Isn't 1200 calories 1200 calories??

brunzella92
brunzella92 Posts: 46 Member
edited October 5 in Health and Weight Loss
If i maintain my daily caloric intake to 1200-1300 calories shouldn't i be losing SOMETHING regardless if it's not perfect of veggies and fruits?? Just be cutting down shouldn't i be able to lose something or is it all in what i eat that makes it happen??? Obviously healthier foods are much much better but i would have thought just even cutting way back i should lose something!!

Replies

  • ajbeans
    ajbeans Posts: 2,857 Member
    Depends on how large of a deficit you're creating. If you cut back to 1200 calories and heavily increased your workouts without eating your exercise calories, that could stall your loss. How long have you been at it?
  • krstngrrtt
    krstngrrtt Posts: 69 Member
    I totally understand what you mean... I have drastically cut my calories, I'm tracking everything, I'm not eating junk, I'm only drinking water (and a LOT of it) and I'm working out a couple days a week (wish was more but I'm doing what I can) ... BUT I'm not loosing... I've dropped a couple of pounds but nothing that actually tipped the scale any... It's frustrating I know...Just don't give up. Everyone keeps telling me it'll happen.
  • jamie1888
    jamie1888 Posts: 1,704 Member
    Yes, eating at a deficit is what makes you lose weight. Of course, certain foods will make you retain water (high sodium, processed foods) and eating too much sugar can slow it down too, etc. But, when it comes down to weight loss, yes, it's calories in vs. calories out. Make sure you are weighing your food to get the most accurate calorie count. Measuring cups leave a lot of room for error. Especially when it comes to the fats, you want to make sure you measure it out in grams. A well rounded tablespoon of peanut butter can equal 1.5 tablespoons instead of just the one. Make sure you are drinking lots of water too! And always try to get enough sleep. Stress & lack of sleep can hinder weight loss!
  • LesliePierceRN
    LesliePierceRN Posts: 860 Member
    I've never been able to lose on restriction alone. I've only ever seen results when I exercise regularly and intensely, and tailor my diet to meet the needs of my workouts.
  • yankeedownsouth
    yankeedownsouth Posts: 717 Member
    In theory, that sounds right. However, I've found that if I eat junk food and drink alcohol, I don't lose (I will gain), even if I stay within 1200 calories. My body simply requires frequent feedings of healthy food to lose weight. I looked at your food diary, and there's a lot of junk food and alcohol on there (not judging - I've been TERRIBLE lately with my eating and drinking), but I know if I ate what you've eaten, I'd gain weight. I didn't used to be like that when I was younger, but now that I'm in my 40's, it's my new normal.

    I'd try eating more often, don't skip breakfast, and eat more fruits, vegetables, and lean meat. I think it'll make a difference...
  • ElizabethRoad
    ElizabethRoad Posts: 5,138 Member
    A well rounded tablespoon of peanut butter can equal 1.5 tablespoons instead of just the one.
    Or you could just measure things properly. "One tablespoon" means flat across the top, not mounded up.
  • Otrepsi
    Otrepsi Posts: 24 Member
    No, you don't HAVE to eat just fruits and veggies in order to lose weight (but it helps!). We need more info to help find out why you're having trouble.

    One question that first comes to mind is are you're NETTING 1200-1300 or are you EATING 1200-1300? If you exercising, but only eating 1200 a day, you are not eating enough to fuel your body for weight loss. (This is what people around here call "starvation mode" but I don't like the term as it is mis-leading). I started off at 1200 and eating back my exercise calories, and was very slow in my loss (maybe 0.5 lb a week). I bumped it up to 1400 (still eating back the exercise calories) and now average 1.5-2 pounds a week.

    I see you haven't been here a month yet; it can take some time for the body to adjust to a new lifestyle. Fewer calories than what you're used to can cause your body to react as if you're not getting enough fuel. As long as you ARE (and netting at least 1200) your body should adjust.
  • brunzella92
    brunzella92 Posts: 46 Member
    I looked at your food diary, and there's a lot of junk food and alcohol on there (not judging - I've been TERRIBLE lately with my eating and drinking), but I know if I ate what you've eaten, I'd gain weight. I didn't used to be like that when I was younger, but now that I'm in my 40's, it's my new normal.

    Yes, this is exactily what i am wondering. I guess it's all not the same if i'm eating crap and going out really is hard to measure and be accurate :( Guess i would alot better if i ate at home and knew exactly what i was eating. I feel i've screwed up my body overtime wo badly that it doesn't know up from down...is that possible??!!!!!
  • Otrepsi
    Otrepsi Posts: 24 Member
    I just noticed that your diary is open to view. It looks like you've been here less than a week, so you may not see any change at all yet!

    You are also eating a lot of high-sodium foods. Too much salt can cause you to retain water. I know that for 2-3 days after I eat Chinese, I will retain about 1.5 pounds of just water weight. Once I go back to my normal diet, it drops off.

    You're not marking how much water you drink, and if you're eating that much sodium, you need to help counter it with a LOT of water, 8 cups a day at least.
  • brunzella92
    brunzella92 Posts: 46 Member
    I'm netting 1200 as i've been slacking in the exercise department. Don't know what my issue is, i used to LOVE to exercise not matter what was going on! It's a catch 22, i have no energy because i'm not exercising yet i have no energy to exercise!!
  • brunzella92
    brunzella92 Posts: 46 Member
    I do drink water, but forget to mark it down. Definitely NOT enough though! I see what's wrong with my diary as i look at it and what i should cut out and exchange for different foods. Need to eat cleaner i think :( Always on the run!!
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    I didn't look at your diary but based on other people's responses, I'd say the dining out and drinking might be holding you back. It's MUCH harder to track accurately if you're not the one making the food. There are a lot of foods out there on the database but once you learn how many calories are in certain foods, you find out that there is a lot out there that's not right so you maybe underestimating your calorie intake.
    And definitely add sodium to your food tracker if it's not on there already. A few high sodium days can really slow down your weight loss, especially if it's around TOM!

    For me, it helps to be good 80-90% of the time and then go ahead and have pizza or chinese or whatever once a week. Just make sure you drink LOADS of water to help flush out the excess sodium and give the scale a rest for a few days after to let your body catch up.

    Excercise helps me tons. If I didn't stay active, there is no way I'd be able to stay within my calorie range. Do what you can and have fun!
  • onehotgirl
    onehotgirl Posts: 120
    no offence but your diary is full of not so good stuff (had a wee peek) I eat around 1200-1300 cal a day (net - but really I do sweet frick all exercise) and I'm eating way more than you!
  • Otrepsi
    Otrepsi Posts: 24 Member
    I'm netting 1200 as i've been slacking in the exercise department. Don't know what my issue is, i used to LOVE to exercise not matter what was going on! It's a catch 22, i have no energy because i'm not exercising yet i have no energy to exercise!!

    The lack of energy can be an effect of the types of food you're eating. Fast food always makes me want to just sit and laze about! :) I totally understand about the catch-22. This is my brain: "I'm so tired, I don't wanna go work out! But if I go, I'll feel better and more energized, but I'm tired now! Ugh!"

    I can usually trick my self by saying, ok self, just go change into your work-out clothes, then you can take a nap on the couch. Then I say, well, I'm already dressed, I'll just do 5 minutes of the elliptical. Then I'll think, well, I've already done 5, I could do 5 more. Before I know it (especially if I'm watching TV) 30 minutes has passed, and I feel good! :)
  • zeeeb
    zeeeb Posts: 805 Member
    it depends on the person.

    i am the type of person who has to really restrict what i eat and make it healthy and workout like a beast obsessed to lose any weight.

    but there are people who can start going for a half an hour walk (stroll) everyday, cut out the potato chips and lose weight.

    i hate (envy) those people, it's not fair, but it's the way it is.
  • CMmrsfloyd
    CMmrsfloyd Posts: 2,380 Member
    A well rounded tablespoon of peanut butter can equal 1.5 tablespoons instead of just the one.
    Or you could just measure things properly. "One tablespoon" means flat across the top, not mounded up.

    And this is why I weigh my peanut butter. Don't laugh. LOL I take peanut butter out of the jar on the *back* of the spoon so it's easier to spread on my bread. So I first put the spoon on the scale, zero out the scale with the spoon on it (to account for the weight of the spoon), put peanut butter on the back of the spoon, weigh it, repeat until I get the appropriate number of grams for 1 tbsp (listed on the jar). Tedious, yes, but it's also very accurate. LOL

    OP, be extra diligent with your portions/measurements/etc, watch out for sodium as it could make you retain water, and give it a couple of weeks. Sometimes it takes out bodies time to catch up to a lifestyle change. Don't freak out yet. :-) My first 10-ish pounds was nothing but calorie restriction, I didn't start trying to exercise until I'd already lost some weight. You can do it with just food for awhile as long as you are accurate.
  • slashkiss
    slashkiss Posts: 74 Member
    You need to be eating BREAKFAST! I can't stress this enough!!!! It sets up your whole day for healthier eating choices. A bowl of cereal or oatmeal really help kick start your metabolism for the day and keep the cravings at bay so you can eat a healthier lunch!
  • Rae6503
    Rae6503 Posts: 6,294 Member
    1200 might be too low for you. You might have more sucess eating more. I don't eat all that well. I was losing weight with 1800 Net.
  • infamousmk
    infamousmk Posts: 6,033 Member
    I have my diary set for 1200, but oftentimes eat between 1300-1500... I drink beer and other alcohol and I'm still losing. You have to mess with your calories and your macros and your workouts to find what works best for you.
  • HMonsterX
    HMonsterX Posts: 3,000 Member
    You need to be eating BREAKFAST! I can't stress this enough!!!! A bowl of cereal or oatmeal really help kick start your metabolism for the day

    No, it doesn't. This is an old myth that has been debunked many times. Eating breakfast gives you no metabolic advantage over those that don't. It may help reduce cravings later on, but if you don't get those, or can resist, all breakfast is is wasted calories if all you're eating it for is to "boost your metabolism". If you actually like it, or feel that it helps you later on, then great, go for it! But it has no biological effect on your metabolism.

    I never have breakfast, have a tiny lunch, and most of my calories are from what you would call "junk" and a big dinner. I just exercise a lot, and I've never been fitter, stronger, healthier! :D
  • Miss_Behaving
    Miss_Behaving Posts: 19 Member
    Here's my plan: no fast food, limited alcohol (after all, it is the holidays); NO mayo, NO rich salad dressings, NO sour cream, etc. Cardio at least 30 minutes at a time, weights, and a ton of water. And unlimited fruits and veggies. There are plenty of ways to season or spruce up your food and still keep it low calorie. I'm not being harsh, just being honest, but the sugar, fast food, soda and alcohol has to be very, very minimal, otherwise, your fat and sugar intake will inhibit your weight loss.
  • angieskia
    angieskia Posts: 152 Member
    OK Again sorry I didn't read all the replies & Sorry if you've already been given this advice. Is your Food Diary Open. Are you Tracking SODIUM. Sodium as a big weakness for me which is why I wasn't losing. I STILL have Problems with it. If you track your sodium you kind find alternate version of your fave foods with LESS sodium. I'm still learning as well BUT that's the big kicker for me
  • bumflapassassin
    bumflapassassin Posts: 316 Member
    you say that you are in catch 22 because you don't have energy to exercise...start small; attack the garden at the weekend and walk to the shop instead of drive. challenge yourself to do a minute of jump rope or get a friend to join a class with you. But start small to begin with and as you gain more interest you'll naturally increase what you're doing. I hope you get on it soon!

    As for the food thing, I have not looked at your diary but it sounds like you've had a lot of advice on that already so I've probably got nothing new to add other than agreeing that water is important, only weigh yourself once a week to avoid feeling suicidal and don't get too an@l about logging and measuring things - estimations should be good enough as long as you're not totally cheating!
  • bs1981
    bs1981 Posts: 36
    My body needs over 1200 just for everyday activities. Maybe your in starvation mode.... kick your calories and activity up and see what happens.
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