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Why Eating as Little as 1200 Calories a Day Isn’t Helping You Lose Weight

Ever wondered why sticking to a 1200 calorie diet isn’t dropping the pounds? Here’s what’s happening:

The Science Behind Low-Calorie Diets

When you drastically reduce your calorie intake, your body goes into survival mode. This triggers several physiological and psychological responses, which are explained further below that make weight loss difficult and unsustainable.

lettuce

Hunger Hormones

Eating too little can trigger hormonal changes, increasing your hunger. This means you might be eating more than you think as you battle these hunger signals. Your body is smart; it knows when it's not getting enough fuel and will push you to eat more.

Energy Conservation

With such a low intake, your body thinks it's in survival mode. The result? You unconsciously move less to conserve energy. Activities like standing, walking, and even your usual workouts might decrease without you realising it.

Mood and Energy Dips

Feeling hangry, tired, or irritable? That’s your body sensing danger. Low calorie intake can lead to mood swings and energy dips, making it tough to stick to your diet and affecting your overall quality of life.

Muscle vs Fat Loss

Extreme calorie deficits don’t just burn fat; they also lead to muscle loss. Muscle is crucial for your well-being, especially as you age. Losing muscle can slow down your metabolism and make it harder to maintain weight loss in the long run.

If 1200 Calories a Day Isn’t Helping You Lose Weight What's The Solution?

Instead of shocking your system, aim for a more balanced approach:

Slight Caloric Reduction

  • Opt for a moderate calorie reduction that’s less of a strain on your body.

  • This approach is more manageable long-term and helps you avoid the pitfalls of extreme dieting.

Enjoyable Exercise

  • Incorporate regular, enjoyable exercise that doesn’t deplete your energy further.

  • Focus on activities that support your metabolism and help maintain muscle mass like resistance training

woman working out at home with weights

Balance and Nourishment

  • Aim for balance and nourishment, not restriction.

  • This promotes sustainable weight loss and overall well-being.

Sustainable Weight Loss

Losing weight shouldn’t be a battle against your body. By understanding and working with your body’s natural instincts, you can achieve your health goals in a happier, healthier way.


Now you know why 1200 calories a day isn’t helping you lose weight, are you ready to ditch the drastic diets and find a balanced path to your goals?


🌟Need more help? I offer support and advice on social media to help with fitness and fat loss, specifically aimed at women over 30. Click these links to follow me on Instagram  @fitforapurposeuk  or on Facebook fitforapurposeadmin

For those looking for one to one support I offer bespoke coaching services via my Get Fit For a Purpose plan, where we work together to help you achieve your goals in a healthier, kinder, and more achievable way. - Click here for details of my services

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