---

Calorie Confusion?

We’re Breaking It Down with Expert Kayla Girgen, RD

​

Hey BariNation Fam! 👋

​

We’ve all heard it—“Just eat 1,200 calories a day and you’ll lose weight!” But is that actually true (or sustainable) after bariatric surgery?

​

This week on the BariNation Podcast, we’re calling in the pros and busting some serious myths with our guest Kayla Girgen, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer who gets the bariatric journey inside and out.

​

Kayla helps us unpack the truth about calorie restriction, energy balance, and metabolic reality after surgery.

​

Spoiler alert: your body is not a simple math equation, and that 1,200-calorie “rule” might be doing more harm than good.

​

🎧 In This Episode:

• 🔥 Kayla tackles the biggie: “Can I just eat 1,200 calories a day forever?”
• 🧠 We break down how your body actually uses energy (Resting Metabolic Rate 101!)
• 🚨 The dangers of extreme calorie restriction—from mental fog to metabolic slowdowns
• 🛒 Are “healthy” packaged foods fooling us?
• 📊 How to actually figure out the right amount of calories for you

​

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• Why 1,200 isn’t the golden number (and why it often backfires)
• How to tune into your body’s needs using science, not diet culture
• The mental, emotional, and metabolic risks of going too low for too long
• How to build a plan that supports your goals without losing your mind or your muscle

​

👥 Community Insight: This episode isn’t just about calories—it’s about empowerment. With the support of our BariNation crew, you’ll walk away with real tools and a fresh mindset to support your post-op success.

​

🎙️ Ready to rethink your relationship with calories? 👉 Listen to the episode now!​

​

Let’s ditch the diet noise and get back to feeling strong, nourished, and in control.

​

Mindful Moment:

​

Instead of asking, “How little can I eat?” try asking, “What does my body need to feel good today?”

Let that question guide your choices this week. 💫

​

Want to chat more about this episode or ask a Registered Dietitan your nutrition questions? 🗣️

​

Join the community inside the BariNation Membership and connect with Jeannie Boyer, RD, CSOWM at her upcoming Nutritional Meetup!

​

​

Like and subscribe to The BariNation Podcast on your preferred platform!

​

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcast

🎉 Support the Podcast 🎉

​

​

​

In Gratutide,

​

April, Jason, Natalie, and the BariNation Team

​

P.S. If you're ready for a space that treats obesity with the care and respect it deserves, join the BariNation Membership Community.

​

You're not alone. 💙

​

​

​

Find Your Community. Find Your Success.