Does this happen to anyone else???

Hey all!

I'm 5'1 and 141lbs. I'm looking to lose another 21 lbs to achieve my weight goal of 120!!! =D . The problem is that I find it hard to eat at least 1200 calories a day. Not because I don't get hungry but because I'm scared that I will not lose any weight. In 2006 I was able to go from 205 lbs to about 145 but then by the end of 2007 I was about 184. My weight gain was mainly due to a lot of stress and my depression came back so I pretty much let myself go. However, I decided to start eating really healthy again and have been able to drop about 43 lbs or so. Anyways I know that I'm suppose to eat at least 1200 calories a day. I know why I shouldn't go below that but for some reason I find it hard to eat 1200 calories a day. I tried eating a healthy amount for a while but then the fear of not losing weight came back. I have read a lot of posts about the dangers of not eating enough which is my main reason for starting to eat at least 1200 calories.

I was wondering if anyone else has this problem. If so, what have you done in order to get over this fear and eat a healthy amount of calories. I'm not really looking to know what happens when I don't eat enough because I already know but more of some support.

I should mention that I really don't exercise which is why I only aim for about 1200 calories and not more.

Thanks! =D

I have the same problem. I'm about your weight (+4 pounds, argh!) and an inch taller.

I don't exercise either so I aim for 1200. But I really fear that because I don't exercise, I won't lose weight, so part of me feel I need to overcompensate by eating even fewer calories even thought I KNOW it'll only make me gain weight in the end.

You're definitely NOT alone, but please try to eat 1200 at the bare minimum.

Thank you sooo much for your response premoitions. It's funny because most of the time you know you're not alone but yet you need to hear it from someone else. I'm really trying my best to eat at least 1200 calories. I want to keep on losing weight in a healthy way!! So thanks again!!!

No problem! I've always found talking to people reassuring, especially when trying to keep on track.

If you need someone to talk to for support, feel free to send a message my way any time (AIM: xapostrophex; Email: xapostrophex@aim.com)

I went through a period where I wasn't hungry and was finding myself looking through the cabinets at night just to try to meet 1200 cals.  I went out and bought some cheese wedges, almonds, yogurts, special k bars.  None of which is very filling when your not hungry, but have 60 to 160 cals per serving and aren't too bad for you.  I was also worring about eating and gaining, but have still lost my 2-3 pounds a week.  (I aim a little higher in the cal count because I do get some exercise in).  I am a true believer in eating= losing.....27 pounds down in less than 3 months.!  You can do it!

You know what's weird....

When I was 200+ lbs, I found it very difficult to eat 1200 calories....just wasn't all that hungry.  Now that i'm 10 lbs away from my goal...i am a BEAR!  I could eat EVERYTHING lol

~H~

1200 kcal is not a lot at all, but I do know that some people have more efficient bodies and just don't need as many as other people, so I won't comment on the right number of Calories for you.  Everyone is different.  BUT you really should start doing some exercise, all the 'healthy heart' blurb aside, it will help you with your weight loss.  The more weight you lose the less calories you need anyway, but also your BMR (Basal metabolic rate) slows down and gets used to the small amount of calories you're supplying it, meaning your weight loss plateaus.  Exercise counters this by raising your BMR, even if it just means buying a pedometer and making sure you do 10,000 steps a day, it will help you lost the hardest (last) bit of weight.... Well done for losing so much weight so far!

Hi, I am 5'1 and your goal weight.  My advice to you is a couple of things.  First start exercising, even if it walking on the treadmill or outside for at least three days a week.  This is not for weight loss, but for your depression.  Exercise makes you happy!!!!

Now my question to you is do you eat under 1200 calories, but once a week binge eat.  What are you eating?  It is very important to have a balance diet.  I find to be the weight I am and usually I am less, but just came back from a 3 week trip.  Is watching myself.  It is very important to be consistent in your eating.  Tell me what are you eating and maybe I could compare it to my eating.  

Thanks again for all the advice that you guys have given me!!! It's really does help me out a lot reading your posts =D I will definitely start exercising now that I'm out of school and that the weather is warming up. It's hard fo me to exercise in the winter because the sun is gone by 5 pm so after that I have no motivation at all to exercise.

edlavitch, I pretty much eat under 1200 calories a day. I don't binge eat but I do try to eat pretty healthy. I make sure I eat lean meats (pretty much chicken breast!) carbs, vegtables, and fruits. I also have a couple of 100 calorie snacks ( like 100 cal Oreos). I also try to eat fat free yogurt. Whenever I eat bread I try to make sure that is whole wheat. I also try to cut back on sugar as much as possible. Thanks for your help and any suggestions are welcomed! =D

Also keep in mind that you don't NEED to eat only 1200 calories. You could easily eat 1400 or 1500, but it will take a little longer to lose the weight. You have to think about what you can live with long term. Don't eat 1200 if you're constantly hungry and cranky, because you're setting yourself up for failure.