check out my food diary.

ljbouse

i know i have some bad choices on my food dairy. but would like any input that anyone would care to share. thanks.

Mindful_Trent

I browsed through a bit and a few thoughts came to mind:

1) ditch the instant oatmeal and eat regular (old fashioned) rolled oats or steel cut oatmeal. Takes a little longer but it's not full of sugar or nearly as processed.

2) It looks like you need to eat more veggies. Most of the vegetables I saw were the starchier kinds, like potatoes (you like mashed potatoes alot!) and corn. These are okay in moderation, but other veggies are critical to a healthy diet - try to eat a rainbow of veggies every week - greens, peppers, onion, etc. I didn't see much fresh fruit, either.

3) I'd suggest tracking your sodium - everyone can benefit from keeping sodium at healthy levels. (MFP sets the recommended limit at 2500mg/day, but that's actually a bit high - I aim for 1500-2000/day)

Christie23

Oatmeal is GREAT! And I know that sometimes the old fashioned oats are just not quick enough, but there are lower sugar instants out there that I absolutely adore. Try to vary up your veggies... try some roasted potatoes or a baked sweet potato in place of mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes will sneak up on you and destroy your calories for the day if you aren't careful. And, to be honest, making roasted potatoes is actually easier (just more time consuming). Beef is not bad, in an of itself, but varying it with some leans, like pork, chicken, turkey and seafood are a good way to jelp keep the cals in check too.

It looks like you're doing a great job on portion control, though! Just maybe vary some of your choices and you'll see those calories lower in no time!!

:flowerforyou:

Christie23

3) I'd suggest tracking your sodium - everyone can benefit from keeping sodium at healthy levels. (MFP sets the recommended limit at 2500mg/day, but that's actually a bit high - I aim for 1500-2000/day)

Oh, and this is SOOO true!! I didn't understand why limiting my sodium was so important until I started paying close attention... you'll be amazed at how much better you will feel and how less bloated everything from your hands to your ankles to your tummy will be.

Chrissun

Hi! I'll send a friend request then you can just check out my diary. I'm not saying it's perfect but I fit in a lot of food for the calories. Other friend's diaries have helped me come up with ideas.

DancingDreamer

while i DO agree with accountant_boi, i dont think you dont have to stop eating instant oatmeal if thats all you have time for, just stop eating the flavored kinds. if you cant stand plain oatmeal adding your OWN flavors will make it not taste plain but you can also control how much sodium and sugar and such go in to it.

and he's pretty much completely right about the fruits and veggies thing. i can tell you're a bit of a carb and starch fan (lots of people are dont feel bad about it, starches and carbs are delicious and they ARE good for you in a normal ratio to other things!) you need some leafy greens and maybe some apples (small ones are GREAT snacks and if you find a sugary tasting apple it solves cravings for sweets, dont worry about going over on sugars if its from fruit, those sugars are GOOD for you)

also i see that its about half and half white bread and whole wheat for you. i was wondering what that was about. but i suggest getting rid of the white bread, it may be less calories in some cases but its not healthy for you at all, white bread is made from wheat that has been stripped of everything thats healthy in it. if you're gonna get the calories and carbs thats in bread you might as well get the good stuff too. over all though i dont think you eat BADLY i just think you eat a little limited. humans are SUPPOSED to eat a nice healthy variety of things (the description of it as a RAINBOW is a good one) and at the moment you seem to be a bit stuck on yellow! (corn, potatoes, bread.....get it, anyone, anyone? XD)

i think you've got a good start there you just need to go to the next level! good luck on your journey!

emmyvera

Hi there

I also took a look at your diary.

First I would say that 800 calories is a lot for one meal. I would try more mini meals throughout the day. From what I've read and learned for myself is that your meals should around 300-500 cal and snacks around 100-200.

Secondly I think it would be beneficial to scale back on starches and replace with veggies. I love bread and pasta. It took me some time to weed those out so much. But when I did I noticed I felt lighter...had more energy...and they took up so much of my daily allotment.

Also be sure to keep up on your water in the evening. I get 8-10 cups a day. Helps me flush out any sodium and keeps me full and hydrated.

Have a great new year! Great to meet you :flowerforyou:

ljbouse

yes i am a major potatoe lover...i grew up a meat and potatoes girl. lol. the oatmeal i eat is because it is easy to travel with. all i have to do is add water to the pre measured line and microwave. it is just so easy. and i do love oatmeal of any kind. thanks for all the advice. i made notes and will make adjustments. i am trying to add more fruit to my diet, most of it will probably be canned. i am the only one that is willing to try the variety so it is hard to get the variety i need without wasting food. but i will figure this one out as well. thank goodness a good friend taught me it is ok to try anything once......