1200 calorie successes?

ryenday · December 2017

More successful than I realized. I’m down 40 ish pounds and MFP 2017 report tells me my average calories were 1195.75999... this year. I had about 6 days off (cheat days didn’t log).

Lol, I’ve written in these threads that I ate between 1000 and 1400, I’ve written I ate 1200 ish most days etc. Both true and both statements highly criticized for not being specific enough.

1195.75999 calories per day averaged in 2017.

Not sure I could get any closer to 1200 if I worked at it specifically to be on the 1200 nose perfectly.

Pocket__Cthulhu · December 2017

There are some good threads in the sticky section titled "Most Helpful" posts that I suggest you give a glance. Particularly the one about TDEE and BMR. For most people, 1200 is way too low. For most people, they will lose muscle mass along with fat on so low a number, which is why some are suggesting that. If your short and sedentary, and you can sustain it, good for you. Good luck on your journey!

aaron13autumn · December 2017

I started off on 1200 after reading some calorie counting success stories, hadn't even thought about it at the time (calories didn't exist to me back then). Hadn't heard of mfp either so i just did it in my head or kept track of things in a diary. Noticed it was working and then heard of mfp, my calories were upped as I'm 5’11”.

Back in late 2013 I weighed roughly 250 pounds, come end of 2015 I weighed 154 pounds. Nowadays I hover around the 170 mark since I felt and was told relentlessly I was too thin.

So it does work

Anyway.. There's my little story

solieco1 · December 2017

taylormarysmith wrote: »

I was skeptical when MFP recommended 1100 calories to me. I’m 5’7”. SW was 180 and I’m down to 150. Want to hit about 135. Regardless, it seemed low to me. I consulted my doctor and he helped me find a multivitamin to help with any nutritional vitamins I may miss due to such a low calorie intake. But overall, he was on board as long as I hit my fat and protein macros.

HI! May i ask what you have your protein and fat targets set to? Thanks

TeaBea · December 2017

aaron13autumn wrote: »

I started off on 1200 after reading some calorie counting success stories, hadn't even thought about it at the time (calories didn't exist to me back then). Hadn't heard of mfp either so i just did it in my head or kept track of things in a diary. Noticed it was working and then heard of mfp, my calories were upped as I'm 5’11”.

Back in late 2013 I weighed roughly 250 pounds, come end of 2015 I weighed 154 pounds. Nowadays I hover around the 170 mark since I felt and was told relentlessly I was too thin.

So it does work

Anyway.. There's my little story

1500 is a default minimum for adult males. The problem with aggressive weight loss is you lose a higher % of (existing) lean muscle mass than you would had chosen a moderate deficit.

Thick_Chickk wrote: »

To everyone saying 1200 is too low or a default number.. I realize that it may be true for some. I've lost significant amounts of weight four times, once when I was 20 years old and the other three times after my pregnancies. I've been at this game for awhile and even at my highest weight, I don't lose on even 1500 kcals. The only time I can lose is on 1200 kcals. I was just looking for some motivation from others as I have to lose again.

OP - 1200 is a default for women. If you are elderly, very petite and/or very sedentary.....then yes you need to go that low. If you truely can't lose at 1500 calorie (and you are not very petite or very sedentary).....then see a doctor re: a metabolic issue.

The more likely cause of not losing on 1500 calorie is inaccurate logging. Perhaps you didn't stick with 1500 calories long enough to see actual results. Water weight will mess with the scale - higher sodium = water retention, sore muscles = water retention, time of month = water retention. Your waste cycle will impact the scale too.

See the flowchart in this thread...........
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10484320/why-i-am-not-losing-weight-flowchart

sheps1990 · December 2017

I lost a stone in 7 dedicated months with 1200 calories per day.

https://palegirlgoeseast.wordpress.com/2017/12/29/how-i-gained-and-lost-weight-in-china/

ridiculous59 · December 2017

Thick_Chickk wrote: »

To everyone saying 1200 is too low or a default number.. I realize that it may be true for some. I've lost significant amounts of weight four times, once when I was 20 years old and the other three times after my pregnancies. I've been at this game for awhile and even at my highest weight, I don't lose on even 1500 kcals. The only time I can lose is on 1200 kcals. I was just looking for some motivation from others as I have to lose again.

I have a desk job and so 1200 calories was my limit too. I've lost 90 pounds but it took me three years (life happens.....and that's ok). I would eat some of my exercise calories back, but never all of them. I couldn't lose on 1500 calories either. And like you, this isn't my first rodeo lol I am so envious of the people who can eat lots and still lose!!

1200 calories isnt a lot. But its totally do-able. There just isn't much wiggle room so you need to really focus on eating healthy. But you know that. You can do this

irishhealthy · December 2017

Due to being 5ft 1 and on corticosteroids, plus not very mobile, 1200 is too much for me. Its hard to lose at anything less than 1100 for me. Its such an individual thing but for a healthy, mobile woman - 1200 is considered low. For me its too much.

Amybcb · January 2018

Thick_Chickk wrote: »

To everyone saying 1200 is too low or a default number.. I realize that it may be true for some. I've lost significant amounts of weight four times, once when I was 20 years old and the other three times after my pregnancies. I've been at this game for awhile and even at my highest weight, I don't lose on even 1500 kcals. The only time I can lose is on 1200 kcals. I was just looking for some motivation from others as I have to lose again.

I have found the same to be true since having kids (and being 41 now!). If I eat more than 1200 calories a day, I just don't lose. I am short too (5'2") and I see many others around my height have been able to lose on 1200 and stay around that many calories so that is inspiring.

slimbyjune18 · January 2018

I’m 5ft4 and on 1200 too. I lost 56lb a few years back on 1200, I did eat back 75% exercise cals. I got out of habit of tracking & put back on 21lb.. restarted at end November (1200 again) and have dropped 6lb so far. I don’t have that much to lose (15lb now). It’s definitely manageable, I really plan ahead and make sure I build plenty of exercise in, which gives a bit more flexibility. It does work & I find I can eat v well on 1200, but I don’t drink fizzy drinks, eat that much sweet stuff etc. First couple of days I did feel hungry, but I’d kind of expect that. I also make sure I drink 2l water a day which really helps. Good luck!

NattySchmatty · January 2018

5'3 and 172 lbs here. 1200 is a great number for me. On days I work out it's definitely closer to 1500, but sometimes no. I lose about 1 lb a week when I am not "trying" and when I really stick to it, 2 lbs.

shannonprovenzano2812 · January 2018

Of course it can be done on 1200 calories a day. That's the bare minimum for women, so yes, you SHOULD lose something.

oykucan · January 2018

I am 5' (157 cm) and I lost nearly 30 pounds (13,5 kg) in 4 months.

sky2217 · January 2018

I have lost 6.4 pounds in one week I'm 5'4 but this is the third time I've done this diet without exercising and I've lost 30+each time I eventually lower my calories as my body adjusts to the calorie intake or if I'm in a hurry to reach a goal.

PowerliftingMom · January 2018

Did almost 1200 calories exclusively, lost over 50 lbs. in a little over a year, did some serious damage to my metabolism and took me nearly a year to recover. NEVER diet for more than 3-4 months at a time. Take a week or so off then go back to a caloric deficit. I honestly should have sued that "so-called" diet coach who put me on that diet while I was training to be a powerlifter!

sugarlemonpie · January 2018

Me!! I eat between 1200-1500 calories per day depending on exercise and how I feel. I've been doing this since April last year and have lost 40lbs to date at a consistent rate. I am 5' 4" with a starting weight of 193 and current weight of 153.

I have just recently been slightly increasing my calories a bit more the closer to goal I get, in order to hit maintenance calories once I get to where I would like to be so I don't gain.

Some days I feel hungrier so I allow myself to eat closer to 1400-1500. Don't beat yourself up if you eat over 1200 as that is the minimum you need to eat for the day! That mindset has allowed me to go on 2 vacations and get right back on the wagon.

easyvegan · January 2018

I started out at 150 llbs and now I'm at 138.6llbs, and that was over 2 months although with Christmas and all the temptations I did fluctuate but maintains a weight of 140llbs, my goal is 135llbs so I'm confident that I'll be able to get it by the end of the month. After that I want to drop to either 130, or 125 but I am going to *kitten* the situation once I'm down to 135 llbs because I don't want to lose weight for the sake of it, I want to get toned and some muscle too!

What I love about eating 1200 Kcal is that it's really brought to my attention how much I used to snack, how out of control my portion sizes were and how calorically dense the foods I were eating too, it may not be a healthy way to live your life permanently but to rewire your brain into how to make better choices I'm so for it!

dramaqueen45 · January 2018

MFP gives me 1200 calories and it usually won't go lower than that I'm told. I am average height at 5'4" and have a sit down job. I don't think I could survive without starving on 1200 so it motivates me to exercise for 45 minutes to an hour a day, adding 200-300 calories which definitely helps quite a bit. I've had success with this calorie limit, but wouldn't if I didn't eat back exercise calories.

UltraVegAthlete · January 2018

I started at 1700 a day last spring, but by summer I was eating 2-2500 a day and still losing weight due to an increase in activity. I’ve gained 10 lbs back since Summer but that’s because I binged several times a month and was less active. Now I’m back on track and excited to lose the winter gain

jenniferburton6802 · January 2018

I have been averaging 1100 to 1200 calories per day. Started Jan 27/17, as of today I am down 102 lbs from starting weight of 246.
I am 67 years old and fairly active for my age but have had no real issues with this calorie level as long as I watch my macros (especially protein)

1200 calorie successes?

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