Getting enough calories

kmbrooks15

Ok, I don't need any lectures about eating back calories and all of that. I've read all sides of that debate. Here's my problem: I am aiming for 1600 calories a day eaten whether I work out or not. I'm usually ending up about 1500 or so. Sometimes, though, I eat healthy enough that it's hard to get the full 1500-1600 calories. As an example, today I've eaten 1013 calories. I plan to have some ice cream (fat free) for dessert (my reward for the day). Even at that, though, I'm only going to have eaten about 1200, and I worked out today. But I'm not really hungry (I'm only eating the ice cream 'cause I want to!). Does anyone else have this issue, and how do you go about getting additional calories when you're not hungry?

missiontofitness

I eat to 1,200 if I'm not hungry, and call it a day. The only time I will make myself eat is if I am under 1,200 for the day. I don't see any need to make yourself eat more if you aren't hungry and have already hit 1,200, especially if this won't be a regular thing.

Though, throwing another scoop of ice cream in there to bump up your cals a bit more probably won't hurt!

kmbrooks15

I already plan to have a good portion of it. I have to allow myself treats like that so I don't lose my sanity...

Also, next Monday is my birthday, and my mom is fixing me dinner and dessert--chocolate peanut butter pie. I plan to indulge that evening. I'll work out earlier in the day and make sure I eat light the rest of the day!

365andstillalive

I go through periods where I struggle like crazy to hit my 1600 goal (especially on exercise days because I find it curbs my appetite) and periods where 1600 feels like nothing.

When I'm having issues reaching my goal, I incorporate calorie dense foods; nuts, avocado, granola, fattier meats like sausage, etc. That way, I tend to still reach my goal, while eating less volume of food. Or, if I know that in a few days, I'm going to have a higher calorie day anyhow (like a lunch out with a friend, going to the movies, going out for a drink etc), then I'll look at a weekly goal total instead so that I can float some calories to that day from a few others.

kmbrooks15

I like the idea of a weekly goal. That would allow me to look more at overall progress.

itsbasschick

as long as you're getting your daily protein and carbs, and you feel healthy, i can't see how 100 calories one way or another will make much of a difference. i eat 1200 net calories per day, but if i'm not hungry, weak or light headed, i don't eat back exercise calories - if i am, i have extra protein.

if you really want to make that extra hundred or so per day you can always add calorie dense snacks like avocado, have low fat instead of non-fat ice cream (dryer's slow churned ROCKS!!!), or a half a peanut butter sandwich. or you could have a half scoop of protein powder in non-fat milk or in water (tasty protein drinks taste okay in water).

RodaRose

Buy some full fat ice cream.

kmbrooks15

It's actually more than 100 calories. I wouldn't sweat 100 calories either way, but I'm going to be more like 400 shy today. I guess my body will tell me if I need more by making me feel hungry. I guess I can always sneak a protein bar, too! I like the idea of a protein shake with some unsweetened almond milk...I could probably have that any time, hungry or not!

Thanks for all the suggestions. Guess I just wanted to make sure I wasn't the only one that sometimes has trouble with being under sometimes. It doesn't happen often, thankfully. I just don't see the point in making myself eat if I'm not hungry.

And 365andstillalive, isn't it funny how exercise can actually suppress your appetite? I would think it would make me ravenous, but it has the opposite effect! Might be partially due to the amount of water I put away when I work out, though.

SezxyStef

I find if I don't get enough calories my workouts suffer. I ate 1200 one day...took 3 days for me to get back to normal...no joke

Hunger is not the best indicator of what the body needs....

When I first started using TDEE method I was eating 1600 a day too...I found that easy when I hit my protien and fat macros.

I also used 240 calories a day for a chocolate bar...creamy, chocolaty goodness everynight as I relaxed...

Try adding avocadoes to things, or full fat ice cream, full fat salad dressings small things like that can and do add up.

Liftng4Lis

Peanut butter, chocolate, ice cream.