1200 calories

traci1ee
traci1ee Posts: 7 Member
edited December 23 in Motivation and Support
Anyone else doing 12-1300 calories? Looking for meal ideas & literally only 1 friend of mine is currently actively using this app. Trying to find others who are pretty active on here. I don’t plan to maintain 1200 calories just the initial phase of getting started, I want to focus on diet first and get off several lbs.

Replies

  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,458 Member
    I couldn't make 1200 work, no matter how I tried to juggle my foods.

    If I got an hour of exercise the app gave me 300-500 more calories. That I could do.

    As far as what to eat? Eat foods you like, focus on getting enough protein and fiber for satiety, so low fat meats and vegetables are definitely going to be in heavy use for you if you're sticking to that low calorie.
  • kimny72
    kimny72 Posts: 16,011 Member
    No, I never ate that low. IMHO starting out slowly and simply was way more successful for me than starting out eating way too little.

    I was able to easily stick to 1500 calories by increasing protein and fiber and making sure I didn't eat too low fat. Once I got the hang of it, I started increasing my activity level.
  • Wendy19652019
    Wendy19652019 Posts: 1 Member
    I have been losing on 1100 to 1200 since January, however I am on the keto program so high fat, med. protein and low carb.
  • MySlimGoals
    MySlimGoals Posts: 754 Member
    edited September 2019
    I’m trying to do 1200 and have been pretty successful so far. Been at it nearly two months now and I’m happy with my loss. I have trouble losing above that.

    I have two supplied meals a day where I live so I have to estimate as precisely as I can and have learnt to eat only portions of what I am given to fit within the 1200 goal. That’s been a new thing for me as I was taught to eat everything on my plate and go back for seconds when possible growing up.

    I’ve found a range of healthy filling snacks for the evening that I look forward to if I still have calories left over.

    Also I don’t have calories to spare for any chocolate or soda or alcohol and I won’t touch diet drinks as they increase appetite and I don’t want to suffer. I pour 100ml of the supplied fruit juice in the morning and a iced tea in the afternoon or evening and water for other drinks.
  • surfbug808
    surfbug808 Posts: 251 Member
    I am on the 1200 cal for the last 2-3 weeks and feel fine, energized. I experience a little bit of hunger in the late evening before going to bed, but I find that my desire to lose weight easily overpowers any desire for food. I think that psychological aspect is key for me. The next morning, I'm not that hungry for a couple of hours at least so I feel it's about not caving into cravings or old habits the day before.

    I am eating high protein (fish, meat, eggs), lots of fruits/veggies and very few processed carbs. For example, I'll cook up a chicken patty or salmon patty (Costco) and throw it on a huge salad. My understanding is that protein keeps us feeling fuller for longer, provides more energy (e.g. rebuilding muscle after a work-out), while the whole veggies have a lot of water content to also help feeling full. It seems to work for me and keep the cals low. I've done this kind of diet before, though this is the first time it's actually been for the purpose of weight loss. The last time I did this kind of diet strictly, I was able to maintain it for 6 months before phasing out, for other health reasons tho.

    I'm fortunate in that I am used to preparing food in the kitchen daily, so I usually cook whatever whenever. But, some ideas for quick but nutritious cals include having an instant protein powder shake if you're on the run, ready to eat meat proteins (pre-cooked patties, fish etc), pre-prepped veggie snacks/salads kept in tupperwares/jars in your fridge to grab anytime, buying instant frozen meals that fit your cal count (if you can't cook anything at all and must microwave on the go), packed soups for the week (high water/veggie content + low-fat proteins), rice and beans ready to heat-up (add your spices after)... I think that once you get into a routine it will be easier. My snacks include meat jerky's, cut veggies, occasional cheese, fruit, and drinking lots of water! Otherwise, I do cook elaborate meals, but don't follow recipes anymore since I have a good idea of what I'm making and limit how much I consume of it.

    If I eat more during a particular day, I just make sure to work out extra to burn off the cals.

    I'm new to weight-loss, but that's my two cents. There's a ton of recipes out there on the internet, and if I'm not sure what to make, I find just doing a google search brings in fresh ideas.
  • surfbug808
    surfbug808 Posts: 251 Member
    For example, this morning I had leftover rice that I needed to use. So I did a quick google for something interesting, and saw some Cuban foods. Cooked up my own fusion dish as a result. Rice and beans, with plenty of veggies mixed in (cabbage, sweet onion, carrots, garlic, green onions, peppers etc.), so it's mostly the vegetables being the filler, a few bits of lean pork loin for extra flavor, Cuban spices, and wrapped that up in an egg/omelet tortilla made on the skillet using avocado oil. Shared it with my partner, who worked with many trainers while managing a gym long ago, and said "This is trainer food"! I don't know about "trainer food", but I was able to keep the calories low, proteins and veggies high, and it tasted delicious. Oh, and I topped with with a bit of hot sauce with a couple slices of fresh avocado on the side :smile:
  • denjan333
    denjan333 Posts: 158 Member
    My diary is open. I’m working on 1200-1300 calories a day, always trying to eat protein, fat and healthy carbs in each meal. Add me if you like.
  • ilove3g
    ilove3g Posts: 11 Member
    My diary is open if you would like ideas, although I'm not always regular in filling it out. I tend to work out and then eat 1400-1500 calories though - and sometimes I skip lunch because of time.
  • j9izzypoo
    j9izzypoo Posts: 6 Member
    Severe calorie depletion is never good. Terrible for your body and you miss essential nutrients. Focus on smaller goals and taking longer to lose the weight. It will be easier to maintain in the long run.
  • Steff46
    Steff46 Posts: 516 Member
    I do 1200 - 1350 and can maintain it if I cook most of my meals at home. During the weekdays it's easier for me to maintain because I meal plan. I like cooking a meat (beef/turkey/chicken) in the crock pot or grill it and then add a side of veggie and/or rice. I'm pretty active so I do eat most of my workout calories back. Weekends are another story :tired_face:
  • WinoGelato
    WinoGelato Posts: 13,454 Member
    How much weight are you trying to lose in total?
    What rate of loss did you choose?
    Are you exercising and if so, are you logging and eating back those calories?

    1200 is the lowest minimum cals for women and not necessary for most (unless extremely sedentary or extremely petite) to go that low in order to lose.
  • mnbvcxzlkjhgfdsa12
    mnbvcxzlkjhgfdsa12 Posts: 204 Member
    I’m 5”2 and also aiming for 1200 a day - I don’t loose unless I am rigid about not going under that goal.

    I find 1200 is fine, provided I am able to plan what I eat and cook myself. I have to rethink my meals, and start with a really big amount of veggies. I see that as a good thing and I never feel hungry. But 1200 feels like nothing if i cener my meal around carbs and sugar and fat. I struggle to stay at my calorie goal if I eat out (I hate salad!).

    For me a typical day is:
    - breakfast - porridge. Just oats and water 100 cals
    - Lunch - miso or ramen noodles 250 cals, vegan plain yoghurt 70 cals
    - Dinner- 2 vegetable patties 280 cals, a mountain of veggies (steamed or dry fried) 300
    - Dessert - ice cream sandwich 100, “spiked” seltzer 90 cals

    I’m vegan, I only drink water or black coffee during the day.

    If you’re taller or more active you need to eat more than 1200 cals a day. But if you’re short like me then know it is possible to eat to this goal without feeling hungry.
  • LyndaBSS
    LyndaBSS Posts: 6,964 Member
    tracilee83 wrote: »
    Anyone else doing 12-1300 calories? Looking for meal ideas & literally only 1 friend of mine is currently actively using this app. Trying to find others who are pretty active on here. I don’t plan to maintain 1200 calories just the initial phase of getting started, I want to focus on diet first and get off several lbs.

    If you haven't already, read the stickies at the top of the getting started forum. Very informative and helpful.

    What calorie allotment did mfp give you when you put your profile information in? 1200 is the absolute lowest calorie amount for women who have over 100 pounds to lose.

    What are your starting, current and goal weights?

    Slow weight loss is sustainable weight loss.
  • WinoGelato
    WinoGelato Posts: 13,454 Member
    mnbvcxzlkjhgfdsa12 wrote: »
    I’m 5”2 and also aiming for 1200 a day - I don’t loose unless I am rigid about not going under that goal.

    I find 1200 is fine, provided I am able to plan what I eat and cook myself. I have to rethink my meals, and start with a really big amount of veggies. I see that as a good thing and I never feel hungry. But 1200 feels like nothing if i cener my meal around carbs and sugar and fat. I struggle to stay at my calorie goal if I eat out (I hate salad!).

    For me a typical day is:
    - breakfast - porridge. Just oats and water 100 cals
    - Lunch - miso or ramen noodles 250 cals, vegan plain yoghurt 70 cals
    - Dinner- 2 vegetable patties 280 cals, a mountain of veggies (steamed or dry fried) 300
    - Dessert - ice cream sandwich 100, “spiked” seltzer 90 cals

    I’m vegan, I only drink water or black coffee during the day.

    If you’re taller or more active you need to eat more than 1200 cals a day. But if you’re short like me then know it is possible to eat to this goal without feeling hungry.

    I’m 5’2 and lost my weight eating b/w1600-1900 cals. Being petite doesn’t automatically mean 1200 cals is appropriate or necessary.
  • katherinadm
    katherinadm Posts: 2 Member
    Try to plan ahead, that has helped me. Also I usually make a big pot of vegetable soup, including celery, carrots, onions, beans, cabbage and kale. I will have that in between meals to help ward off hunger. Apples as a snack help also. One day at a time 😊
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