1200 cals this way works...
Hezzietiger1
Posts: 1,256 Member
So after spending 45 minutes reading about how I "should be banned" because of my diet.. thank you oh shirtless arrogant one, I thought I'd offer just a little advice to my friends who are doing a 1200 calorie diet and having a little struggle with it. 1200 can be pretty tough because it's not a lot. But, 1200 produces results. Especially in those of us that are vertically challenged and have an ideal weight of 115 or so.
My thoughts...
It is not hard to be full on a 1200 calorie diet when your diet consists of high protein and high fiber fresh fruits and veggies and healthy fats. I don't eat breads, pastas, grains, and only light dairy. I don't eat much processed foods at all- a rare treat. Everything I put in my body has nutritional value, digests slowly, and is loaded with the vitamins and minerals that I need to function well.
So if you are eating 1200 cals a day and those 1200 cals are a 300 cal double chz burger, a 200 calorie coke, a 200 calorie pro shake (cuz ur trying to take the advice of all the "wonderful and supportive people") a 100 cal banana, a 100 cal pack of choco cookies, and a turkey burger and sweet potato fries for dinner- yeh.. ur gonna be hungry, ur body isn't getting the nutrition it needs, and you probably are not going to make it.
But if you are eating 1200 calories and those 1200 calories are ..
200 cal shake for breakfast (25 pro/9 fiber **GNC lean 25**) with 100 cal banana
100 cal serving of almonds
200 cal chicken breast with a salad loaded with broccoli, cucumber, carrots, avocado, mushrooms, red peppers, and fresh salsa instead of dressing
150 cal cup of fruit
450 cal steak with sauteed zucchini, squash in olive oil herbs and spices and a few grape tomatoes
^^ probably going to feel pretty satisfied after 25 grams of fiber and 100+ grams of protein ^^
Disclosure- if the processed stuff mentioned above works for you.. AWESOME and enjoy. If you don't want to eat 1200 calories, and you want/do eat more.. AWESOME and enjoy. If you think I should be eating more than 1200 calories I'm sure you are an AWESOME person but your opinion is irrelevant to my life/weight loss. I'm good with what i do. Thanks for caring though.
Hezz
My thoughts...
It is not hard to be full on a 1200 calorie diet when your diet consists of high protein and high fiber fresh fruits and veggies and healthy fats. I don't eat breads, pastas, grains, and only light dairy. I don't eat much processed foods at all- a rare treat. Everything I put in my body has nutritional value, digests slowly, and is loaded with the vitamins and minerals that I need to function well.
So if you are eating 1200 cals a day and those 1200 cals are a 300 cal double chz burger, a 200 calorie coke, a 200 calorie pro shake (cuz ur trying to take the advice of all the "wonderful and supportive people") a 100 cal banana, a 100 cal pack of choco cookies, and a turkey burger and sweet potato fries for dinner- yeh.. ur gonna be hungry, ur body isn't getting the nutrition it needs, and you probably are not going to make it.
But if you are eating 1200 calories and those 1200 calories are ..
200 cal shake for breakfast (25 pro/9 fiber **GNC lean 25**) with 100 cal banana
100 cal serving of almonds
200 cal chicken breast with a salad loaded with broccoli, cucumber, carrots, avocado, mushrooms, red peppers, and fresh salsa instead of dressing
150 cal cup of fruit
450 cal steak with sauteed zucchini, squash in olive oil herbs and spices and a few grape tomatoes
^^ probably going to feel pretty satisfied after 25 grams of fiber and 100+ grams of protein ^^
Disclosure- if the processed stuff mentioned above works for you.. AWESOME and enjoy. If you don't want to eat 1200 calories, and you want/do eat more.. AWESOME and enjoy. If you think I should be eating more than 1200 calories I'm sure you are an AWESOME person but your opinion is irrelevant to my life/weight loss. I'm good with what i do. Thanks for caring though.
Hezz
0
Replies
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I just looked at your diary...if you're going for 1200...that is certainly the way to do it!
These girls on 1200 really ought to take a look at your diary.
I can't stay at 1200. I just love to eat too much. 0 -
I do 1200 too x 0
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So after spending 45 minutes reading about how I "should be banned" because of my diet.. thank you oh shirtless arrogant one, I thought I'd offer just a little advice to my friends who are doing a 1200 calorie diet and having a little struggle with it. 1200 can be pretty tough because it's not a lot. But, 1200 produces results. Especially in those of us that are vertically challenged and have an ideal weight of 115 or so.
My thoughts...
It is not hard to be full on a 1200 calorie diet when your diet consists of high protein and high fiber fresh fruits and veggies and healthy fats. I don't eat breads, pastas, grains, and only light dairy. I don't eat much processed foods at all- a rare treat. Everything I put in my body has nutritional value, digests slowly, and is loaded with the vitamins and minerals that I need to function well.
So if you are eating 1200 cals a day and those 1200 cals are a 300 cal double chz burger, a 200 calorie coke, a 200 calorie pro shake (cuz ur trying to take the advice of all the "wonderful and supportive people") a 100 cal banana, a 100 cal pack of choco cookies, and a turkey burger and sweet potato fries for dinner- yeh.. ur gonna be hungry, ur body isn't getting the nutrition it needs, and you probably are not going to make it.
But if you are eating 1200 calories and those 1200 calories are ..
200 cal shake for breakfast (25 pro/9 fiber **GNC lean 25**) with 100 cal banana
100 cal serving of almonds
200 cal chicken breast with a salad loaded with broccoli, cucumber, carrots, avocado, mushrooms, red peppers, and fresh salsa instead of dressing
150 cal cup of fruit
450 cal steak with sauteed zucchini, squash in olive oil herbs and spices and a few grape tomatoes
^^ probably going to feel pretty satisfied after 25 grams of fiber and 100+ grams of protein ^^
Disclosure- if the processed stuff mentioned above works for you.. AWESOME and enjoy. If you don't want to eat 1200 calories, and you want/do eat more.. AWESOME and enjoy. If you think I should be eating more than 1200 calories I'm sure you are an AWESOME person but your opinion is irrelevant to my life/weight loss. I'm good with what i do. Thanks for caring though.
Hezz
I think it is great that you found something that works for you and also you've done your research and know how foods work with your body. So that is great :-)0 -
My goal is 1200 a day also but I eat processed food still and I feel like I am getting enough most of the time. I am not very active so that may play a big role in it too, lol. 0
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Well said. The problem is that some on here think 1200 is a death limit so they call people stupid for eating that low and others here feel that 1200 is just a number and if they eat less then they will lose even more weight and quicker, which isn't always the case either. There is no way in hell that I could eat that little but people like you who do it right, or at least you say you do can't always trust what you read on the internet
, should be commended for being diligent. good job. 0 -
Of course you will lose, you are in a deficit. The problem is 1200 cals and exercising is like eating less than 1200. On days you burn 400 calories, if you only eat 1200, it is the same as eating 800 cals (1200-400) on days you don't exercise. 800 calories is not enough for anyone, even if you are short. (I am 5'6" 136, and I eat 2000+ calories)
The problem with not eating enough is a large % of your weight loss will come from lean muscle, not just fat. Higher protein will help but not eliminate the loss of lean muscle.0 -
I thought 1200 was an average amount for a diet! I know that the 1200 is supposed to be your net calories after exercise but sometimes I struggle to get up to that! (other times it's so easy to go waayyy over so I think it all evens out in the end!)0
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LOVE this post. I have my calories at 1,300 right now and end up eating under most days. Even though I eat every 2-3 hours. I eat the very same way as you but no meat.Due to my recent PCOS diagnosis I've cut out ALL grains, stratches and breads. I eat a lot of protein and veggies and am ultimately satisfied. Oh-and I drink buttloads of water.
I have often had to explain to friends on MFP that I'm NOT on a starvation mission and that my insides are really happy. Although I understand their concern, it makes publishing my diary at the end of the day a bit "nerve racking" as I anticipate a comment about starving myself.0 -
People should also keep in mind food allergies and associated dietary requirements. Having recently been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease I am now finding it difficult to reach my daily target of 1350 cals/day when I'm eating a very plain, and simple AND gluten free diet.0
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I agree.... I keep saying keep it lean and clean: I try to choose whole foods made naturally.... lean protein and lots of veggies and whole grains are def the way to go. Continued success!0
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Actually no offence but I can see the way this post is going so I am out.0
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I agree, 1600 calories via McDonalds is easy and not really helping because it is unhealthy.
1200 by eating a smart sandwich, yoghurts, veggie snacks and a nice evening meal is way better for you.
I'm more than happy to kiss off the people that say "Low calorie is bad" in favor of the "Eating healthy is good" ones0 -
Excellent response, everyone is different so for some 1,200 is perfect.:huh:0
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i have been on 1000 calories for a long time an it worked for me i was on 1200 when i first started and it also worked i just dropped to 1000 as i was eating less on the 12000
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Of course you will lose, you are in a deficit. The problem is 1200 cals and exercising is like eating less than 1200. On days you burn 400 calories, if you only eat 1200, it is the same as eating 800 cals (1200-400) on days you don't exercise. 800 calories is not enough for anyone, even if you are short. (I am 5'6" 136, and I eat 2000+ calories)
The problem with not eating enough is a large % of your weight loss will come from lean muscle, not just fat. Higher protein will help but not eliminate the loss of lean muscle.
in her defense- this system adds more calories with workout calorie deficits so you dont get any lower than the 1200 calories daily. So I think she is fine doing that way- I am also 1200 cal daily and while some days are tough to keep it there other days when I am eating really healthy I am just fine with that .....the more you exercise the more you can eat.....0 -
So after spending 45 minutes reading about how I "should be banned" because of my diet.. thank you oh shirtless arrogant one, I thought I'd offer just a little advice to my friends who are doing a 1200 calorie diet and having a little struggle with it. 1200 can be pretty tough because it's not a lot. But, 1200 produces results. Especially in those of us that are vertically challenged and have an ideal weight of 115 or so.
My thoughts...
It is not hard to be full on a 1200 calorie diet when your diet consists of high protein and high fiber fresh fruits and veggies and healthy fats. I don't eat breads, pastas, grains, and only light dairy. I don't eat much processed foods at all- a rare treat. Everything I put in my body has nutritional value, digests slowly, and is loaded with the vitamins and minerals that I need to function well.
So if you are eating 1200 cals a day and those 1200 cals are a 300 cal double chz burger, a 200 calorie coke, a 200 calorie pro shake (cuz ur trying to take the advice of all the "wonderful and supportive people") a 100 cal banana, a 100 cal pack of choco cookies, and a turkey burger and sweet potato fries for dinner- yeh.. ur gonna be hungry, ur body isn't getting the nutrition it needs, and you probably are not going to make it.
But if you are eating 1200 calories and those 1200 calories are ..
200 cal shake for breakfast (25 pro/9 fiber **GNC lean 25**) with 100 cal banana
100 cal serving of almonds
200 cal chicken breast with a salad loaded with broccoli, cucumber, carrots, avocado, mushrooms, red peppers, and fresh salsa instead of dressing
150 cal cup of fruit
450 cal steak with sauteed zucchini, squash in olive oil herbs and spices and a few grape tomatoes
^^ probably going to feel pretty satisfied after 25 grams of fiber and 100+ grams of protein ^^
Disclosure- if the processed stuff mentioned above works for you.. AWESOME and enjoy. If you don't want to eat 1200 calories, and you want/do eat more.. AWESOME and enjoy. If you think I should be eating more than 1200 calories I'm sure you are an AWESOME person but your opinion is irrelevant to my life/weight loss. I'm good with what i do. Thanks for caring though.
Hezz
1200+eating back cals correct?
So most would be hitting in the 1500-1800net?
Right?0 -
Great post. I got to my goal weight and am maintaining even with heavy weight lifting eating roughly 1200/day.
I read that post yesterday and decided not to even comment.0 -
The problem with not eating enough is a large % of your weight loss will come from lean muscle, not just fat. Higher protein will help but not eliminate the loss of lean muscle.
^^ this is actually very accurate.0 -
Of course you will lose, you are in a deficit. The problem is 1200 cals and exercising is like eating less than 1200. On days you burn 400 calories, if you only eat 1200, it is the same as eating 800 cals (1200-400) on days you don't exercise. 800 calories is not enough for anyone, even if you are short. (I am 5'6" 136, and I eat 2000+ calories)
The problem with not eating enough is a large % of your weight loss will come from lean muscle, not just fat. Higher protein will help but not eliminate the loss of lean muscle.
This is very true. I to was on 1200 cal diet working out 5-6 x per week. I wasn't getting much definition. I wasn't feeding my body properly and I was always hungry.0 -
ooh, love this post! I'm 5'1 and have lost 22 pounds since February this year on 1200 kcals per day; and this is exactly the way to do it.
Actually, since I'm nearing my goal weight and seeing as I've lost all that weight, therefore my BMR is down too, now I'm getting to a point where I'm full but I've calories over (yesterday had 150 cals each worth of Pringles and an ice cream. The day before that I allowed myself a glass of wine).
More excellent sources of nutrition: fatty fish (I loooooove salmon!), barley, green beans, all beans for that matter, tenderloin steak, corn on the cob (1 ear is about 170 kcal)0 -
I too come right about 1200 to 1400 eating very similar to you, I had to give up all starches and have been eating tons of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish and legumes. I have a ton of energy and feel healthier that I have in years and my blood sugar never spikes anymore. I'm losing weight as well. Thanks for posting ~Jerry~0
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The problem with not eating enough is a large % of your weight loss will come from lean muscle, not just fat. Higher protein will help but not eliminate the loss of lean muscle.
^^ this is actually very accurate.
If there is fat to burn, your body burns mostly fat and yes some lean muscle too. I've reduced my body fat from 25%-21% eating approx. 1200 calories, 95% clean, lifting heavy weights and having a cheat day twice a month.
There are folks who swear by starvation mode and folks that call it a myth. When I researched the subject, the opinions were 50/50.0 -
So after spending 45 minutes reading about how I "should be banned" because of my diet.. thank you oh shirtless arrogant one, I thought I'd offer just a little advice to my friends who are doing a 1200 calorie diet and having a little struggle with it. 1200 can be pretty tough because it's not a lot. But, 1200 produces results. Especially in those of us that are vertically challenged and have an ideal weight of 115 or so.
To be fair the post was about people consistently eating UNDER 1200 calories as it encourages unhealthy eating habits (eating too little). It wasnt slating people who NET 1200 a day.
Also, the OP is the very OPPOSITE of the kind of people the guy was slating. You eat good, healthy nutritious food and eat back exercise calories.0 -
Actually I haven't said this before and I don't care if I get blasted, when I ate 800-1000 calories a day and exercised I was diagnosed with an eating disorder. Yes laugh under your breath at the fact my lowest weight was fine but I was not diagnosed with Anorexia but I was diagnosed with an eating disorder hence my 43lb loss and then gain for a constant battle both binging and restriction. I brought myself here in an attempt to recover and lose weight healthily and trust me if you are eating 1000 calories a day or making a deficit for under 1000 calories a day that is not healthy.
You need a minimum of 1200 NET calories a day, and that is the bare minimum just to keep your organs surviving and most people NEED more. What you are doing to your body is slowing down your metabolism and eventually you WILL gain weight when you go into maintained calorie amount (that's if you even get through the plateau that will come along with this.) you will gain. Unless you are seeing some wako doctor or are obese (even then a lot wouldn't recommend it) they would never recommend going under 1200 net calories, thats unless you would like to gain more than you started with or if you plan on keeping it up losing muscle and playing around with your organs.
Just make sure please that you are eating a net of 1200, it's healthy and safe. Don't be eating 1200 and then netting 800 which is far from safe.
Blast away
not saying it to be a *****, just honesty and I know a lot of what people do is trial and error, but never kid yourself under 1200 net calories is healthy. you need to be healthy to be awesome x 0 -
Great post! I eat in a similar way, except for breakfast. I usually have an egg with veggies...0
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I agree with you. I'm eating 6 small meals every 2 hours with lots of vegetables, fruits, and meats totaling 1250 cal. Rarely eat processed foods. I'm full all the time since I'm eating so often. Just snacking while at work on the computer. ALL DAY =.= I drink lots of water throughout the day and try to get in 8 glasses. I do a min of 20 minutes of exercise a day.
I am fit, healthy, and satisfied. I feel amazing!
I'm losing weight at a steady and healthy pace of 1-2 pounds a week.
I eat out with my family and friends and eat whatever I want just in smaller portions.0 -
You're exactly right!:drinker:0
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Actually I haven't said this before and I don't care if I get blasted, when I ate 800-1000 calories a day and exercised I was diagnosed with an eating disorder. Yes laugh under your breath at the fact my lowest weight was fine but I was not diagnosed with Anorexia but I was diagnosed with an eating disorder hence my 43lb loss and then gain for a constant battle both binging and restriction. I brought myself here in an attempt to recover and lose weight healthily and trust me if you are eating 1000 calories a day or making a deficit for under 1000 calories a day that is not healthy.
You need a minimum of 1200 NET calories a day, and that is the bare minimum just to keep your organs surviving and most people NEED more. What you are doing to your body is slowing down your metabolism and eventually you WILL gain weight when you go into maintained calorie amount (that's if you even get through the plateau that will come along with this.) you will gain. Unless you are seeing some wako doctor or are obese (even then a lot wouldn't recommend it) they would never recommend going under 1200 net calories, thats unless you would like to gain more than you started with or if you plan on keeping it up losing muscle and playing around with your organs.
Blast away not saying it to be a *****, just honesty and I know a lot of what people do is trial and error, but never kid yourself under 1200 net calories is healthy. you need to be healthy to be awesome x
I do not think anyone should be blasted for their opinions on this matter. It just seems that in the forums, the pro "eat more" folks are brutal with folks that net (not EAT) less than 1200 calories.
Yesterday I had greek yogurt, steak, chicken, sweet potato, guacamole, nuts strawberries and more (approx 1300 cals) and netted around 1000. Since I eat clean 95% of the time I am completely satisfied.
In a civil debate I just like to point out that every body is different. Most of the threads on this subject however are far from civil.0 -
Actually I haven't said this before and I don't care if I get blasted, when I ate 800-1000 calories a day and exercised I was diagnosed with an eating disorder. Yes laugh under your breath at the fact my lowest weight was fine but I was not diagnosed with Anorexia but I was diagnosed with an eating disorder hence my 43lb loss and then gain for a constant battle both binging and restriction. I brought myself here in an attempt to recover and lose weight healthily and trust me if you are eating 1000 calories a day or making a deficit for under 1000 calories a day that is not healthy.
You need a minimum of 1200 NET calories a day, and that is the bare minimum just to keep your organs surviving and most people NEED more. What you are doing to your body is slowing down your metabolism and eventually you WILL gain weight when you go into maintained calorie amount (that's if you even get through the plateau that will come along with this.) you will gain. Unless you are seeing some wako doctor or are obese (even then a lot wouldn't recommend it) they would never recommend going under 1200 net calories, thats unless you would like to gain more than you started with or if you plan on keeping it up losing muscle and playing around with your organs.
Blast away not saying it to be a *****, just honesty and I know a lot of what people do is trial and error, but never kid yourself under 1200 net calories is healthy. you need to be healthy to be awesome x
I do not think anyone should be blasted for their opinions on this matter. It just seems that in the forums, the pro "eat more" folks are brutal with folks that net (not EAT) less than 1200 calories.
Yesterday I had greek yogurt, steak, chicken, sweet potato, guacamole, nuts strawberries and more (approx 1300 cals) and netted around 1000. Since I eat clean 95% of the time I am completely satisfied.
In a civil debate I just like to point out that every body is different. Most of the threads on this subject however are far from civil.
I do agree with the less than civil comment there which is usually why I like to stay away from these kinds of posts, I'm not there to attack anyone and I hope not to be attacked either. I just want people to be healthy and I do understand it is different people for different things, just at the end of the day your health should come before weight loss. I didn't mean my comment to sound at all mean or *****y I have just been educated on this with some stuff I have been through. I want people safe, not to attack them.
I just know how damaging eating too little can be, despite the fact my lowest BMI was 20 I wasn't healthy in the way I got there I felt amazing at first doing this, but after a while I lost that. I got heart pains, headaches, dizzy, fatigued and several other things happened to my body.
what worries me more is, you will eventually stop losing weight on 1200 calories and instead of eating more to speed up, most people will eat less and by then I doubt it is a crash diet, and is pretty much turning into an eating disorder. I started with 1200 after hearing how healthy it was, then no weight loss, went to 1000 then it stopped again, then to 800, 750, 700 and eventually to 500 calories a day and now I gained weight from 'recovery' and I can't lose it that easily any more. Just be very careful of what you are doing to your body.0 -
The problem with not eating enough is a large % of your weight loss will come from lean muscle, not just fat. Higher protein will help but not eliminate the loss of lean muscle.
^^ this is actually very accurate.
If there is fat to burn, your body burns mostly fat and yes some lean muscle too. I've reduced my body fat from 25%-21% eating approx. 1200 calories, 95% clean, lifting heavy weights and having a cheat day twice a month.
There are folks who swear by starvation mode and folks that call it a myth. When I researched the subject, the opinions were 50/50.
The human body can only burn so much fat in a day.
And while fed will normally burn glucose.
So the question I have is if you can get the same results eating at a slight deficit and thus not having such a negative effect on hormones used for fat loss....why 1200?
I have women who are short, 4'11"-5'3", who eat in excess of 1800+ cals a day and workout 3x a week losing fat and not having issues with plateaus.
I see hundreds of forum threads a month about 1200cals and plateaus....so why would you want to give up vital nutrients in hopes of losing fat faster than you could eating at say 20-30% below TDEE?
This isnt some cookie cutter program.
It should be based around actual data like age, height, weight and body fat.
Short?
Tall?
Medium?
Doesnt matter.
I've come to a point where I can look at a woman and tell how much she should be eating by height, weight and age.
I've never come to 1200.0
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