Ugh 1200 Calories Isnt enough...
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I am with you Shanta!!! I tried 1200 calories and I was really tired and hungry all the time. My mind was wandering at work, it was impossible to concentrate. I was eating more and starting to not log it because I felt guilty... that's nuts! I'm going to follow your lead and lower my expectations to a realistic amount, and up the calories!!!!!!!! Thank you girl!!!!!!
I know thats right girl lets do that 1200 is insane so what If my goal weight be push to January oh well:ohwell: Im starving at 1220:laugh: and you know what thats why I cant concentrate trying to eat like a bird my metabolism has went up because Im hungry I more active now thats all we both are:flowerforyou:0 -
My RMR alone is 1310 (the calories I burn in a fasted state at rest in a lying position, conscious). I have never eaten just 1200 calories. The lowest I've ever gone is 1400, and I'm a fairly small person. I lose just fine on 1600-1900 calories per day, and on my rest day I eat what I want. There's no reason to rush things and leave yourself drained and grumpy.0
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My RMR alone is 1310 (the calories I burn in a fasted state at rest in a lying position, conscious). I have never eaten just 1200 calories. The lowest I've ever gone is 1400, and I'm a fairly small person. I lose just fine on 1600-1900 calories per day, and on my rest day I eat what I want. There's no reason to rush things and leave yourself drained and grumpy.
I totally agree:flowerforyou:0 -
My RMR alone is 1310 (the calories I burn in a fasted state at rest in a lying position, conscious). I have never eaten just 1200 calories. The lowest I've ever gone is 1400, and I'm a fairly small person. I lose just fine on 1600-1900 calories per day, and on my rest day I eat what I want. There's no reason to rush things and leave yourself drained and grumpy.
I totally agree:flowerforyou:
I actually attribute my recomposition to taking things slowly...yea, it's taken 5 years to lose about 25 lbs, but in that time I've totally changed the way my body looks...I've taken the time to go through cutting and bulking cycles so that as I lose more fat, my muscles are coming out, and I actually have a lot of mass, especially in my back, which used to be so weak I had to go to PT. I have gained a ton of athleticism and improved my blood pressure and lipid profile. I'd take all this over quick weight loss and being skinnyfat any day. I never wanted to just be a smaller version of my old self--I wanted to be a fitter one!0 -
My RMR alone is 1310 (the calories I burn in a fasted state at rest in a lying position, conscious). I have never eaten just 1200 calories. The lowest I've ever gone is 1400, and I'm a fairly small person. I lose just fine on 1600-1900 calories per day, and on my rest day I eat what I want. There's no reason to rush things and leave yourself drained and grumpy.
I totally agree:flowerforyou:
I actually attribute my recomposition to taking things slowly...yea, it's taken 5 years to lose about 25 lbs, but in that time I've totally changed the way my body looks...I've taken the time to go through cutting and bulking cycles so that as I lose more fat, my muscles are coming out, and I actually have a lot of mass, especially in my back, which used to be so weak I had to go to PT. I have gained a ton of athleticism and improved my blood pressure and lipid profile. I'd take all this over quick weight loss and being skinnyfat any day. I never wanted to just be a smaller version of my old self--I wanted to be a fitter one!
I totally agree thats what I want i just posted a new thread I want my body to be tone and muscular like your not just small ugh My main thing is to be fit and physically strong please share your tips and workouts you do:flowerforyou:0 -
My RMR alone is 1310 (the calories I burn in a fasted state at rest in a lying position, conscious). I have never eaten just 1200 calories. The lowest I've ever gone is 1400, and I'm a fairly small person. I lose just fine on 1600-1900 calories per day, and on my rest day I eat what I want. There's no reason to rush things and leave yourself drained and grumpy.
I totally agree:flowerforyou:
I actually attribute my recomposition to taking things slowly...yea, it's taken 5 years to lose about 25 lbs, but in that time I've totally changed the way my body looks...I've taken the time to go through cutting and bulking cycles so that as I lose more fat, my muscles are coming out, and I actually have a lot of mass, especially in my back, which used to be so weak I had to go to PT. I have gained a ton of athleticism and improved my blood pressure and lipid profile. I'd take all this over quick weight loss and being skinnyfat any day. I never wanted to just be a smaller version of my old self--I wanted to be a fitter one!
I totally agree thats what I want i just posted a new thread I want my body to be tone and muscular like your not just small ugh My main thing is to be fit and physically strong please share your tips and workouts you do:flowerforyou:
Well my workouts change a lot, but there are principles I attach to each one. It's not so much what you're doing, but how you're doing it.
- Use correct form whether you're on the Stairmill or running outside or lifting. It will engage more muscles and maintain or improve your flexibility.
- Work to functional failure. This means that, whether you're lifting for power (really low rep) or endurance (really high rep), your last couple reps should be HARD, and the last one should be the LAST one you can do with proper form. If you're stopping at 12 just because, you've stopped too soon, and that set won't promote any changes in the muscle.
- Be dynamic. Don't just do 2 sets of 10 on everything. Some days should be higher rep, others should be lower. You have 3 different types of muscle fibers--for explosive power, for strength, and for endurance. Use ALL of them. Also, some of your muscle groups are BIG--like your lats, and some are tiny, like your biceps. Work them accordingly--bigger ones can take on more work.
-Chronic cardiovascular activity releases cortisol, which, while breaking down fat, will also break down muscle. There is no reason to spend 6 hours a week doing straight cardio (unless you're training for an event, and you will lose some non-essential muscle fiber). Do enough to waste some calories and improve your CV health. Put the rest of your energy into INTENSE lifting sessions.
-It's about QUALITY, not QUANTITY. Even advanced bodybuilders see diminishing returns in exercises consisting of more than 3 sets. If you're just starting out, ONE set to functional failure is all you need. If you're "liftng" for 90 minutes, pay attention to how much of that is spent standing around between sets.
-If it's easy, it's useless.
Currently I do two traditional bodybuilding days (lots of pyramid sets), one power day (plyometrics and oly lifting), and one endurance day. My cardio is 30 min 4-6 days a week upon waking, and then one day I also do an hour of step because I enjoy it a lot. I like to hike on the weekends and play rec football.0 -
My RMR alone is 1310 (the calories I burn in a fasted state at rest in a lying position, conscious). I have never eaten just 1200 calories. The lowest I've ever gone is 1400, and I'm a fairly small person. I lose just fine on 1600-1900 calories per day, and on my rest day I eat what I want. There's no reason to rush things and leave yourself drained and grumpy.
I totally agree:flowerforyou:
I actually attribute my recomposition to taking things slowly...yea, it's taken 5 years to lose about 25 lbs, but in that time I've totally changed the way my body looks...I've taken the time to go through cutting and bulking cycles so that as I lose more fat, my muscles are coming out, and I actually have a lot of mass, especially in my back, which used to be so weak I had to go to PT. I have gained a ton of athleticism and improved my blood pressure and lipid profile. I'd take all this over quick weight loss and being skinnyfat any day. I never wanted to just be a smaller version of my old self--I wanted to be a fitter one!
I totally agree thats what I want i just posted a new thread I want my body to be tone and muscular like your not just small ugh My main thing is to be fit and physically strong please share your tips and workouts you do:flowerforyou:
Well my workouts change a lot, but there are principles I attach to each one. It's not so much what you're doing, but how you're doing it.
- Use correct form whether you're on the Stairmill or running outside or lifting. It will engage more muscles and maintain or improve your flexibility.
- Work to functional failure. This means that, whether you're lifting for power (really low rep) or endurance (really high rep), your last couple reps should be HARD, and the last one should be the LAST one you can do with proper form. If you're stopping at 12 just because, you've stopped too soon, and that set won't promote any changes in the muscle.
- Be dynamic. Don't just do 2 sets of 10 on everything. Some days should be higher rep, others should be lower. You have 3 different types of muscle fibers--for explosive power, for strength, and for endurance. Use ALL of them. Also, some of your muscle groups are BIG--like your lats, and some are tiny, like your biceps. Work them accordingly--bigger ones can take on more work.
-Chronic cardiovascular activity releases cortisol, which, while breaking down fat, will also break down muscle. There is no reason to spend 6 hours a week doing straight cardio (unless you're training for an event, and you will lose some non-essential muscle fiber). Do enough to waste some calories and improve your CV health. Put the rest of your energy into INTENSE lifting sessions.
-It's about QUALITY, not QUANTITY. Even advanced bodybuilders see diminishing returns in exercises consisting of more than 3 sets. If you're just starting out, ONE set to functional failure is all you need. If you're "liftng" for 90 minutes, pay attention to how much of that is spent standing around between sets.
-If it's easy, it's useless.
Currently I do two traditional bodybuilding days (lots of pyramid sets), one power day (plyometrics and oly lifting), and one endurance day. My cardio is 30 min 4-6 days a week upon waking, and then one day I also do an hour of step because I enjoy it a lot. I like to hike on the weekends and play rec football.
SO FOR A BEGGINER LIKE ME WHAT SHOULD I START OFF DOING FIRST AND SHOULD I CHANGE AANYTHING IN MY DIET TO BE ABLE TO BUILD MUSCLE TONE?0 -
I'd recommend checking out bodybuilding.com or ask.com. They actually have a lot of good beginner programs that include lots of multi-joint movements. I'd stick to the 8-12 rep range for 1-2 sets for now, 3 days per week. It's nice to start with three full-body days until you're comfortable with how to set up a split, or working different parts on different days.
You won't build muscle in a caloric deficit. That requires extra calories. BUT, by increasing your calories slightly and starting to perform resistance training, you can increase your bone density, neurological strength, and maintain your muscle mass. As you continue to lose fat, your muscle will show under the skin more, and you'll appear more defined and built.
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I too struggled with 1200. I was feeling pretty squeemish after exercising and I just don't think my body can do that drasitic of a change even if I could be ok on that little. I upped mine too (1330- somehow makes a BIG difference for me!) I think its good to cut back and learn not to over eat, but I'm just not willing to be in pain all day. I think you'll do ok on the 1400 though! I know if I even cut back to 1700 cal I would probably still see a difference!!Im having the opposite problem. . . I hit about 1000-1100 and i have a hard time eating all my calories. I eat alot of fruit and i think it just fills me up to the point where i cant eat anymore. I dont know if its fruit and what i eat or if its all the water i drink. I go to bed full and i dont wake up hungry so i dont know. . All last week i had a problem with this. This week i am MAKING myself hit the 1200 calorie mark even if i have to just eat a piece of toast. If anyone else has some tips on hitting that 1200 calories im open to all suggestions!
I had that issue in college and ended up feeling super uncomfortable with getting that many fruits in I found that adding like a cup or milk or nuts or cottage cheese really helped fill in that gap but didnt make my stomach feel like it was exploading! 0 -
I'd recommend checking out bodybuilding.com or ask.com. They actually have a lot of good beginner programs that include lots of multi-joint movements. I'd stick to the 8-12 rep range for 1-2 sets for now, 3 days per week. It's nice to start with three full-body days until you're comfortable with how to set up a split, or working different parts on different days.
You won't build muscle in a caloric deficit. That requires extra calories. BUT, by increasing your calories slightly and starting to perform resistance training, you can increase your bone density, neurological strength, and maintain your muscle mass. As you continue to lose fat, your muscle will show under the skin more, and you'll appear more defined and built.
So I just switch to 1400 calories at l.5 lost a week bout how much you think I need to increase to? sorry my last question Im so excited:bigsmile:0 -
I'd recommend checking out bodybuilding.com or ask.com. They actually have a lot of good beginner programs that include lots of multi-joint movements. I'd stick to the 8-12 rep range for 1-2 sets for now, 3 days per week. It's nice to start with three full-body days until you're comfortable with how to set up a split, or working different parts on different days.
You won't build muscle in a caloric deficit. That requires extra calories. BUT, by increasing your calories slightly and starting to perform resistance training, you can increase your bone density, neurological strength, and maintain your muscle mass. As you continue to lose fat, your muscle will show under the skin more, and you'll appear more defined and built.
So I just switch to 1400 calories at l.5 lost a week bout how much you think I need to increase to? sorry my last question Im so excited:bigsmile:
I just eat however many calories I can and watch the scale/inches to see when they stop moving LOL. At 1400 they don't move, at 1600 they move quickly but I'm pretty tired, so 1800 is where I'm most comfortable and lose regularly.0 -
:drinker:0
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PEANUT BUTTER!!! (in response to how to reach your 1200 goal)0
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Hmm 1200? When I first started dieting two years ago I ate very little 800-1200 calories, but it was mostly unhealthy processed foods like those lean cuisine frozen meals and "low fat" foods, which I've found out are actually really bad for you compared to whole and unprocessed foods. Aside from that, I got like zero exercise back then and was pretty much sedentary. Nowadays I have gone veggie and exercise a lot, and myfitnesspal has recommended a little over 1500cals to lose one pound a week, which is fine with me. However, last week I lost two pounds, and I went over my limit on a couple days by a couple hundred calories so I don't know, I guess that everyone is different. I would go by the advice of what other people have said and do what feels best for your body, listen to your body, if you have low energy and are constantly hungry, you can change what and how much you are eating and see how those changes make you feel.
I would recommend to anyone on this site to eat as many whole foods as possible for the best health, and organic is always nice too, nothing like avoiding a healthy serving of chemicals with your salad. I have never felt better!0 -
I feel your pain. It's not enough. I upped my calories and quit exercising as much, and have actually lost weight. Good luck to ya, you look great!0
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yep at 1200 I wasn't hungry and didn't feel good - at 1350 felt better -but now at 1500 I am energized! and hungry again - in a good way - I want to eat my meals and snacks and I am satisfied with good healthy choices.....I feel fantastic...
as far as weight training - I've been doing a strength class offered at my fitness center because I am a dummy when it comes to strength - the first month I also started couch to 5k - between them I lost 10 pounds - in one month - that's after I had already lost 60some....so it works! Since, then it's been a slower loss process in pounds but I've gone down a pants size so while everyone says you cannot build muscle while in a deficit...just toning it is making a huge difference for me!
Keep it up - there's no set time to lose it except the time you set...enjoy the ride or you won't maintain it in the future. This is for the rest of your life!
PS when I added - I just upped it and did see a fluctuation up for a brief period - don't give up on it.0 -
I left my goals online at 1277 (what the AHA said I should eat) but I actually just aim for a range. Anywhere between 1200 and 1400. I try to follow an especially heavy day with a light day. It seems to keep my metabolism moving pretty nicely. :drinker:0
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try to find food that are very filling but less calories....(sounds simple but is hard to do.) I like oatmeal on the go....about 250 calories and full of fiber. I also eat smart ones for lunch .....which has no more than 350 calories....but fiber and protein are your best bet to have that "full" feeling for the longest amount of time.0
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Thanks guys for the great advice:bigsmile: :flowerforyou:0
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If you go into your diet profile it asks you about your lifestyle, sedentary, light active, active, very active, if you have a physically demanding job you should be in one of the two higher activity categories, with selecting one of this your calorie consumption should be higher than 1200 to start as your body is working hard. With a demanding job you need to feed the body and you will still lose weight with proper food choices. 1200 calories doesn't work for everybody.0
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I have just the opposite problem. 1200 is too many. My metabolism shut down decades ago, so I feel like I'm eating all the time. I have to set an alarm to remember to eat! I suppose that's why I'm struggling with the weight loss even with all the exercise. DOH!0
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I'm struggling with this too, Rheign.
After too many years of not eating, the proper signals of hunger and satiation aren't being sent by my body.
I don't get hungry, I just forget to eat until I'm in full blood sugar crash - shaking, fuzzy headed, and weak.
Before MFP, I've been known to go days with nothing more than a slice of cheese. I ate because was offered that tasted good, and/or I was in a social situation which involved food. And those food choices were never good, although rare. You would think I'd look like a dang skeleton, but no, I'm overweight!!
I don't care what you call it - starvation mode, conservation mode, shutdown mode, or just bad habits - my body and metabolism have changed after years of mistreatment, so I'm having to slowly retrain them.
I've had to force myself to eat every 3 hours, gradually increasing my calories, trying to get to a point where my metabolism begins to work normally again. I am not losing steadily, but I'm not giving up.
You go for it Shanta! Eat well and you'll feel great as well as shape up even more. I'm inspired by you! 0 -
Im having the opposite problem. . . I hit about 1000-1100 and i have a hard time eating all my calories. I eat alot of fruit and i think it just fills me up to the point where i cant eat anymore. I dont know if its fruit and what i eat or if its all the water i drink. I go to bed full and i dont wake up hungry so i dont know. . All last week i had a problem with this. This week i am MAKING myself hit the 1200 calorie mark even if i have to just eat a piece of toast. If anyone else has some tips on hitting that 1200 calories im open to all suggestions!
I am SO SICK of you people who aren't hungry enough to eat 1200 calories... WTF???? Ha ha just kidding. Honesly, though, the only reason I exercise is to gain the calories. I am hungry all the time!0
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