Quick question RE: minimum calories

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mrsc86
mrsc86 Posts: 188 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi all

I know we are all supposed to eat a minimum of 1,200 kcals per day. However, due to a very slow metabolic rate and a couple of other imbalances, my doctor has referred me to a nutritionist and guided me to eat between 1000 and 1,100 to lose weight. My question is, if I am getting all my nutriants, will I be OK?

Thanks
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Replies

  • szczepj
    szczepj Posts: 422
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    If a doctor told you to do it you'll be fine. Just make sure you are eating healthy foods!
  • kylies1219
    kylies1219 Posts: 80 Member
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    If a doctor told you to do it you'll be fine. Just make sure you are eating healthy foods!

    Agreed
  • crmhaske
    crmhaske Posts: 66 Member
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    Definitely listen to your doctor!
  • RhonndaJ
    RhonndaJ Posts: 1,615 Member
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    I would say that if you're getting all your nutrients, eating healthy and under a doctor's supervision, you'll be just fine. It's just not considered wise for someone to go below 1200 without a doctor's supervision.
  • knowwhentoshutup
    knowwhentoshutup Posts: 318 Member
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    Definitely listen to your doctor - and make sure the calories you do eat are high in nutrients. They should be able to help point you in the right direction.
  • Mollydolly10
    Mollydolly10 Posts: 431 Member
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    Your doctor knows best! 1200 is sort of an arbitrary number, and since weight loss isn't 'one size fits all,' there can be some variation. best of luck!
  • marrtini
    marrtini Posts: 75
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    Agreed and if the nutritionist showed you how to eat properly, it should be healthy and well balanced. Agree with everyone, that you should follow the advice of the Dr.
  • yeabby
    yeabby Posts: 643 Member
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    Hi all

    I know we are all supposed to eat a minimum of 1,200 kcals per day. However, due to a very slow metabolic rate and a couple of other imbalances, my doctor has referred me to a nutritionist and guided me to eat between 1000 and 1,100 to lose weight. My question is, if I am getting all my nutriants, will I be OK?

    Thanks

    I'm also on 1000-1100, set by my nutritionist, because I'm so short. You can get your nutrients in at this lower calorie rating. Just make sure they are coming from healthy sources and not fillers. Produce and protein are your friends.
  • SHBoss1673
    SHBoss1673 Posts: 7,161 Member
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    1200 calories is just an average, it's meant to be bent to each individual for their specific needs. People with metabolic conditions might need to modify it as needed. But just be sure to consult with a professional about your micronutrient needs (vitamins and supplements won't cut it alone usually, at least OTC ones are generally much less effective than people think). That said, if you make sure your micro's are ok (vitamins and minerals), you feel healthy, you don't notice outward signs of starvation, and your doctor is ok with your blood work, I see no reason why it's not ok to do. Be aware though, metabolic conditions or no, if you exercise, you need more calories than if you don't.
  • wimom27
    wimom27 Posts: 19 Member
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    I would also do some research on the foods that boost metabolism. Make those calories count! Don't forget to add in some healthy fats! You don't want to cut all fats from your diet, as that can actually slow your metabolism even more.
  • stroutman81
    stroutman81 Posts: 2,474 Member
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    There's nothing magical that happens below 1200 calories universally. That's just an imposed limitation set by MFP.

    I agree... I'd listen to your doc.

    I'm wondering though... what imbalances do you have and what's your current height and weight? If you don't want to share that information... that's fine. Just curious is all.
  • Tayla_Grant
    Tayla_Grant Posts: 119 Member
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    Maybe take a multi-vitamin and some omega-3s to keep your joints loose. Other than that, you do what works for you. If you feel comfortable with that calorie intake, as long as it's all fresh/healthy food, you should be all good. :)
  • emmaleigh47
    emmaleigh47 Posts: 1,670 Member
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    Im disappointed with your doctor. The fact is, many many medical professionals really do not have knowledge about nutrition and diet and just say what they think is right without really knowing the truth.

    As a nurse practitioner and clinical lipid specialist I would have to disagree with your doctor ... any "diet" that has you eating under your basal metabolic rate in the end is just gonig to result in weight loss from muscle loss, and needing to eat significant lower calories in order to maintain your weight...

    Its really quite a shame..
  • Stephaniebingletastic
    Stephaniebingletastic Posts: 59
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    listen to your doctor, but make sure within that 1000-1100 is a healthy balanced diet by logging all you eat, and check the nutrients. Eat foods with low saturated fat content. Eat more protein, eggs, lean meats like chicken turkey wafer thin ham and rabbit.
    If you start to exercise too, that may increase your metabolic rate over time as you get fitter.
    Good Luck
  • sc1572
    sc1572 Posts: 2,309 Member
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    For sure! Trust your doctor.
  • mrsc86
    mrsc86 Posts: 188 Member
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    Hi all

    Really appreciate your feedback

    I was concerned, but the only reason I went in the first place was I was following every level from 1600 down to 1200 (Net) and didnt lose more than 0.5 lbs in 6 week (been doing this for about 6 years)

    I am currently 5'4" and 150lbs so I dont have that much to go. I only want to get to a healthy weight for my height.
  • stroutman81
    stroutman81 Posts: 2,474 Member
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    Im disappointed with your doctor. The fact is, many many medical professionals really do not have knowledge about nutrition and diet and just say what they think is right without really knowing the truth.

    As a nurse practitioner and clinical lipid specialist I would have to disagree with your doctor ... any "diet" that has you eating under your basal metabolic rate in the end is just gonig to result in weight loss from muscle loss, and needing to eat significant lower calories in order to maintain your weight...

    Its really quite a shame..

    I doubt it's a long term recommendation. If it is... then I'd tend to agree with you. But if calories are that low and protein intake is jacked up.... say 2 grams per pound.... at least temporarily... I doubt there'd be appreciable muscle loss. Look at the success of protein sparing fasts and such in acute settings.
  • iAMaPhoenix
    iAMaPhoenix Posts: 1,038 Member
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    Im disappointed with your doctor. The fact is, many many medical professionals really do not have knowledge about nutrition and diet and just say what they think is right without really knowing the truth.

    As a nurse practitioner and clinical lipid specialist I would have to disagree with your doctor ... any "diet" that has you eating under your basal metabolic rate in the end is just gonig to result in weight loss from muscle loss, and needing to eat significant lower calories in order to maintain your weight...

    Its really quite a shame..

    Are you serious? Really? Do you know this patient? Have you examined her like her doctor has? Do you have her lab results? As a NP and clinical lipid specialist, you should know better than this. I am absolutely appaled at your statement and think you should retract it. As mid-levels, we are not allowed to overrule a finding by a qualified MD about his patient that he has knowledge of.

    The shame is in your answer, not in his medical opinion and practice of his patient.
  • RMinVA
    RMinVA Posts: 1,085 Member
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    1200 calories means about as much to me as "eat your exercise calories." If you are under a doctor's supervision, and getting good nutrition from what you eat (1000 cals/per day means they all have to be good quality calories), don't worry about it.

    On this website I see a lot of people that exercise and eat those calories back, but they still eat a lot of crap. And while they are managing to lose weight, IMO, they are still malnourished and could lose even more if they did a better job of cleaning up their diet. On most days (this past weekend was not a good example), I subscribe to a less is more theory. Less calories...but nutrient packed. I try to make them all count!! 1000-1200 GOOD calories and "treat" calories of about 200 - 250.
  • kylies1219
    kylies1219 Posts: 80 Member
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    Im disappointed with your doctor. The fact is, many many medical professionals really do not have knowledge about nutrition and diet and just say what they think is right without really knowing the truth.

    As a nurse practitioner and clinical lipid specialist I would have to disagree with your doctor ... any "diet" that has you eating under your basal metabolic rate in the end is just gonig to result in weight loss from muscle loss, and needing to eat significant lower calories in order to maintain your weight...

    Its really quite a shame..

    Are you serious? Really? Do you know this patient? Have you examined her like her doctor has? Do you have her lab results? As a NP and clinical lipid specialist, you should know better than this. I am absolutely appaled at your statement and think you should retract it. As mid-levels, we are not allowed to overrule a finding by a qualified MD about his patient that he has knowledge of.

    The shame is in your answer, not in his medical opinion and practice of his patient.

    Well said, I don't see how anyone can say that someone's doctor is wrong when they know nothing about the patient.

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