I sort of did 1200 calories a day when I first started losing, and I did okay, but I exercised and ate almost all of my exercise calories back, and that includes fitbit calories, so I was getting extra calories even on "rest" days. Which means that I almost always ate more like 1300-1500 calories.

I'm 5'5", and I didn't have much to lose. My sitting-on-my-*kitten* TDEE isn't much higher than 1200, so it wasn't as big a stretch for me as it is for a lot of people. I think it would be a very different story for someone taller or heavier.

stephanieross1 wrote: »

I eat 1200-1500/day but on the high fat low carb diet. And it is filling, its the only way i can eat less without staring at the clock for more food. And I have energy and am not hangry

I stay right around 1200-1350 on Keto/LCHF and am satiated daily. I don't really do intense workouts, but get about 4-6 miles a day in walking. Glad to hear I'm not the only one who doesn't think 1200 is atrocious.

Whether or not 1200cal will work for you depends on your stats (age, height, weight, and activity level too).

I am on 1250-1300cal right now to lose 0.5lb/week. I am 5'3'', currently 118lbs, and sedentary. (I only average around 3000 steps on a daily basis.) My maintenance or TDEE is around 1500.

As long as you don't drop your calories down too suddenly and make sure you are getting proper amounts of protein, etc, you should be ok if you are a similar size to me at all. If you are significantly taller or heavier, 1200 will be a struggle. Unless you have a ton of weight to lose, you shouldn't really be trying to lose more than 1 lb/week, and in some cases 0.5lb/week is more ideal.

The one thing that has made the biggest difference for me is my breakfast. I limit my breakfast to around 200-250 cals (leaving 1,000 for the rest of the day) but still make sure it is filling and full of protein. I use Sunwarrior protein shake - 100cal - mixed with water/almond milk on my way to work, followed by a small snack like an apple or yogurt a few hours later. That leaves ample room for a tasy lunch and dinner, assuming you don't go crazy with it. Generally my lunch is around 400-500cal, sometimes a small 100-200cal snack after work, then a 450-700cal dinner.

If you want to "afford" more calories, you will need to exercise. Whether it's going on a walk, hopping on the elliptical, taking a class, anything to burn calories. Typically it is recommended to only eat back 50-75% of these burned calories since exercise calories aren't usually too accurate.

Some days I eat back my calories, some days I don't. I try to listen to my body. If I feel tired that day after getting plenty of sleep, I know I need to eat more.

MichelleLaree13 wrote: »

ABTballet98 wrote: »

I personally struggle a lot to reach 1200 a day in healthy foods. Anyone have some high protein low fat favorites?

Fish is my go too for low fat protein.

Chicken breast and shellfish are also good.

I'm 62, 141.6 lbs, 5'4" (and a bit neurotic). My perfect weight is 130ish. I'm on the 1200 calories. It is working but am working out 5 days a week to get those extra calories. It makes a big difference. i don't always eat them all. My biggest challenge is I still eat too much protein - fine in all other areas, but keeping my protein down a bit is a challenge. Anyone else ever have that problem??

I eat back some of my exercise calories. Sometimes I have a calorie deficit based on running or working out longer, sometimes I am way over (600-800), but as long as I have a deficit over the whole week, I feel like it is good enough. I have lost about 2 lbs in two weeks.

I eat between 1200-1300 calories a day. Lost 13 pounds . Today I hit my first goal weight of 135. Trying for 130. I also do the Intermittent Fast approach to eating. I will say I'm usually hungry. Not starving but generally uncomfortable. But for me it's worth it.