A MESSAGE FOR ANYONE TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT ESPECIALLY THE NEWBIES!!!
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Lola_Mercury
Posts: 25 Member
MFP usually says to eat 1200 calories a day but in my opinion, unless youre already 120 pounds that is WAY TOO LOW. I started around 187lb eating 1200 cals a day and working out vigorously, my body clung to the weight and it resulted in me only losing 7 pounds in 4 months. I was exhausted, malnourished and discouraged, all that hard work for barely a budge.
Now, years later and much wiser Ive listened to my body, I eat 1500 BARE MINIMUM and usually 1600-1800 sometimes more sometimes less and I'm losing average 6lb a month. I only walk for 30 mins 5 times a week as exercise and I eat pretty much what I want within reason but try to stick to the healthy choices.
IF YOURE DOING EVERYTHING TO LOSE WEIGHT AND ITS NOT WORKING, OR YOU FEEL EXHAUSTED AND STARVING AND LOSING WEIGHT AT A SNAILS PACE, I WOULD RECOMMEND YOU EAT MORE!!!
Eating more, making healthy choices and not really restricting one specific thing has been working wonders for me. Not looking or asking for advice, just want to help new people who think they have to starve themselves or even aim for 1200 calories a day. Its not good for ANYONE to eat that little and its not realistically sustainable!!
GOOD DAY!!
Now, years later and much wiser Ive listened to my body, I eat 1500 BARE MINIMUM and usually 1600-1800 sometimes more sometimes less and I'm losing average 6lb a month. I only walk for 30 mins 5 times a week as exercise and I eat pretty much what I want within reason but try to stick to the healthy choices.
IF YOURE DOING EVERYTHING TO LOSE WEIGHT AND ITS NOT WORKING, OR YOU FEEL EXHAUSTED AND STARVING AND LOSING WEIGHT AT A SNAILS PACE, I WOULD RECOMMEND YOU EAT MORE!!!
Eating more, making healthy choices and not really restricting one specific thing has been working wonders for me. Not looking or asking for advice, just want to help new people who think they have to starve themselves or even aim for 1200 calories a day. Its not good for ANYONE to eat that little and its not realistically sustainable!!
GOOD DAY!!
74
Replies
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MFP doesn't usually give a 1,200 calorie goal. If you're getting that as your goal, it's often because you have deliberately chosen an aggressive weight loss goal (say, 2 pounds per week) without having a large amount of weight to lose.
Choose reasonable goal for pounds per week to lose, you'll get a reasonable number of calories to eat.43 -
janejellyroll wrote: »MFP doesn't usually give a 1,200 calorie goal. If you're getting that as your goal, it's often because you have deliberately chosen an aggressive weight loss goal (say, 2 pounds per week) without having a large amount of weight to lose.
Choose reasonable goal for pounds per week to lose, you'll get a reasonable number of calories to eat.
This. MFP bases the calorie goal on what the *person* inputs. If you tell it you want to lose 2 pounds a week, you're going to get a 1200 goal if it's an unrealistic expectation. And for most people, that *is* an unrealistic expectation.
Unless you're short and petite, that 1200 goal is *entirely* on the user.6 -
What works for you, OP, does not necessarily work for everyone. I am under 5 feet tall. 1200 was reasonable for me. And no, I was not already 120 pounds when I started losing weight. It’s great that you have found what works for you, but please do not assume that it will work for everyone.22
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janejellyroll wrote: »MFP doesn't usually give a 1,200 calorie goal. If you're getting that as your goal, it's often because you have deliberately chosen an aggressive weight loss goal (say, 2 pounds per week) without having a large amount of weight to lose.
Choose reasonable goal for pounds per week to lose, you'll get a reasonable number of calories to eat.
That is untrue. I did choose 2 pounds a week, but I had a signifigant amount of weight to lose when I returned (70lb to be within "normal" range) and even when I put it to 1 pound a week the highest it shows is 130027 -
What works for you, OP, does not necessarily work for everyone. I am under 5 feet tall. 1200 was reasonable for me. And no, I was not already 120 pounds when I started losing weight. It’s great that you have found what works for you, but please do not assume that it will work for everyone.
Point taken. Im just giving a suggestion to people who think they have to starve themselves on 1200 a day. I can understand where youre coming from, being under 5". Im 5"3 so I guess I have a bit more leeway.8 -
collectingblues wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »MFP doesn't usually give a 1,200 calorie goal. If you're getting that as your goal, it's often because you have deliberately chosen an aggressive weight loss goal (say, 2 pounds per week) without having a large amount of weight to lose.
Choose reasonable goal for pounds per week to lose, you'll get a reasonable number of calories to eat.
This. MFP bases the calorie goal on what the *person* inputs. If you tell it you want to lose 2 pounds a week, you're going to get a 1200 goal if it's an unrealistic expectation. And for most people, that *is* an unrealistic expectation.
Unless you're short and petite, that 1200 goal is *entirely* on the user.
I agree it is entirely on the user. I just see a lot of pressure on people to stick within 1200 calorie range and shame for going over it, and I want people to know it is good to go over.12 -
Lola_Mercury wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »MFP doesn't usually give a 1,200 calorie goal. If you're getting that as your goal, it's often because you have deliberately chosen an aggressive weight loss goal (say, 2 pounds per week) without having a large amount of weight to lose.
Choose reasonable goal for pounds per week to lose, you'll get a reasonable number of calories to eat.
That is untrue. I did choose 2 pounds a week, but I had a signifigant amount of weight to lose when I returned (70lb to be within "normal" range) and even when I put it to 1 pound a week the highest it shows is 1300
If you got 1,200 because you chose 2 pounds a week and got more than than when you put in a more reasonable goal, then that *affirms* what I'm saying. It doesn't demonstrate that it is untrue.
1 pound a week is still a fairly aggressive goal for many people. If you don't feel like you're getting enough to eat when you enter that as your goal, then choose a more reasonable goal (which is sounds like you did).
1,200 isn't the usual goal though. I began here at 150ish and ended at 110 and even set to sedentary, my goal was never as low as 1,200. There is no "usual" goal, the goal is always going to be based on your goals and stats.8 -
Lola_Mercury wrote: »collectingblues wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »MFP doesn't usually give a 1,200 calorie goal. If you're getting that as your goal, it's often because you have deliberately chosen an aggressive weight loss goal (say, 2 pounds per week) without having a large amount of weight to lose.
Choose reasonable goal for pounds per week to lose, you'll get a reasonable number of calories to eat.
This. MFP bases the calorie goal on what the *person* inputs. If you tell it you want to lose 2 pounds a week, you're going to get a 1200 goal if it's an unrealistic expectation. And for most people, that *is* an unrealistic expectation.
Unless you're short and petite, that 1200 goal is *entirely* on the user.
I agree it is entirely on the user. I just see a lot of pressure on people to stick within 1200 calorie range and shame for going over it, and I want people to know it is good to go over.
I get where you are coming from. I used to think women should stick to 1200 calories to lose weight. I’d try it, get unbearable hunger, and binge. Now I’m losing happily on 1600-1900. I get lots of activity now that I have the energy for it.
I do think that lots of people think that 1200 calories is what they should do. Most of the time it isn’t, though.
5 -
Lola_Mercury wrote: »MFP usually says to eat 1200 calories a day but in my opinion, unless youre already 120 pounds that is WAY TOO LOW. I started around 187lb eating 1200 cals a day and working out vigorously, my body clung to the weight and it resulted in me only losing 7 pounds in 4 months. I was exhausted, malnourished and discouraged, all that hard work for barely a budge.
Now, years later and much wiser Ive listened to my body, I eat 1500 BARE MINIMUM and usually 1600-1800 sometimes more sometimes less and I'm losing average 6lb a month. I only walk for 30 mins 5 times a week as exercise and I eat pretty much what I want within reason but try to stick to the healthy choices.
IF YOURE DOING EVERYTHING TO LOSE WEIGHT AND ITS NOT WORKING, OR YOU FEEL EXHAUSTED AND STARVING AND LOSING WEIGHT AT A SNAILS PACE, I WOULD RECOMMEND YOU EAT MORE!!!
Eating more, making healthy choices and not really restricting one specific thing has been working wonders for me. Not looking or asking for advice, just want to help new people who think they have to starve themselves or even aim for 1200 calories a day. Its not good for ANYONE to eat that little and its not realistically sustainable!!
GOOD DAY!!
thank you. wow Im so discouraged this made me feel so much better. thank you./
8 -
And now OP knows why we don't try to help people on MFP...20
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Lola_Mercury wrote: »collectingblues wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »MFP doesn't usually give a 1,200 calorie goal. If you're getting that as your goal, it's often because you have deliberately chosen an aggressive weight loss goal (say, 2 pounds per week) without having a large amount of weight to lose.
Choose reasonable goal for pounds per week to lose, you'll get a reasonable number of calories to eat.
This. MFP bases the calorie goal on what the *person* inputs. If you tell it you want to lose 2 pounds a week, you're going to get a 1200 goal if it's an unrealistic expectation. And for most people, that *is* an unrealistic expectation.
Unless you're short and petite, that 1200 goal is *entirely* on the user.
I agree it is entirely on the user. I just see a lot of pressure on people to stick within 1200 calorie range and shame for going over it, and I want people to know it is good to go over.
Out of curiosity, are you talking about pressure and shame to stick to 1200 calories here on the boards (which I haven't seen much of) or in society in general?9 -
Lola_Mercury wrote: »collectingblues wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »MFP doesn't usually give a 1,200 calorie goal. If you're getting that as your goal, it's often because you have deliberately chosen an aggressive weight loss goal (say, 2 pounds per week) without having a large amount of weight to lose.
Choose reasonable goal for pounds per week to lose, you'll get a reasonable number of calories to eat.
This. MFP bases the calorie goal on what the *person* inputs. If you tell it you want to lose 2 pounds a week, you're going to get a 1200 goal if it's an unrealistic expectation. And for most people, that *is* an unrealistic expectation.
Unless you're short and petite, that 1200 goal is *entirely* on the user.
I agree it is entirely on the user. I just see a lot of pressure on people to stick within 1200 calorie range and shame for going over it, and I want people to know it is good to go over.
Can you point to where people are being pressured to stay within that range and shamed for going over it? I've been here several years and, for the most part, people are advised to set reasonable goals and regularly told 1200 is too low for most people.17 -
nicolehorn0114 wrote: »Lola_Mercury wrote: »collectingblues wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »MFP doesn't usually give a 1,200 calorie goal. If you're getting that as your goal, it's often because you have deliberately chosen an aggressive weight loss goal (say, 2 pounds per week) without having a large amount of weight to lose.
Choose reasonable goal for pounds per week to lose, you'll get a reasonable number of calories to eat.
This. MFP bases the calorie goal on what the *person* inputs. If you tell it you want to lose 2 pounds a week, you're going to get a 1200 goal if it's an unrealistic expectation. And for most people, that *is* an unrealistic expectation.
Unless you're short and petite, that 1200 goal is *entirely* on the user.
I agree it is entirely on the user. I just see a lot of pressure on people to stick within 1200 calorie range and shame for going over it, and I want people to know it is good to go over.
I get where you are coming from. I used to think women should stick to 1200 calories to lose weight. I’d try it, get unbearable hunger, and binge. Now I’m losing happily on 1600-1900. I get lots of activity now that I have the energy for it.
I do think that lots of people think that 1200 calories is what they should do. Most of the time it isn’t, though.
THANK YOU! This made it all worth it!!1 -
Also:
27 -
diannethegeek wrote: »Lola_Mercury wrote: »collectingblues wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »MFP doesn't usually give a 1,200 calorie goal. If you're getting that as your goal, it's often because you have deliberately chosen an aggressive weight loss goal (say, 2 pounds per week) without having a large amount of weight to lose.
Choose reasonable goal for pounds per week to lose, you'll get a reasonable number of calories to eat.
This. MFP bases the calorie goal on what the *person* inputs. If you tell it you want to lose 2 pounds a week, you're going to get a 1200 goal if it's an unrealistic expectation. And for most people, that *is* an unrealistic expectation.
Unless you're short and petite, that 1200 goal is *entirely* on the user.
I agree it is entirely on the user. I just see a lot of pressure on people to stick within 1200 calorie range and shame for going over it, and I want people to know it is good to go over.
Out of curiosity, are you talking about pressure and shame to stick to 1200 calories here on the boards (which I haven't seen much of) or in society in general?
I see it a lot on here actually. When people say theyre not losing on 1200 calories, others respond "You HAVE to lose on 1200 you MUST be doing something WRONG youre probably EATING MORE than you think and that's why youre not losing weight. Get a food scale and track every single morsel you put in your mouth"
I've seen it several times40 -
Lola_Mercury wrote: »MFP usually says to eat 1200 calories a day but in my opinion, unless youre already 120 pounds that is WAY TOO LOW. I started around 187lb eating 1200 cals a day and working out vigorously, my body clung to the weight and it resulted in me only losing 7 pounds in 4 months. I was exhausted, malnourished and discouraged, all that hard work for barely a budge.
Now, years later and much wiser Ive listened to my body, I eat 1500 BARE MINIMUM and usually 1600-1800 sometimes more sometimes less and I'm losing average 6lb a month. I only walk for 30 mins 5 times a week as exercise and I eat pretty much what I want within reason but try to stick to the healthy choices.
IF YOURE DOING EVERYTHING TO LOSE WEIGHT AND ITS NOT WORKING, OR YOU FEEL EXHAUSTED AND STARVING AND LOSING WEIGHT AT A SNAILS PACE, I WOULD RECOMMEND YOU EAT MORE!!!
Eating more, making healthy choices and not really restricting one specific thing has been working wonders for me. Not looking or asking for advice, just want to help new people who think they have to starve themselves or even aim for 1200 calories a day. Its not good for ANYONE to eat that little and its not realistically sustainable!!
GOOD DAY!!
thank you. wow Im so discouraged this made me feel so much better. thank you./
YOURE WELCOME AND YOUR RESPONSE MAKES ME FEEL SOOO HAPPY!! Youre doing great!4 -
Lola_Mercury wrote: »diannethegeek wrote: »Lola_Mercury wrote: »collectingblues wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »MFP doesn't usually give a 1,200 calorie goal. If you're getting that as your goal, it's often because you have deliberately chosen an aggressive weight loss goal (say, 2 pounds per week) without having a large amount of weight to lose.
Choose reasonable goal for pounds per week to lose, you'll get a reasonable number of calories to eat.
This. MFP bases the calorie goal on what the *person* inputs. If you tell it you want to lose 2 pounds a week, you're going to get a 1200 goal if it's an unrealistic expectation. And for most people, that *is* an unrealistic expectation.
Unless you're short and petite, that 1200 goal is *entirely* on the user.
I agree it is entirely on the user. I just see a lot of pressure on people to stick within 1200 calorie range and shame for going over it, and I want people to know it is good to go over.
Out of curiosity, are you talking about pressure and shame to stick to 1200 calories here on the boards (which I haven't seen much of) or in society in general?
I see it a lot on here actually. When people say theyre not losing on 1200 calories people say "You HAVE to lose on 1200 you MUST be doing something WRONG youre probably EATING MORE than you think and that's why youre not losing weight. Get a food scale and track every single morsel you put in your mouth"
I've seen it several times
I'm sorry but I don't see how that's pressure or shame. The point is that these people aren't eating 1200 calories. If they were, in 99% of cases, they'd be losing weight. They're not accurately weighing what they're taking in.
How is that shaming or pressure?33 -
Lola_Mercury wrote: »diannethegeek wrote: »Lola_Mercury wrote: »collectingblues wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »MFP doesn't usually give a 1,200 calorie goal. If you're getting that as your goal, it's often because you have deliberately chosen an aggressive weight loss goal (say, 2 pounds per week) without having a large amount of weight to lose.
Choose reasonable goal for pounds per week to lose, you'll get a reasonable number of calories to eat.
This. MFP bases the calorie goal on what the *person* inputs. If you tell it you want to lose 2 pounds a week, you're going to get a 1200 goal if it's an unrealistic expectation. And for most people, that *is* an unrealistic expectation.
Unless you're short and petite, that 1200 goal is *entirely* on the user.
I agree it is entirely on the user. I just see a lot of pressure on people to stick within 1200 calorie range and shame for going over it, and I want people to know it is good to go over.
Out of curiosity, are you talking about pressure and shame to stick to 1200 calories here on the boards (which I haven't seen much of) or in society in general?
I see it a lot on here actually. When people say theyre not losing on 1200 calories, others respond "You HAVE to lose on 1200 you MUST be doing something WRONG youre probably EATING MORE than you think and that's why youre not losing weight. Get a food scale and track every single morsel you put in your mouth"
I've seen it several times
Ah, Yeah, you and I are interpreting those posts very differently. When I call tech support and they ask me if I've checked that it's plugged in correctly I don't consider that shame. That's basic troubleshooting.40 -
Lola_Mercury wrote: »diannethegeek wrote: »Lola_Mercury wrote: »collectingblues wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »MFP doesn't usually give a 1,200 calorie goal. If you're getting that as your goal, it's often because you have deliberately chosen an aggressive weight loss goal (say, 2 pounds per week) without having a large amount of weight to lose.
Choose reasonable goal for pounds per week to lose, you'll get a reasonable number of calories to eat.
This. MFP bases the calorie goal on what the *person* inputs. If you tell it you want to lose 2 pounds a week, you're going to get a 1200 goal if it's an unrealistic expectation. And for most people, that *is* an unrealistic expectation.
Unless you're short and petite, that 1200 goal is *entirely* on the user.
I agree it is entirely on the user. I just see a lot of pressure on people to stick within 1200 calorie range and shame for going over it, and I want people to know it is good to go over.
Out of curiosity, are you talking about pressure and shame to stick to 1200 calories here on the boards (which I haven't seen much of) or in society in general?
I see it a lot on here actually. When people say theyre not losing on 1200 calories, others respond "You HAVE to lose on 1200 you MUST be doing something WRONG youre probably EATING MORE than you think and that's why youre not losing weight. Get a food scale and track every single morsel you put in your mouth"
I've seen it several times
Because it's often true. If the person isn't weighing they're likely not tracking correctly, and if they're not tracking correctly in all likelihood they're eating more than they think. Most of us have done that. Learning to eat to your calories takes time and trial and effort. I mean you weren't entirely wrong in your advice, just some particulars could have helped. That's all.15 -
Lola_Mercury wrote: »Lola_Mercury wrote: »MFP usually says to eat 1200 calories a day but in my opinion, unless youre already 120 pounds that is WAY TOO LOW. I started around 187lb eating 1200 cals a day and working out vigorously, my body clung to the weight and it resulted in me only losing 7 pounds in 4 months. I was exhausted, malnourished and discouraged, all that hard work for barely a budge.
Now, years later and much wiser Ive listened to my body, I eat 1500 BARE MINIMUM and usually 1600-1800 sometimes more sometimes less and I'm losing average 6lb a month. I only walk for 30 mins 5 times a week as exercise and I eat pretty much what I want within reason but try to stick to the healthy choices.
IF YOURE DOING EVERYTHING TO LOSE WEIGHT AND ITS NOT WORKING, OR YOU FEEL EXHAUSTED AND STARVING AND LOSING WEIGHT AT A SNAILS PACE, I WOULD RECOMMEND YOU EAT MORE!!!
Eating more, making healthy choices and not really restricting one specific thing has been working wonders for me. Not looking or asking for advice, just want to help new people who think they have to starve themselves or even aim for 1200 calories a day. Its not good for ANYONE to eat that little and its not realistically sustainable!!
GOOD DAY!!
thank you. wow Im so discouraged this made me feel so much better. thank you./
YOURE WELCOME AND YOUR RESPONSE MAKES ME FEEL SOOO HAPPY!! Youre doing great!
WHY ARE YOU SCREAMING AT PEOPLE. OMG YOU ARE DRIVING MY ANXIETY BONKERS. WHY DO YOU NEED TO SHOUT AT US? HAVE WE DON'T SOMETHING WRONG THAT YOU ARE MAD AT US?40
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