Is it really bad to eat less than 1200 calories per day?

Question

I am 30lbs overweight, and am counting calories. I walk on the treadmill for 30 min every day. But some days I only get 1000 calories or so...is this bad? I am FAR from anorexic..so is it okay to dip down to 900 every now and then?

Answer 1

1200 to 1500 is for weight loss, and no it isn't ok to go to 900, especially if you're exercising. Your body will burn it for fuel if you're eating the right things, just pay attention to what you're eating, stay with healthy choices.
This is a nice free site: sparkpeople.com there is alot about nutrition and fitness on there and you'll learn alot, I don't like the recipes as they aren't low cal enough, but their info is great. Enjoy!

Answer 2

NO!!! If you're cutting calories only go down to 1600 per day. Eating this unhealthy has disastrous effects on the cells in your body and you may not realize the consequences immediately but they will catch up to you. Also it's not only the amount of calories you eat but the source of the calories. Eat lots of protein and cut down the complex carbs (white bread, candy, coke, etc...). Eat 6 small meals a day and try to pick up the pace on a treadmill. Sprint at intervals of 1 minute (if this is too hard sprint for as long as you can) and then reduce the speed a jog for a minute or two as you recover. This will keep your metabolism faster throughout the day, even after you're out of the gym.

Answer 3

You need to stay over 1200 calories and in fact eat more than that. Calories that low and not enough protein, you actually lose muscle and not fat so watch it.

Answer 4

As long as you don't make a habit of it and as long as you're getting proper nutrition, it's ok. Most days I don't exceed 1200 calories, and I'm perfectly healthy and fit.

Answer 5

Yes. 1200 is okay. You shouldn't eat less, just eat better. Eat a sald once in a while. You metabolism will slow if you aren't feeding yourself properly.