from your diet. I find that when I eat wheat or too much sugar, I don't lose weight no matter how few calories I eat.
  • 3foldchord
    3foldchord Posts: 2,918 Member
    In for the ragequit because OP didn't get the answer she wanted.

    What answer did she want? She doesn't seem to want the "eat less" or the "eat more" or anything lose in between.
  • wheird
    wheird Posts: 7,963 Member
    In a nutshell, it seems that the majority of people responding to my post feel that I am eating a lot more calories than what I am logging. I am logging everything and I don't think it would be healthy for me to eat less than what I am eating now. So, basically I have learned that I should eat more, I should eat less, I should work out more, I should work out less, I am paranoid, I may have an ED, I need to change what I am doing, I need to stick to what I am doing, etc. I am more confused now than I was when I originally posted this! Ha Ha!!! To those of you that are truly here to help....THANK YOU!! And to those of you that find joy in being rude and sarcastic and have no desire to be helpful, get a life!

    You have received wonderful advice in this thread. problem is you cannot seem to narrow down who gave you advice that is actually decent.
  • mcibty
    mcibty Posts: 1,252 Member
    I am consistently staying under 1200 calories and exercising daily....usually a Shaun T T25 workout and another 1/2 hour of pilates or strength training. But, I am not losing any weight. I am 5' 5" and 164 lbs. so I definitely have some weight to lose. I know what everyone is going to tell me. I NEED TO EAT MORE!!! How do I do this without gaining weight? I am eating between 1000-1200 calories per day and working out for a burn of 200-400 per day. I am not hungry and begin to get that disgusting, fat feeling when I eat any more. I am not feeling tired throughout the day and I feel that I am very energized for my workouts. I have read a lot of posts on this site and honestly do not know how all of these people are able to eat 1800-2000 calories per day. I love food! But am worried that if I start to eat more I will gain and I refuse to get any bigger than I already am. Any advice???

    Just. Eat. More.
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    Well, a lot of what the sillysquirrel has been eating are pre-packaged items, like breakfast sandwiches, which I have to assume have fairly accurate calorie listings and don't require any estimating by the cup or scoop.

    So keep with it for awhile-- log your items for a few weeks and see how it goes. :)

    Actually, the FDA only requires that the company manufacturing the food make an estimation to within 10%. That can really add up.
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    I am consistently staying under 1200 calories and exercising daily....usually a Shaun T T25 workout and another 1/2 hour of pilates or strength training. But, I am not losing any weight. I am 5' 5" and 164 lbs. so I definitely have some weight to lose. I know what everyone is going to tell me. I NEED TO EAT MORE!!! How do I do this without gaining weight? I am eating between 1000-1200 calories per day and working out for a burn of 200-400 per day. I am not hungry and begin to get that disgusting, fat feeling when I eat any more. I am not feeling tired throughout the day and I feel that I am very energized for my workouts. I have read a lot of posts on this site and honestly do not know how all of these people are able to eat 1800-2000 calories per day. I love food! But am worried that if I start to eat more I will gain and I refuse to get any bigger than I already am. Any advice???

    Just. Eat. More.

    Because she is already at maintenance, that doesn't make any sense. How many posts have we seen here where folks come back and say 'Well I ate more, and gained weight. So now what"'. I have seen lots.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    Lost track at some point, but did OP ever answer the 'you have to weigh your food' part? That's usually where people quit... for some reason. Like it's the end of the world or something.
  • That's great!
  • 3foldchord
    3foldchord Posts: 2,918 Member
    Lost track at some point, but did OP ever answer the 'you have to weigh your food' part? That's usually where people quit... for some reason. Like it's the end of the world or something.

    She said she doesn't have time for that and that a few calories off here and there won't matter in the end.
  • 3foldchord
    3foldchord Posts: 2,918 Member
    Well, a lot of what the sillysquirrel has been eating are pre-packaged items, like breakfast sandwiches, which I have to assume have fairly accurate calorie listings and don't require any estimating by the cup or scoop.

    So keep with it for awhile-- log your items for a few weeks and see how it goes. :)

    Actually, the FDA only requires that the company manufacturing the food make an estimation to within 10%. That can really add up.

    And I have weighed pre packaged things from time to time. They rarely weigh what the they say they should, so I bet they are are often off by a little bits here and there...which could end up being a big bit at the end of the week.
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    Lost track at some point, but did OP ever answer the 'you have to weigh your food' part? That's usually where people quit... for some reason. Like it's the end of the world or something.

    I believe her conclusion on that point was that she refused to weigh all of her food, even for a limited time, despite her non-weighing approach resulting in no progress for a couple of years.

    It was at that point that I mostly disengaged from this thread and moved on to others who are more willing to do what needs to be done to overcome their sticking points.
  • DebbieLyn63
    DebbieLyn63 Posts: 2,654 Member
    I expect you're eating more than you think you are. Are you logging every single thing you eat, including snacks, drinks, condiments, etc.?

    ^^ This! Unless you have been dieting for some time and have already lost a bit of weight, you would not be maintaining at this point if you were truly eating at a calorie deficit.
    Weigh and measure everything consistently. Log everything you eat, every day. No 'cheat days or cheat meals'.
    If you are truly accurate and consistent, the weight will come off.

    And you are not in 'starvation mode'. SMH
  • AniaFi
    AniaFi Posts: 18
    You are probably eating too little. If you're really eating so little while excercising and you see no results on the scales, the problem might be your methabolism, especially when we are talking about a longer period of time. Your organism has got used to small portions of food and slowed the methabolism down, trying to save energy. That's why you can't lose a single lb now. I would suggest adding some 200 kcal to your daily intake - that should boost your methabolism.
  • janetteluparia
    janetteluparia Posts: 318 Member
    Alternate your calories and eat back the exercise. Look at the science behind the 5:2 diets or ADF.
  • wheird
    wheird Posts: 7,963 Member
    I am consistently staying under 1200 calories and exercising daily....usually a Shaun T T25 workout and another 1/2 hour of pilates or strength training. But, I am not losing any weight. I am 5' 5" and 164 lbs. so I definitely have some weight to lose. I know what everyone is going to tell me. I NEED TO EAT MORE!!! How do I do this without gaining weight? I am eating between 1000-1200 calories per day and working out for a burn of 200-400 per day. I am not hungry and begin to get that disgusting, fat feeling when I eat any more. I am not feeling tired throughout the day and I feel that I am very energized for my workouts. I have read a lot of posts on this site and honestly do not know how all of these people are able to eat 1800-2000 calories per day. I love food! But am worried that if I start to eat more I will gain and I refuse to get any bigger than I already am. Any advice???

    Just. Eat. More.

    Because she is already at maintenance, that doesn't make any sense. How many posts have we seen here where folks come back and say 'Well I ate more, and gained weight. So now what"'. I have seen lots.

    Still, a refeed week or two could be beneficial overall.
  • uk_ja
    uk_ja Posts: 143 Member
    *looks in*
    OMG TROLL
    *Leaves*
  • jonnythan
    jonnythan Posts: 10,161 Member
    In for the ragequit because OP didn't get the answer she wanted.

    What answer did she want? She doesn't seem to want the "eat less" or the "eat more" or anything lose in between.

    I'm not sure. Maybe "oh you poor thing you can't help it"? I have no idea.
This discussion has been closed.