1200 Calorie Diet

I went to a doctors appointment this morning and was told to go on a 1200 calorie diet. She said women shouldn't consume more than that. How many calories do you eat? That seems low to me.
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Replies

  • rosson
    rosson Posts: 29 Member
    I agree and have always heard around 1500. I think she's a little misguided.
  • dragon_girl26
    dragon_girl26 Posts: 2,187 Member
    edited April 2021
    5'5", 168 lb, losing between .5 and 1 lb per week on 2000 calories gross, 1300 net. Saying women shouldn't eat more than 1200 calories is just nonsense and in some cases irresponsible. I would find a new doctor.
  • Antiopelle
    Antiopelle Posts: 1,184 Member
    @rosson: this thread might be a good starting point for you. It explains very clearly how many cals you should eat. Hope it helps.

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10569458/why-eating-too-little-calories-is-a-bad-idea/p1
  • nanastaci2020
    nanastaci2020 Posts: 1,072 Member
    Its way to late for me to edit, but that was supposed to be nosugar added SAUCE.
    What are your stats? Its possible one could be overweight enough that obesity-related health risks mean eating 1200 daily to get your weight down FAST is necessary. Did your doctor give you additional information, or refer you to a dietician? When do you next see your doctor for a progress check?

    It is possible to plan low calorie yet filling meals. You'd need to aim for high vegetable content, lean protein and avoid calorie fillers like creamy sauces, fried foods, etc.

    Some of my 'go to' low calorie meals, which I mainly use on occasions where I have a higher calorie meal planned elsewhere in the day:

    Spaghetti squash with no-sugar added spaghetti squash, browned/crumbled/drained turkey sausage

    Cabbage cooked with a little soy sauce, ginger, a small amount of sesame oil added to browned/crumbled blotted not drained pork sausage. **I've tried this one with leaner meat and to me it just tastes better with the pork sausage. 1 pound of sausage + 14-16 oz shredded cabbage makes a lot of food, enough for 4-5 meals for 1 person. Think egg rolls in a bowl.

    Salad, ingredients of your choice, with lean meat like grilled chicken breast, ham or turkey, and a light dressing.

    Lean strips of steak wrapped around asparagus spears, seasoned with salt/pepper/garlic served with a small side of cous cous

  • nanastaci2020
    nanastaci2020 Posts: 1,072 Member
    rosson wrote: »
    I am quite obese and she probably means well but she's one of those doctors. By that I mean if I go to the doctor for anything she says...well if you weren't overweight. We'll definitely have to discuss the calories. I'm not sure 1200 is enough. I've been doing WW and that's kinda worked when I use it properly.

    Congrats on the progress you've made so far! A followup with your doctor and/or a referral to a specialist seems wise. But its also great that you're taking steps to educate yourself, and not waiting until the next appointment to start doing SOMETHING.
  • lemurcat2
    lemurcat2 Posts: 7,899 Member
    rosson wrote: »
    I am quite obese and she probably means well but she's one of those doctors. By that I mean if I go to the doctor for anything she says...well if you weren't overweight. We'll definitely have to discuss the calories. I'm not sure 1200 is enough. I've been doing WW and that's kinda worked when I use it properly.

    If WW works for you and you like it, no reason to change that to the doctor's apparently uninformed views (and I cynically think many doctors throw out overly low numbers assuming people can't count properly or will lose focus if the loss isn't swift).

    If you want to try calorie counting, I'd set up MFP and see what you get. Depending on height and age, you likely will get 1200 if you put in 2 lbs, but that's only if sedentary (most are at least lightly active or could be if they just walked somewhat more) and also before any exercise, which will increase cals. Many find 1 or 1.5 lbs a better goal for them too. I did start with a lot to lose and so chose 2 lbs, but with exercise/activity ate around 1500-1600 even with that goal.