Struggling to Hit my Calories

Thicc_Ziba

Hey Everyone!

I was wondering how you all eat enough calories while eating clean. I am not hitting my calories and am down by like 600, but this is hard for me to fulfill because my appetite just isn't big enough.

Also, how do you eat so many high-calorie foods while eating clean and healthy?

Thanks!

BaddS4

Most days I'm so under my goal I get that warning to tell me that I haven't eaten enough and it won't let me complete my diary for the day... Ticks me off cause I have to add stuff I haven't eaten to close out my day.. Only 2 days this week I actually ate enough for it to be a legit day!! Oye vay!!

malibu927

First, what does eating "clean" mean for you?

Second, make sure you're counting calories accurately. It's likely you could be eating more than you think.

Third, fats are your friend. Nuts, nut butters, dairy products, cooking oils. And even if you still have room, find a treat!

robs_ready

Thicc_Ziba wrote: »

Hey Everyone!

I was wondering how you all eat enough calories while eating clean. I am not hitting my calories and am down by like 600, but this is hard for me to fulfill because my appetite just isn't big enough.

Also, how do you eat so many high-calorie foods while eating clean and healthy?

Thanks!

Protein shakes, also food that is calorifically dense but manageable, such as a banana or nuts.

kommodevaran

Thicc_Ziba wrote: »

I was wondering how you all eat enough calories while eating clean. I am not hitting my calories and am down by like 600, but this is hard for me to fulfill because my appetite just isn't big enough.

Also, how do you eat so many high-calorie foods while eating clean and healthy?

First, make sure you are eating the amount of calories you think you are eating. It's easy to underestimate if you don't weigh everything and use correct database entries.

Then, an occasional day of not hitting your goal is no big deal.

Then, be aware that you can feel okay, even euphoric, while consistently undereating, because you think you are being good and doing something that's good for you, and it can take some time to catch up with you, but eventually it will, and then it catches up hard. If your goal is to lose weight, you can wave goodbye to that goal.

Then, be aware that "clean eating" is nothing more than a buzzword. Every person has their own definition. Getting in a well-rounded diet is good for you, but arbitrary rules and restrictions are just making healthy eating more difficult, not easier, and may in turn make you more susceptible to eating disorders.

To sum it up - You can eat anything you want to lose weight and gain health, but get in variety and log it correctly.

croftie4

I feel your pain - i too struggle so try

Nuts you only need a few
Tablespoon of coconut oil
Avocado - mega healthy
Sunflower/pumpkin seeds

I find it useful to make snack bags with nuts and seeds one for each day as it's also easy to over eat them without realising

Macy9336

I agree with the other posters....nuts and seeds are a healthy way to boost your calorie intake.

Thicc_Ziba

kommodevaran wrote: »

Thicc_Ziba wrote: »

I was wondering how you all eat enough calories while eating clean. I am not hitting my calories and am down by like 600, but this is hard for me to fulfill because my appetite just isn't big enough.

Also, how do you eat so many high-calorie foods while eating clean and healthy?

First, make sure you are eating the amount of calories you think you are eating. It's easy to underestimate if you don't weigh everything and use correct database entries.

Then, an occasional day of not hitting your goal is no big deal.

Then, be aware that you can feel okay, even euphoric, while consistently undereating, because you think you are being good and doing something that's good for you, and it can take some time to catch up with you, but eventually it will, and then it catches up hard. If your goal is to lose weight, you can wave goodbye to that goal.

Then, be aware that "clean eating" is nothing more than a buzzword. Every person has their own definition. Getting in a well-rounded diet is good for you, but arbitrary rules and restrictions are just making healthy eating more difficult, not easier, and may in turn make you more susceptible to eating disorders.

To sum it up - You can eat anything you want to lose weight and gain health, but get in variety and log it correctly.

I am actually trying to gain weight but that makes sense. Thank you to everyone for their help!

Thicc_Ziba

malibu927 wrote: »

First, what does eating "clean" mean for you?

Second, make sure you're counting calories accurately. It's likely you could be eating more than you think.

Third, fats are your friend. Nuts, nut butters, dairy products, cooking oils. And even if you still have room, find a treat!

Thank you so much that helps a lot! And by clean I just mean mostly whole foods like avoiding outside or pre-packaged food, like typical "junk" food.

Xvapor

I have same problem and I really hate shakes. 1 is fine but no more! It's a struggle

ibboykin

What exactly are you eating? I guess you call what I'm eating as eating clean. I just call it common sense approach to eating healthy.

Low sodium
No added sugar
No fast food
Lots of Leary greens
Fruits and veggies
Grains legumes and seeds
Non red meat protein
Salmon at least 3 nights per week
High fiber
Whole grains

I have to watch closely or I will blow my 1900 out of the water.

comeonnow142857

ibboykin wrote: »

What exactly are you eating? I guess you call what I'm eating as eating clean. I just call it common sense approach to eating healthy.

Low sodium
No added sugar
No fast food
Lots of Leary greens
Fruits and veggies
Grains legumes and seeds
Non red meat protein
Salmon at least 3 nights per week
High fiber
Whole grains

I have to watch closely or I will blow my 1900 out of the water.

I spend all day yammering on about the benefits of pounds of the stuff, but if someone's having trouble eating enough calories adding leafy greens is going to be counterproductive to that effect!

MsBuzzkillington

BaddS4 wrote: »

Most days I'm so under my goal I get that warning to tell me that I haven't eaten enough and it won't let me complete my diary for the day... Ticks me off cause I have to add stuff I haven't eaten to close out my day.. Only 2 days this week I actually ate enough for it to be a legit day!! Oye vay!!

You don't have to actually close out/complete your diary.

Xvapor

Ice cream is good 2 to 3 times a week

sardelsa

If you don't want to eat less nutritious foods then go for the caloric dense nuts, seeds, nut/seed butters, full fat dairy, oils, avocado, granola, dried fruit, pasta, bread, etc.

Try to reduce the amout of "diet" or low fat foods, too much fibre and for some too much protein can all be too filling.

But I will say..if you are overly restrictive with your intake and not hitting your cal goal to gain, then you may want to change your outlook on food and include more fun or non-clean foods. There is nothing wrong with them, they won't make you gain fat, and they are an easy way to hit your goal without feeling overly full and bloated. Ice cream is my best friend when bulking

singingflutelady

MsBuzzkillington wrote: »

BaddS4 wrote: »

Most days I'm so under my goal I get that warning to tell me that I haven't eaten enough and it won't let me complete my diary for the day... Ticks me off cause I have to add stuff I haven't eaten to close out my day.. Only 2 days this week I actually ate enough for it to be a legit day!! Oye vay!!

You don't have to actually close out/complete your diary.

Since she's trying to gain weight I wouldn't suggest she do this.

brichards_

Eat fruits, smoothies, and healthy fats (avocado on toast, natural nut butters on whole wheat toast or a banana), dates.