1200 calories

I'm at 1200 a day, and I'm just fine. I just drink tons of water and am sure to have lots of low-density foods, like apples and stuff.
But I'm really young, so I don't know if that just means I have lots of energy, or what. I'm not sure.

I couldn't do it. I won't try again.
For those it works for, that is awesome.

I'm at 1200 too. But I stopped logging food b/c I am mostly under. Don't think that is any better, I haven't lost in awhile but workout 5 days a week usually. That is just how I eat. I plan to start logging my food again and kick up my workouts too. I think we both need to increase our calories. I know I know...i'v read earlier in my profile, I think, that 1200 is under the amount of calories my body burns in a resting state! I'm clearly doing something wrong.

I can't seem to reach my 1200 calorie goal either. I try but I can't eat that much!

Thanks for all the insight. Glad to know that fluctuating the calories won't ruin everything (especially when I realize that they calories I am now eating are still probably significantly less than before!). Another question, and I am not sure if I am clear in understanding----say you burn 400-500 calories working out., and you have a 1200 calorie a day goal. Do you eat the remaining calories? Or do you typically just have a 700 calorie day in that case?

Thanks! Hence my name, I really do want this to work. However, I know I am the one that needs to make it work! I'm hoping third time is a charm, because I think I have logged on and off about three different times during the last year!

You should take in a min of 1200 NET cal per day. If you are at 1200 cal for the day and workout and burn 500 calories then that puts you at a NET of 700 and you really should NET 1200--your body needs this amount for healthy weight loss----a NET of 700 calories per day is setting yourself up to fail in my opinion. If you are at 1700 for the day and then burn 500 calories then you are at a NET of 1200 calories for the day so you are getting your NET of 1200.

Does that help??

Yes....think so, does that mean that you are basically eating back what you burn (so if you try to stick to 1200, but burn 500, then technically you can eat 1700)?

Yes and No. For instance I know how many NET calories I need to eat in a 7 day period. I am on my last 2 days and need to NET 1500 today and tomorrow to NET my Calorie goal for the week.

My food diary says my food goal for today is 1680 but I know I used some of those earlier in the week therefore making my goal for today 1500. I have eaten 1869 today and burned 378 so I am actually NET 1491 just under my goal.

You don't have to eat back what you burn unless you are under 1200. If you are under 1200 NET after working out eat some back to get to 1200 NET and then if you are not hungry don't eat but if you are then eat. Look at my food diary the past week and see where I went way over then where I didn't etc. You kind of have to find what works for you.....strict 1200 NET everyday does not work for me--- I will fail and overeat.

I think one of the biggest mistakes people make is to rush to the 1200 cal plan thinking that will maximize weight loss. I personally think most people would be better off starting off with 1400-1500 and not add in exercisers and activity calories (unless you are burning more than 600 in a workout).

Azdak, correct me if im wrong please but heres what I think about calories and caloric intake.. I have a BS in Biology but I am not a doctor so I of course dont pretend to be one. My reasoning may be correct but what actually happens I can be totally wrong on so heres what I think, tell me if im wrong or what im missing thanks.


contrary to popular belief, your metabolism is higher when you are overweight because it has more energy to work with. as you lose weight you need to eat more in order to keep the "metabolism" going. Metabolism is the summation of your chemical reactions in your body. Not to get too scientific but every cell in your body required ATP. When ATP is low, you go into anaerobic and break down fat and muscle. AT first your body breaks down fat if you are overweight. Its easily accessible to the body. As "fat" decreases and you have less calories, then it goes to muscles. Since you lost weight and ATP is required for cells to thrive, you need to give your body what it needs. Energy, through food. More food than before (higher calories) since you lost most of your weight and fuel needs to keep the engines of metabolism running. HOpe this makes sense. Im not a doctor and Im giving you just the basics. Im sure theres a whole lot more to the process

I have been keeping myself at 1200 calories a day since the beginning of October. This started b/c I had a weight challenge at work and it gave me some motivation to get started. From October 4th through today, I have lost approximately 9 lbs. I am approximately 5' 4" and started out at 133 lbs.

My first few weeks I realized that the 1200 a day was a big change from what I was consuming per day, but was able to manage it and work out if I wanted something extra. I really had to work on my portions, but didn't deny myself anything, b/c I didn't want that to make me go off track. My pants are more lose now and most of them I can get off w/o un buttoning them!

I will continue to track my food/exercise and see if I can get to my goal of 115 lbs and maintain it!!!

The planne put me at 1200 per day, and yes I eat back the calores I burn. My problemis at work. I simply want to snack more often. This time of year is especially hard with food just laying around. I walk right now 2 miles daily 4 days a week. But this week has been hard.

Thanks for all the insight. Glad to know that fluctuating the calories won't ruin everything (especially when I realize that they calories I am now eating are still probably significantly less than before!). Another question, and I am not sure if I am clear in understanding----say you burn 400-500 calories working out., and you have a 1200 calorie a day goal. Do you eat the remaining calories? Or do you typically just have a 700 calorie day in that case?

Thanks! Hence my name, I really do want this to work. However, I know I am the one that needs to make it work! I'm hoping third time is a charm, because I think I have logged on and off about three different times during the last year!

You should take in a min of 1200 NET cal per day. If you are at 1200 cal for the day and workout and burn 500 calories then that puts you at a NET of 700 and you really should NET 1200--your body needs this amount for healthy weight loss----a NET of 700 calories per day is setting yourself up to fail in my opinion. If you are at 1700 for the day and then burn 500 calories then you are at a NET of 1200 calories for the day so you are getting your NET of 1200.

Does that help??

^^^ This!

I average about 1200 calories a day, and I find it's no problem. I eat smaller meals 4 to 6 times a day, and that has helped me to maintain my energy and my blood sugar as I have had problems with hypoglycemia in the past. Obviously, I'm not an expert, but you might try doing it that way to see if that helps your energy level. You may also need to add some good carbs to combat the lethargy -fresh produce and stuff like that.

Good luck to you!