I suck

mamaboobear

So I've only been on MFP for about a week, and I can't even get close to my calorie goal per day without going over by at least 1000 calories. I feel like a fat pig, And really, my net goal right now is almost 1500 I think (can't remember off the top of my head), and then I usually work out which adds me another 300 calories usually, so I'm technically allowed to eat almost 2000 calories per day, and I can't even manage that.

Anyone else have this problem in the beginning? How long did it take for you to change the way you eat, and any tips for me? I know I should be grabbing a banana instead of timmy's bagel for breakfast, and things like that, but once the thought is in my head it is soo hard to get out. Its like I get obsessed with the idea of whatever food pops in my head, and nothing else will satisfy me.

justcraziness

If I get a craving like that I will go ahead and have it, but only a small portion of it... So maybe if you want that bagel just have half. If you cut your portion sizes down that will help, and eventually you will figure out the foods that you can have more of versus the "bad" stuff, lol. Start with little changes and sure enough you will get there!

nisharae

Try eating lower cal foods... You can have a ton more fruits and veggies for 1000 cal than you can 1 hamburger. You'll feel alot fuller by eating healthier things as well.... There are also alot of low cal options out there for common foods we like. I have switched to eating as natural as possible now, but in the beggining when I was really craving pizza, I'd grab like a smart ones or healthy choice pizza.. Its still pizza but without the unneeded cals. They have desserts and everything else like that too... Lower calorie options without really sacrifising what you like to eat. If you have any questions feel free to message me. And you dont suck, you have already made the decision to do this, you are obviously on here for a reason. Every good choice you make is a step in the right direction .

~Nisha Rae

CherrySunday

It took weeks for me to finally get there. I do a daily workout too, plus I walk 5 miles a day, which I don't log, precisely because of what you said in your post!! It's eating back all those burned calories. I mean, when I was logging my walks, some days my log would say eat 1700 calories or 1900 calories. I stopped logging every single activity I did, instead just logging my aerobic work outs and eventually my strength training when I get there. I just couldn't eat that much without eating poorly. So this week, I've made the choice for myself to stay within the 1300-1500 calorie range, and it's been working for me.

BamBam1113

The whole process takes some time because you're pretty much having to retrain your brain. Give it a good solid week or two, look through other people's diaries to get some ideas.

fcrisswell

Make small changes, one at a time so you aren't fighting with yourself or feeling overwhelmed.

I would start with the coffee you have in the AM....400+ calories! I love me some starbucks but I get a sugarfree soy latte and it is arond 220 and serves as my breakfast.

If you must eat the bagel...eat half. Immdiately throw the other part away or get an english muffin instead. There are little things you can do that will dratically change the calories you eat. I would not drink your calories either (short of the "treat" coffee...I get my starbucks once a month). Eat grilled instead of breaded chicken and fish, etc.

FaithandFitness

YES! I did have that problem. I discovered that as I ate healthier and made healthier choices, the food tasted better and I started to crave it more. (For example, I never craved tomatoes, you porbably don't either, but ooooh, sometimes I can't get my mind off of tomatoes now!)

You do not suck . . .you just have a lot of habits to change (like all of us here on MFP) Just practice at it, drink lots of water during the day, and it'll come around.

Nharah

Ok.. so for a week you have been logging your diet. This is an excellent start. Now you have a baseline to work with. Make sure you are drinking your water and look at portion control. Do you need 2 whatevers to ease your craving? or would one and a glass of water do?

Baby steps and everyday is a fresh start on a new lifestyle. I am sending you a friend request, Add me if you like.

jsonnett02

fill up on VEGGIES!!! have a small portion of the food you are craving and then fill up the tummy with veggies, berries, lower sugar fruits....u will get more fiber, vitamins and nutrients and healthy foods in ur system

cjjones007

So I've only been on MFP for about a week, and I can't even get close to my calorie goal per day without going over by at least 1000 calories. I feel like a fat pig, And really, my net goal right now is almost 1500 I think (can't remember off the top of my head), and then I usually work out which adds me another 300 calories usually, so I'm technically allowed to eat almost 2000 calories per day, and I can't even manage that.

Anyone else have this problem in the beginning? How long did it take for you to change the way you eat, and any tips for me? I know I should be grabbing a banana instead of timmy's bagel for breakfast, and things like that, but once the thought is in my head it is soo hard to get out. Its like I get obsessed with the idea of whatever food pops in my head, and nothing else will satisfy me.

Mamaboo - YES! It was tough in the beginning and some of the suggestions here are great - Higher protein will keep you full, etc.
but remember - most of us have to re-learn not to munch, or eat just because, etc...

You are doing SO great simply by recognizing this - couple that with the workouts and the counting calories and look at the accomplishments so far... It will get better - keep up the hard work - keep going for it and if you need any help or have any questions please do not hesitate to let me know!!!

Msaip

It's a working progress kind of thing! Keep your head up and keep trying. Everyday is a new day!

JayAlexander

I get that same obsession feeling with food. Like I won't even be hungry and I start thinking about something in my fridge or pantry and I actually start getting that hunger feeling and it won't stop until I've eaten whatever food I was thinking about! It drive me crazy! I don't really have any advise for you because I still struggle with this daily. I just try to keep only good, fresh, and healthy foods in my house. Try changing little things at first, baby steps. Add in a piece of fruit everyday or switch to reduced fat milk or yogurt. Taking on too much at once could end up being your downfall. Everyday is a new day, a new opportunity for change, a chance to better yourself. Good luck on your journey!

julsofdenial

I had the same problem.. it took me about 2-3 weeks to get more serious and really start eating good stuff instead of just less junk. I am far from perfect or being a "clean" eater, but the change to me is HUGE. It is NOT easy to learn what/how to eat to be at calorie goal and evener harder to meet all the other goals, like sugar and sodium. It is a learning process but you will be happy once you figure it out.
I thought the same thing but now I am 8 weeks in and it seems like it flew by and now I am almost 12 pounds down. So while each day seems so long and a week like it is forever, hang in there because before you know it you are doing it and amazing things can happen.
A banana would never work for me in the AM.. now on work days I eat the same oatmeal everyday. A packet of plain oatmeal in the microwave with some golden raisins, slivered almonds, cinnamon and blueberries or strawberries if I have them. I need to feel "full" in the AM or I munch all day. Find what works for you.. and learn from others diary's if you can.

nikki8marie

I agree that small changes are the best way. Pick 2 or 3 things to work on a week and focus on that, like water and walking for 30 minutes a day. Also go through your food journal and look for little ways to cut calories. If you suddenly cut 1000 calories from your diet you are going to be hungry and miserable. Good Luck.

brneydgrlie

Cut out the processed foods.

Cut your carb portions in about half (bagels, cream in coffee, breaded chicken, potatoes)

Eat ALOT more vegetables - especially leafy greens. Their fiber, along with whatever protein you are eating, will help make you feel fuller.

wendyloh

It is hard to go from eating 3,000 calories a day to half of that. Maybe you should try cutting back slowly, by 150 calories less per week until you get to your 2000 calorie goal. It's like running, you can't start off running a marathon, you start by running one mile, then two, and so on. It is hard, especially since your body will be asking for more calories to maintain the weight that you are at now, but keep thinking of your goal and remember that eating that extra portion of pasta means either working out for another 30 minutes or keeping that weight on. I hope this helps

mum23

hey, well done for starting this.
would you like constructive critisisim on your diary?

rjvt006

It takes time. just take a min a look at your food diary see what small changes you can do to help. Like my hubby he always goes over his. I looked at his food Diary 780cals just from what he was drinking. (sweet tea) i pointed that out to him so he cut back some. Little steps lead to far distances. Just keep motivated you can do it

DreaL

I don't know if this will help but ...

I noticed that the more I worked out, the more my body asked for different things. So instead of going for ice cream now, my body is asking for yogurt. Or instead of snacking on cookies and stuff like that, I'll have a handful of cashews. I don't know about you but I also had to come to the realization that I ate out of either frustration or boredom. When I figured that out, I started doing other things, like playing a 5 minute game of fetch with the dog or even just drinking a big glass of water.

Keep going for right now and see if your body doesn't start asking for healthier things as you start getting fitter.

Good luck in all you do!!

nokittyno

I'm there with you. I struggle to stay under my 1,200 calories for the day. I use to average about 700 for breakfast! BUT I would usually burn 6-900 calories a workout, which was okay but I am trying to average out my intake throughout the day. I generally NEVER have lunch, as I work most afternoons and evenings, and wake up about 11am, so in reality I am having lunch.. almost, but I always call it breakfast. I've been cutting my calories somedays by having what I want but less of it(some days harder than others).

Lets say I would have,
A Bagel W/ Cream Cheese
Energy Drink
Yogurt
Averaging 650-705 Cals

I've been trying
Half a Bagel
Mocha Drinks, 20 less calories
Vanilla Yogurt with a few Berries, and Granola
Averaging 500-590 Cals

So what I am going to try and implement is something more the lines of
Half a Bagel
25 % less Sugar Chocolate Milk
Apple, Banana, OR smaller yogurt and less granola
Averaging 450-500 Cals.

And I will keep trying till I can get somewhere good, and if I need a snack later to balance out after a strenuous workout I can afford it.

I also have a food scale to help me see how many grams is what exactly. I bought it for 30.00 at my local Canadian Tire, it's the brand Starfrit. Great tool 0 I recommend it completely - especially with cereal, those calories can add up ALOT, even before the milk!

So my advice.. (just advice) is maybe keep some of the things you like but try small alternatives, slowly like I have.. and smaller portions.

This would be simpler if I didn't love food so much and variety. Lol

PrairieRoseNE

Tough situation for sure!! Have you tried planning out your meals ahead of time and figuring the nutritional values before you eat?? That way it isn't a surprise afterward.
Sometimes its just a matter of substituting higher calorie foods for lesser ones. Do you cook alot at home?? Homecooked foods are easier to manage than fast food or pre-packaged food.

I manage my calories better by planning between meal snacks at specific times of the day - that way I stay moderately full thru the day and I don't binge eat or overeat.

Wishing you luck and don't get discouraged - it takes time to develop better eating habits!

((HUGS))
~~PR

JackieJ13

I find it helpful to eat several times a day but I just have smaller portions. Instead of thinking about what I can't have, I try to focus on what I can have. Instead of a king size reeses peanut butter cup, I'll have a smaller lower calorie option like pretzel m & m's. I still get chocolate but it's much less than I would have had otherwise. Good luck and by the way, making baby steps are easier to stick to in the long run.

diembroadhurst

I think you need to turn this thing on its head and see what you have been doing positively.

1) you have started recording your food intake, which means you have accepted you should do something about your weight. Thats the hardest part.

2) By logging your food calories you are now more aware of exactly what you are consuming - and ok so you are not quite as low calorie wise as you should be - I dare say you are eating alot less than you were before you became so mindful about logging food. So you are probably eating less and that will have an impact on the scales.

3) you are taking exercise - which means you are doing something more than your normal daily activity.

Don't be disheartened - these are all really positive steps and you should be proud - little changes all add up and make BIG differences.

Now you just need to make small changes to the types of foods you eat, reduce portion sizes, choose lower calorie options and increase your veg and fruit intake so that it satisfies your appetite a bit more. Also make sure you are drinking your fluids.

Some great first steps in your first week well done!!

smartmama4

You can also use a 7" plate instead of a full size one. It makes me feel better if my plate is full! But your portion size will be smaller

I still struggle with chips and cookies. I just eat 2 cookies instead of my normal 4. And I drink A LOT of water so I feel full longer.
HTH

anubis609

If you can't stop creating overages, then burn more to create the deficit. Otherwise, you already know what the better alternatives are. No one but yourself is going to make you eat what you want to eat. Processed food was designed to make you want them more. You're already holding yourself accountable for the food you take in, that's a start, at the very least. If you don't like seeing red numbers, there are obvious changes you know that need to be made.

That said, my switch over to eating healthier alternatives was pretty much immediate. I have a wide palate for flavors and food, so it wasn't a big deal. That and almost dying from diabetes kind of set the tone for my diet. To each their own. I wish you much success on your journey.

Shandke

I think the hardest part is learning to eat in moderation and figure out how much of the things you like to eat you can and still make your calorie goal. Once you start to figure in your usual items, you can adjust and play with what you should have and what isn't worth the extra calories. For instance...I eat out for lunch almost everyday, I know that I can have a reg hamburger if I give up the fries that go with it. Or I can have the smallest burger and small fries. Not that these are healthy, but I think you have to find and learn how to eat the things that you like...I couldn't change what I liked, so I needed to just adjust to how much I can eat of my favorites. I may not eat the Healthiest, but just by reducing what I naturally ate it seems to be a better diet naturally. Now I have also tried to identify lower fat and calorie items and ingrediants so I think that also helps change habits...hang in there. It takes some time and "dedication", but it does work....Good Luck!

alleyag

First of all stop beating yourself up about it. Continue to log and make the effort and with time it will get easier. I've convinced my wife and it slowly has gotten better for her. Start controlling your portions better and you will find it easier to continue. Example: looking at your diary your meals are too high on the calorie end try to reduce them at first by making small changeable to portions like only half a slice of cheese or 1 cream rather than 2 in your coffee. Only half the bagel but the whole sandwich just like an open faced sandwich. You prob won't even taste the difference. The real challenge comes into play when changing the types of food your eating. Lose the bagel if you can have more eggs. Lose the starch carbs at dinner ( potatoes ) and have more broccoli. Bottom line increase the foods that are high in bulk like broccoli and other vegetables and low in calories 200 calories of broccoli is a lot more food than 200 calories of potatoes. This will also help you feel much more satisfied with the meal. Try to stay away from anything like potatoes or bread or rice after lunch and stick with the veggies. Hope this helps. Request me if you would like and I will drop a line from time to time with some pointers.

Fitness is a lifestyle not a quick fix. enjoy

sweetiepie31612

First...you do NOT suck. This is hard! I just took a peek at your diary and I have a few suggestions:

- the cream at Time Hortons is VERY bad for you, see if you can switch to milk (skim would be best, but even whole milk is better than cream; added to that, try switching out sugar for a local sweetner like splenda or equal

- Switch from white breads to wheat breads or whole grain bread; sliced bread, rolls, bagels, pasta, etc

- try eating more filling snacks and fewer big meals; for snacks I'd try greek yogurt, peanuts, or almonds

- if you feel like you still need a big meal, make a salad to have at every meal, fill half the plate with the salad and half the plate with the meal.

Good luck and stay positive...it gets easier

liveinbliss

You have a good baseline now to see where you are and what you are eating! Now pick something to change and work from there. My suggestion would be to drop the almost 500 calorie coffee! That one coffee a day is enough to gain one pound of fat a week and so eliminating it is enough to lose 1 pound of fat a week! Also try adding a fruit or veggie to every meal. They help fill you up with no fat and only a few calories. Small changes can really add up over time so instead of overwhelming your self with lots of changes try something this week and then add another next week and so on. Before you know it you will be eating better painlessly and the weight will be coming off!

leighton1245

So I've only been on MFP for about a week, and I can't even get close to my calorie goal per day without going over by at least 1000 calories. I feel like a fat pig, And really, my net goal right now is almost 1500 I think (can't remember off the top of my head), and then I usually work out which adds me another 300 calories usually, so I'm technically allowed to eat almost 2000 calories per day, and I can't even manage that.

Anyone else have this problem in the beginning? How long did it take for you to change the way you eat, and any tips for me? I know I should be grabbing a banana instead of timmy's bagel for breakfast, and things like that, but once the thought is in my head it is soo hard to get out. Its like I get obsessed with the idea of whatever food pops in my head, and nothing else will satisfy me.

One of the main issues that I see with what your eating from what your tracking is wayy to much processed foods you have the right idea with consuming chicken, fruits and veggies just stay away from premade stuff. There is a reason all the healthy stuff is on the outside of the grocery store that is where everyone should stay if they are looking to lose weight and get healthy. Yes in the beginning its tough because you are retraining your body to properly use the right nutrients for what they are intened for such as carbs the are for energy now there is two kind of carbs simple and complex. simple carbs come from surag and they give you quick and short lasted energy, but complex are also know as slow digesting carbs and come from wheats and grains which when you are first starting ot train your body you should limit these to a extent but not totally because you need carbs just get them from wheats and sweet potatos.

jeseka619

It is very difficult to retrain your brain - you are right! The first thing I would do, if i were you is cut out the 460 calories in Tim Horton's coffee drink in the mornings! That using up so many of your calories! Then slowly start to cut back on processed foods - i honestly believe that the processed food can be addictive. it takes time - hang in there!