A question for you all...

Avatar for bootywhompus
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
A question for you all...
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Wed, 08-06-2003 - 8:18am
How in the world are you supposed to survive on 1200 calories a day? I mean really, isn't that a bit restrictive? Maybe it's just because I'm *ahem* big boned, but 1200 calories leaves me swooning with low blood sugar.

Is anyone else like this?

Lori

Lori

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-05-2003
Wed, 08-06-2003 - 8:28am
I was on a 1400 daily intake diet for a while. However, I didn't lose anything. So when I went to 1200 I lost.

It is difficult to stay on it. I feel hungry a lot. I just remind myself when I am hungry that I might be losing. lol

I know what they mean by willpower now.

Beth

Avatar for dmm11730
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Registered: 04-06-2003
Wed, 08-06-2003 - 9:01am
Hey Lori you talking about me? Its really not that bad. By journaling everything and paying attention I seem to be fine and not hungry 24/7. Do not get me wronge its not a walk in the park and I have to make decisions ahead and plan. I can see what happens when I do not. Unfortunatly yesterday and last night were a complete wash, both in my carb intake and my calorie intake. I have a feeling this afternoon is going to be the same. We are leaving about 12:30 for a special event race in NJ with Katie. I asked Bill last night if he wanted me to buy some cutlets and I could grill them on the Foreman. But he said no, to much work. But my thinking is if I don't I have to eat at their snack bar. Maybe I will just pack a salad with some turkey and cheese, some string cheese, and some red peppers. I am just afraid if I don't I will have another day like yesterday and I really do not want to mess up the good I did the week before. But your question about the 1200 limit, its not that bad. Sorry I rambled.

Deb

Debbie

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 08-06-2003 - 9:04am
I react the same way, Lori. I just don't think we're meant to survive on 1200 calories, and it sets us up to regain that weight and more when we go off the diet, because it slows our metabolism by putting us in starvation mode. I think that's why it's healthier to eat more good calories and exercise to burn them off.

Rhonda

       ~~Rhonda~~


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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-21-2003
Wed, 08-06-2003 - 9:12am
I've done it, but not for long. Mostly when it was necessary to get my eating down a bit more and really kickstart the weight loss. To take care of the bloodsugar, I had to prepare very carefully and eat about 6 small meals a day with protein at each meal and pretty low fat - to space out the food so I wouldn't feel faint or weak. I'm *not* big-boned, however, so that might make it easier for me.

For most of the time when trying to lose, I'm happier with 1400-1600 calories a day and reasonable activity. When I've dropped enough and go into muscle-up phase, I let my calories go up to around 1800-2000 a day... but that's when I'm doing regular intense lifting and working out.

So there ya go.

Anna

Avatar for dmm11730
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Registered: 04-06-2003
Wed, 08-06-2003 - 9:19am
Anna, that is basicly Curves idea. I only stay on the 1200 calorie for 2 weeks then up it to 1600. Just as a jump start.

Deb

Debbie

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Registered: 01-06-2000
Wed, 08-06-2003 - 9:35am
Totally low-cal diets scare me - that's how I used to lose weight, and since they kept me hungry, I shudder when I realize that I was probably starving myself. For me 1280 calories is what I'd need to survive in a coma at my current weight. Seriously. I believe calories needed indeed depend on your height, age, and current weight (which automatically takes into account your bone structure), and so calorie reduction should take all that into consideration. Starvation diets are usually the tickets to subsequent regaining of the lost pounds, because they're seldom done properly (ie. people leave off the protein thinking it's too rich in calories), and few teach you how to eat healthy for life. I think calorie reduction accomplished by eating the *right* foods is acceptable (I think Deb is doing it right with turkey, string cheese, etc.), though I still wouldn't want to get down to 1200 for myself.

These days if I don't eat enough, I get headaches - blood sugar levels, maybe? It works better for me if I do *some* calorie reduction combined with stepped up exercise. I need between 1660 and 1920 calories to maintain my body functions plus give me the boost for fairly moderate to medium moderate activity. If I need to lose (like after a week at MIL's, LOL!), I'll cut back on calories by substituting more fruits and veggies and cutting out desserts, plus bumping up activity - often my weight gain is a combo of poor eating and not exercising the usual amount. For instance, I've switched back to eating salads topped with tuna for lunch, instead of having leftovers, and I'm back to doing full routines and running for exercise. I doubt I reduce my caloric intake more than 250 a day which would still leave me at 1410 to 1670.

Just my thoughts ~ Cussette

C

Avatar for imthebigsister
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 08-06-2003 - 9:37am
Lori - You can always eat more than 1200 calories if you're diligent about working out to compensate for the extra eating. I seriously think 1400-1600 calories and committed exercise is healthier.

Only advice is to splurge on nearly "free" food like veggies, legumes, and fruit while eating balanced protein and carbs. 1200 calories at the end of the day has never struck me as enough for truly balanced eating. I know what science says, but you of all people know science - the story is ever-changing with every study, experiment and report that comes out.

I hope you find a happy medium.

Donna





Avatar for bootywhompus
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 08-06-2003 - 12:05pm
Well, I'm glad somebody reacts the same way. I can go to 1200 calories, but I can't exercise or even clean house. It's not enough for me but everything I read says 1200 calories is where it's at.

Hogwash.

Lori

Lori

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 08-06-2003 - 12:35pm
I'm medium boned, even though I am petite, so I need more calories than that to feel good, yes! I hate low-cal eating plans! Personally, I lose weight when I have the mindset - and yes, I have to deprive myself of certain sweet things (like Krispy Kremes & Starbucks frappuccinos) in order to do it. I do eat all food groups even in "lose weight" mindset and watch the portion control, but never feel weak during the day. One true thing for me: protein is more satisfying than most carbs as far as staying with me, so I think including a little protein in one's meals and snacks is a very good idea.

However, I can maintain my weight and still have the chocolate, the carbs I love, etc. in moderation. I'm in maintenance mode right now, although I could still lose a few pounds! Someday, I just may decide to "just do it".

Katherine (Kat)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 08-06-2003 - 1:42pm
Good question, Lori...I couldn't do it unless I had an upset stomach. I even have trouble sticking with the high end of the WW points.

You have to eat a lot of high fiber foods like whole grains and veggies and more protein to keep you fuller longer. Be careful of fruit because of the sugar in it even though it is "natural".

Try snacking on low fat string cheese with reduced fat triscuits. PB on an apple or whole wheat toast or triscuits. Sometimes, yogurt with grapenuts in it helps me too.

Good luck..I do know what you mean.

Grace

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