Changing my goals..bad idea??

Tinkerbell785
Tinkerbell785 Posts: 14
edited September 22 in Health and Weight Loss
I've just changed the amount of calories I'm allowed a day from 1200 to 1400. I know it changes the weight loss I'm projected to lose down to a half pound a week but I can live with that and if I manage to lose more then great - I was just wondering if anyone else thinks 1200cals a day is too little to be eating??

Obviously if I was living on the healthiest foods possible it'd be do-able but knowing my history with weight loss I think it's better to have the little extra 'wiggle' room and lose the weight slower rather than just go on a mental binge because I feel starving! What do you guys think, anyone else doing the same?

Replies

  • chacaruso
    chacaruso Posts: 261 Member
    If you choose the healthier foods, 1200 calories can be quite sufficient. If you're happier with 1400, no worries, you'll just lose a bit slower or you have the option of stepping up your exercise and you'll lose faster. It's up to you.
  • Healthyby30
    Healthyby30 Posts: 1,349 Member
    I don't think that 1200 is a magical number before you hit starvation mode for everyone. Everyone is different. I think some people might need a bit more, some a bit less. Do what you feel comfortable with. If you like you need a little more, eat a bit more.
  • lotusfromthemud
    lotusfromthemud Posts: 5,335 Member
    Most likely a good idea, since it doesn't look like you have much weight to lose. Here's a long explanation, written by someone who explains it very well and in depth:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/61706-guide-to-calorie-deficits
  • cddroid
    cddroid Posts: 22 Member
    Wow, I am so glad you posted this today! I got up this morning, weighed, then came and readjusted my goals. I only gained .6 lbs. from Thanksgiving week. Back home now and time to get back on the wagon. I too feel that I need a little wiggle room. My best days for not eating much are on the weekends - I'm a stress eater at work and eat at my desk when no one is looking!

    So yes, I'm right there with you in the mindset that if we don't need 1400 calories (I've set my goal at 1500 per day) then we'll be ahead of the game that day! I'm going to try this and see if I don't feel so restricted. At 1200 I seem to run out of calories before the day is done.

    Good Luck!
    cddroid
  • Holton
    Holton Posts: 1,018
    I am a a strong proponent to changing your goals from time to time and I think you will find that you will continue to lose weight and sometimes upping calories even kick starts it more. I find 1200 hard to "survive" on, and 1400 a lot easier. I say give it a try for several weeks and readjust as necessary.
  • TaneeisFitforLife
    TaneeisFitforLife Posts: 433
    I'm all about eating the most calories you can & still lose weight :)
    1400 is where I'm at right now. I've dipped down to 1200 and I just felt blah even eating very clean.
  • Tinkerbell785
    Tinkerbell785 Posts: 14
    Glad to know I'm not the only one who can't 'survive' on 1200 cals lol, cddroid- I like the thought of being ahead of the game as well! I put down 1400 cals and three 30min workouts because I feel that's the minimum I can do (although here in Ireland today it is snowy and icy so there's no walks getting done, nearly fallen over a few times already!!). On the days where I can do more or eat less then I will and at least I won't feel like I failed if I eat all those cals or only do that amount of exercise!
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