Question on 1200 calories for us small folks
grace42c
Posts: 71 Member
If I use a BMR calculator, I get 1100 calories a day for my body size. But, MFP only goes down to 1200. I am working on getting the right number of nutrients and as long as I skip all junk food, I can make it on 1100. What is the reason for the 1200 limit?
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Replies
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BMR is essential body functions only. You need to run a TDEE calculator, or just set MFP to a reasonable rate of loss (based on how much you have to lose) and choose an appropriate activity level (probably not sedentary, in other words).
If you choose sedentary and 2 pounds per week, you'll probably get 1200. Don't do that
Oh, to answer your question - the 1200 limit is there to help ensure you get adequate nutrition, including an appropriate amount of fat and protein, in addition to micronutrients.5 -
Thanks, what is TDEE? I am not trying to lose, just get healthier. Already the size of a 5th grader but as old as a grandma. 🙂1
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Your BMR is the amount of calories your body would need to support basic bodily functions and nothing else. You don’t need to eat below your BMR to lose weight you need to eat below your TDEE which is your Total Daily Energy Expenditure and includes all your Daily activity and any purposeful exercise.
1200 is the minimum calorie recommendation for women to get adequate nutrition, and most women don’t need to go that low in order to lose.
As a wise rabbit used to say, the winner is the one who eats the most and still loses. Instead of asking if you can eat below the minimum calories you should be trying to figure out how to eat the most possible calories and still achieve your goals.7 -
Thanks, what is TDEE? I am not trying to lose, just get healthier. Already the size of a 5th grader but as old as a grandma. 🙂
Total daily energy expenditure. How many calories you use going about your daily life, including intentional exercise.
MFP users a different model - NEAT, or non exercise activity thermogenesis (gosh I hope I'm getting this right! ) That just means your daily calorie allowance doesn't include intentional exercise, thus the need to eat back you exercise calories in addition.2 -
You can go through the guided set-up on MFP and it will tell you how many calories to eat based on your stats and activity.
You can also find a TDEE calculator instead of a BMR calculator to tell you what to eat. If you are sedentary, for instance, your TDEE would be 1320.3 -
Ok, ran the calorie estimator from set up.1400 calories a day to maintain at my current activity level, 1200 if I want to lose 0.5 pounds a week, which I don’t. That sounds doable. I was worried it would give me a much higher number. Thanks!2
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Ok, ran the calorie estimator from set up.1400 calories a day to maintain at my current activity level, 1200 if I want to lose 0.5 pounds a week, which I don’t. That sounds doable. I was worried it would give me a much higher number. Thanks!
Why are you afraid of higher calorie targets?2 -
Ok, ran the calorie estimator from set up.1400 calories a day to maintain at my current activity level, 1200 if I want to lose 0.5 pounds a week, which I don’t. That sounds doable. I was worried it would give me a much higher number. Thanks!
I’m a smidge under 5 feet and I maintain at 110-115 lb. on 1400 not counting exercise. If you’re around those stats, then your maintenance calorie goal is probably about right. If you are taller and/or weigh more, 1400 for maintenance may be too low for you.
Keep in mind that in maintenance you need to hit your calorie goal on average, as well as eating back exercise calories. You don’t want to be under your calorie goal consistently, or you’ll slowly lose weight.3 -
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