1200 cal intake is not working for me.

the answer here is simple.... eat more natural food and up ur intake. if you do that you WILL start to loose again. also drink plenty of water.. (this helps me big time)

what they said.

Good luck, you want this really badly, so I know that you'll figure it out and get where you want to get.

I understand your frustration and I have been there; however, lowering your calorie intake will only lower your metabolic rate. This is bad; very,very bad. You want your metabolic rate to be high. Cardio and strength training helps in charging the metabolic rate as does eating necessary calories to help your body function.
I know your goal is to lose the weight; however if you continue to eat small amounts and then burn all those calories away you will damage your metabolic rates and thus after awhile you will have to even eat less. It is a vicious cycle you do not want enter into. I recommend upping your calorie intake. Perhaps try zig zagging or upping protein and decreasing carbs.

I am going to echo just about everyone else...you need to eat more and it needs to be healthier, less-processed foods. If your diary is up to date, then you aren't likely getting enough water, you aren't eating hardly any fruits and vegetables, and the sodium/preservatives in the processed foods could be holding you back.

Keep in mind that calorie counts at their most accurate are still usually averages and derivations--you could still be off by your total calories in the multiple percentage points!

Consider also that the closer you get to a healthy proportion of lean muscle and body fat that your losses will clow down. Your body is going to naturally hold on to some fat to protect essential processes.

You are very close to your goal. Eat AT LEAST your BMR+portion of exercise calories with a lot of lean protein, vegetables, and fruits. Add some healthy fats like olive oil, almonds, fish, and coconut oil. Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day (I drink a gallon, but am much heavier than you and I notice it when I am short a day).

In general, I believe that weight loss IS about calories in/out...but our bodies just function better when we eat better quality calories. I am in maintenance mode for the moment, but I eat very clean when losing and notice a huge difference in how I feel. We evolved eating whole, natural, un-processed foods...the preserved stuff we eat out of cans and boxes hasn't been around long enough for us to make an evolutionary change.

If you've been exercising for a while, consider also that you are adding compact muscle mass. You could still be losing inches...best not to focus on the scale too much as you get closer to ideal BMI.

Lower sodium, increase your fruit and vegetable intake, and specifically increase your fiber intake. If you really want to do something, consider a cleanse, but I don't think you need that. I looked at your diary and you have a LOT of fast carbs. Try to replace some of those with veggies. It'll help.

I'm dealing with the same situation. Just try to vary your calorie intake as you inceease it. I think that may avoid plateaus if that is what you are dealing with.

Good luck!!!

They are correct. If your body isn't getting the amount of calories needed it will hold onto what you do take in. Your body thinks it is starving, so it won't let go of what it has.

One other thought - weighing and measuring your food is key. Sometimes you over/under estimate what you're eating. The only way to be accurate with calories is to weigh and measure everything.

Wow thanx guys.

I haven't been eating fruits or veggies lately, I didn't realise it until now. :embarassed:
I will however change that immediately. I appreciate the honesty from you guys.

I will try and eat atleast 1800 calories, 1200 plus the 600 calories that I burn.
I can;t promise that I'll eat all that but I'll try.

I'm gonna keep reading and evaluating each of the messages you guys wrote.

Sorry, if this was a dumb entry...I just needed help and opinions.
I feel stuck and I'm trying to move on from where I'm at.

Thank you for reply guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't think it was a dumb entry at all! Its awesome to have a group of people out there that will help keep you accountable! You have inspired me to keep honest and make my diary public! I don't eat the best every day, but maybe if my friends keep me accountable then I will keep myself accountable.

Good luck, you aren't alone and we ALL have the days/weeks where we feel stuck or lost or worried.

Thanks for being brave enough to ask!

T

Most of the time when we are severely restricting our calories (like only eating 1200 calories) and not losing weight ... if you INCREASE your calories you will see a loss. Our bodies NEED food in order to feel comfortable losing weight. If you aren't eating enough - you will not lose weight. Your body needs fuel to function. Try upping your calories 100-200 calories for a few weeks and see what happens.

I've gone from 1700 calories to 1900 calories to 2000 calories to 2200-2500 calories a day (these are NET calories - I eat back my exercise calories too). My body would LOVE for me to eat around 3000 calories, but I simply do not want to eat that much.