"Just Fit it in to your Daily Allowance"
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MikaMojito wrote: »I know I'm going against what everybody else is saying, but it IS possible to fit in treats even at 1200kcal.
Eg my diary today:
Breakfast: 50g pumpernickel bread with jam (it's VERY dark bread and keeps me quite full for a long time)
Lunch: Mixed leaf salad, 3 slices garlic bread and a sausage
Dinner: two big bowls of vegetable and sausage soup.
And now I just had 20g of very good, rich chocolate and I'm actually under 1200. Not because I meant to but because I was so busy all day and when I got hungry, nothing was acailable and now it's too late to eat more. I'll have some extra calories tomorrow.
Yeah I'd be completely starving with that, lol.
Same here...and wondering why it would be too late for her to eat more. I eat right up until I got to bed.
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1200 actually isn't too bad for a short woman. At 5'0, I can EASILY do 1200 daily. I have to disagree with many of those here. When you're close to a healthy weight and short, sometimes you don't have as much calories to play with. However, I never WANT to do 1200.
The advice I would give is:
- aim for a realistic weekly goal (1.5-2lb/week is probably aggressive if it's setting it at 1200cal)
- set your activity level right (sedentary assumes very little movement, most people are more)
- count your steps (by fitness tracker or app on your phone) and adjust for exercise calories to eat back
I have 1200 set on MFP, but I rarely eat under 1400 calories a day.0 -
I know personally I'm 5'0 and 130 pounds. 1,200 Is plenty for me, but I would think most could eat more.IsaackGMOON wrote: »I still don't get why people go to 1200 calories a day... it seems so low.
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I don't really understand why 1200 calories seems low? I am doing 1250 and I am full and eat healthily (or so I think). BUT, I prepare meals that are well balanced and are not calorie rich. Of course I love the healthy low calorie vegetables, salads, etc. I never eat bread, and I consume 12+ glasses of water per day.
I use the website Cooksmarts, and a book of 365 Healthy Meals (1 a day) to plan meals on a weekly basis that fit perfectly into this scheme. I exercise about 100 calories worth per day, and I don't eat it back. I now MAKE everything that I eat, from homemade hummus, to homemade pita chips, to broccoli rice.
The key is to have fun with the meal planning, for which I am extremely proud.
1250 isn't ridiculous, at least for me. It is all about planning, and knowing what you can "fill-up" on without adding ridiculous fruitless calories.
Good Luck! -- of course, I've only been REALLY at it for 40 days on MFP
but since January I've lost nearly 60 lbs.
If you are the man in your profile you shouldn't be netting below 1600 calories0 -
MFP's math (and/or the assumptions to plugged in to their formula: the place most people mess up here is the activity level. When you tell MFP you are "sedentary," it seems to assume you are actually bedridden, so first of all consider bumping that up.)
When I first started I went looking for what formula they used, there's a link in the help section where I found the following
The sedentary category was defined to include BEE, the thermic effect of food, and the energy expended in physical activities that are required for independent living. For an adult weighing 70 kg, the low-active category was defined to be an exertion equivalent to walking 2miles/d (≈3 km) at a rate of 3–4 miles/h (≈5–6.5 km/h) or the equivalent energy expenditure in other activities, in addition to the activities that are part of independent living. The active category reflected physical activities equivalent to walking some 7 miles/d (≈11 km), and the very active category was equivalent to walking 17 miles/d (≈27 km/d), all at the rate of 3–4 miles/h (≈5–6.5 km/h). As described in chapter 12 of the IOM report (1), these distances vary with body weight and can be substantially reduced by walking faster or by performing other physical activities of vigorous intensities. Retrospectively, these categories corresponded roughly to quartiles in the database. It is important to note, however, that substantial fidgeting and other spontaneous activities may contribute to PAL, but may not produce the health benefits of sustained, vigorous exercise. Therefore, some individuals may achieve the low-active category without regular exercise.
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/79/5/921S.full0 -
I don't really understand why 1200 calories seems low? I am doing 1250 and I am full and eat healthily (or so I think). BUT, I prepare meals that are well balanced and are not calorie rich. Of course I love the healthy low calorie vegetables, salads, etc. I never eat bread, and I consume 12+ glasses of water per day.
I use the website Cooksmarts, and a book of 365 Healthy Meals (1 a day) to plan meals on a weekly basis that fit perfectly into this scheme. I exercise about 100 calories worth per day, and I don't eat it back. I now MAKE everything that I eat, from homemade hummus, to homemade pita chips, to broccoli rice.
The key is to have fun with the meal planning, for which I am extremely proud.
1250 isn't ridiculous, at least for me. It is all about planning, and knowing what you can "fill-up" on without adding ridiculous fruitless calories.
Good Luck! -- of course, I've only been REALLY at it for 40 days on MFP but since January I've lost nearly 60 lbs.
It is hard to hit daily nutrient requirements on such a low calorie goal...you have to plan very carefully...as a woman and you best be a smaller woman.
As a man almost...note almost impossible. Men shouldn't go below 1600.
1250 for a man is not good.
Being "full" is different than having everything you need to run your body.
ETA you may have lost 60lbs but how much of that was muscle?0 -
Hi all, thanks for the replies. As for 1200 I'm going by what MFP calculated for 2 lbs a week loss. I am 38, female, 5'4", and started 2 weeks ago at 17 stones or 238 lbs. I don't usually excersise, though I started at the gym today and am taking it slowly building up my fitness. I know that once I weigh less I shouldn't expect to lose 2 lbs a week but for now I figured it was a realistic goal given me being obese.
I'm 5ft 4 and started at 17 stone 2. I lose 2lb a week on 1600 and I'm mostly in a wheelchair or in bed with the odd bit of walking here and there. It can be done0 -
Do you exercise? You can always use any earned exercise calories back for treats. I think that's what some do.
Yeah, when I was doing 1250 I ate back exercise for more calories.
I also gradually increased my base calories as I got active more regularly. I was fine on 1250 for a while, but would have gotten bored and couldn't have supported the level of activity I was aiming for.
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I do about 1350 daily. Sometimes Indians high as 1500 or 1600. I have lost 30 lbs since the end of Jan. When I exercise I add about half the burn that the app or gym machine credits me with back into my day. Most times I eat those back ...sometimes I dont. But I would be very unhappy at only 1200 a day.0
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I'm wondering now how MFP calculates a person's daily caloric intake. Because I'm 5'6", stated that I was moderately active (mostly sedentary)... MFP advised I should eat 1,000 calories.
With this allotment, I eat 2-3 meals a day with 2-3 snacks a day and still have 2-300 calories to spare.
I'm completely satiated eating:
Breakfast: 3 egg white scramble with 1c spinach (pepper+garlic powder) 58 calories
Snack: clementine and 1c watermelon 80 calories
Lunch: Skinless chicken thigh over saute spinach, sauerkraut, and kimchi 228 calories
Snack: 2c air popped popcorn 61 calories
Dinner: mayo-less tuna salad with red onion, green apple, pickle, and mustard 115 calories
Snack: 1/4c chocolate pudding 50 calories
I also drink 3 quarts water daily.
TOTAL: 592 calories....
I'm not a big workout fan, but I do exercise at home which allows me another 100-200 calories extra according MFP.
I really hope you figure out how to feel full and still get those special treats in!0 -
MFP has me at 1220.
I set my weight loss goal at 1 pound per week and I have been losing about that on average. I exercise and eat back the calories. On the weekends I go over because I don't exercise as much and I find it impossible to stay at or under 1220.
You can look at my diary if you'd like to- I do manage to fit in some treats!0 -
I think the scooby something or other tool is better if I'm honest, rather than the mfp one0
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I'm wondering now how MFP calculates a person's daily caloric intake. Because I'm 5'6", stated that I was moderately active (mostly sedentary)... MFP advised I should eat 1,000 calories.
With this allotment, I eat 2-3 meals a day with 2-3 snacks a day and still have 2-300 calories to spare.
I'm completely satiated eating:
Breakfast: 3 egg white scramble with 1c spinach (pepper+garlic powder) 58 calories
Snack: clementine and 1c watermelon 80 calories
Lunch: Skinless chicken thigh over saute spinach, sauerkraut, and kimchi 228 calories
Snack: 2c air popped popcorn 61 calories
Dinner: mayo-less tuna salad with red onion, green apple, pickle, and mustard 115 calories
Snack: 1/4c chocolate pudding 50 calories
I also drink 3 quarts water daily.
TOTAL: 592 calories....
I'm not a big workout fan, but I do exercise at home which allows me another 100-200 calories extra according MFP.
I really hope you figure out how to feel full and still get those special treats in!
That is an error on their part...known bug as MFP does not give under 1200 for women...I would reset goals on the computer and see what it gives you....0 -
I get 1280. 1420tdee. I don't exercise much, just walk and use a fitbit. I eat back the exercise calories usually. I probably average around 1350 cal per day. set for 1/2pd loss per week.
I don't really eat breakfast, never have, just coffee.
lunch is salad with ham or chicken and veggies maybe some cheese or avocado. pb &jelly sandwich, ham/cheese sandwich. etc..
dinner is anything from cheese burgers, meatloaf, chicken stir-fry, but I load up on my sides of veggies...broccoli, snap peas, sweet potato, carrots,etc.
I usually have something left (esp. if I walked) for a evening snack. bit o honey, fun size snicker.
I also do take out occasionally and get it to fit in my calorie allowance. When I do go over I make sure to walk more the next day.0 -
I'm wondering now how MFP calculates a person's daily caloric intake. Because I'm 5'6", stated that I was moderately active (mostly sedentary)... MFP advised I should eat 1,000 calories.
With this allotment, I eat 2-3 meals a day with 2-3 snacks a day and still have 2-300 calories to spare.
I'm completely satiated eating:
Breakfast: 3 egg white scramble with 1c spinach (pepper+garlic powder) 58 calories
Snack: clementine and 1c watermelon 80 calories
Lunch: Skinless chicken thigh over saute spinach, sauerkraut, and kimchi 228 calories
Snack: 2c air popped popcorn 61 calories
Dinner: mayo-less tuna salad with red onion, green apple, pickle, and mustard 115 calories
Snack: 1/4c chocolate pudding 50 calories
I also drink 3 quarts water daily.
TOTAL: 592 calories....
I'm not a big workout fan, but I do exercise at home which allows me another 100-200 calories extra according MFP.
I really hope you figure out how to feel full and still get those special treats in!
Eh... doubtful. Plus a clementine and 1c watermelon is probably closer to 120-150 calories, honestly. And 250 calories just for a chicken thigh probably (two drumsticks is typically around that)... just saying.0 -
I'm wondering now how MFP calculates a person's daily caloric intake. Because I'm 5'6", stated that I was moderately active (mostly sedentary)... MFP advised I should eat 1,000 calories.
With this allotment, I eat 2-3 meals a day with 2-3 snacks a day and still have 2-300 calories to spare.
I'm completely satiated eating:
Breakfast: 3 egg white scramble with 1c spinach (pepper+garlic powder) 58 calories
Snack: clementine and 1c watermelon 80 calories
Lunch: Skinless chicken thigh over saute spinach, sauerkraut, and kimchi 228 calories
Snack: 2c air popped popcorn 61 calories
Dinner: mayo-less tuna salad with red onion, green apple, pickle, and mustard 115 calories
Snack: 1/4c chocolate pudding 50 calories
I also drink 3 quarts water daily.
TOTAL: 592 calories....
I'm not a big workout fan, but I do exercise at home which allows me another 100-200 calories extra according MFP.
I really hope you figure out how to feel full and still get those special treats in!
@kamber13 - That's a bug. It is not supposed to give women less than 1200 calories (it's in the FAQ). Try resetting your calorie goal from a computer.0 -
I did not read all the replies but can sympathize with the op. I am 5'2" and mfp gives me 1250 to lose .5 pounds a week at "sedentary". That is hard but it's working. I usually eat back some exercise calories and end up around 1400/day but I feel like I HAVE to exercise every day or at least walk.
It has taken me a long time to add fats to my diet because of the low volume and high calories issue but adding fats is helping with hunger and satiety.
I'm saving 150 calories for before bed every day for a snack. Usually something sweet. You do have to think about calories and the timing of them very carefully when you have little to work with.0 -
People on 1200 calories generally don't have that much to lose. I only need to lose 10 pounds, and because I'm at 146 it won't come off with a higher calorie count. I could not do it every day without eating back some of those calories after exercise. I do have small treats, but only after a day of 8-mile hiking, for example. I have to be super diligent if I'm not exercising. And I don't stress out if I go 50 or even 100 calories over. You just have to realize that everyone is in a different "program" and their advice may not work for you.0
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What calculator does MFP use by default that it's constantly telling people to go to 1200, regardless of how tall they are or how much they have to lose?0
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when i was on 1200 i was starving and mean and kind of crazy. i worked out to earn more calories. I'm only 5'2.
i still work out and now eat anywhere from 1200-1800/ day and lose around 2 lbs/week (most weeks)
i really do eat whatever i want, and working out gives me the extra calories and the same rate of loss to do so.
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What calculator does MFP use by default that it's constantly telling people to go to 1200, regardless of how tall they are or how much they have to lose?
No idea. It gives me a fairly accurate number when I let it do that, so maybe it's just a lot of light people wanting to put in a 2 pound per week loss.0 -
What calculator does MFP use by default that it's constantly telling people to go to 1200, regardless of how tall they are or how much they have to lose?
I think that mfp has a default minimum net of 1200 calories for women. So whatever the height or weight of someone, if the weight loss goal they choose would put them below 1200, they still get 1200. I am quite overweight with a maintenance of about 2200 without exercise, which I think would be about the same for a lot of people when they first come to the website. If I stick in 2 pounds per week loss, 1200 is what I get (on the assumption 1 pound per week is about 500 cals less per day).
But I never understand why people are so inflexible. If 1200 works and you are losing weight and not hungry and/or crazy stick with it. If 1200 works but you are hungry and crazy try upping it a bit until you find your happy place where you are losing weight but aren't starving and or hangry?? Someone on here often posts "he who eats the most and loses weight wins" and I kind of like that.0 -
I don't get all the people who are on 1200 calories and complain that they are hungry and it doesn't even occur to them to decrease their deficit or something...0
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I'm the OP and just want to say thanks for all the replies.....really interesting points of views to consider.
As I said in my original al post, I'm not hungry on my 1200 calories and it feels good to finally be in control of my eating. Having gained 5 stone in 15 months after going on to a new medication where increased appetite is a side affect, my eating previously was totally out of control.
I was just curious as to how people manage to fit 'treats' into their allowance and now I know.....Some people are able to lose weight eating more calories and also some people exercise to 'earn' more calories which means they can then eat more. I can also see that people are fitting in treats in reasonable portions....so its not like they 'pigging out' on treats and still staying within their allowance.
I'm only 2 weeks in but my plan us to eat more by going to the gym and burning calories and eating back some of that burn.
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I often go over 1200 a day. I just see it as a guideline. If I'm under 1200, cool. If not, then the fact that I was trying for it probably means that I'm still at a low enough calorie count to lose weight.
Also, I try to find mini versions of treats. Like a big Costco poppyseed muffin is 669 calories, but the mini poppyseed muffins I got from the grocery store bakery are 100 calories each. I put them in the freezer so they'll keep and eat one every day.0 -
It's me the OP again. Just wanted to say my Week 2 weigh in results from just now are that I lost 1 and 3/4 pounds, so I'm right on track. My goal this week is to make it to the gym 3 times.0
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I don't get all the people who are on 1200 calories and complain that they are hungry and it doesn't even occur to them to decrease their deficit or something...
Well, I'm sure they're afraid that if they do, they'll stop losing weight. I mean I doubt it's that people are stump-dumb or anything.
Sure it's occurred to them to eat more, they just fear they will stop losing (or will gain).
It can help to gradually increase. When weight loss stops for a period of time, then go down a hair from there and you have hopefully found your sweet spot. It can take some tweaking but I think many people find that they can eat more than they thought they could and still lose weight. 1200 has been the conventional wisdom for decades (my very first diet in 1978 was a 1200-calorie one; all the "diet books" stated this and never seemed to make age, height, etc. distinctions...how could EVERY single woman need exactly 1200 calories in order to lose weight, you know?) and even to this day, "1200" is the magical "do not go below" number, yet it also magically seems to be the one MFP defaults to after a certain point. I weigh 191 pounds, for God's sake, and MFP has me at 1200 for a 2-lb.-per-week loss. I know for a fact that it doesn't come out to exactly that, why would it? (For the record, I eat more and go for a slower loss. It works out better for me.)
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I know different things work for different people, but I said "screw it" to MFP's recommendations for daily calories, figured out what my maintenance calories would be for my goal weight, rounded down to the nearest hundred, and changed my daily goal to that. I'm eating 2,100 a day and still losing, and I've already figured out what I can eat while maintaining, so that's a bonus.0
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