1200 a day pain

MKESIL7124
MKESIL7124 Posts: 1 Member
in Introduce Yourself
Hello! Did the 1200 a day years ago and although I was sure I was going to starve and die for a week...I didn't! Just lost 2lbs a week and eventually felt full on 1200. Lost 30lbs!
15 of those 30 have come back home and I want to evict them. On the 1200 day again and OMG I feel like I'm starving again...I know it's just an adjustment...but someone cheer me on! PLEASE!!
Anyone else feeling the 1200 a day pain?

Replies

  • mtaratoot
    mtaratoot Posts: 14,969 Spam Moderator
    Welcome to the community!

    Would it maybe be a better idea to figure out what a good calorie goal is to lose a half pound per week? With only 15 pounds to lose, that's a good rate.

    Would it also maybe be a good idea to use the weight loss period to develop good habits that will serve you well after you've lost the weight? As you have seen, maintaining weight loss can be as hard as losing. Why not take the long view and develop those good habits so you slowly drop the extra weight and KEEP IT OFF?
  • yirara
    yirara Posts: 10,793 Member
    The 1200 calories diet is not really a thing. It's some popular publications, and women themselves entertaining the idea that we don't need a lot of food. But seriously, there's no need to feel miserable. Go slow, reduce the rate of loss and you'll have more calories to work with and feel better. Also, you'll learn good eating habits along the way which does increase the chance of actually keeping the weight off.
  • Lightbeamer
    Lightbeamer Posts: 52 Member
    edited February 2023
    mtaratoot wrote: »
    As you have seen, maintaining weight loss can be as hard as losing.

    I agree with this. Back in 2000-2004, I worked at a hospital, and I was a volunteer for the dying there too. Watching the sick and dying is not easy, especially as a volunteer. Anyway, I lost a grand total of 100+ pounds from 2003 to 2004, but it was not easy to live on 1550 calories, for sure.

    I am now back to my heaviest. I was 264 at the beginning of the journey in 2003. Now I am 253. Not that I'm proud of it. I expect everything quickly, much like others. Let me tell you, it no workey!

    But take it easy on yourself! Take a while, and I agree! Create something stable, and make new goals! I'm finding that I am going to need to do that too. I'll be doing that in my diary.

    Keep it up, and you will succeed!
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 38,490 Community Helper
    edited February 2023
    If I had 15 pounds to re-lose, I'd go for half a pound a week, or less, and let it take its time.

    In fact, when I'd drifted up maybe 10-12 pounds or so over my first four years of maintenance, and my jeans were getting a little snug once the Winter long underwear was taking up space in there, too . . . that's exactly what I did.

    Downside: It took around a year, because I did let myself enjoy some holidays and special meals along the way. Looking at it retrospectively, I'd been averaging maybe only 100-150 calories below maintenance. Also, there were periods of a few weeks when even my weight trending app thought I was maintaining or even gaining, though I was pretty sure I was still on a losing course. (I was right. After some water weight stopped confusing things on the scale, I saw a sudden drop to what I'd expected.)

    Upside: It was pretty much completely painless. I had zero worries about sports performance or muscle loss (important to me as a recreational athlete who's an older woman). Also, no big changes in routine. I always count, so it was just a matter of hitting a very, very slightly lower calorie goal. So easy. Very successful.

    It does require patience, plus confidence in your logging skills and a really good estimate of your calorie needs.

    Just something to consider. Best wishes, no matter what course you choose!

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