Why 1200 calories probably isn't good for you...

AggieCass09 · October 2011

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/judith-j-wurtman-phd/muscle-loss_b_974019.html

AnninStPaul · October 2011

From the article:

"Fortunately, the solution to maintaining muscle mass while losing weight requires only three things:

1. Keeping calorie intake at around 1,200 calories or more a day so the body doesn't turn to muscle as a source of energy. Fasting or liquid diets with very few calories are particularly effective in producing muscle loss because of their low calorie content.

2. Consuming protein in adequate amounts. The daily requirement for protein is 0.8 grams per kg of body weight. Figure out how much you need by first changing your weight from lbs to kilograms. Do this by dividing your weight in pounds by 2.2. Then multiply your weight in kilograms by 0.8. If you lose a substantial amount of weight, say 100 pounds or more on your diet, your protein needs will decrease. (If you decide to become a professional body builder they will increase.)

3. Exercising as often as possible. Strength and/or resistance training must be part of your routine. It is not necessary to get a personal trainer or use elaborate machines to build muscle. For example, yoga will build muscles because many routines use certain muscles of the body to hold up or balance other parts. Many gyms, including the Y, offer classes using weights, exercise balls or resistance bands to work and strengthen muscles. Exercise videos also teach methods for muscle strengthening that can be done in your living room. Lastly, don't overlook the pool. Water is heavy and a perfect medium for increasing the muscles all over your body, while eliminating impact on your joints and spine."

Pronoiac · October 2011

Great resource, good find!

TinaDay1114 · October 2011

bump

Silverkittycat · October 2011

Judith Wurtman's a good one, she takes a more balanced approach than most when offering advice. Thanks for posting!

kykykenna · October 2011

bump

jenfactor · October 2011

Thanks for that. 1200 feels too low for me and too hard to maintain a regular lifestyle. I try to stay at 1800 and not eat back my exercise cals. *Try* is the key word

Still working on killing old habits.

LoriLoves2Run · October 2011

Thanks for sharing.

emmab0902 · October 2011

That protein intake is significantly less than what is recommended in this article - which is highly recommended

www.body-improvements.com/resources/eat

The former would have me eating about 45g a day, the latter about 100!

jenvens · October 2011

Awesome article! LIKE!

Derv · October 2011

have a look at www.fat2fitradio.com and listen to their podcasts too for great info on eating more than 1200.

morganadk2_deleted · October 2011

Very interesting, thank you

veganjeanie · October 2011

I still think this depends on the size of the person. I am 5'4" and small boned. 1000 net calories/day is maintaining me at 122lb, and has been for months. I don't think an arbitrary number can apply equally to smaller people. I work out almost every day and always eat my exercise calories so I rarely really only eat 1000 calories.

AggieCass09 · October 2011

That protein intake is significantly less than what is recommended in this article - which is highly recommended

www.body-improvements.com/resources/eat

The former would have me eating about 45g a day, the latter about 100!

i agree with you!

AggieCass09 · October 2011

have a look at www.fat2fitradio.com and listen to their podcasts too for great info on eating more than 1200.

YES!!!! This site a AMAZING. I use it and freedieting.com very frequently!

AggieCass09 · October 2011

From the article:

"Fortunately, the solution to maintaining muscle mass while losing weight requires only three things:

1. Keeping calorie intake at around 1,200 calories or more a day so the body doesn't turn to muscle as a source of energy. Fasting or liquid diets with very few calories are particularly effective in producing muscle loss because of their low calorie content.

2. Consuming protein in adequate amounts. The daily requirement for protein is 0.8 grams per kg of body weight. Figure out how much you need by first changing your weight from lbs to kilograms. Do this by dividing your weight in pounds by 2.2. Then multiply your weight in kilograms by 0.8. If you lose a substantial amount of weight, say 100 pounds or more on your diet, your protein needs will decrease. (If you decide to become a professional body builder they will increase.)

3. Exercising as often as possible. Strength and/or resistance training must be part of your routine. It is not necessary to get a personal trainer or use elaborate machines to build muscle. For example, yoga will build muscles because many routines use certain muscles of the body to hold up or balance other parts. Many gyms, including the Y, offer classes using weights, exercise balls or resistance bands to work and strengthen muscles. Exercise videos also teach methods for muscle strengthening that can be done in your living room. Lastly, don't overlook the pool. Water is heavy and a perfect medium for increasing the muscles all over your body, while eliminating impact on your joints and spine."

i agree this part is contradictory with the first part of the article which i really liked. The whole reason I posted it was because I formerly was all about the scale and I'm 100% positive i was losing muscle. I never had even thought such a thing could happen...i was all about seeing low numbers on the scale. Now i rely less on the scale and have significantly upped my protein intake. Bottom line, find what works for you.