Nevertheless, caloric deficits are not just about numbers. Studies have documented cases of obese people who consume 1,200 calories a day, or less, and still remain obese. This scanty caloric intake puts the body in starvation, i.e., fat storage, mode.
Plus, I cannot be certain if these people consume their 1,200 calories at once, or over the span of a few hours. Moreover, I do not know what their 1,200 calories consist of– one cheeseburger or a slice of whole grain bread, a pound of turkey, a cup of lettuce, one tomato, a cup of pasta, one fruit and a cup of green tea and other foods I could add to equal 1200 calories. Such discretion with food selection renders a massive difference in body composition.
Food selection can affect your overall appearance based the percentages of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in your foods choices.
One thousand two-hundred and forty seven calories does not equal 1247 calories. You could eat a cheeseburger, fries and cola and consume your calories as follows: 14% protein, 48% carbohydrates and 38% fat. Or, you could consume a variety of foods including turkey, apples, wholegrain bread, tomatoes, and tuna and enjoy a diet containing 29% protein, 63% carbohydrates and 9% fat.
Although each person has a unique metabolic and digestive system, the proportion of proteins, carbohydrates and fats you consume directly impact how you will look. This is why two people can consume 1200 calories and look completely different. A diet that contains 38% fat can translate into someone having 33% body fat, while a diet containing only 9% fat could translate into a person having only 12% body fat.