Hello all,
I’ve been on a 1200 calorie diet for the past week or so, trying to drop 40 pounds. However, I have a labor intensive job. I’m a stocker, on my feet for my whole shift, heavy lifting, etc. I also get about 20k-ish steps, if not more on days I work. I’m wondering if I’m eating too little by only consuming 1200 calories per day when I have a job like this, that gets me steps and exercise.
by EducationalRefuse974
15 Comments
I would say yes, 1200 calories is too low if you are getting that much activity per day
It may be. You should put your stats into a TDEE calculator to get a better determination based on your size and weight loss goals.
You’re the one who should be telling us. Monitor your weight and how you feel. If weight drops too fast and/or you feel sluggish, eat more carbs
Calculate your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure) to get a better grasp on how many calories you should be eating, 1200 isn’t enough for the calories you’re burning in that many steps.
As someone who used to have an eating disorder, yes, you are eating too little.
Your body will stock up and hold on to any fat whatsoever because it will be under huge amounts of stress.
1200 calories is not enough, especially for a man with a physically intensive job.
You are better off trying to he in a smaller calorie deficit (around 1700/1800), lbs length of veggies and protein, lots of water, and lots of sleep. It will help the weight go down gradually and it will help you keep it off.
If you are that active, you probably need more than 1200.
What is your age, sex, height, and weight?
Are you able to function well? You’re probably going to hit a wall with energy level if you haven’t already. I’d be careful. Why did you decide on 1200? You could easily lose weight at a higher calorie intake if you’re this active ! If you aren’t then you have to be very strict with tracking and weighing foods and drinks, because something isn’t adding up
You’ll know pretty quick if they are, energy will tank HARD.
can’t really say since you didn’t include your size, sex, weight, age, etc
that said, when I was on my weight loss journey (i’m in maintenance now) I chose 1600 calories and stuck to it. I saw my best results when I didn’t eat back or include my exercise calories.
Yes. If a lot of these steps aren’t work related, I’d recommend using that time to strength train instead. Also eat more food.
Listen to your body – do you feel good ?
If you feel good and can survive on 1200 whilst working, congrats you will lose weight quicker than most.
If this is on your wrist and you’re a stocker, it’s probably not step accurate. Watches can pick up wrist movements as steps. Get a pedometer instead.
Edit: you can also do a stretchy band and put it on your ankle as well. But that defeats the purpose of a watch.
People generally say the 1200 calorie diet is for sedentary, small women. I wouldn’t count a 20-30k step average as sedentary. Listen to your body’s energy levels and hunger cues.
You’re burning around 1,500 – 2,000 calories on steps alone, negating what you eat.
Your body needs calories to run, so by negating the food intake you’re gonna lose weight at the same rate as someone fasting while sedentary.
This isn’t bad as long as you listen to your body and you feel fine. Your body will run through your body’s glucose and fat storage for the energy needed.
WARNING: Please keep in mind that if you’re close to being underweight this is NOT a good idea. It WILL harm your health if you do not have the fat to support this, as you’d likely be losing 8+ pounds a month.
I’m usually about half that and I don’t eat much less than 1550-1600 and I am actively losing nearly 2lbs a week – you probably need to eat a bit more, but definitely recommend checking a TDEE calculator and seeing how you feel