Better foods to eat?

horrorfan

Hello! I'm getting back into MFP after being AWOL for a few months and I decided to come to the forums for advice on better foods to eat. Now, I understand that my diary right now isn't very ideal in helping you all help me because I haven' been logging too accurately or logging everything. I'm trying, but I've been sick and Prom was this past weekend for me. Forgive me!

With that being said, I will include all of the foods I currently eat to give you guys an idea of what I like. Let me just start by saying I used to follow the Forks Over Knives Whole Foods, Plant Based lifestyle. If you don't know what that is, it basically means if the food had a mother/father, walked, and had eyes, you don't eat it or anything from it. It's sort of like vegan, but stricter, also cutting out/limiting gelatin and oils, etc. I followed it because my Dad presented it to me so I decided to do it with him. I kind of fell off of it and began eating whatever I wanted, but after reading this post about cows on tumblr a few days ago, I was reminded why I wanted to not eat animals in the first place. So, I'm trying a vegetarian, whole foods diet. No meat, but I will eat the byproducts of animals because most of the time, it's doing them more good than harm to use their byproducts. For the record, I also try to stay away from heavily processed foods.

Some foods I eat a lot are brown rice, Nature's Own whole wheat bread, clementines, Subway Sandwiches with the veggie patty instead of meat (loaded with carbs and sodium), cream of wheat, boca burgers, boca chik'n patties, steamfresh veggies, strawberries, whole wheat pasta and meat sauce (I believe my Dad uses yves vegan ground beef) and Pure Protein Bars. I also must be honest in admitting that I eat the school cafeteria burger and fries, Doritos, pizza from my job (since that's the dinner they provide for us), and Dove Mint Chocolate's on a regular basis.

As you can see I consume a lot of carbs and sodium, that's why I turn to my fellow MFPals to help me with healthier suggestions. I'm interested in trying Oatmeal for breakfast to cut out some sodium, but it is high in carbs and it's tasteless goo to me. I might like it if I try it pumpkin pie style like some are suggesting or vanilla-cinammon style. I'm also interested in having Seitan Steaks (my Dad buys them from whole foods) and veggies for lunch instead of having a sandwich to cut down on carbs.

I am always over in Carbs (usually 10-30g; my macro is set at 174 which is still really high IMO) and Sodium (by almost 1,000mg). Any suggestions? My Dad cooks dinners so I don't have much control over that. I'm mainly aiming for healthier breakfasts, lunches, and snacks. Keep in mind I work 10-15 hours a week. Usually, one week day from 5pm-11pm, and then I work in the middle of the day on Saturdays and Sundays so it's hard to plan lunches then.

Any and all help is welcome! Thank you!

Forty6and2

I would suggest not totally cutting out any foods that you do like. I can understand wanting to be vegetarian, but do not tell yourself that any foods that you truly want to eat are off limits. Eat them in moderation and you will be fine (yes, this includes doritos and ice cream).

Additionally, carbs and sodium will not hinder your weight loss and your carb goal is very low. Your body does need carbs for energy, especially if you plan on being active at all.

Here are some good links to start you off
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1235566-so-you-re-new-here?hl=so+you're+new+here

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/974888-in-place-of-a-road-map-2k13

darkangel45422

I would suggest not totally cutting out any foods that you do like. I can understand wanting to be vegetarian, but do not tell yourself that any foods that you truly want to eat are off limits. Eat them in moderation and you will be fine (yes, this includes doritos and ice cream).

Additionally, carbs and sodium will not hinder your weight loss and your carb goal is very low. Your body does need carbs for energy, especially if you plan on being active at all.

Actually carbs aren't all that necessary (which isn't to say you shouldn't eat them, just saying you don't need to). Only the brain actually requires carbs specifically to function and that's a pretty minimal amount; unless you're going zero carb you'll probably get enough carbs. Sodium may not hinder weight loss but if your goal OP is health and just not a lower number on the scale then cutting back on sodium's an excellent idea as too much can be quite bad for your health. As I'm sure you know, most of your sodium's probably coming from processed foods so I'd say your desire to go towards whole foods is a great step towards decreasing your sodium intake.

As for cutting out foods you like, it's really individual whether that'll work for someone. For some moderation works best; for others cutting foods out cold turkey is better. Experiment to see which works for you; that's really the best way to approach a healthy lifestyle IMO. Don't stick to something just because it's in a plan, etc. - try something if it sounds interesting or good to you, give it a few weeks to see if it works, and if it does, great! If not, move on and try something else. It's a process really, and no two people will end up with exactly the same lifestyle plan, so find what works for you and ignore other peoples' rules, whether those rules are 'never eat this' or 'never cut a food out completely'.

doodlecakes_07

Eat more fresh food! I'd definitely add more vegetables and fruit, as well as reducing the amount of fake meat products/replacements. Beans, lentils, and dark leafy greens are good sources of protein on a meatless diet. Don't deprive yourself of anything, but I'd lessen the amount of bread/rice/pasta in favor for more nutritious foods, like sweet potatoes, quinoa, etc.

Oatmeal can be ahhhmazing. chocolatecoveredkatie.com has some great recipes. I like adding stevia, cinnamon, raisins, chopped apple, and nut butter. I also love making smoothies for breakfast.

OH. Nutbutters are great, as well as nuts in general. I like to eat a whole foods diet, consisting mostly of plants and fresh food (though I do eat meat sometimes, but no dairy or gluten due to sensitivities). Nuts make up a large portion of my calories.

Since you're doing vegetarian, rather than vegan, I'd say to add some greek yogurt (delicious and nutritious).

Make small changes over time and you'll be able to make this kind of eating into a lifestyle.