From to many calories, to not enough. Urghh.

MericoX

So before I was having a problem staying under calories, now I'm having a problem getting enough calories. And I think my recent onslaught of headaches is from either that, or caffeine withdrawal.

Any tips on better making a well-rounded diet? I feel like everything I look at I worry about calories, and not being able to enjoy "normal food" other than salads and carrot sticks...

TabiHerbalifeCoach

Plan, I try and plan what i'm going to eat at least the night before, that way i can see the calories, the fat, protein etc etc. change things around it usually works well when i do it and when I do I most commonly feel disappointed with one aspect or another from the day.

angisnee

I had the same problem when I first started using MFP. It was fairly easy to pick out foods that were good for me (salads, veggies, fruit), but there were other gray-area foods that I worried about eating. I'd get to the end of the day and have 800 calories left but wasn't hungry! What worked for me was starting with the foods I knew were good for me and then slowly adding new food as I learned more about nutrition. Read as much as you can about which foods contain which nutrients, protein, good carbs, fiber, etc. Just make modifications to your diet as you learn. Watch for trends in your food journal and make adjustments as necessary.

I completely understand the headaches from caffeine withdrawal too. Maybe using half-caff for awhile would help?

keith0373

Add some lean meat or reduced fat cheese to every meal and it becomes easy. The protein from either will also help with if you exerercise alot and the calories are reasonable. If you are a vegan, I am not sure.

MericoX

Add some lean meat or reduced fat cheese to every meal and it becomes easy. The protein from either will also help with if you exerercise alot and the calories are reasonable. If you are a vegan, I am not sure.

Thanks! I'll try that.

SouthernBell86

You could also check your fat intake and see if that is high enough, if not, using olive oil and vinegar (make it yourself, not from the store) then you could raise the fat intake and calories easily on a salad. Olive oil is a good source of fat too, and helps your body process all the rough veggies and meats you're probably eating.

If you are trying to wean yourself off of caffeine, maybe drink a cup of tea in the morning? Add some milk, and you can add calories and calcium!

I have been making it my goal to see every meal as an opportunity to get in good protein and good fiber, and then go from there, and it has been working out so far.

somigliana

I agree that planning my eating day in advance that helps me to keep on track and eat enough of the right things--and remembering that it's about a lifestyle change and moderation and portion control rather than depriving yourself of a huge range of foods. I still have pasta (wholewheat, yes) but in the right portions. I still eat steak, but not half a cow. That sort of thing

Also... don't forget that eating "good" fats is essential to a balanced lifestyle--just make it's the right type of fat. Adding things like nuts;olive oil;avocado; salmon; olives in portion-controlled amounts should do the trick.