eating 1200 calories, not losing weight

ok.....everyone is going to tell you to eat more......I know it's hard to get your head around it but it is true.....just want to let you know what's coming.....:).....

I'm 5'2" and currently 156lbs. 3 weeks ago I upped my calories from the base level of 1200 to my BMR which for me is 1379 and my dismal weight loss has completely changed to fast, steady weight loss. I would definitely calculate your BMR and consider eating those calories at the minimum. Given all your exercise and activity level, you might also consider calculating your TDEE. Many people on MFP are eat at 20% less their TDEE and getting amazing results. I am petite and small framed so the 1200 was close to my calorie target, but I suspect your body needs far more than you are offering.

Your boyfriend is right, there's a good chance you're not eating enough nutrients. From what is said around here, the guideline is at least 1200 calories daily and then eat back at least 1/2 your exercise calories daily.

Again those are guidelines, but they tend to be correct for a majority of people. There is a small group of people out there that aren't going to lose unless they severely restrict something in their diet (carb intolerance, gluten intolerance, etc.) but it is a small group.

For calorie dense, but also fairly good for you things, think nuts. If you feel you can't increase volume, then do what you can to increase the calories. Peanut butter is highly recommended if you don't have a nut allergy.

ok.....everyone is going to tell you to eat more......I know it's hard to get your head around it but it is true.....just want to let you know what's coming.....:).....

Why would anyone tell her that?

OP - if you are not losing weight, you are not in a deficit. How do you track your calories? Do you use a food scale for solids and measuring cups for liquids? Log everything you put in your mouth?

ETA: Your logging looks incomplete. Also, you are entering a lot of restaurant food which has a high margin of error. And 'a scoop' of ice cream is not going to be accurate for something that is calorie dense. You are going to need to invest in a food scale.

Why does being a vegetarian make it difficult to eat healthy and reach your calorie ? Your boyfriend probably thinks meat = protein so he's really saying is you more protein in your diet.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress

See this group - they are brilliant

I'm a vegetarian on a 1250 calorie goal, you should add me!

Most likely you are overestimating your calories burned and/or not accurately tracking your foods.

Me too, I just recently upped my daily calories from 1200. From looking at your diary you don't seem to be eating proper meals. Though I'm the same My diary is far from healthy recently.

You can get plenty of the nutrients you need being a vegetarian.

Feel free to look through my diary if you'd like -- I'm also a vegetarian and average 120g of veggie protein a day. It's more challenging to get protein in when you don't eat meat, but it's not impossible.

ok.....everyone is going to tell you to eat more......I know it's hard to get your head around it but it is true.....just want to let you know what's coming.....:).....

Why would anyone tell her that?

OP - if you are not losing weight, you are not in a deficit. How do you track your calories? Do you use a food scale for solids and measuring cups for liquids? Log everything you put in your mouth?

ETA: Your logging looks incomplete. Also, you are entering a lot of restaurant food which has a high margin of error. And 'a scoop' of ice cream is not going to be accurate for something that is calorie dense. You are going to need to invest in a food scale.

This. The people saying you need to eat more have absolutely no idea.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/926789-protein-sources

A list of protein sources for vegetarians.

You definitely need to eat a bit more. Your body is holding on to weight because it thinks there's a food shortage and is holding on to all it can. As for eating chicken, you definitely do not need to...I'm vegan and have no problems meeting my nutritional needs without junk food (100% natural and plant-based), so message/add me if you'd like some tips/advice on eating plant-based

ok.....everyone is going to tell you to eat more......I know it's hard to get your head around it but it is true.....just want to let you know what's coming.....:).....

Why would anyone tell her that?

OP - if you are not losing weight, you are not in a deficit. How do you track your calories? Do you use a food scale for solids and measuring cups for liquids? Log everything you put in your mouth?

ETA: Your logging looks incomplete. Also, you are entering a lot of restaurant food which has a high margin of error. And 'a scoop' of ice cream is not going to be accurate for something that is calorie dense. You are going to need to invest in a food scale.

This. The people saying you need to eat more have absolutely no idea.

You've been logging food for.......9 days. Your post makes it seem much longer since you are discussing workouts for the past several months. Log accurately and consistently for the next several months. Best of luck.

I think it's what you are eating - and what you are not getting enough of. I am also vegetarian - trying for vegan. I generally net at least 1500, sometimes over 2000 and I've been able to lose weight. It's slow, but I'm in no rush. I'm on the last 10 lbs.

Are you eating anything processed? I have noticed that some vegetarians/vegans may not eat meat/dairy, but they eat processed foods.

Many will tell you it's calories in/calories out.....and while there may be studies that back it up, there are also those who believe (and who have had success) eating WAY ABOVE what MFP recommends - and successfully lost weight. I am one of those. THis is primarily because of WHAT I eat - and also that the settings are too low.

MFP had originally told me to eat about 1300 calories when I first started. I was 178 and 5'5" - I was STARVING and grumpy. I upped my calories to 1650 net and lost about 25 lbs in 6 months. I'm currently putting my settings at 1500, but I eat over at least once a week and still have either maintained or lost weight in the last 1.5 months I returned. I'm on the last 5-8 lbs, so I'm okay moving slowly. I'm currently at the point where I am more concerned about inches vs. weight on the scale.

Hope that helps somehow. :P

I agree. You have to be accurate with logging to find the routine that works best for you.

A year ago or so under a different name, I was tracking 1200 calories per day and figured the few bites extra that I had, like a sip of husband's beer, wouldn't amount to enough to prevent me from losing weight. Well, I wasn't losing weight. And since I had various sips and nibbles that never got logged, I never figured out what would work for me. This time around, I'm trying to be accurate. I can't find a calorie count for one sip of beer, but I can find it for 12 ounces and divide from there.