How to eat more calories?

BuddhaBabeee

I *WAS* eating under 1000 a day before but you people told me that was bad... so I'm trying to think of things to eat that will help me get over even 1000...
I have lots of low fat desserts like chocolate 100 calorie snacks but is that really what I should be eating to get more calories in?
I don't really know what to eat. I get full really fast so I stop eating.

kellyscomeback

If you have a problem eating 1200 calories try eating whole fat foods and not the low cal/low fat versions to up your caloric intake.

Pandorian

Whole-fat versions are a great way to increase calorie intake. Whole milk, regular mayo/miracle whip etc.

Nuts, nut butters, avocado etc.

moonlightturk

It's easier to eat more calories of the foods you love, I'm not sure what that is.. but then again if they are 'bad' calories I would stay away from it.. To start off I would increase veggies + fruits because there is calories in those items, good calories.

ladyhawk00

Chronic lack of appetite can be a signal of severely decreased metabolism. A couple of threads that may help:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/175241-a-personal-view-on-exercise-cals-and-underfeeding

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/231636-the-eating-when-you-re-not-hungry-dilemma

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/186814-some-mfp-basics

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/230930-starvation-mode-how-it-works

As for how to increase cals in a healthy way:

Planning is key. Focus on balanced macros (protein/fat/carbs) in each meal/snack. Start with making sure to eat at least 3 meals a day. Breakfast is important when you're trying to overcome a habit of irregular eating or underfeeding. Once you've adjusted to that, add in snacks. Then, gradually increase the amount of cals in each meal/snack. Just 50 cals more for each meal/snack adds up. If you know you'll be working out, increase cals throughout the day.

If you're not feeling hungry, a good way to increase cals without much volume is healthy fats from natural oils (olive/canola), nuts and nut butters (almonds, pistachios, walnuts), and avocados. Also, I would stay away from "low cal" or "low fat" options. Partly because you want to increase cals, and partly because those foods are usually processed and not nutrient dense, and the cals or fat they take out is replaced by sugar (real or substitute) and sodium - not a good trade off. A fruit smoothie, protein shake or chocolate milk are good cal boosters, because drinking cals can be easier than eating when you aren't feeling hungry.

Typically, it may be hard for a few days or a week, but your body will adjust to the increased intake and you'll find it isn't an issue for long. Eating more will truly help your metabolism, and your appetite will increase with it.

omnisis

full fat dairy
nuts, seeds and fatty fish
whole wheat pastas
more fruits

just increase portion size or meal frequency and they will quickly add up. A medium banana is about 100 calories. A side of pasta can easily add 250 calories. Full fat cheeses and dairy add calories in a hurry but watch out for too much saturated fat in your diet.

skinnyhopes

Try trail mix. I'm eating a pack right now (7.5tbsp) and it's 400 cals

bizco

No, those low-fat 100 calorie snacks are not the best choice. Eat healthy, higher-calorie foods like natural peanut butter, avocado, 1% or 2% milk, whole eggs, cheese, whole grains like old-fashioned oatmeal or quinoa, fruit, raw (unprocessed) nuts like almonds or walnuts. Can always eat more lean protein like chicken or turkey breast, tuna, salmon, etc.

stevenleagle

I am only a beginner but I would look at the analysis of nutrients and see what foods target those nutrients you are lacking. Eg if you need more protein eat more meat. If more calcium eat more dairy or drink more milk.

sarahavery

good post