Can't meet my calorie goal

ndj1979

I track everything, but seem to always fall short. Trust me, I'd love to toss a chocolate bar or slice of cake back, but I'm setting goals for life, making this a habit not a phase. My big concern has always been skipping meals, and I'm definitely eating 3 times a day now, and trying to grab snacks too.

What should I be doing? I am trying to build up my gym time so I'll be burning more calories, which will create an even bigger deficit. And I can't sleep more than 4 hours at a time.

Does anyone have advice?

yes, toss back some chocolate, ice cream, cookies, etc.

Do you really never want to eat ice cream again for life? All you are doing is teaching yourself restriction, which, at some point, will sad to binging and then feelings of guilt.

Why not fill in the extra calories with something you like, so that you do not crave that particular thing. I eat ice cream every night and it has not hampered my goals one bit, and I am always in a deficit…

ndj1979

oP you should be Netting 1200 not 800 calories a day …all you are going to do is do long term damage to your metabolism and start burning through muscle.

I don't see why you can't eat ice cream, cake, etc, as long as you are netting 1200 for the day and maintain your deficit.

One serving of talenti is 220 calories….you could have had one serving a night and you would still NOT have netted 1200…

If you learn to eat everything in moderation now, it will really help lead you to long term weight loss and success….

chelstakencharge

You have me soooo confused on the NO cake or chocolate. I stay within my calorie goals daily, work my *kitten* off (literally) and am able to still incorporate sweets (if I want them) into my eating. My numbers prove that you do NOT have to deprive yourself of a particular food item to lose weight!

SezxyStef

You have me soooo confused on the NO cake or chocolate. I stay within my calorie goals daily, work my *kitten* off (literally) and am able to still incorporate sweets (if I want them) into my eating. My numbers prove that you do NOT have to deprive yourself of a particular food item to lose weight!

x2

except the confused part...I know why..because people for some reason demonize food...I liken it to a self imposed punishment for gaining weight...

I am not being snarky or mean either ...but you don't have to give up your favorite foods to lose weight....look at my weekend...pizza, wings, Quarter pounder BLT, FF, Dairy Queen, vodka, chocolate bar and I eat chocolate every night...and I lose weight...

As a mater of fact I lost a pound according to the scale today even after my weekend of "fun fun fun"

ninav1980

I only eat when I am hungry. I tried the 6 small meals a day thing and it wasnt for me. I found myself constantly thinking about food. Checking the clock to see if it was time for my "feeding". Ugh, it consumed me, I didnt like it. I went back to my old method, eating whenever I pleased. If you arent hungry for breakfast, dont eat. Save the calories for a larger meal later.

gypsy_spirit

I track everything, but seem to always fall short. Trust me, I'd love to toss a chocolate bar or slice of cake back, but I'm setting goals for life, making this a habit not a phase. My big concern has always been skipping meals, and I'm definitely eating 3 times a day now, and trying to grab snacks too.

What should I be doing? I am trying to build up my gym time so I'll be burning more calories, which will create an even bigger deficit. And I can't sleep more than 4 hours at a time.

Does anyone have advice?

The bolded sentence makes no sense. If you are working on building healthy habits for the rest of your life - are you planning to never eat cake or chocolate again? If so, great. If not, then the most important life skill you can learn is moderating your behavior. It's very hard in relation to food - but imperative to long term success.

Denying yourself the occasional treat is probably going to back fire (says the 56 yr. old woman who has been dieting forever and has realized this and has finally lost over 100 pounds having treats). There are no bad foods, only people who let the food control them.

MomTo3Lovez

I have had the same problem and posted about it and have gotten some wonderful feedback and advice. And yes I was questioned on how I became overweight if I couldn't manage to eat 1200 a day now. I was a big person of eating out ALOT sometimes twice a day and always got the large size and a lot of pasta, very little fruits and veggies. So a big part of my problems what sodium and just fatty grease. Once I started watching what I ate and measured and what not I found that it was harder to eat better and get up to 1200, i was afraid to snack and indulge. So yesterday I did indulge and I didn't do bad. I also grab a diet shake (slimfast) for breakfast because I just don't have the time to make anything in the mornings and getting up earlier just isn't an option because I'd be getting up about 4:30 and I am just barely getting up at 5 lol. But what I was told that made me feel better was that I can also have something along with the shake and today I added and banana which boosted my calories for breakfast.

Alot of good advice, and I get that you want to support your husband in his weightloss too but don't limit yourself too much because it isn't realistic. It is something that will take trial and error. Good luck and feel free to add me if you would like!

Jenky85

Like others have said I don't think you're logging accurately. You used two different entries for 4oz of Turkey breast over a couple of days with completely different calories and how little tuna did you eat for just 15calories? It's surely not even worth getting the tin opener out for that! Be careful with what entries you use on the system as there are a lot of duds...check if it's been confirmed or check the labels on your packets.

DeadliftAddict

You're never going to eat cake again? There is no reason to label foods as bad or cut them out of your eating habits just because you are "making a life change". One of the best ways to keep your eating sustainable is to eat the treats that you enjoy in small amounts.

That said, if you are looking to add more calories from "healthy" foods, cook veggies in oil, eat nuts or nut butters, add bacon or avocado to salads, etc.

^^This

Kenazwa

Just make your meals a little bigger. For example, instead of 1/2 ounce of tuna, have 2 ounces. Etc. Looking at your diary, I got the impression that you're afraid to eat. I understand; I get like that sometimes, too. But we need food to live! Loosen up a little!

jennylew1212

[/quote]
I think it's important to be supportive of other people and encourage them when they post about their journey. Weight loss, weight gain and weight maintenance can be a struggle for some people, and sometimes you don't have the option to talk to a nutritional specialist. Also, being over weight can wreak havoc on your self esteem. Sometimes people are over weight or underweight because of stress, illness or other sensitive issues. MFP is supposed to be a resource for us to help each other.

I appreciate your response but could do without the condescending tone. Thanks.
[/quote]

^^ I completely agree!

jenmom2myboys

OP, there is nothing wrong with cutting out cake and chocolate. I cut it out and feel way better. Not everyone has the self control to eat a piece of cake or a candy bar. I realized I had a problem with sugar and eliminating it from my diet has been really beneficial for me. You dont need cake. I substitiute sweets with an apple with almond or peanut butter. If your need support I am here to talk.

eddiesmith1

first start tracking correctly, weigh everything solid and measure liquids
anything that you eat / drink track it.
Also 1200 calories is pretty extreme, I'll hit 1200 after exercise calories come off but i know they are incorrect. I've lost a pretty steady 2 pounds a week eating 1700-2000 (and not deducting exercise)

You can eat pretty much anything you want to eat and lose. allow yourself some chocolate or other treats (I eat a little dark chocolate regularly and have frozen yogurt bars) Definitely eating less processed foods and taking a balanced approach toi diet is a long term win for you but if you don't allow for treats of some sort (whether it's chocolate or cake or ice cream or for that matter a big bowl of butter chicken ) you will likely just feel miserable

jkwolly

You're never going to eat cake again? There is no reason to label foods as bad or cut them out of your eating habits just because you are "making a life change". One of the best ways to keep your eating sustainable is to eat the treats that you enjoy in small amounts.

That said, if you are looking to add more calories from "healthy" foods, cook veggies in oil, eat nuts or nut butters, add bacon or avocado to salads, etc.

This.

Usually if I am short, I grab ice cream, peanut butter or a nice glass of wine! :drinker:

eimaj5575

I looked at your diary. Your diet does not look substainable, are should never eat under 1200 calories, and this is set up to fail if you say no to the foods you love. Sorry but have fun with that, its not realistic at all!

ericzanetti

Raw Almonds - Dense in Good Fats
Baked Sweet Potato - Complex Carbs (add some salt and spices once cooked)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts - High in Protein (the cornerstone of every diet)

Like other users have said, try to eat towards your macro goals instead of focusing on calories. Calories are a by-product of your macro-nutrients.

1 g protein = 4 calories
1 g carbohydrate = 4 calories
1 g fat = 9 calories

Nutella91

Ben & Jerry's

AliceDark

Some of your diary entries look a little...off. It takes a little while for you to develop your BS meter when it comes to diary entries, so until you're there, you need to be really careful with your logging. You're probably eating more calories than your realize.

For example, I saw a generic basalmic vinaigrette with 75 calories for 3 tablespoons and "2 brown whole scrambled eggs - 1 cup" for 70 calories.

If you're using a "generic" entry, I'm guessing you made the dressing yourself (if not, use the entry for whatever brand). Olive oil has 120 calories per tablespoon, so even if you had a 1:2 ratio of olive oil to vinegar, that would be way over 75 calories.

On that last one, I'm confused as to whether you ate 2 eggs or 1 cup of scrambled eggs, but eggs have about 70 calories each, so either way, this isn't right. It also doesn't account for any butter or oil (unless you scrambled them dry, which most people don't do).

janicelo1971

Your diary looks great! I also strive for around 1225, however in the few times when I don't meet that in the evening I grab some almonds, walnuts or peanut butter...easily another 200 calories and good fats...also filling. I typically though don't have the issue of needing to eat more...heck...grab a glass of wine and some nuts!! Keep up the great work:flowerforyou:

breeshabebe

OP, I feel for you because I know what it's like to have your mindset. Cut out sugar.. cut out processed foods... its a lifechange. I've drastically cut sugars, decreased calories, tried only whole organic foods, and felt the shame of eating what everyone calls "bad foods." Research these things out and find out what is truly the most sustainable thing for you.

For me, making all of my foods from scratch and eating basically the exact same thing everyday is not realistic. I hate not being able to enjoy foods at the office and feeling like a failure when I do. So, I looked into it and did what would be sustainable for me. Today, I went to starbucks and bought a spinach wrap for breakfast. When I got to work, someone had brought the office breakfast from Chick-Fil-A-- which is seriously my favorite. So, I opted for the chicken burrito instead of the chicken biscuit because it fit better into my Macros and saved it at my desk to eat for lunch. This is just reality.

ndj1979

You have me soooo confused on the NO cake or chocolate. I stay within my calorie goals daily, work my *kitten* off (literally) and am able to still incorporate sweets (if I want them) into my eating. My numbers prove that you do NOT have to deprive yourself of a particular food item to lose weight!

OP you sound confused…

janicelo1971

Thanks! I updated my diary so it can be seen.
Right now I'm trying to get used to no sweets unless they are healthy. I'm seeking alternatives for that yummy cake! Mmmm...cake.... I'll never be able to give it up for good.
I have tried nuts for their crunch and protein. But sodium is really high for them. Still, they are something I'd happily eat more of.

Is there a moderately good for you snack? Should I try a bowl of cereal at night?

YOu have to do what works for YOU. I gave up refined sugar about 10 years ago...I do eat sugar free candy in moderation(negative side effects as we know if you eat too much!!) It has been pretty easy for me as I wasn't a sweet person anyway(im a carb alcoholic!!) Trying different ways to fulfill your sweet tooth is a great idea...just be sure it is something you can stick to for years to come....a "diet" is not a long term thing...eating in moderation is NOT why most folks are on this site...most are FAT as moderation is a delusion for them...is a big learning curve and developing a different relationship with food.....try to realize your not eating to comfort yourself, but to fuel your body...one day at a time:)

KaysKidz

Thanks! I updated my diary so it can be seen.
Right now I'm trying to get used to no sweets unless they are healthy. I'm seeking alternatives for that yummy cake! Mmmm...cake.... I'll never be able to give it up for good.
I have tried nuts for their crunch and protein. But sodium is really high for them. Still, they are something I'd happily eat more of.

Is there a moderately good for you snack? Should I try a bowl of cereal at night?

I eat Almonds with sea salt and 1 serving (1/4 cup) only has 110mg of salt. I think that is very reasonable for a snack. It also helps with my cravings for salt and crunch. I need to watch my salt intake and I'm not having any issues eating them.

I have also cut sweets...I'm a baked foods JUNKIE. Right now, it has to be all or nothing for me. I haven't been craving it, and I'm finding other options that are better for me. Still have to watch myself. My new treat is homemade frozen yogurt. But now I also have to watch my sugar (prediabetic), so not sure I can keep having it.

jbnjul17

I would more go towards eating a serving size rather than 1 leaf or a lesser amount of a packet (if you are doing a packet.) They put serving sizes on things just for that reason. You dont want to under eat because you will have the opposite reaction and could gain weight. Try for a few days of eating the serving size and see you it does for you.

_lyndseybrooke_

Sorry if this sounds rude, but if you can't eat 1200 calories (which I'm guessing not nearly enough for you), how did you get overweight in the first place?

Serah87

I agree with everyone on the cake and chocolate.

OP: What are going to do when you are invited to a Wedding or Birthday party? Or going to a buffet? You need to learn moderation, all foods are good!! :drinker:

kshadows

Thanks! I updated my diary so it can be seen.
Right now I'm trying to get used to no sweets unless they are healthy. I'm seeking alternatives for that yummy cake!

Demonizing food is the wrong way to go about it. Feel free to check out my diary (ignore yesterday, that was a once in awhile thing and notice that I generally eat something "unhealthy" (ice cream, cookies, chocolate, etc) almost every day. I'm down almost 25 pounds. EVERYthing in moderation

kshadows

PS - your calorie goal is REALLY low...

mysecretself

Eat more. simples!

sfbaumgarten

I agree with everyone on the cake and chocolate.

OP: What are going to do when you are invited to a Wedding or Birthday party? Or going to a buffet? You need to learn moderation, all foods are good!! :drinker:

+1

There are no bad foods.