Consuming and expending calories.

carlye14

First off, if my calorie budget is 1200 calories a day, and I burn 500, am I supposed to eat 1700 that day, or just 1200? That is one thing that has confused me here on MFP because it tracks net calories. If someone could put it simply for me that would be great.

Also, I noticed that I am only eating around 600 calories a day, and I cannot force myself to eat anymore. Any advice? I don't feel like I am starving myself, and I don't want to overeat.

Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!

Also, add me as a friend if you would like. I am always looking for motivators and people to help motivate!

l3xii

First off, if my calorie budget is 1200 calories a day, and I burn 500, am I supposed to eat 1700 that day, or just 1200? That is one thing that has confused me here on MFP because it tracks net calories. If someone could put it simply for me that would be great.

Also, I noticed that I am only eating around 600 calories a day, and I cannot force myself to eat anymore. Any advice? I don't feel like I am starving myself, and I don't want to overeat.

Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!

Also, add me as a friend if you would like. I am always looking for motivators and people to help motivate!

just read this http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/10589-for-those-confused-or-questioning-eating-your-exercise-calo

TheKitsune6

You should be eating around 1700 calories if that is what you are burning. If you are having trouble eating more than 600 then you should try eating more calorie dense food. Have a bowl of ice cream or something, that'll get your calories up and it's better than undereating.

I can't see your food diary so my suggestions are limited because my knowledge is limited... but there are many ways to get enough calories besides stuffing yourself sick.

hush7hush

Don't eat ice cream or junk food.
Eat almonds or peanut butter.

TheKitsune6

It's perfectly okay to eat ice cream (or any other kind of junk food) in moderation.

My point was simply that you should try eating something more calorie dense. If you prefer almonds and peanut butter then that's awesome, but if you want something sugary sometimes go for it - especially if you are only eating 600 calories. It's better to eat "crap" than not enough.

carlye14

Thank you!

megsta21

First off, if my calorie budget is 1200 calories a day, and I burn 500, am I supposed to eat 1700 that day, or just 1200? That is one thing that has confused me here on MFP because it tracks net calories. If someone could put it simply for me that would be great.

Also, I noticed that I am only eating around 600 calories a day, and I cannot force myself to eat anymore. Any advice? I don't feel like I am starving myself, and I don't want to overeat.

Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!

Also, add me as a friend if you would like. I am always looking for motivators and people to help motivate!

just read this http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/10589-for-those-confused-or-questioning-eating-your-exercise-calo

I Agree! =] Read it... great info! Clears it up alot!

MardiMuru

Find creative substitions. There is a product called PB2 that is better then peanut butter (less fat and cal - same taste - all natural). Yougurt can be used instead of sour cream in a lot of applications - same taste in most cases.

Watch out for anything processed!

Ever try Shakeology ice cream? Awesome stuff, low call, low fat, and loaded with healthy ingredients.

Fenyx

Agreed, you want to eat calories back (at least some if not all). The best way to explain this is to look at the body like a car. When you drive it more, you have to add more gas, otherwise you risk stalling (plateau). From my point of view, once I started eating my exercise calories back I noticed a difference in my weight loss. As far as being under, find some calorie dense foods that are also good as well. I find peanut butter is excellent and tasty as well. There are so many healthy foods that are calorie dense that can ensure you hit your goal. You don't want to deprive your body of the nutrients it needs to operate properly, and my doctor said that getting the nutrients you need can be hard at 1200 lol much above 600. So

- Peanut butter
- Raw almonds, cashews & other nuts or sunflower seeds
- Fruit Dried fruit & Fruit Juice (go for natural, but juice has more than a piece of fruit).
- Whole grains, pastas, rice & cereals
- Potatoes or yams
- legumes (beans)
- Avocado (pretty dense)
- Dairy (2% milk, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, etc)
- Fish high in omega-3's such as salmon, tuna
- Red meats
- Cook vegetables/meats/etc in olive oil
- Meal replacement shakes, which you can add peanut butter, flax oil, etc to add even more to get your goal.
- Dark chocolate

are a handful of options I have found for myself hope it helps!

Sonofabiscuit2

In the popcorn/nut aisle Walmart carries a trail mix "Great Value Good Health Energy" low sodium and 150 calories for 30 gm, it's such a small amount of food for such high healthy calories. As for the person suggesting low cal shakeology ice cream that is missing the point of the op's post not everything can be solved through shakeology.

zeeeb

i wish i had that problem. 600 calories, and feel like you are forcing yourself to eat....

it's easy to pack in some more calories with a bit of dried fruit and nuts. i always have a packet of almonds and a packet of prunes (or dried apricots if you don't like prunes) as something to just have a couple of, it's great energy and you'll only have to eat a couple of handfuls to make up your calories.

also peanut butter on toast / bread is easy calories if you want more.

and boiled eggs, i boil a whole pot full and leave them in the fridge as a quick snack and energy burst when i'm feeling ravenous, or weak / hungry, i also eat a boiled egg before i go to personal training, it seems to give me extra energy.