What am I doing wrong??

nicolef07
nicolef07 Posts: 10 Member
edited November 15 in Food and Nutrition
I am finding it very difficult to stick to 1200 calories a day. Of course, I can have more when I exercise, but I am finding that even when I think I am doing a good job, I am going over. I really do not want to have to drive myself crazy about this. Also, I am not going overboard with meals, I basically have cereal for breakfast, a yogurt for snack, a sandwich and fruit for lunch and a decent dinner. I have been cutting gout dessert but usually have a mid afternoon snack. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Replies

  • 4legsRbetterthan2
    4legsRbetterthan2 Posts: 19,590 MFP Moderator
    1. Do you have an appropraite rate of loss selected for your goal. I ask this because alot of people who get the 1200 calorie goal are trying to lose too fast, sure it's great to try to lose 2lbs/week and hit goal weight as fast as you can, but for anyone with an overall goal of less than 50lbs this can be pretty aggressive and a tough approach. Eating a bit more and setteling for a slower loss of rate will benefit you more in the long run if it means you will stick to your plan.
    2. Make food selections that have plenty of protein in them, most people find they feel fuller longer on high protein diets.
    3. Eat lots nad lots of veggies, give you more intake for less calories.
    4. Play around with meal timing, I know there is alot of stuff out there about "boosting your metabolism with breakfast and frequent meals" but it really doesn't work that way. I find I am happier when I wait longer to eat breakfast, I just don't feel as hungry through the rest of the day. I also am happier when I eat big meals and little snacking. Figure out what works for you.
  • 81Katz
    81Katz Posts: 7,074 Member
    Do you weigh/measure your food/drink portions? If not, a digital kitchen scale would be a good start. It was a real eye opener for me when I bought one.

    MFP tends to over-estimate calories burned (unless you're using a HRM) so I wouldn't eat back all your exercise calories.

    Lastly, if 1200 calories is simply too little, up them a bit for a slower weight loss, it will keep you sane in the end.

    This is my 2 cents. Others will have information too.
  • antypim89
    antypim89 Posts: 31 Member
    ^^ great advice. Everything that I would have put
  • rushfive
    rushfive Posts: 603 Member
    The first thing that comes to my mind is more Veggies. Replace something with a veggie, they are lower in cals. and you can have bunch to fill you up.
  • nicolef07
    nicolef07 Posts: 10 Member
    Thanks. I did check back and my weight loss is for a fast pace. I will adjust it so I can make it a permenant loss even if it comes off slowly. Also, thanks for the tip about the exercise diary over estimating calories burned. I will try to eat back only 1/2! Thank you for the help -- I did not even think about these points!
  • esjones12
    esjones12 Posts: 1,363 Member
    nicolef07 wrote: »
    Thanks. I did check back and my weight loss is for a fast pace. I will adjust it so I can make it a permenant loss even if it comes off slowly. Also, thanks for the tip about the exercise diary over estimating calories burned. I will try to eat back only 1/2! Thank you for the help -- I did not even think about these points!

    1200 is the minimum calorie intake recommended for most women. If you post your stats (age, height and weight) we can help you determine a more appropriate calorie intake for weight loss.

    Also make sure you are weighing and logging properly.
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