1200 calories

I could use some low cal snack that I could eat especially during the mid-day hour. I feel very hungry trying to stick with 1200 calories??
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Replies

  • Katlover12
    Katlover12 Posts: 19 Member
    Hi. I think I eat around 1,200 calories. I snack on apples, grapes, and sometimes peanuts.
  • jessicarobinson00
    jessicarobinson00 Posts: 414 Member
    I personally grab protein if I'm looking for something to tide me over when I'm hungry: think greek yogurt, string cheese, turkey slices..but you can always bulk up what you are eating too. I am not a big vegetable eater myself..but I really like caramelized onions and steamed baby carrots with everything...it's extremely low calorie for what you get and it's SO good it feels like I'm cheating...
  • pinkslipblues
    pinkslipblues Posts: 19 Member
    Plain rice cakes have 35 calories - add a low calorie topping and they are quite filling.
  • wrharvill
    wrharvill Posts: 60 Member
    edited August 2016
    Boiled eggs. 1 serving of canned tuna. Sometimes, too, it turns out I'm just thirsty when I think I'm hungry so staying hydrated will help. Good luck!
  • bemyyfriend0918
    bemyyfriend0918 Posts: 241 Member
    How about a pack of apple slices (30 calories) and a cracker barrel 2% reduced fat cheese stick (60 calories) - total snack is 90 calories, it has protein and fiber and should keep you full for a little bit. Or, instead of the cheese stick, have 2 ounces of deli ham/turkey. It'll have the same amount of calories but a little more protein :)
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    Unless you are older or very petite 1200 may be too low for you. MFP assigns calorie goals based on "I want to lose xx pounds per week" AND this number is before exercise. So if you exercise plan on eating some of those calories back. Calorie burns are estimates so start by adding back 50-75%.

    That said, things that are generally filling are protein, fat and fiber. A piece of string cheese and a some berries would cover all three. I like Greek yogurt with some Fiber One sprinkles. Veggies & hummus. Popcorn with a sprinkle of parmesan.

  • WinoGelato
    WinoGelato Posts: 13,454 Member
    Maybe 1200 isn't an appropriate calorie goal for you? What are your stats - height, weight, goal weight, and what rate of loss did you select? Are you exercising? If so, are you logging and eating back a portion of your calories?

    As far as filling, low calorie snacks - if you are going to stick with 1200 cals then you need to make sure they are nutrient dense too. Cut veggies, string cheese, a hard boiled egg, some sliced turkey. Air popped popcorn for volume...

  • seska422
    seska422 Posts: 3,217 Member
    1200 is the calorie floor for women. I would suggest that you find a higher daily calorie goal that you can follow without stress while still creating a deficit. You won't lose as quickly but you won't be miserable.
  • salsera_barbie
    salsera_barbie Posts: 270 Member
    What are your goals? I find1200 ridiculously too restrictive even at 5'.
  • lthames0810
    lthames0810 Posts: 722 Member
    This may sound gross and weird but some days I chug down orange metamucil in a tall glass of water in place of a snack. It's filling and helps with other...issues.
  • sllm1
    sllm1 Posts: 2,130 Member
    1,200 calories is just not enough food for me. Think about taking it slower and having a more satisfying amount of food/calories each day.
  • DanyellMcGinnis
    DanyellMcGinnis Posts: 315 Member
    I am eating a lot more than 1200 calories per day, but here are some good low calorie snacks:

    Small fruits like kiwis, plums (in season in the US right now), clementines (not in season right now).

    For bulk, 100 calorie packs of microwave popcorn. I am in the middle of trying all the different brands to choose a favorite. You really do feel like you are eating a lot, which is nice.

    If it is just the act of eating, and now how filling something is, seaweed snacks are really low calorie. I like the ones from Ocean's Halo because the added flavorings almost completely overpower the seaweed taste, which is not true for some other brands.

    There are a couple brands of string cheese at most supermarkets that are in the 50-60 calorie range.

    I tend to avoid raw veggies because I don't seem to digest them well, but that is also an option. You can dip them in low calorie salad dressing or mix some herbs with sour cream/lowfat or nonfat yogurt to make a dip.
  • krishnip
    krishnip Posts: 32 Member
    Plain rice cakes have 35 calories - add a low calorie topping and they are quite filling.

    Great idea - never gave rice cakes a thought - any ideas for toppings?
  • krishnip
    krishnip Posts: 32 Member
    TeaBea wrote: »
    Unless you are older or very petite 1200 may be too low for you. MFP assigns calorie goals based on "I want to lose xx pounds per week" AND this number is before exercise. So if you exercise plan on eating some of those calories back. Calorie burns are estimates so start by adding back 50-75%.

    That said, things that are generally filling are protein, fat and fiber. A piece of string cheese and a some berries would cover all three. I like Greek yogurt with some Fiber One sprinkles. Veggies & hummus. Popcorn with a sprinkle of parmesan.

    1200 is what I was assigned I am only 5 feet tall and weight 128 pounds. I have gained so much weight since last I feel rather disgusted with myself :(
  • krishnip
    krishnip Posts: 32 Member
    I am eating a lot more than 1200 calories per day, but here are some good low calorie snacks:

    Small fruits like kiwis, plums (in season in the US right now), clementines (not in season right now).

    For bulk, 100 calorie packs of microwave popcorn. I am in the middle of trying all the different brands to choose a favorite. You really do feel like you are eating a lot, which is nice.

    If it is just the act of eating, and now how filling something is, seaweed snacks are really low calorie. I like the ones from Ocean's Halo because the added flavorings almost completely overpower the seaweed taste, which is not true for some other brands.

    There are a couple brands of string cheese at most supermarkets that are in the 50-60 calorie range.

    I tend to avoid raw veggies because I don't seem to digest them well, but that is also an option. You can dip them in low calorie salad dressing or mix some herbs with sour cream/lowfat or nonfat yogurt to make a dip.

    Good idea about popcorn!
  • krishnip
    krishnip Posts: 32 Member
    sllm1 wrote: »
    1,200 calories is just not enough food for me. Think about taking it slower and having a more satisfying amount of food/calories each day.

    My fitness pal has me at 1200 calories, you're right its not enough food
  • krishnip
    krishnip Posts: 32 Member
    What are your goals? I find1200 ridiculously too restrictive even at 5'.

    Get rid of fat - HATE the way I look right now - feeling rather depressed actually
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    krishnip wrote: »
    TeaBea wrote: »
    Unless you are older or very petite 1200 may be too low for you. MFP assigns calorie goals based on "I want to lose xx pounds per week" AND this number is before exercise. So if you exercise plan on eating some of those calories back. Calorie burns are estimates so start by adding back 50-75%.

    That said, things that are generally filling are protein, fat and fiber. A piece of string cheese and a some berries would cover all three. I like Greek yogurt with some Fiber One sprinkles. Veggies & hummus. Popcorn with a sprinkle of parmesan.

    1200 is what I was assigned I am only 5 feet tall and weight 128 pounds. I have gained so much weight since last I feel rather disgusted with myself :(

    At 5' tall your daily goal wouldn't be very big - even if you chose 1/2 pound a week. But, exercise will add more calories if you can do that. You might have to play around with protein, fat and fiber. Some people stay full on fat free protein (not me) - some people stay full on fat free fiber (again not me). Play around with macros & meal timing.

    Pound per week goals
    75+ lbs set to lose 2 lb range
    Between 40 - 75 lbs set to lose 1.5 lb range
    Between 25-40 lbs set to lose 1 lb range
    Between 15-25 lbs set to lose 1 -.50 lb range
    Less than 15 lbs set to lose 0.5 lbs range
  • Dannigreen31
    Dannigreen31 Posts: 557 Member
    I often find that to low. I go between 1200-1500
  • ItsyBitsy246
    ItsyBitsy246 Posts: 307 Member
    edited August 2016
    krishnip wrote: »
    Plain rice cakes have 35 calories - add a low calorie topping and they are quite filling.

    Great idea - never gave rice cakes a thought - any ideas for toppings?

    I like a plain rice cake with one tablespoon of unsalted smooth Almond Butter as a snack or with coffee at breakfast. Crunchy and tasty, 135 calories.
  • mysticwryter
    mysticwryter Posts: 111 Member
    Ok....I maybe beating a dead horse but if you are wanting to lose weight, you may need to intake more calories than perceived. If you are doing a pretty good workout (60 mins/3X a week) you will need to increase your caloric intake to facilitate bodily function (normal) and your muscles as they repair. If you are a person who is exercising 3Xs a week or more, you will need to go from 1200 to 1500/day. If that is too much for you to do at this point in your progress, do a caloric deficit of 200 calories (start at 1300). If you lower your caloric intake, your metabolism suffers, you body cannot rebuild its self to where it can develop. Don't always go with what MFP says, it is a start but depending on your workout regimen and your types of food, you may need to increase by a couple hundred calories. It may seem like a lot at first but once you start working out more and doing different things with your workouts, you'll get hungrier as it goes along.
  • leanjogreen18
    leanjogreen18 Posts: 2,492 Member
    Protein bar helps me.
  • abitofbliss
    abitofbliss Posts: 198 Member
    High protein snacks:

    Shrimp, boiled eggs, string cheese, turkey kielbasa, turkey pepperoni (bake to make chips), edamame, any kind of beans (fave bean salad: black beans, chick peas, cilantro, red onions, shredded chicken w/taco seasoning), powdered PB, lunch meat/cheese rolls, pumpkin seens, tuna salad w/avocado, turkey jerky, peas.
  • WinoGelato
    WinoGelato Posts: 13,454 Member
    Ok....I maybe beating a dead horse but if you are wanting to lose weight, you may need to intake more calories than perceived. If you are doing a pretty good workout (60 mins/3X a week) you will need to increase your caloric intake to facilitate bodily function (normal) and your muscles as they repair. If you are a person who is exercising 3Xs a week or more, you will need to go from 1200 to 1500/day. If that is too much for you to do at this point in your progress, do a caloric deficit of 200 calories (start at 1300). If you lower your caloric intake, your metabolism suffers, you body cannot rebuild its self to where it can develop. Don't always go with what MFP says, it is a start but depending on your workout regimen and your types of food, you may need to increase by a couple hundred calories. It may seem like a lot at first but once you start working out more and doing different things with your workouts, you'll get hungrier as it goes along.

    While I agree that the OP can likely eat more food and still lose weight, and that if she is exercising she definitely should be eating more... it seems you are implying that she may be suffering from a diminished metabolism because of too low calories, ie Starvation Mode?
  • WinoGelato
    WinoGelato Posts: 13,454 Member
    krishnip wrote: »
    TeaBea wrote: »
    Unless you are older or very petite 1200 may be too low for you. MFP assigns calorie goals based on "I want to lose xx pounds per week" AND this number is before exercise. So if you exercise plan on eating some of those calories back. Calorie burns are estimates so start by adding back 50-75%.

    That said, things that are generally filling are protein, fat and fiber. A piece of string cheese and a some berries would cover all three. I like Greek yogurt with some Fiber One sprinkles. Veggies & hummus. Popcorn with a sprinkle of parmesan.

    1200 is what I was assigned I am only 5 feet tall and weight 128 pounds. I have gained so much weight since last I feel rather disgusted with myself :(

    What goal weight are you trying to get to? Are you exercising? What sort of exercise? Are you eating back those calories?

  • Katlover12
    Katlover12 Posts: 19 Member
    Hi. I am under 5ft and I eat about 1,200 calories as well. We're in similar boats. I need to lose some weight too. Good luck on your weightloss journey. :)
  • krishnip
    krishnip Posts: 32 Member
    Ok....I maybe beating a dead horse but if you are wanting to lose weight, you may need to intake more calories than perceived. If you are doing a pretty good workout (60 mins/3X a week) you will need to increase your caloric intake to facilitate bodily function (normal) and your muscles as they repair. If you are a person who is exercising 3Xs a week or more, you will need to go from 1200 to 1500/day. If that is too much for you to do at this point in your progress, do a caloric deficit of 200 calories (start at 1300). If you lower your caloric intake, your metabolism suffers, you body cannot rebuild its self to where it can develop. Don't always go with what MFP says, it is a start but depending on your workout regimen and your types of food, you may need to increase by a couple hundred calories. It may seem like a lot at first but once you start working out more and doing different things with your workouts, you'll get hungrier as it goes along.

    Good advice thank you
  • salsera_barbie
    salsera_barbie Posts: 270 Member
    edited August 2016
    krishnip wrote: »
    What are your goals? I find1200 ridiculously too restrictive even at 5'.

    Get rid of fat - HATE the way I look right now - feeling rather depressed actually

    Then start lifting and eating more. At 1200 you might get skinny but not lose the fat. I'm 5' and at anything less than 135 I look too skinny, mostly because by building muscle you weight more. Focus more on getting fit and building muscle and you'll see the difference.
  • krishnip
    krishnip Posts: 32 Member
    krishnip wrote: »
    What are your goals? I find1200 ridiculously too restrictive even at 5'.

    Get rid of fat - HATE the way I look right now - feeling rather depressed actually

    Then start lifting and eating more. At 1200 you might get skinny but not lose the fat. I'm 5' and at anything less than 135 I look too skinny, mostly because by building muscle you weight more. Focus more on getting fit and building muscle and you'll see the difference.

    I have started running - which is so hard but I'm doing it!!

    I am also doing a Jillian Michaels DVD for upper and lower body - anything else you can recommend?
  • salsera_barbie
    salsera_barbie Posts: 270 Member
    krishnip wrote: »
    krishnip wrote: »
    What are your goals? I find1200 ridiculously too restrictive even at 5'.

    Get rid of fat - HATE the way I look right now - feeling rather depressed actually

    Then start lifting and eating more. At 1200 you might get skinny but not lose the fat. I'm 5' and at anything less than 135 I look too skinny, mostly because by building muscle you weight more. Focus more on getting fit and building muscle and you'll see the difference.

    I have started running - which is so hard but I'm doing it!!

    I am also doing a Jillian Michaels DVD for upper and lower body - anything else you can recommend?

    If you have a gym membership, take a personal training class and have them teach you how to lift weights and start lifting as heavy as you can (without hurting yourself) and build up from there. You can also learn from apps or online.