Hi! 1mos in, 9kg lost on VLCD, struggling w/ protein

mystgrl28

Hi all! Some facts about me (since this is my 1st post since rejoining 🤦🏻‍♀️)

● Height: 158cm
● Weight: 129kg (starting weight 138kg)
● BMI: 52 (morbidly obese)
● MFP goal to lose 1kg/wk: 1510cals
● Current daily intake: 900-1200cals
● Water Intake: 2-4L/day
● Exercise: nil (Yes I should be exercising 🤦🏻‍♀️)
● Job: Nurse (12.5hr shift x3/wk)
● Country: UK

Ok, now that is out there, yes, i know VLCD (Very Low Calorie Diet) is normally 800cals/day w/ nutritional supplements under GP supervision, but I am doing this myself and don't want to be too restrictive and fall off the wagon.

Yes, I have done my research and have access and spoken to doctors and dieticians at work. So I have access to medical advice but have not had my bloods done. I am taking multivitamins.

I have been on this journey since July 15, 2019 (more than a month now yay!!) and have lost 9kg (more yayyyy!!!). I have not focused a lot on macros as I was prioritising calorie restriction, but now that I have gotten used to it, I would like to be hitting those macro goals. I have been logging since Aug 2, 2019.

My diary is public so feel free to browse through, but in a nutshell, I'm a carb addict 🤣 I love my white rice, pasta, spaghetti, potatoes, fruits. I always struggle to up my protein intake, and sometimes it's only a protein shake that can boost it up (i try to take one shake a day, but can't always fit it in my caloric goals).

Now I have also started intermittent fasting on alternate days (500cals alternating with 900-1200cals daily), and it will be even harder to fit in my protein without giving up my carbs 😔.

Question: Any cheap, carby-tasting proteins I can replace my carbs with? I have found the Slim range of pasta, noodles and rice at Holland and Barrett to be very low calorie but they are expensive! Nurses aren't paid very well in the UK 😒. I would love hot food suggestions as I really dislike eating cold food (salads, sandwiches, etc) as meals. In my head they're snacks so the psychological satiety isn't there hahahaha.

I am currently loving couscous (have recently switched to wholemeal) and quorn meat (less calories, but only if they're on sale!). Lentils have crossed my mind but not really sure how to cook them 🤔. I guess i could look it up. I have tried ricing cauliflower (less calories so can give more to protein) but does anyone have any suggestions to make it taste better? 🤢

I guess I could just grit my teeth and strictly control my carb intake, but that would be very sad 😔😔, not to mention expensive. Why is protein so expensive???

L1zardQueen

Did you put in your information into MFP? Why are you eating less than recommended? Read the stickies at the top. I like the sexy pants thread.

JeromeBarry1

The workplace RD is a more important resource to you than the workplace Dr. is.
Ask the RD if you may thrive by filling your VLCD with the white carbs you described.

I predict your RD friend will say that it's going to be difficult to meet your nutrient needs with those on a VLCD plan.

The moderators will lock this discussion soon, as by policy they don't accept responsibility for what misfortune may befall you if you fail to properly nourish yourself on your self-designed and self-managed VLCD plan.

LyndaBSS

I have to say I'm shocked to see a health professional on such an unhealthy diet.

emmamcgarity

The reason you are struggling to meet your protein goal is because you are not eating enough.

psuLemon

Dear Posters,

I wanted to offer a brief explanation for the locking of this thread.

The forum guidelines include this item:

6. Promotion of Unsafe Weight-Loss Techniques or Eating Disorders
I WILL:
• I will allow members to share experiences without judgment. Those seeking support in their recovery from eating disorders are welcome at MyFitnessPal. A growing list of support resources can be found on our Eating Disorder Resources page.
• I will understand that people have a complicated relationship with food.

I WON’T:
• I won’t use any aspect of our service to promote anorexia, bulimia or any unsafe dieting practices.
• I won’t promote very low-calorie diets.
• I won’t diagnose other members.

If you would like to review the forum guidelines, please visit the following link:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/welcome/guidelines

At our discretion, this locked thread may be deleted entirely in the near future.

With respect,

psuLemon