flybaby,

1200 calories should be ok.  However, you may want to adjust the way you eat a bit.  First, at breakfast, have something aside from just fruit.  Adding a serving of protein like non-fat yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese, or some egg whites can help to satiate you, control your blood sugar, and thus control your appetite later in the day.  Also, try to eat every 2-3 hours to help keep your metabolism moving and to help control your hunger and overeating later on. 

On weekends, you may need to tame down the "cheating".  I'm not sure what you are eating but if you are eating out for a lot of your meals, you may be getting in 2-3 times the allotted calories.  That can basically make up the deficit you created throughout the week.  Instead, try to eat similarly to how you eat during the week, but perhaps have one meal that is more of a splurge.  I would also hold back on the regular sodas.  First, they are very high in sugar, which can contribute to high triglycerides.  Second, they have lots of empty calories.  Instead, opt for diet soda or water, and perhaps only have 1 regular soda.

Finally, be sure to talk to your doctor about all the supplements you are taking.

Sincerely,

Ali Auerbach, MS, RD

Registered Dietitian

I need to add to my previous post:  I am 54 years old, with high cholesterol, trouble losing weight, and ravenous appetite.  I quit taking my hormones about two weeks ago and have been taking supplements:  vitamins, fish oil, boron, ocuvite (for eyes), sublingual B vit., flaxseed oil caps, and Relacore (for suppressant and mood enhancing).  I have not much energy.  I weigh 118-121 the last week.  It took me six months to lose 10 pounds.  Most of the time I FEEL like I am starving.  I eat fruit for breakfast or fruit smoothie, turkey sandwich with wheat bread lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard for lunch,  dinner sometimes SFast or vegetables.  On weekends I do eat out or cheat, drink Dr. Pepper, dessert, etc.  I am very short 4 ft. 10in.  with a slight build.  For years I weighed 90-95 pounds with big appetite. I have been walking or biking for about 4 months (recumbent stationary bike). It is so hard to lose ONE pound, yet I can easily gain 3-4 pounds it seems overnight. Like on Sat. my husband ordered pizza and I ate 2 slices (thin and crispy).  Plus half a coke (can).  Is it ok to drink Dr. Pepper/Coke on weekends? Or never?  Do cokes affect triglycerides and therefore cholesterol? The only reason I really was taking the hormones was for hot flashes but my hands and feet swell with the hormones, too.  Relacore seems to help with my mood and sleepiness.  I feel so sleepy about 2 pm and usually take a nap. My cholesterol went up from last year despite quittting eating out and starting to exercise. What else can I do? And will I lose weight on 1200 calories due to my height? Seems like a lot of calories for my height.