help!? eating 1200/day but no results!

csstfj
csstfj Posts: 2
edited December 23 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi yall I'm female, almost 24 and I weigh 160 lbs and I'm only 5'2". I'm new to all this so I don't know what all the abbreviations mean and all that. Fitness pal says to have 1200 calories a day which is not a problem for me, but I'm not seeing any results?! Is this the right amount of calories for me? If not, can someone PLEASE help me?! I've tried all those calculators and read the newbies post thing but I'm still clueless. Can someone please just talk me if 1200 cal/day is the eight thing to do?

Thanks
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Replies

  • khand58
    khand58 Posts: 11 Member
    1200 sounds right for your age height and weight - you really don't want to eat any less than that. You said no results - sounds like something needs a kick start. How long have you been eating that amount? Are you doing any sort of exercise? You might need to increase your exercise to burn more calories.
  • orishp
    orishp Posts: 214 Member
    I find that its not just the calories, it has to be good quality food. and in my case, exercise has been key.

    I started at 167, and 5'5", I cut carbs, sugars, dairy, so essentially I am eating lean protein and veggies, and 1 piece of fruit per day.
    I have lost 2 lbs/week steadily.

    So my suggestion, get that body moving, dieting alone may not cut it. You may eat more on days you exercise to make up for those calories (so your net calories = 1200).

    How long have you been at 1200 cals without no results, sometimes it takes your body 1 or 2 weeks to catch up with what you are doing
  • Heidi777
    Heidi777 Posts: 4 Member
    That's so frustrating! You might find it helpful to shake things up by eating some different foods and be sure to measure your food portions for a while. It's easy to underestimate portion size!
  • cafreda
    cafreda Posts: 1 Member
    I'm 5'1 and have a calorie amount of 1200 as well. I noticed it is a lot harder to lose the weight without exercise. Just try to move around, some crunches/planks during tv commericals, jumping jacks, squats--anything really to keep moving. I also noticed when I have 1200 calories of junk vs natural/healthy food, it also takes some more time to see weight loss.
  • jlp100
    jlp100 Posts: 117 Member
    There is a 21 day challenge of eating no junk food on the web site if you search for it in the community groups. No white bread pastries, takeaways etc, something like that could kick start u off. If you need a friend feel free to add me.

    The only couple of abbreviations I can think of at the mo are
    WTG - way to go
    HRM - heart rate monitor.

    Don't get too disheartened. How long have you been doing MFP?.

    If you do the same workouts u may need to mix it up a little in case ur body has reached a plateau.

    Keep it up u will see results.
  • bh0465507
    bh0465507 Posts: 2
    Take at alook at the time of day when you are eating. I find I need to finish eating for the day by 7 pm ish...Also I don't eat white foods( carbs, rice bread pastat) past my lunch meal. ie for dinner it is lean protien and vegatables...I don't use all the snack prepared foods becaue the carbs are to high...I eat oatmeal or rice with eggs for brekfast so I haven't eliminated carbs just avoid them in teh evening...if I get hungry in the evening I have a little turkey breast or an apple with peanute butter...
  • albayin
    albayin Posts: 2,524 Member
    I don't want to make you feel worse than you already do but sometimes I find myself not completely honest with logging...

    Quality of the food is important but really not that critical if you are honestly within 1200 range. A friend of mine lost lots of weight by eating icecream, soup and tv dinners but restricting to 1500 calories a day. I am not saying that's a good way but just something maybe you could look into? logging everything as accurate as possible? Good luck!
  • UrbanRunner81
    UrbanRunner81 Posts: 1,207 Member
    Figure out your BMR. http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/bmr/ Eat above it, net above it. Even though you are short I bet you could eat more, lose weight steadily and face less plateaus.
  • quantumpion
    quantumpion Posts: 8
    How long have you been dieting? Are you sure you are sticking to your calories, or are you cheating or incorrectly measuring what you eat? If it has only been a week or two it's possible your body is just holding on to water weight due to the sudden decrease in calories. Give it another week or two of accurately accounting for everything you eat and you should start seeing some results. Don't get discouraged right away.
  • jgkoutr
    jgkoutr Posts: 8,105 Member
    check your BMR #s and dont eat lower than that...some might even suggest eating b/w BMR and TDEE...here is a website calculator to help you figure it out


    http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/
  • quantumpion
    quantumpion Posts: 8
    check your BMR #s and dont eat lower than that...some might even suggest eating b/w BMR and TDEE...here is a website calculator to help you figure it out


    http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/

    Please don't listen to this kind of advice. There's a popular misconception that if you eat less than some magic number of calories your body will somehow stop burning any, causing your weight to stay the same. It's silly and incorrect. Your body will not go in to "starvation mode" (i.e., burning your muscles f or energy) until it has used up your fat stores first. When you eat less, your metabolism will decrease somewhat but if you are eating 1200 calories per day that should still be a plenty large enough calorie deficit to lose weight.

    Here is a good link: http://fitnessblackbook.com/main/starvation-mode-why-you-probably-never-need-to-worry-about-it/
  • beachloe
    beachloe Posts: 51 Member
    Figure out your BMR. http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/bmr/ Eat above it, net above it. Even though you are short I bet you could eat more, lose weight steadily and face less plateaus.

    Thanks for that link! Very useful information.
  • wookiemouse
    wookiemouse Posts: 290 Member
    check your BMR #s and dont eat lower than that...some might even suggest eating b/w BMR and TDEE...here is a website calculator to help you figure it out


    http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/

    Please don't listen to this kind of advice. There's a popular misconception that if you eat less than some magic number of calories your body will somehow stop burning any, causing your weight to stay the same. It's silly and incorrect. Your body will not go in to "starvation mode" (i.e., burning your muscles f or energy) until it has used up your fat stores first. When you eat less, your metabolism will decrease somewhat but if you are eating 1200 calories per day that should still be a plenty large enough calorie deficit to lose weight.

    Here is a good link: http://fitnessblackbook.com/main/starvation-mode-why-you-probably-never-need-to-worry-about-it/

    Of course it's myth. Millions of people who lost weight are obviously lying and doing it wrong.

    Here's a great group to check out for more information: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/3834-eat-more-to-weigh-less

    I was stuck at a plateau for 2 years at 1400 cals a day. I upped it to 1800 as per the information from this group and have dropped 7 lbs in a few months.
  • Symonep
    Symonep Posts: 181 Member
    Figure out your BMR. http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/bmr/ Eat above it, net above it. Even though you are short I bet you could eat more, lose weight steadily and face less plateaus.

    ^^ what they said
  • pamrademacher
    pamrademacher Posts: 1
    Look at what you're eating and when. My coach said to go light on the carbs and eat them in the morning. Also if you like fruit they should be eaten earlier in the day. We should also be consuming alot more protein and veggies than we do (Think of the early settlers and cavemen diets). Hope this helps!
  • ANeWcRe8N
    ANeWcRe8N Posts: 1,180 Member
    check your BMR #s and dont eat lower than that...some might even suggest eating b/w BMR and TDEE...here is a website calculator to help you figure it out


    http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/

    I agree .. I just got a bodymedia fit and I burn a pretty good amount of calories on a day where I'm not too active. I'm about 5'3 and 163. You may need to eat a little more especially if you are active.
  • arserine
    arserine Posts: 63 Member
    Actually starvation more is not a lie. Please consult a more reputable source than the one you posted. It's not so much that your body doesn't start consuming muscle until there's not fat left, which is somewhat true, it's the idea that your body thinks it's starving. The whole point of fat isn't to make us look fat, it's to provide energy storage for later. Here's an analogy. One person is used to having 40 cans of soup in their pantry. They usually use one can and buy one can a week. If suddenly they start using 5 cans a day and still only buying one they're going to notice that they're running REALLY low on cans, and will stop using them so rapidly. It doesn't matter if they are used to having 40 cans, or 40 pounds of extra weight, or 5 pounds of extra weight. If it comes off too fast, the body will make an effort to conserve what it has to keep at baseline. You need to loose slowly enough that you can trick your body into this new baseline. This is why so many fad diets don't work.
  • lkpta
    lkpta Posts: 6
    Hi! I am female, 25 years old, 5'3 and starting weight of 158...so I am going through almost EXACTLY what you are going through. I am also a physical therapist assistant, so I have a background in fitness/exercise. I gained weight while I was in school (stress, working a full time job while going to school full time, yea fun stuff!). Here are a few tips for you. I lose weight VERY slowly. I have to exercise 5 days a week and I eat 1300 calories every day. No cheating. And by following this strict program, I lose 1 to 2 pounds a week. I have friends who can do this same thing and lose 5-6 pounds in a couple weeks. DONT BE DISCOURAGED. Everyone is different and loses at different speeds. Log every bite that goes in your mouth. Measure everything, don't eye ball it. As Americans, our portion sizes are very distorted. If you eat less than 1200 calories, it will slow your metabolism. Eat 1200 to 1300 a day, if you exercise hard, allow yourself 1300-1400. Eat lots of veggies, fruit, and lean protein. DO NOT eliminate dairy from your diet. As a woman, you need to calcium. Just go for low fat/fat free versions of yogurts and cheeses. Combine cardio with weight training. And girl, it doesn't have to be complicated. For cardio, I do "walk/jog" interval training of alternating jogging for 2 minutes with walking for 2 minutes. I do this for 20-30 minutes. Look up some BASIC strength moves, you don't have to do all those crazy moves you have to be a ballerina to do. And it's ok to eat things like ice cream, cookies, etc...just factor them into your calorie count for the day. I eat a 110 calorie chocolate ice cream bar every night because I need something sweet. I just factor it into my calories. Eventually, you will find yourself reaching for healthier foods because you will find that they keep you fuller longer. Also, it took me a couple weeks a diet/exercise to see my first pound come off. It could be your body just adjusting to the change, or you could be building some muscle depending on the workout you do. And one more note...I LOVE Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred video. It's only 22 minutes but it is a great cardio and strength workout. I've been doing it several weeks and still on level 1, so if you try it and it's too hard for you don't be discouraged. Do your best and you will be able to do it after a few times. Sorry this got so long (and is probably full of typos LOL) but you sound JUST like where I was a few weeks ago. I was soooo discouraged. This app has really helped keep me accountable for the food I eat. Stay with it :)
  • kathygenuardi
    kathygenuardi Posts: 3 Member
    My goal is also 1200 kcal and after 6 weeks I've hit a plateau. But i have lost. I have found that it is harder for the weight to come off if I drink Diet Soda - I know I fought it when people said that but I have found it's true. So my advice - more protein, less carbs and increase the intensity of your exercise. More green tea less soda if you drink it. If you walk, walk fast for 1-2 minutes so that you are really pushing (less if you are just starting out), if you weight train increase the weight and decrease the reps. The harder you push the more you can burn fat and speed your metabolism.. We need to push our bodies (even a little) to get where we want to be. In two weeks see if this makes a difference
  • csstfj
    csstfj Posts: 2
    Thank yall all for the great replies! I've been at it for 3 weeks so far so I'll keep trying. I have stopped with the white rices, sugars, breads, etc. I have a wheat bagel with low fat cream cheese every morning and have cut out the sweet tea (in Texas it's more available than water!). I also eat the same times every day. Here is my schedule:
    8:00am- breakfast 300 cal
    10:30am- snack 100 cal
    1:00pm- lunch 300 cal
    3:30pm- snack 100 cal
    6:00pm- supper 300 cal
    8:00pm snack (sometimes; not always hungry) 100 cal

    I also do some pilates workouts about 20-30 min every other day sooo hopefully my body will come on with it already! I'm also hypothyroid but not sure if that matters since I have the med to keep my metabolism going...

    Thanks everyone!
  • Laurakbg
    Laurakbg Posts: 66
    Can you open up your diary? Often the diary holds the key!
  • Teirza
    Teirza Posts: 46 Member
    Have you talked to your dr? Have you had bloodwork run? I am of the opinion that thyroid screening should be a regular test for all women. I would suggest if you truly are being very strict with your diet and exercise and seeing no results that perhaps it's time to speak to your dr about what could be preventing loss.
  • ItsPheebs
    ItsPheebs Posts: 127 Member
    check your BMR #s and dont eat lower than that...some might even suggest eating b/w BMR and TDEE...here is a website calculator to help you figure it out


    http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/

    Please don't listen to this kind of advice. There's a popular misconception that if you eat less than some magic number of calories your body will somehow stop burning any, causing your weight to stay the same. It's silly and incorrect. Your body will not go in to "starvation mode" (i.e., burning your muscles f or energy) until it has used up your fat stores first. When you eat less, your metabolism will decrease somewhat but if you are eating 1200 calories per day that should still be a plenty large enough calorie deficit to lose weight.

    Here is a good link: http://fitnessblackbook.com/main/starvation-mode-why-you-probably-never-need-to-worry-about-it/

    Actually, it's not a misconception at all, and you will burn muscle. 1200 is a random number and it doesn't have anything to do with your actual body. I have never, ever, eaten that low for any length of time. When I do, I don't lose weight. Every one is different, and starvation mode is a real thing. You have to take into account what your activity level is and how your body best responds. Your BMR ... what you need just to breathe and not even get out of bed ... is most likely around 1200 (maybe higher). If you're eating that and you are working out, you're putting your body in starvation mode. Check out the group Eat More To Weigh Less.
  • lizzieliladunst
    lizzieliladunst Posts: 29
    i'm having the same exact problem.

    i'm 5'7", 147 pounds, i eat the right amount of calories (eating back calories and all) and i work out over 12 hours a week.

    however, i've been doing this for three weeks and haven't seen the scale budge.

    anyone know what could be up with that?

    or any advice? no one has really helped with this, so i'm in it blind and any help would be nice.
  • Teirza
    Teirza Posts: 46 Member
    check your BMR #s and dont eat lower than that...some might even suggest eating b/w BMR and TDEE...here is a website calculator to help you figure it out


    http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/

    Please don't listen to this kind of advice. There's a popular misconception that if you eat less than some magic number of calories your body will somehow stop burning any, causing your weight to stay the same. It's silly and incorrect. Your body will not go in to "starvation mode" (i.e., burning your muscles f or energy) until it has used up your fat stores first. When you eat less, your metabolism will decrease somewhat but if you are eating 1200 calories per day that should still be a plenty large enough calorie deficit to lose weight.

    Here is a good link: http://fitnessblackbook.com/main/starvation-mode-why-you-probably-never-need-to-worry-about-it/

    Actually, it's not a misconception at all, and you will burn muscle. 1200 is a random number and it doesn't have anything to do with your actual body. I have never, ever, eaten that low for any length of time. When I do, I don't lose weight. Every one is different, and starvation mode is a real thing. You have to take into account what your activity level is and how your body best responds. Your BMR ... what you need just to breathe and not even get out of bed ... is most likely around 1200 (maybe higher). If you're eating that and you are working out, you're putting your body in starvation mode. Check out the group Eat More To Weigh Less.

    I ate about 800 calories a day for about 10 months. During that time I worked out 4-5 days a week for no less than an hour but usually 2 hours at a time. I lost 8 pounds in the first month. I lost 0 pounds after that. Not a single one. And as soon as I stopped that I gained the 8 back plus more because I didn't have any idea of how to eat right.
  • TRISTAR
    TRISTAR Posts: 105 Member
    Same here. I'm on day 25 and would have expected to have lost, but no.
  • mcarter99
    mcarter99 Posts: 1,666 Member
    lizzie- You're at a healthy BMI now so it's going to take meticulous counting and patience. If you're new to your exercise level or intensity, ditch the scale. It's not telling you what's going on.

    Starvation mode is a myth and "don't eat below your BMR" is something you will not see ever from any authority.
  • lkpta
    lkpta Posts: 6
    To the three ladies who are struggling...try bumping up your calories by 100 to 200 and also bump up the intensity of your exercise. This back and forth about the BMR is silly, but yes, it definitely does exist as does "starvation mode". When this happens to your body, you WILL still lose weight (I mean, look at anorexics...they don't eat hardly at all and they lose weight obviously) but it will be VERY slow and not the good, healthy weight loss you are looking for. And yes, your body will burn muscle and fat simultaneously (not all muscle and not all fat, some of both) if you very strictly cut your calories without doing strength training. Muscles is what I spent two years studying, I know all about building them and how they break down. It's what I do for a living every day and they pay me good money to know what I'm talking about. :) If the thought of eating 1300-1400 calories terrifies you since you are use to eating 1200, eat wholesome foods like veggies and fruit as your extra snacks or extra serving at your meal. That way you know you are adding nutrition to your diet not just calories. Also, if you start hitting the weights hard, add a protein shake as a snack. Jillian Michaels makes a protein powder that is just 100 calories for 1 scoop and has around 15 grams of protein. That is an appropriate amout for a female who is lifting for exercise/muscle maintenance and not to build bulk.
  • LouisaMoo
    LouisaMoo Posts: 11
    I don't understand how people can think that the BMR is a myth. Obviously your body needs energy to just exist! Your heart has to beat, your lungs have to inflate and deflate, you think and move even if you're not exercising, and that needs fuel. You wouldn't try to run a car with an empty gas tank.

    No website can calculate your personal fuel requirements, but you can work it out for yourself using sites like this as a guideline. Try eating a bit more for a couple of weeks (like 100 or 200 calories more each day) and see what happens. The worst that can happen is that you might gain a pound. If that happens, go back down again. There's no point following a rule that isn't working.
  • amnski
    amnski Posts: 251 Member
    To the OP - try changing up your exercise routine, amount you eat, and the foods you eat. What you eat makes a huge difference, especially how much and what kinds. Are you measuring or estimating? If you are measuring and eating so little, try upping your calories with more nutritionally dense food. If you are estimating and not logging everything, you may be eating more than you think. Exercise can help change things up, add strength training and cardio can be a girl's best friend.

    Other posters gave great BMR links...

    i'm having the same exact problem.

    i'm 5'7", 147 pounds, i eat the right amount of calories (eating back calories and all) and i work out over 12 hours a week.

    however, i've been doing this for three weeks and haven't seen the scale budge.

    anyone know what could be up with that?

    or any advice? no one has really helped with this, so i'm in it blind and any help would be nice.

    This....over-training is my first thought. I have no idea what exercises you are doing, but it seems that 12 hours a week is a bit much. What does your plan look like? How are you tracking calories burned and what type of foods are you eating (and how much?)
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