What classifies as "too few calories" for weight loss?

1200 is generally used as the minimum on here.

Now, that's an approximation, as is anything you record for food intake and exercise burn. But it's probably a good enough guideline.

Everyone is different. You have to find what works for you. I thought that 1200 would work for me, but in fact 1500 works better for me. I have lost over 5 pounds since I have started eating more. (a week ago) When I was eating less, I was just maintaining. Go figure!

I also tried the HCG diet and that is only 500 calories a day. It worked for 6 months, but I couldn't get rid of a head cold, headache every day; all day, feeling so tired, so miserable. Got off of it and gained all the weight right back in less than a week!

Eat high protein, low carb and exercise your butt off.

1200 is generally used as the minimum on here.

Now, that's an approximation, as is anything you record for food intake and exercise burn. But it's probably a good enough guideline.

So do you agree that me sticking to 1200 *should* be ok for me to loose weight? I have 17 weeks to loose 10 lbs....with two weddings to attend in between so realisitcally 15 weeks......

1200 would be safe for you as long as you have a weekly Carb Refeed (~200 under maintenance)
and eat back all your exercise calories and do not go below 1200.

1200 is a magic number. It was put in place by professionals seeking a relatively safe universal number to keep people who don't understand nutrition and mathematics from killing themselves losing weight.

Think about it this way. Doctors apply this number ACROSS THE BOARD. To men and women alike. To tall and short people alike. To the morbidly obese and underweight alike.

But the truth is, across the board we all have vastly different TDEE numbers and that 1200 number means different things to all of us.

I don't let that stupid number rule me, because if I did it would take me a year to lose something as simple as 20 pounds. Pretty dumb! I'm 4'11", a woman grown, and I adjust my intake according to my TDEE, with little regard to the magic 1200. I strike a middle ground. I have both increased my activity and lowered my intake, trying to gain fitness in addition to losing these big jiggly thighs I got somewhere along the way.

I net 900 calories a day where I can. Balk if you like, but I listen to my body. I am not tired, I don't lack energy, I get my job done 5 days a week, and I feel good. Also, I'm losing exactly as the math suggests -- 1 pound per week. So no, I'm not eating too little to lose weight.

In addition to actually losing weight while maintaining a calorie deficit, I have gained strength. Six months ago I could barely lift my Cooler Master HAF gaming tower. Boyfriend had to do it for me. This weekend I picked it up like it was hardly anything and gently nestled it under my desk. No sweat broken.

So no, I'm not eating too few calories to gain strength.

It's all relative. If you're 5'7" and a man, this obviously would not work for you.

If you read nothing else, read this: Find your TDEE at sedentary, subtract 500 and net that every day. By "net that" I mean eat back your exercise calories. By "eat back your exercise calories" I mean buy an HRM or something to accurately determine your exercise calories because MFP has some effed up exercise entries. There's some crazy cleaning entry on here that HAS to be the reason so many people are plateauing, LOL

Truthfully, you'd probably lose the weight easier if you just aimed for a half pound a week, rather than trying to eat the bare minimum.

Set your goals for 0.5 pounds a week, eat your exercise calories, get adequate protein, and regular exercise including strength training. Track your progress through measurements, how clothes fit and through photos instead of just by the scale.

Doing that will not only be easier and more sustainable, but the majority of the weight you lose will be from body fat, rather than a combination of fat and muscle, so even if you don't lose the full 10 pounds, you'll LOOK like you lost a lot more.

This comment is VERY helpful- thank you!!

When i change my MFP settings to 0.5lb per week it increases my calories to 1550- i really dont think I could eat that much without eating poorly. I literally only eat fruit, veg (no potatoes) and meat.....I've cut out yoghurts because they are all high in sugar and bread because of this gluten free diet......

Why is dieitng so stressful?! :explode:

If your diet is stressing you out, it's not going to help your weight loss. It might be better to relax into some other plan. I think that you could probably look a lot better in your gown if you switch gears to focus on weight training instead of weight loss now.

I tottaly agree!

Truthfully, you'd probably lose the weight easier if you just aimed for a half pound a week, rather than trying to eat the bare minimum.

Set your goals for 0.5 pounds a week, eat your exercise calories, get adequate protein, and regular exercise including strength training. Track your progress through measurements, how clothes fit and through photos instead of just by the scale.

Doing that will not only be easier and more sustainable, but the majority of the weight you lose will be from body fat, rather than a combination of fat and muscle, so even if you don't lose the full 10 pounds, you'll LOOK like you lost a lot more.

^Listen to the smart lady.

You don't really have much to lose so going for 1lb a week is going to be really hard. You are much better trying for 0.5 a lbs a week and being successful.

And the comment about not being able to eat 1500 cals, you do not have to eat junk to get there, things like nut butter, avocados, olive oil, granola, as well as many other things.

Truthfully, you'd probably lose the weight easier if you just aimed for a half pound a week, rather than trying to eat the bare minimum.

Set your goals for 0.5 pounds a week, eat your exercise calories, get adequate protein, and regular exercise including strength training. Track your progress through measurements, how clothes fit and through photos instead of just by the scale.

Doing that will not only be easier and more sustainable, but the majority of the weight you lose will be from body fat, rather than a combination of fat and muscle, so even if you don't lose the full 10 pounds, you'll LOOK like you lost a lot more.

This comment is VERY helpful- thank you!!

When i change my MFP settings to 0.5lb per week it increases my calories to 1550- i really dont think I could eat that much without eating poorly. I literally only eat fruit, veg (no potatoes) and meat.....I've cut out yoghurts because they are all high in sugar and bread because of this gluten free diet......

Why is dieitng so stressful?! :explode:

Is being that restrictive in what you are eating something you are going to be able to do long term? If not change it now and start introducing small amounts of other foods back in. It will stop you putting weight back on when you stop 'dieting' and also help you to eat more calories. There is no need to cut out foods like potatoes and yogurt!

For safe, steady and lasting results, set your goals for 1 pound of weight loss per week.
People in a race with nature finish last.

This is how MFP works
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/help/faq/3-how-does-myfitnesspal-work

And Tips for Newbies
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/470367-tips-for-newbies

GOOD LUCK :flowerforyou:

Eat high protein, low carb and exercise your butt off.

Agree totally with this poster! I have had my most success following these simple guidelines!

I would simply cut any simple carbohydrate and pack in fiber & water from natural sources. And keep moving.

edit: and what I meant to imply was to not worry about the number too much (while keeping track) because if you're eating from natural sources, your calorie count will naturally be low.

Watch what you eat and eat somewhere between 1200-1400 but really push the exercise, both cardio and strength training. If you exercise and tone up, you can look even better than losing 10 more pounds. I haven't been losing much weight in the past month but thanks to Jillian Michaels dvd's, my clothes are looser than they were a month ago, new summer clothes at that point.