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I can't eat more than 1200 calories. No joke.

sioriwish

Hello! I'm struggling to eat more than 1200 calories a day. I've been using the mfp recently and logging everything I eat and I can't seem to get past 1200 on most of the days, some days I just about go over the 1200 I need.
I don't eat anything that says Low fat/low sugar/diet on it, as I know they pump it full of other stuff that's bad for you.
I eat whenever I feel hungry which is how I've always eaten, so I have small meals throughout the day, but since I fell into depression a few months back I can't eat a lot. I'm no longer depressed(whoop) but I still can't seem to eat, yet i've managed to put a stone on during that period of depression.

I know I need around 1500-1600 in total, with 300 calories taken out of that for exercise, for me to lose the weight I need but I'm not even reaching that and I don't want to over exercise myself when I'm barely getting what my body needs.
It's really frustrating me.

Please help

Replies

dbmata

How did you get up to 8 stone if you can only eat 1200?

Review how you eat, and commit to hitting reasonable goals.

trinatrina1984

Eat more calorie dense food - peanut butter, avocado nuts etc.

s_pekz

are you using a food scale?

rosebette

dbmata wrote: »

How did you get up to 8 stone if you can only eat 1200?

Review how you eat, and commit to hitting reasonable goals.

Isn't 8 stone only around 112 lbs.? That's not that heavy. I'm around 118-120, and short -- I eat 1200 + exercise calories. If I pick the right mix of foods I'm satisfied with 1200. If OP is very petite, she might not need to eat as much as she thinks.

diannethegeek

Don't know what macros you're trying to hit or if you have anything you need to avoid, so generic ideas: Less lean cuts of meat, full fat dairy, butter, olive oil, coconut oil, whole eggs, cheese, nuts or nut butters, breads, pasta, and potatoes, muffins or other baked goods, more condiments, sauces, or higher calorie dressings.

TheVirgoddess

sioriwish wrote: »

Hello! I'm struggling to eat more than 1200 calories a day. I've been using the mfp recently and logging everything I eat and I can't seem to get past 1200 on most of the days, some days I just about go over the 1200 I need.
I don't eat anything that says Low fat/low sugar/diet on it, as I know they pump it full of other stuff that's bad for you.
I eat whenever I feel hungry which is how I've always eaten, so I have small meals throughout the day, but since I fell into depression a few months back I can't eat a lot. I'm no longer depressed(whoop) but I still can't seem to eat, yet i've managed to put a stone on during that period of depression.

I know I need around 1500-1600 in total, with 300 calories taken out of that for exercise, for me to lose the weight I need but I'm not even reaching that and I don't want to over exercise myself when I'm barely getting what my body needs.
It's really frustrating me.

Please help

You need to focus on more calorie dense foods. Like cottage cheese, peanut butter, nuts, avocados, etc. And don't forget that you can drink calories, too - like OJ or protein shakes - stuff like that. I've been known to eat cookies at the end of the day to get closer to my calorie goal.

I got fat because I drank an extra 1200-1300 calories a day via Dr. Pepper and super sweet coffee, so I get it. I've never been an over-eater and I've never had much of an appetite. It's just something I actively work on every day now (though my Doctor approved an 1100 calorie diet for me, so that's my daily goal now), because it's an important goal.

I also changed up my exercise to be low impact, so my net was a healthy number. I do yoga and I lift weights.

Good luck!

sioriwish

dbmata wrote: »

How did you get up to 8 stone if you can only eat 1200?

Review how you eat, and commit to hitting reasonable goals.

I've had two depression issues, one a few years ago where I didnt eat anything, so I went to 6 stone, I went back up to 8 stone after beating it. And then a few months ago I ended up being depressed again due to something else I couldn't eat but I kept putting weight on, so I'm now 10 stone.

I don't know how to review what I eat, how does one do that? I eat as much as I can. And I have reasonable goals, I know this will take a while, I just want advice on how to get more calories in me so I can begin this properly.

Dave198lbs

rosebette wrote: »

dbmata wrote: »

How did you get up to 8 stone if you can only eat 1200?

Review how you eat, and commit to hitting reasonable goals.

Isn't 8 stone only around 112 lbs.? That's not that heavy. I'm around 118-120, and short -- I eat 1200 + exercise calories. If I pick the right mix of foods I'm satisfied with 1200. If OP is very petite, she might not need to eat as much as she thinks.

good point...the 1200 number seems to have taken on a life of it's own. Some "not large" people can do fine on less than the magical 1200

dbmata

rosebette wrote: »

dbmata wrote: »

How did you get up to 8 stone if you can only eat 1200?

Review how you eat, and commit to hitting reasonable goals.

Isn't 8 stone only around 112 lbs.? That's not that heavy. I'm around 118-120, and short -- I eat 1200 + exercise calories. If I pick the right mix of foods I'm satisfied with 1200. If OP is very petite, she might not need to eat as much as she thinks.

I got that from her profile, which she's already edited out.

Best I can ask is, how did she eat enough to gain 16 pounds? Being that I'm 'merican, I don't know what a stone is.

However, I can math this up... 16 pounds = 56,000 extra calories. If 1200 is too hard on the daily, how did those 56k extra get imbibed?

sioriwish

you misread my profile, I said I got up to 8 stone after the first depression as I lost weight with the first depression to 6 stone. I then was with someone that I got comfy with/got into a depression stage with so I've ended up going up to 10 stone because of that, but even during that depression I still barely ate but I've ended up putting on weight cause of it.

I am a petite frame, I'm suppose to be a uk size 6 on my top half, but If i wear size 6 it fits me around my top half perfectly, but not my stomach, if I go to a size 8, it's too big and baggy around my top half to the point of showing my bras off and just about covers my stomach.

I'm British so I know weight in stones not pounds.

I feel like this has just been all misread, and communicated and I apologise for that as I know I'm not the best at explaining things

TeaBea

sioriwish wrote: »

dbmata wrote: »

How did you get up to 8 stone if you can only eat 1200?

Review how you eat, and commit to hitting reasonable goals.

I've had two depression issues, one a few years ago where I didnt eat anything, so I went to 6 stone, I went back up to 8 stone after beating it. And then a few months ago I ended up being depressed again due to something else I couldn't eat but I kept putting weight on, so I'm now 10 stone.

I don't know how to review what I eat, how does one do that? I eat as much as I can. And I have reasonable goals, I know this will take a while, I just want advice on how to get more calories in me so I can begin this properly.

Reviewing how you eat is something like this:

I look at my diary & see what macros I need more of. Macros are protein, fat, and carbs. I don't eat low fat because I don't have medical issues....but very high fat meals give me heartburn...so guess I'm moderate fat. Again, I don't have medical issues so I eat carbs. I try MEET my protein everyday. If I go over on protein...no biggie. This helps me keep lean muscle.

Micronutrients - I don't track sugar (I don't have medical issues ) but I try to make calories more filling. Fruit is more filling than jelly beans. I track fiber (this is what makes fruit filling). Fiber also makes me focus on whole grains as opposed to processed ones.

I also leave room for snacks. This is a lifestyle change for me. I want to keep the weight loss off - so I need permanent changes. I won't be sugar free, clean eating, or zero snacking for the rest of my life....

GaleHawkins

sioriwish wrote: »

dbmata wrote: »

How did you get up to 8 stone if you can only eat 1200?

Review how you eat, and commit to hitting reasonable goals.

I've had two depression issues, one a few years ago where I didnt eat anything, so I went to 6 stone, I went back up to 8 stone after beating it. And then a few months ago I ended up being depressed again due to something else I couldn't eat but I kept putting weight on, so I'm now 10 stone.

I don't know how to review what I eat, how does one do that? I eat as much as I can. And I have reasonable goals, I know this will take a while, I just want advice on how to get more calories in me so I can begin this properly.

sioriwish I am not sure you have a dieting issue at all. Can you find a professional person to review what you are eating and health issues that may be underlying causes to you ability to get to a realistic weight?

xcalygrl

Are you accurately weighing everything (solids in grams, liquids with measuring cups) and logging it?
Are you using accurate database entries?

If so, add calorie dense items: nut butters, avocado, full fat dairy.

sioriwish

GaleHawkins wrote: »

sioriwish I am not sure you have a dieting issue at all. Can you find a professional person to review what you are eating and health issues that may be underlying causes to you ability to get to a realistic weight?

I know my medical issues, none are weight issues.
I have a realistic weight goal, that's 8 stone. That weight fits my frame perfectly as I am a small framed person.
I came here to get help as I was told this was a good place for getting help but some comments on here have just left me upset.

Dave198lbs

xcalygrl wrote: »

Are you using accurate database entries?

true....quite a few of the entries are not even close and sometimes you wonder if the mistakes were intentional or just sloppy additions. I have corrected a few but it's like shoveling water

TheVirgoddess

sioriwish wrote: »

GaleHawkins wrote: »

sioriwish I am not sure you have a dieting issue at all. Can you find a professional person to review what you are eating and health issues that may be underlying causes to you ability to get to a realistic weight?

I know my medical issues, none are weight issues.
I have a realistic weight goal, that's 8 stone. That weight fits my frame perfectly as I am a small framed person.
I came here to get help as I was told this was a good place for getting help but some comments on here have just left me upset.

And how much do you weigh now?

unknown

This content has been removed.

TheVirgoddess

sioriwish wrote: »

GaleHawkins wrote: »

sioriwish I am not sure you have a dieting issue at all. Can you find a professional person to review what you are eating and health issues that may be underlying causes to you ability to get to a realistic weight?

I know my medical issues, none are weight issues.
I have a realistic weight goal, that's 8 stone. That weight fits my frame perfectly as I am a small framed person.
I came here to get help as I was told this was a good place for getting help but some comments on here have just left me upset.

Also you can choose to focus on the people that are upsetting you (unintentionally I'm sure), or the people who are trying to help. Your call.

unknown

This content has been removed.

sioriwish

I have obviously confused you guys with the whole I used to be 6 stone got up to 8, i'm now 10 stone wanting to be back to 8 stone.

Four years ago I got into a depression stage where I couldnt even eat one meal a day, so I went from 8 stone to 6 stone, I then managed to beat that depression and began eating normally so I went from 6 stone to 8 stone.
But since then, I have had another depression issue where I ended up going to 10 stone from the 8 stone. I have been tracking what I have been eating but I only just about eat 1200.
I currently weigh 10 stone, i want to be 8 stone.

I will be checking the database entries to see if they are actually correct as some of you have said they're not entirely correct with whats actually in them.

eatmindfully

Also what are you eating? if you really want guidance and support it is very helpful to open up your diary. Good luck!

eatmindfully

Also hopefully you are using exercise and not only diet with your weightless. What we eat and moving our bodies are in my opinion incredibly powerful antidepressants. Not that no one should take meds but for many many people eating really whole foods and moving their body every day does wonders for their depressive symptoms as well as overall health! I know that has been true for me. Wishing you the best!

TavistockToad

sioriwish wrote: »

I have obviously confused you guys with the whole I used to be 6 stone got up to 8, i'm now 10 stone wanting to be back to 8 stone.

Four years ago I got into a depression stage where I couldnt even eat one meal a day, so I went from 8 stone to 6 stone, I then managed to beat that depression and began eating normally so I went from 6 stone to 8 stone.
But since then, I have had another depression issue where I ended up going to 10 stone from the 8 stone. I have been tracking what I have been eating but I only just about eat 1200.
I currently weigh 10 stone, i want to be 8 stone.

I will be checking the database entries to see if they are actually correct as some of you have said they're not entirely correct with whats actually in them.

So eat how you ate when you were 8 stone, before your depressive episode where you gained weight.

sioriwish

eatmindfully wrote: »

Also hopefully you are using exercise and not only diet with your weightless. What we eat and moving our bodies are in my opinion incredibly powerful antidepressants. Not that no one should take meds but for many many people eating really whole foods and moving their body every day does wonders for their depressive symptoms as well as overall health! I know that has been true for me. Wishing you the best!

I do try to exercise, but I do have mobility issues. I try to get half hour on the exercise bike 4 days a week, and I walk my dog for an hour 4 days a week too.
I know I have depression issues and it may play a big part in this, but I do try my best with it.

TavistockToad wrote: »

So eat how you ate when you were 8 stone, before your depressive episode where you gained weight.

I have tried that, but I can't seem to eat the quantity I ate when I was 8 stone. I get full from the smallest of meals. I'm eating the exact same things, fish, chicken, veg and fruit, wholemeal bread, and the odd snack here and there and I drink as much water as I can and one coffee(per day as I've read it boosts metabolism) .

TavistockToad

I'd speak to a doctor then.

dbmata

sioriwish wrote: »

you misread my profile, I said I got up to 8 stone after the first depression as I lost weight with the first depression to 6 stone. I then was with someone that I got comfy with/got into a depression stage with so I've ended up going up to 10 stone because of that, but even during that depression I still barely ate but I've ended up putting on weight cause of it.

I am a petite frame, I'm suppose to be a uk size 6 on my top half, but If i wear size 6 it fits me around my top half perfectly, but not my stomach, if I go to a size 8, it's too big and baggy around my top half to the point of showing my bras off and just about covers my stomach.

I'm British so I know weight in stones not pounds.

I feel like this has just been all misread, and communicated and I apologise for that as I know I'm not the best at explaining things

Ok, that makes more sense.

Here's the thing, you say you have 16 pounds to lose on your profile. That didn't *just happen*. You were eating over your daily need by a certain amount, and possibly due to just eating more calorically dense foods.

So look at calorically dense foods. Fats are your friend in this regard, so look at what foods you are eating, look at other healthy options that have density, and commit to hitting what your target is, just make sure the target is reasonable, and based on the best data you can get.

TheVirgoddess

sioriwish wrote: »

eatmindfully wrote: »

Also hopefully you are using exercise and not only diet with your weightless. What we eat and moving our bodies are in my opinion incredibly powerful antidepressants. Not that no one should take meds but for many many people eating really whole foods and moving their body every day does wonders for their depressive symptoms as well as overall health! I know that has been true for me. Wishing you the best!

I do try to exercise, but I do have mobility issues. I try to get half hour on the exercise bike 4 days a week, and I walk my dog for an hour 4 days a week too.
I know I have depression issues and it may play a big part in this, but I do try my best with it.

TavistockToad wrote: »

So eat how you ate when you were 8 stone, before your depressive episode where you gained weight.

I have tried that, but I can't seem to eat the quantity I ate when I was 8 stone. I get full from the smallest of meals. I'm eating the exact same things, fish, chicken, veg and fruit, wholemeal bread, and the odd snack here and there and I drink as much water as I can and one coffee(per day as I've read it boosts metabolism) .

I have a brain condition that makes exercise very hard (it actually makes walking, talking, swallowing, etc very hard), but I do *something* every day as far as exercise. I'm also in treatment for severe depression and I have generalized anxiety disorder, as well as a metabolic disorder. I could use those things as excuses for not working out or eating properly, but I refuse to.

You've gotten some good tips in this thread on how to eat more. I hope you listen.

4daluvof_candice

LOL!!!

Basilin

sioriwish wrote: »

Hello! I'm struggling to eat more than 1200 calories a day. I've been using the mfp recently and logging everything I eat and I can't seem to get past 1200 on most of the days, some days I just about go over the 1200 I need.
I don't eat anything that says Low fat/low sugar/diet on it, as I know they pump it full of other stuff that's bad for you.
I eat whenever I feel hungry which is how I've always eaten, so I have small meals throughout the day, but since I fell into depression a few months back I can't eat a lot. I'm no longer depressed(whoop) but I still can't seem to eat, yet i've managed to put a stone on during that period of depression.

I know I need around 1500-1600 in total, with 300 calories taken out of that for exercise, for me to lose the weight I need but I'm not even reaching that and I don't want to over exercise myself when I'm barely getting what my body needs.
It's really frustrating me.

Please help

Your "stats" are similar to mine. Personally, I don't need as much as MFP says I do, at least when I'm "sedentary". My advice would be to go with what feels right over what the numbers say, and experiment a little if you're not sure. Just make sure you do eat more when you are more active (of course, being more active should make you hungrier on average, too!).

I agree with posters saying that more "nutrient dense" foods are your best bet, as well as fats from things like peanut butter, avacado, oils, nuts, etc. You eat less and yet feel full and get adequate calories that way.

Feel free to look at my diary or friend me since we probably eat similar size meals.

Love your profile pic by the way. LOL.

dbmata

strong 444th post.