Starving on 1200 calories a day

Go here: http://iifym.com/tdee-calculator/
Figure out how many calories you really need to be eating to maintain your level of exercise (and still lose weight). I'm steadily losing about 1 lb/week at 1773/day at light activity level (1-3 days of light sports/exercise per week). I'd rather do it slower and not feel tortured because I love food and I can't sustain a lifestyle that doesn't allow me to eat it.

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I'm 39 and 152 lbs (started at 165) and a runner (my first half marathon was Nov. 29th) and I'm losing about a pound a week on 1700 calories, eating back all of the calories I burn running. Not even making much of an effort to eat clean. My taste buds are always hungry, but I wouldn't say I'm ever starving.

I kind of expect to be MILDLY hungry when I'm losing, and totally satisfied at maintenance.

That said, I think the 1 pound per week goal is probably more doable for you. I started at 145, put 125 as my goal, and at 1 pound per week I get about 1400 calories a day...and I HATE cardio, so I'm not burning off what you do as a runner. I've pretty much lost at the rate I set, slowing down now that I'm less than 10 pounds from goal...

I think one of the biggest self-sabotages that happens here is that people set the rate of loss too high because they want big immediate results...and then they are SO hungry and unhappy that they give up. Better to pick a slower rate of loss that you can actually achieve!

skinnyjessicag wrote: »

Well, I've been actually eating around 1400-ish but still feel hungry Is it normal to be hungry when you're losing? Kind of a stupid question, but I've heard that if you're hungry you're doing something wrong? Thanks for your feedback!

I've done OMAD (one-meal-a-day) with around 1,200 calories to 1,650 cals per day. Took ten months to drop 173 lbs. Yes, the hunger will be there. Do not listen to any clown who tells you you won't be hungry. In time, you will adapt, though. Drop back on the exercise and your stress levels will drop, or else up the calories a bit. Otherwise, you'll release cortisol and will feel miserable.

You are calling me a clown? I eat 1200 a day and I am not hungry. Meany.

I'm 5'6" and around 160 and I am losing about 1-2 lbs a week.

Don't cut back on your exercise just so you can restrict your eating more...I mean, cut back if you aren't wanting to stay marathon ready, or if your knees hurt, or if you just want a break. But, don't give up something healthy that you love just so you can starve!

I agree with Hapster. Your brain sends thirsty/hungry signals to you, but sometimes they are hard to distinguish. I've come to learn that when I'm feeling hungry and need a snack, all I really needed was a glass of water. Especially when you are doing so much running, you might need more water than you think

I increased my protein and my fiber. If I eat more calories than 1200, I exercise off the extra. I also try to eat whole foods that are somewhat bulky like vegetables and fruit. I plan protein and fiber snacks and drink water with them. This has really helped me stick to my plan.

Don't torture yourself. I eat 1200 a day but I am good and don't feel hungry. I snack and spread my meals out. And if I get really hungry I can eat a massive salad for low calories that can keep me full. It's partially about what you are eating in that 1200. But if you are eating lots of nutrient rich, non-calorie dense foods and still feel ravenous, up your intake. If you are miserable the entire time, you are bound to fail and give up or binge eat during mistakes. And a good 2000 calorie binge above your normal intake (doesn't take much calorie dense food to get there) can sabotage a weeks worth of eating right. Better to indulge a little daily so that you don't find yourself indulging a massive amount and making all your hard starving work for nothing.

Besides, 1.5 pounds a week may be a bit aggressive for your current weight. Your body needs less fuel the less heavy you are which means you have to work twice as hard. And remember it isn't a race. It's a journey. Especially if you want to keep it off, there is no quick way to the end.

ETA- If I want an extra splurge, I earn it with extra calories from exercise. No shame in that.

I am surely not a clown

I eat around 1200 and not hungry at all Except for the first 2 weeks i had 3 or 4 days that i was feeling hungry.

I eat back a 1/4 of by exercise calories so that gives me a bit extra. I eat a very balanced diet and i eat everything i want in my calorie allowance. I make sure i eat about 5 times a day. 3 meals and 2 snacks
And i drink about 2.5 liter water next to my 2/3 coffee and cup of tea.

For me protein helps to fill me up.

This is how it works for me, i cant speak for somebody else of course everybody is different. When you need more eat more, very simple.
I eat more when i feel my body needs more fuel.

I had a lot of weight to lose and i am doing great. Have no gravings etc.
lost 60 pounds and have about 50 to go.