A question for you all...

Avatar for bootywhompus
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
A question for you all...
16
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: 06-09-2003
Wed, 08-06-2003 - 3:31pm
Lori,

NO can do! I need to eat a level to feed my muscles. I am like you .. curvy. If I don't eat enough, I get a headache and weak!

Listen to your body, hon!

Cee


CeeCee

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 08-06-2003 - 3:39pm
Did I miss something? Where did the 1200 calorie magic number come from? It kind of sounds like the 1200 calorie diet that the Dr. gives out. One size fits all. I think you have to find out what your basal metabolism is and then add your activity level to figure out how many calories per day you have to deduct from your diet for weight loss. I've had friends that are body builders or athletes that may consume 4000-6000 calories per day. Can you imagine eating that much? I'd like to try sometimes! :-).

When I want to lose weight I think the type of calories that I eat make a huge difference in my success. Are you doing a 1200 calorie diet Lori?

Phyllis

Live With Passion!

Phyllis

Avatar for bootywhompus
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 08-06-2003 - 4:45pm
No, I'm not. I tried it though. Doc said 1200 calories was about right. He's nutty. I'm looking for a new doctor.

I've done some reading here and there and the 1200 number keeps popping up as the 'ideal' calorie level for women who want to lose some weight. I only asked because I am starting to feel like there is something wrong with me if I can't survive on 1200 a day like they say. I mean, I know that weight loss in general is difficult, but I didn't think it should hurt that much.

No, I'm aiming at 1600-1800 a day. That seems like a lot from what I've been reading but I haven't been able to go below this level with any kind of comfort.

I'm getting fed up with the whole idea. I swear, I'm never going to lose the weight anyway. My Dad's sisters (all 5 of them) are built like me. I guess those genes are just kicking in right about now. I exercise my patootie off and all it gets me is sore joints and muscles. I try to cut back on sweets and such and I turn into the wicked witch of the midwest. I'm frustrated. It will work out one way or another, I know. But probably not how I want it to.

I just can't follow through on anything anymore.

ARRGGGHHHH!!!!

Lori

Lori

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-21-2003
Wed, 08-06-2003 - 6:11pm
Poor kid. I know how frustrating it can be. I do want to point out a couple of things though...

First - I've always seen the "magic number" 1200 as the *minimum* number of calories in order to get a balanced diet and that one shouldn't go below 1200 without the supervision of a doctor or nutritionist. At least, that's how I've interpreted what I've read. It seems reasonable to me...

Secondly - you need to tailor your eating to what works for you. Chocolate is not evil.

I repeat - chocolate is not evil.

An entire 16 oz bag of M&Ms on the other hand... ;-)

Plan for eating a treat every day. Whether it's chocolate or some other favorite sweet - plan it, measure out the portion, put the package away, and then savor it. I found myself eating much yummier, higher quality treats when I did this, and enjoying them far more than when I simply grabbed a candy bar from the vending machine cuz it was convenient...

Your 1600-1800 calories, given exercise and healthy eating *and* some planned for treats, seems perfectly sound and reasonable to me. Stop beating yourself up for being smart enough to not follow the "advice" of some nutcase doctor who hasn't got a clue.

Anna

Avatar for free2beme482
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 08-06-2003 - 9:22pm
Lori, Your message sounds like something that I would have written. I'd get frustrated when I'd put so much effort into my diet and exercise and the needle on the scales would go up instead. So unfair.

Anna has some good ideas though. It sounds balanced.

Catherine.

Avatar for oahe
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-27-2003
Wed, 08-06-2003 - 11:19pm
I have a little program on my Palm Pilot in which I can calculate calories needed per day, based on height, weight, age and activity level, also body bone structure. For example a woman 50 years, 65 inches tall, 140 lbs, of medium bone structure with an active life style would burn about 1700 cal per day to maintain that weight. To lose 1-2# per week she would have to reduce her intake 500 cal per day or eat about 1200 cal. That reduction would occur if she did not alter her regular routine. More or less exercise would of course affect the rate of weight loss. If anyone would like their calorie needs figured out I can do that. I can also figure out fluid needs and well as protein needs. I'll be going to bed now, but if anyone would like to know, I'll check back tomorrow evening.
siggie

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