I have a major problem!

thelionstooth

Thanks for this information!

bajoyba

I agree with others who have suggested accurately logging your calories so that you have a solid idea of what you're eating.
I'm a vegetarian as well, and my favorite salad to make contains all "unprocessed" foods (except for the salad dressing). I make a big salad because I like my veggies too, but I measure everything that I put in it.

Here's what it consists of: a head (or more) of romaine lettuce, 3 green onions, 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup feta cheese, 2 eggs, 1/8 cup dried cranberries, and either 2 tbsp of poppy seed dressing or honey mustard dressing plus 1 tbsp of pear balsamic vinegar.

It's all "healthy" food, but it also costs me at least 650 calories, depending on how much cheese I feel like eating and whether or not I put the eggs in it. A serving of raw sunflower seeds alone is about 200 calories. I eat the salad because I like it, not because it's low-cal. :flowerforyou:

It's fine if you don't want to count your calories, but it can definitely be difficult to adjust your intake if you don't have a solid idea of what your intake is. As far as protein options, there are lots of options available, as others have already listed. I personally try to aim for at least 80 grams of protein a day.

thelionstooth

Oh! I almost forgot---

I am not longer eating things like nutrigrain bars. That was earlier this summer.

I was just reading that it may be I am not drinking enough water. I surely do not drink as much as I used to. Currently I only drink when thirsty, which isn't too often. I am probably not even near a quart of water a day.

Also, I calculate in my head (for example, a half tablespoon of ranch plus a fourth tablespoon of olive oil, equals, etc so on and so forth through out the day. And any of those things I add to the salad I do measure- tablespoon wise and cup wise for milk of cereal for example). There is no way I am eating 3,000ish calories of calories a day. I am loosing, just not as much as before.

This is one website that speaks about the low calorie count of veggies and how it is extremely hard to go over calories (for example, in my case I eat about 95% completely raw food which is veggies)

http://www.nerdfitness.com/the-beginners-guide-to-the-paleo-diet1/

fruttibiscotti

I think if you are losing approx 1 lb per week, it's a pretty healthy and sustainable weight loss rate.

Tracking your food is very important, not only to track your total calories, but also your macro and micro nutrients.

If I understood your postings, it sounds like you are on the fence with switching from being vegetarian to possibly start eating animal protein? Did I read that right? If you are having a hard time making the jump, maybe consider introducing fish in your diet? Great healthy protein source, and omega 3 and so on.

Not sure if this helped, but these were my two cents....

aleggett321

A couple of thoughts popped into my mind while reading.
1) you mentioned kayaking in your event, what are you doing for upper body work? I definitely think you should do some strength training with your new gym membership. You are going to need plenty of strength with what you're planning.
2) Greek yogurt is my personal favorite food. Not too high in carbs (read the label to be sure as some brands are higher than others), good amount of protein.
3) a frustrating fact of weight loss is that the less you weigh, the less calories it takes to keep your body functioning and moving. If you consume the same amount of net calories, your weight loss will slow.
4) 2 to 3 pounds a month is actually a very healthy weight loss.
I wish you the best in your preparation for your upcoming event.