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Actual Calories or Net Calories

Okay I'm confused on one thing. When they say don't ever go below 1200 calories when dieting it that actual or net?

If I'm counting calories and limiting myself to just 1200 calories a day, and I excercise for a hour and burn appx 400 calories, do I need to then add in a 400 calories snack? Or is it okay to go less than 1200 calories for the day net as long as you are consumming 1200 calories every day?


Thu. Aug 17, 4:09pm

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Just have 1200 calories - do not count in exercise

I never take into account exercise. I have been trying to limit myself to 1200 calories and I also do cardio for 45/min 5-6 days a week.

Thursday, August 17, 2006, 4:12 PM

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When talking about the 1200-calorie guideline, it is pretty hard to figure out who "they" are. But in most of the articles and conversations, "they" are usually talking about avoiding poor nutrition, starvation mode, and eating disorders. "They" rarely mention exercise in this context, so I would say "they" are ignoring exercise in this 1200- calorie guideline. It seems as though, as long as 1200 calories are passing between your lips, "they" will be happy and you can exercise to whatever degree seems healthy.

Thursday, August 17, 2006, 4:49 PM

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Thank you 4:49

for your sarcastic response. I'm the OP and yes "they" is numerous internet articles based on losing weight. And I'm sorry that my question seemed so stupid to you, or so poorly written that you felt the need to ridicule me but the articles I have been been looking at are general weight loss articles that say if you reduce your calorie intake by 500 a day either by reducing calories or increasing excercise you should lose 1lb a week, but to make sure you never limit yourself to less than 1200 calories per day. So I'm sorry that those statements together confused me where I felt the need to ask for clarification and offend you.

Thank you 4:12 for your answer that was not degrading.

Thursday, August 17, 2006, 4:58 PM

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Dear OP, I'm deeply sorry for the tone of my response. I am more irritated at the 1200-calorie guideline that seems to have started as a myth without any substantiation. My sarcasm was totally aimed at "they" and not at you. I do sincerely apologize.

Thursday, August 17, 2006, 5:06 PM

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Thank you... sorry I read that wrong.

So do you think 1200 is too high or too low that you disagree?

Thursday, August 17, 2006, 5:18 PM

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I'm sorry too. I've seen advice to avoid sarcasm and humor in written communication, and now I can see why -- there are no facial expressions to temper my words.

Okay, I think the 1200-calorie guideline is too high for someone who is careful to eat well.

Thursday, August 17, 2006, 5:39 PM

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Well, and who is that 1200-calorie guideline for? A woman who is 4'10" and small-framed needs fewer calories (and smaller amounts of various nutrients) than a guy who is 6'4". Frankly, if I use any of the online calculators that factor in height, weight, sex, and age, 1200 is just barely below "maintenance."

Thursday, August 17, 2006, 7:14 PM

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