will I stop losing weight if I am consuming less that 1200

puchandy
puchandy Posts: 4 Member
edited October 6 in Health and Weight Loss
I am a new member. I am 150 lbs and need to lose 40 lbs. Has anyone some idea why 1200 calories should be the goal for the day. Though I was consuming arounc 1500-1700 calories per day before starting MFP, I now find it difficult to consume more than 800 calories and I am adviced that this is putting the body in starvation mode. I am also exercising around 500 calories off additionally. I joined on Dec 5 and have set my goal at the recommended half pound per week. In the last three weeks I have lost 3 lbs. I am also exercising around 300 cal off every day sometimes 500. Is it possible that if I eat less than 1200 calories I won't lose weight ... that is the comment iget when I finish my food diary.

Replies

  • jlfox165
    jlfox165 Posts: 81
    It hasn't happened to me, but I've only been under 1200 twice. Sounds like it could lead to problems, especially if you are burning off 500 in exercise. I'm not a nutritionist, and I can't really give an official answer. My guess is that the MFP announcement may be correct.
  • puchandy
    puchandy Posts: 4 Member
    Thanks a lot. I am vegetarian- don't know if that is the reason. also i have started to watch the oil I add in my recipes. In fact I have to add lots of fruit and carbs to increase the calories.
  • jsuaccounting
    jsuaccounting Posts: 189 Member
    If you are going to stay under 1200 calories (not net calories) you should be under a doctor's supervision. One or days shouldn't hurt you if you are a little overweight but over time it is recomended to have a doctor's supervision for anything under 1100/1200,

    One thing to watch out for: If you are talking about net calories then MFP could be overestimating your calorie burn from exercise.

    Instead of your usual carbs you could try adding avocado, coconut or nuts to increase your calories. That way you can increase your calories and get your essential fats at the same time.
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    How tall are you?
  • Rae6503
    Rae6503 Posts: 6,294 Member
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/410771-i-can-t-reach-my-calorie-goal-it-s-too-much-food

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Rae6503/view/is-starvation-mode-a-myth-177919
  • servilia
    servilia Posts: 3,452 Member
    Well it's a long standing debate whether "starvation mode" exists in the way it is often used by people in the forums.

    The reason you should get that many calories is because otherwise you might not get all essential proteins and fats your body needs, and also you might not be getting the vitamins and minerals.

    If you're already eating that low I don't think you need to watch the oils, at least not the "good" ones (I myself only try to avoid trans fats and saturated isn't even that bad for you).
  • puchandy
    puchandy Posts: 4 Member
    I am 4'8".
  • Rae6503
    Rae6503 Posts: 6,294 Member
    Seeing as you are 4'8", yes, you are probably safe with going below 1200. I wouldn't go as low as 800 though. I'd go into MFP, set your goal to maintain, see what it gives you, then go in and manually set your goal to 500 less than that, then eat your exercise calories when you burn them. If you are having a hard time hitting your goal, try adding in more calorie dense food like whole eggs instead of whites, higher fat dairy or yogurt, red meat, high fat salad dress, cheese, nuts, olive oil, etc.
  • anyonebutmehaha
    anyonebutmehaha Posts: 174
    I am 4'8".

    under 1200 is fine for you. wide sweeping generalizations don't apply to everyone. if you know you don't easily fit into the ranges set for 'the majority'- change them to suit your reality.
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