Weight loss - 1200cal too low?
narmin92
Posts: 32 Member
I want to lose 15lbs by march 20th (a wedding to attend). I'm 24 and 5ft10. I don't workout but I really want to start doing that as well. Is 1200 too low for somebody with my height and target weight? Would I be depriving myself or is it a normal plan?
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Replies
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What is your starting weight?1
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fitoverfortymom wrote: »What is your starting weight?
I weigh 155 and target is 140. I'm not a fit & lean girl either. Quite flabby actually. Have to change that too.0 -
15lbs in two months is not unheard of for someone who is starting out and extremely overweight, but less typical a result for those who aren't overweight (and it seems your weight is within the normal range). 1200 is probably the number MFP spit out because you entered your information hoping for a 2lb per week loss. It isn't altogether enjoyable or particularly sustainable to eat so little, and if you resume your current habits after your special event, the weight typically comes right back + some.
You might try getting a digital food scale to measure out your portions so you know exactly how many calories you are eating per day. Measuring cups and estimations won't quite cut it for your goal. Only you can decide if 1200 is sustainable for you.
Most of the advice on MFP I've seen given to someone with your stats is that aiming for a .5 lb per week loss is a more realistic goal for long term success.10 -
I'm 52 and weigh 228 lbs. my doctor has me on a 1200 calorie diet. Eat foods low in fat, high in protein. Watch the carbs. Drink plenty of water. As for exercise, walking is free and it's a start. Throw in stairs if you can.4
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I have been eating 1200 for about two weeks now. It took some getting used to as I usually wanted more food at first, but was not actually hungry. Since I no longer have those cravings, it is working quite well. I am much shorter than you though, 5'2" and heavier, 183 starting, 21 years old. I've lost 7lbs though and, like I said, I don't feel deprived at all now.
I would say try 1200 for a couple days or a week. If you feel hungry, don't deprive yourself. But try to notice if it's real hunger or just the desire to eat.
Good luck!5 -
At 5' 10", you are already at a healthy weight. It will be very difficult for you to drop 15lbs in that timescale.8
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fitoverfortymom wrote: »15lbs in two months is not unheard of for someone who is starting out and extremely overweight, but less typical a result for those who aren't overweight (and it seems your weight is within the normal range). 1200 is probably the number MFP spit out because you entered your information hoping for a 2lb per week loss. It isn't altogether enjoyable or particularly sustainable to eat so little, and if you resume your current habits after your special event, the weight typically comes right back + some.
You might try getting a digital food scale to measure out your portions so you know exactly how many calories you are eating per day. Measuring cups and estimations won't quite cut it for your goal. Only you can decide if 1200 is sustainable for you.
Most of the advice on MFP I've seen given to someone with your stats is that aiming for a .5 lb per week loss is a more realistic goal for long term success.
It is just a hope that I can get into a smaller size dress for the event, but of course if it's not healthy I would want to do it the right way. Thank you for your helpful answer! I guess I will work my way through a healthy meal plan for .5-1lbs per week.3 -
I want to lose 15lbs by march 20th (a wedding to attend). I'm 24 and 5ft10. I don't workout but I really want to start doing that as well. Is 1200 too low for somebody with my height and target weight? Would I be depriving myself or is it a normal plan?
YES - 1200 is too low.
1200 is appropriate for petite or elderly women. You aren't either one.
With 15 pounds to lose a 1/2 pound a week goal would give you an adequate number of calories. MFP bottomed out at 1200 because you chose to lose faster than is recommended. Fast weight loss often sacrifices a larger % of existing lean muscle mass. I'm not saying you can't lose that fast, but you might not like how you look.6 -
fitoverfortymom wrote: »15lbs in two months is not unheard of for someone who is starting out and extremely overweight, but less typical a result for those who aren't overweight (and it seems your weight is within the normal range). 1200 is probably the number MFP spit out because you entered your information hoping for a 2lb per week loss. It isn't altogether enjoyable or particularly sustainable to eat so little, and if you resume your current habits after your special event, the weight typically comes right back + some.
You might try getting a digital food scale to measure out your portions so you know exactly how many calories you are eating per day. Measuring cups and estimations won't quite cut it for your goal. Only you can decide if 1200 is sustainable for you.
Most of the advice on MFP I've seen given to someone with your stats is that aiming for a .5 lb per week loss is a more realistic goal for long term success.
It is just a hope that I can get into a smaller size dress for the event, but of course if it's not healthy I would want to do it the right way. Thank you for your helpful answer! I guess I will work my way through a healthy meal plan for .5-1lbs per week.
Look into starting some resistance training as well! That can help a lot with aesthetics, and can help you feel more confident.
Lifting weights is a good option, but there are body weight resistance programs that are great also.1 -
I've lost over 70lbs this year on 1200 a day. Although I do a lot of exercise and eat most of those calories back. If you're determined, 1200 is workable.1
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I think it's a big challenge to jump straight to 1200 and to lose 15lbs in that timeframe, but neither is out of the range of possibility. Is 1200 enough for a tall woman? No clue. Your body may tell you when you're not eating enough if you pay attention. I know when I get really cold and have trouble sleeping I probably haven't eaten enough.
If you struggle with hunger or sticking to 1200, try a higher number for a while.0 -
fitoverfortymom wrote: »15lbs in two months is not unheard of for someone who is starting out and extremely overweight, but less typical a result for those who aren't overweight (and it seems your weight is within the normal range). 1200 is probably the number MFP spit out because you entered your information hoping for a 2lb per week loss. It isn't altogether enjoyable or particularly sustainable to eat so little, and if you resume your current habits after your special event, the weight typically comes right back + some.
You might try getting a digital food scale to measure out your portions so you know exactly how many calories you are eating per day. Measuring cups and estimations won't quite cut it for your goal. Only you can decide if 1200 is sustainable for you.
Most of the advice on MFP I've seen given to someone with your stats is that aiming for a .5 lb per week loss is a more realistic goal for long term success.
It is just a hope that I can get into a smaller size dress for the event, but of course if it's not healthy I would want to do it the right way. Thank you for your helpful answer! I guess I will work my way through a healthy meal plan for .5-1lbs per week.
Spanx! Wonderful invention.
But yep, .5-1lbs per week plus resistance training is a much better idea, and you'll probably feel better for it too, rather than getting hangry on 1,200 calories (I'm only 5' 2" and I can't manage on 1,200).7 -
You want to make sure that you fuel your body enough so that your metabolism keeps functioning at its maximum capacity. Studies have shown that when humans cut down too much, our metabolism goes into "starvation mode" and starts retaining more fat. 1200 calories has been established as the threshold for starvation mode for most women - that said, most women aren't 5'10. You are also already at a healthy weight by medical standards (BMI).
My advice is this: try it. But don't beat yourself up if you find it hard to maintain. My guess is that at 5'10, you would still be losing weight at any calorie intake below 1500. It's better to find a calorie deficit you can maintain over the course of the next 9 weeks than to try to lose weight too quickly.
Exercise is also an excellent way to create a calorie deficit - and it can allow you to eat more calories. It's my trick anyway. One 40 minute walk adds something like 150 calories - so that my 1400 base calorie intake goes up to 1550. Not to mention, if what you want is to be "less flabby", weight training is your friend. 9 weeks is plenty of time to see results and get muscle tone.3 -
Kschmidt64 wrote: »I'm 52 and weigh 228 lbs. my doctor has me on a 1200 calorie diet. Eat foods low in fat, high in protein. Watch the carbs. Drink plenty of water. As for exercise, walking is free and it's a start. Throw in stairs if you can.
Doctors often have very little training in nutrition and weight loss.
Did your doctor suggest low fat......a 1980's method of dieting. Maybe he wants you to lower saturated fat. Plenty of people lose weight on high fat diets.
"Watch the carbs".....great advice when you have medical issues related to carbs. Medical issues give you more incentive to keep a lower carb diet......as a lifestyle change. Vegetarians often eat higher carbs. Weight loss is about calories.....not carbs.1 -
mmclaugh800 wrote: »Exercise is also an excellent way to create a calorie deficit - and it can allow you to eat more calories. It's my trick anyway. One 40 minute walk adds something like 150 calories - so that my 1400 base calorie intake goes up to 1550. Not to mention, if what you want is to be "less flabby", weight training is your friend. 9 weeks is plenty of time to see results and get muscle tone.
I am a complete beginner when it comes to weight training, can't do one push-up on my knees, very weak upper body strength. And most of the 'beginner' workouts I've looked up suggest less beginner-y programs, so I've been putting it off...0 -
Alyssa_Is_LosingIt wrote: »fitoverfortymom wrote: »15lbs in two months is not unheard of for someone who is starting out and extremely overweight, but less typical a result for those who aren't overweight (and it seems your weight is within the normal range). 1200 is probably the number MFP spit out because you entered your information hoping for a 2lb per week loss. It isn't altogether enjoyable or particularly sustainable to eat so little, and if you resume your current habits after your special event, the weight typically comes right back + some.
You might try getting a digital food scale to measure out your portions so you know exactly how many calories you are eating per day. Measuring cups and estimations won't quite cut it for your goal. Only you can decide if 1200 is sustainable for you.
Most of the advice on MFP I've seen given to someone with your stats is that aiming for a .5 lb per week loss is a more realistic goal for long term success.
It is just a hope that I can get into a smaller size dress for the event, but of course if it's not healthy I would want to do it the right way. Thank you for your helpful answer! I guess I will work my way through a healthy meal plan for .5-1lbs per week.
Look into starting some resistance training as well! That can help a lot with aesthetics, and can help you feel more confident.
Lifting weights is a good option, but there are body weight resistance programs that are great also.
This^
Strength training is great for inches.....especially if you're out of shape, this will help.0 -
Hi, if 1200 seems low and you feel hungy, try to do more sports and add the burned calories to your food account.
Like, you burn 400 calories, you eat 1200 + 400 and your daily food intake can be 1600.1 -
You want to make sure that you fuel your body enough so that your metabolism keeps functioning at its maximum capacity. Studies have shown that when humans cut down too much, our metabolism goes into "starvation mode" and starts retaining more fat. 1200 calories has been established as the threshold for starvation mode for most women - that said, most women aren't 5'10. You are also already at a healthy weight by medical standards (BMI).
My advice is this: try it. But don't beat yourself up if you find it hard to maintain. My guess is that at 5'10, you would still be losing weight at any calorie intake below 1500. It's better to find a calorie deficit you can maintain over the course of the next 9 weeks than to try to lose weight too quickly.
Exercise is also an excellent way to create a calorie deficit - and it can allow you to eat more calories. It's my trick anyway. One 40 minute walk adds something like 150 calories - so that my 1400 base calorie intake goes up to 1550. Not to mention, if what you want is to be "less flabby", weight training is your friend. 9 weeks is plenty of time to see results and get muscle tone.
Starvation mode in the context you are using it does not exist.
1200 calories will leave a lot of people hungry, lethargic, and lacking in nutrients, but it will not put one into "starvation mode" and cause them to retain more fat.
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fitoverfortymom wrote: »15lbs in two months is not unheard of for someone who is starting out and extremely overweight, but less typical a result for those who aren't overweight (and it seems your weight is within the normal range). 1200 is probably the number MFP spit out because you entered your information hoping for a 2lb per week loss. It isn't altogether enjoyable or particularly sustainable to eat so little, and if you resume your current habits after your special event, the weight typically comes right back + some.
You might try getting a digital food scale to measure out your portions so you know exactly how many calories you are eating per day. Measuring cups and estimations won't quite cut it for your goal. Only you can decide if 1200 is sustainable for you.
Most of the advice on MFP I've seen given to someone with your stats is that aiming for a .5 lb per week loss is a more realistic goal for long term success.
It is just a hope that I can get into a smaller size dress for the event, but of course if it's not healthy I would want to do it the right way. Thank you for your helpful answer! I guess I will work my way through a healthy meal plan for .5-1lbs per week.
No one will know your dress size unless you tell them. If the size number means that much to you personally, look for a brand and style that is cut larger so the number you want will fit you. If you compare dresses from different makers, you will find a 2-3 size range that will fit on any given day.
http://www.today.com/style/jeans-don-t-fit-here-s-explanation-inconsistency-women-s-t100419
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iv been on 1200 a day since i was 5 ft 3 230 pounds just fine. But might be a bit hard to lose 15 pounds in that time at your weight. Goodluck though xD0
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If you decide 1200 is right for you, make sure you eat back exercise calories so you don't end up bingeing later...i made the mistake of eating too low at first (1440 in my case) and after I got my fitbit, realized I should be eating around 1800-2000 to lose a pound a week.2
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1200 is pretty extreme for your height, and since you are within healthy weight it'll be hard to lose a lot quickly. As someone else mentioned, you might get more out of strength training.-Especially, since your current goal is to look better at a formal event. Most dresses are sleeveless, so more toned arms will definitely look better no matter the dress size. And try a variety of dresses - some cuts will be more flattering than others.1
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mmclaugh800 wrote: »Exercise is also an excellent way to create a calorie deficit - and it can allow you to eat more calories. It's my trick anyway. One 40 minute walk adds something like 150 calories - so that my 1400 base calorie intake goes up to 1550. Not to mention, if what you want is to be "less flabby", weight training is your friend. 9 weeks is plenty of time to see results and get muscle tone.
I am a complete beginner when it comes to weight training, can't do one push-up on my knees, very weak upper body strength. And most of the 'beginner' workouts I've looked up suggest less beginner-y programs, so I've been putting it off...
For the out-of-shape and/or overweight, bodyweight exercises are harder than using dumb bells. Even with pushups on your knees, you are still lifting a large percentage of your bodyweight. Easier to start with chest presses.
Now would be an excellent time to get a gym membership and have a few sessions with a personal trainer.
ps - One of the reasons I abandoned 'Strong', the followup book to 'New Rules of Lifting for Women' was that I couldn't do a lot of the bodyweight exercises. But give me dumb bells and I am all set
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GrumpyHeadmistress wrote: »I've lost over 70lbs this year on 1200 a day. Although I do a lot of exercise and eat most of those calories back. If you're determined, 1200 is workable.
How tall are you? The OP is 5'10".1 -
fitoverfortymom wrote: »15lbs in two months is not unheard of for someone who is starting out and extremely overweight, but less typical a result for those who aren't overweight (and it seems your weight is within the normal range). 1200 is probably the number MFP spit out because you entered your information hoping for a 2lb per week loss. It isn't altogether enjoyable or particularly sustainable to eat so little, and if you resume your current habits after your special event, the weight typically comes right back + some.
You might try getting a digital food scale to measure out your portions so you know exactly how many calories you are eating per day. Measuring cups and estimations won't quite cut it for your goal. Only you can decide if 1200 is sustainable for you.
Most of the advice on MFP I've seen given to someone with your stats is that aiming for a .5 lb per week loss is a more realistic goal for long term success.
It is just a hope that I can get into a smaller size dress for the event, but of course if it's not healthy I would want to do it the right way. Thank you for your helpful answer! I guess I will work my way through a healthy meal plan for .5-1lbs per week.
No one will know your dress size unless you tell them. If the size number means that much to you personally, look for a brand and style that is cut larger so the number you want will fit you. If you compare dresses from different makers, you will find a 2-3 size range that will fit on any given day.
http://www.today.com/style/jeans-don-t-fit-here-s-explanation-inconsistency-women-s-t100419
I think this is a valid point. The only person who will know your size is you. Women''s sizing, especially in the US, is all over the place at best. Just lose the weight in a sustainable way..in the meantime, find something that flatters the right areas, and no one will be the wiser. Everyone's focus will be on the bride, anyway. 2 -
Im on a lite n easy 1200 calories meal plan so far its going well just had my 2nd week and the food is great. Its just unfortunate i cant log my diary every day because i come in just under 1200 calories every day0
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You're tall so yeah 1200 will be low for you as that would be under your BMR - what number did MFP give you when you put in your stats and amount of weight loss per week?
You don't have much to lose 0.5lb a week is a healthy amount to aim for.
Are you sedentary or active? I ask as that also factors into how much you need to eat.
I'm only 5ft 2 and lost weight eating 1650-1800 cals a day - 0.5lb a week. I had 20lbs to lose. The taller you are the more you can eat and still lose.
Too large a calorie deficit will mean along with fat loss you will lose a lot of muscle which is what you don't want. That's why its best to aim for slower weight loss, its the healthy way and its also more sustainable as you wont feel deprived food wise.0 -
RunRutheeRun wrote: »You're tall so yeah 1200 will be low for you as that would be under your BMR - what number did MFP give you when you put in your stats and amount of weight loss per week?
You don't have much to lose 0.5lb a week is a healthy amount to aim for.
Are you sedentary or active? I ask as that also factors into how much you need to eat.
I'm only 5ft 2 and lost weight eating 1650-1800 cals a day - 0.5lb a week. I had 20lbs to lose. The taller you are the more you can eat and still lose.
Too large a calorie deficit will mean along with fat loss you will lose a lot of muscle which is what you don't want. That's why its best to aim for slower weight loss, its the healthy way and its also more sustainable as you wont feel deprived food wise.
Sedentary, mostly. I have a desk job from am to pm and don't work out for the time being either. Hoping to get decent amount of workout in my day though.0 -
@narmin92 I have a desk job too. I still feel that 1200 is too low for you even with that... what calories did MFP give you to lose say 0.5lb or 1lb a week? and I take it you have the settings here set at sedentary?
If you do get to workout then you will log that exercise here and also be able to eat some of those calories burned back, that is the MFP way.0 -
Also wanted to add, that at your current weight you aren't overweight as such so there's no need to panic about losing 15lbs, you might even find losing 7 to 10 lbs will make a difference...but you'll know better as time passes and the weight comes off.
All the best.
Ruth
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