Is 1200 calories okay?

peachmagic · July 2014

I'm 5'7 and 181 lbs and hoping to lose 2 lbs per week to a total of 45 lost, for reference. A while ago I went off seroquel, and during the time I was on it I gained about 30 lbs. Now that I'm off it my appetite has plummeted and I'm using that as a way to get in shape/lose the weight I'd gained (and a little extra if possible). I'm keeping track of my daily calories and they look something like this:

1216
1230
1196
1222
1100
and then one day of 1650 because I went to a market and had some vendor junk food

I'm also working out more, not a lot, but at least 10 minutes on days I stay home/more when I go hiking or swimming. I've been reading people's opinions about eating 1200 calories and most people seem to say it's not enough, because they think you'd be hungry all the time! But I'm not, and a lot of the time I have to force myself to even get to 1200! I eat very frequently throughout the day, usually with plenty of fruits and vegetables. So clearly with my appetite loss these are kind of special circumstances. I already have a doctors appointment set up for a few days from now to talk about it, but I'm just wondering what everyone's opinion on it over here is. Should I force myself to eat more or is where I'm at okay?

paperpudding · July 2014

I think a NET AMOUNT of 1200 calories is ok - for some people.

I also think 2500 calories is ok - for some people.

There is no blanket amount that will be the requirement of all people.

having said that, 1200 is most likely the best amount for older shorter, less active women.

OP you are 5 ft 7 in - that is not short.
You are 19 years old - that is not older.

I think you should put your stats into MFP and choose a lower loss rate than 2 lb/week - and then eat to that net amount.

TavistockToad · July 2014

you dont really have enough weight to lose to need to only eat 1200 cals...

KarenJanine · July 2014

You should be eating back exercise calories. If you are working out and only eating the numbers you've written, then it is likely that is too low for you.

Read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

In terms of what to eat, it would help if you made your diary public. It sounds like you are eating a lot of fruit and vegetables, in which case it seems like you may be avoiding more calorie dense foods (a common error). Don't be afraid of fats - an essential component of a healthy diet; and make sure you are getting enough protein.

Some calorie dense foods that may help you get more calories in are:
Avocado
Nuts
Coconut oil
Butter
Olive oil
Seeds

And don't be afraid of allowing yourself any foods that you love, be that ice cream, chocolate, whatever.

snowflake930 · July 2014

If you are concerned, you should talk to your doctor or a nutritionist.

For some it can be ok. This is a public forum and unless the person is an expert and knows your situation, we are not really qualified to give you advice. That is why MFP has a disclaimer posted.

xcalygrl · July 2014

OP I am your same height and weight. I net 1700 calories a day. I normally eat 2000-2200 and burn off 300-500 a day (minimum). You could eat more and still lose.

Also, with needing to lose 45 pounds, you should aim to lose 1 pound a week not 2 pounds a week. Trying to lose 2 pounds a week makes a huge deficit. When/if you pleateau, you'll need to increase your deficit which will difficult if you are 1) eating at a huge deficit already and 2) eating only 1200 calories a day.

WalkingAlong · July 2014

I think it's fine but definitely update this thread with what your doctor says, after you run it by him.

happysherri · July 2014

I don't think so.

my opinion

(I am between 5'7 and 5'8, I started at around 190 lbs)

BigT555 · July 2014

for you, probably not. for some, yes

dbmata · July 2014

Try it, report back in two months how you're doing. Only way for you to be sure.

Be sure to take note of the following data prior:

body measurements
BP
Avg RHR
bodyfat%
1 mile run time
1RM for bench press, squat, deadlift, OHP

and then take note of it afterwards, so we can evaluate what happened to you across a few different factors.

Timshel_ · July 2014

If you don't feel tired and aren't hungry, it is fine. When/if it becomes an issue, there is wiggle room for more calories.

bostonwolf · July 2014

I'm 5'7 and 181 lbs and hoping to lose 2 lbs per week to a total of 45 lost, for reference. A while ago I went off seroquel, and during the time I was on it I gained about 30 lbs. Now that I'm off it my appetite has plummeted and I'm using that as a way to get in shape/lose the weight I'd gained (and a little extra if possible). I'm keeping track of my daily calories and they look something like this:

1216
1230
1196
1222
1100
and then one day of 1650 because I went to a market and had some vendor junk food

I'm also working out more, not a lot, but at least 10 minutes on days I stay home/more when I go hiking or swimming. I've been reading people's opinions about eating 1200 calories and most people seem to say it's not enough, because they think you'd be hungry all the time! But I'm not, and a lot of the time I have to force myself to even get to 1200! I eat very frequently throughout the day, usually with plenty of fruits and vegetables. So clearly with my appetite loss these are kind of special circumstances. I already have a doctors appointment set up for a few days from now to talk about it, but I'm just wondering what everyone's opinion on it over here is. Should I force myself to eat more or is where I'm at okay?

I would go to a site and calculate your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (google it) which is based on your sex, height, weight and activity level. This tells you how many calories per day (roughly) would maintain your current bodyweight.

I did the calculation and eat about 10-15% under that number. If I do a heavy workout I might go right up to my TDEE if I'm hungry, but if I'm not I don't eat if I'm not hungry.

This will give you a rough idea of where you should be eating. My guess would be that the number is going to be larger than 1200. I'd wait to see what your doctor has to say, though. They know your situation better than anyone on this site will know it.

brianpperkins · July 2014

An overly aggressive weekly loss goal ... failing to meet minimum net calorie goals ... another typical first post by a youngster on MFP.

Scooby comes out with an almost 1600 per day caloric goal with TDEE-20% when set at sedentary.

MKEgal · July 2014

I'm 5'7 and 181 lbs and hoping to lose 2 lbs per week to a total of 45 lost

Here's a blog post I did about goal-setting, which includes links to determine BMI:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/MKEgal/view/setting-goals-667045

You're currently toward the top end of the overweight range. A healthy range for your height is 120 - 155, so losing 45 lb would be OK, but I'd start with a goal of reaching 155 then evaluate how you feel, see if you want to go lower.

To maintain your current weight, you need to eat 1800 cal.
To lose 2 lb per week, you'd need to eat 800 cal, which is not healthy, so don't even think about it.
To lose 1 lb per week, you'd need to eat 1300 cal per day, which is doable.
Or you could simply eat to maintain your initial goal weight: 1550. That will slowly bring you to 155 lb.

re: eating less than 1200 calories
Don't do it unless you're monitored by a doctor. (This is what my doctor & nutritionist told me.)

Another thing they told me is not to regularly eat the calories I burn in exercise. Treat them as a bonus toward losing weight.
If I'm really hungry at the end of the day, I'll have 1/3 - 1/2 of what I've burned, which often amounts to a container of nonfat yogurt and a banana or some graham crackers.

MKEgal · July 2014

BTW, here's a good place to start reading & learning.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

peachmagic · July 2014

If you don't feel tired and aren't hungry, it is fine. When/if it becomes an issue, there is wiggle room for more calories.

Yeah that's what I was thinking/hoping. I mean when my appetite first dropped before I started keeping track of my calories I was eating under 1000 and that's definitely not good! By keeping track I've been able to force myself to get 1200 most days but even that can be hard. If my doctor says I need more I'll try to push it to the 13-1400 range but I'm definitely not making myself go hungry with where I'm at right now!

My hope overall though would be that I regain some of my appetite and will be able to sit around 1400 daily without trouble. It's only been about 2.5 weeks so there's still time for that to happen!

peachmagic · July 2014

Had my doctors appointment today. She said 1200-1500 will be good for weight loss even if I'm working out so I guess I'm fine!

Is 1200 calories okay?

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