Am I being too restrictive?

therequiiem

Take a look at my diary...

I have not been eating the amount of calories that I should. I have been under for a while, since I find it hard to reach anything higher without going above my macros.

I really try to stay within all my macros, mostly carbs, sugars and sodium. I am rarely over in fat. I am trying to get as much protein as possible.

The problem is, I have been losing my appetite for meat. It just doesn't taste good to me anymore for some reason... and I know this is partially why I am low in protein and high in everything else.

I have not been exercising because I have not been getting enough calories as it is. I am also a college student and am unmotivated to cook anything that will take up a lot of time.

Any solutions at all??

Connie_TN

Hey...Maybe add soy or vegaterian type of food? Or try some protein drinks to supplement you protein intake. Hope it helps a little.

rml_16

I think you're seriously overthinking this.

therequiiem

Hey...Maybe add soy or vegaterian type of food? Or try some protein drinks to supplement you protein intake. Hope it helps a little.

I have been wanting to take up protein shakes for a while now, it's just the case of finding a good one. I tried one because it was cheap and it was gross.

therequiiem

I think you're seriously overthinking this.

.......overthinking what?

mizfrankie

You can find protein from other sources besides meat. Hemp would be great to put into a smoothie, legumes, quinoa (so fast and easy to make)...you can google non meat sources and see what comes up. There are lots! Oh also Chlorella (a powder form of seaweed) - apparently Chloressence is a great brand.

Good luck!

aethompson5507

i think your diet looks fine. if you might be worried about nutrition, find a good nutritional shake to have for maybe breakfast or lunch! i use the body by vi shakes for breakfast and it gives me the extra i need. i always feel great when i drink them

mizfrankie

You can find protein from other sources besides meat. Hemp would be great to put into a smoothie, legumes, quinoa (so fast and easy to make)...you can google non meat sources and see what comes up. There are lots! Oh also Chlorella (a powder form of seaweed) - apparently Chloressence is a great brand.

Good luck!

and Maca powder is amaaazing to put in a smoothie. Get a blender. Put your protein powder in it but then add other fun stuff and make it a meal. It's great!

oh AND Nakd is a great brand for whole food bars. Just so ya know

rtmama

You can change the levels of any nutrient in your diary, and it's not written in stone that you need to stay within those levels everyday anyway. Not everyone is the same. You need to find out what suits YOU best.

I agree with the overthinking comment. Relax and go with the flow. If you try to pigeonhole it too much, then it becomes a chore. It's a lifestyle.

rml_16

I think you're seriously overthinking this.

.......overthinking what?

Dieting. Going over macros. All of it.

Eat a healthy, balanced diet and watch your calories and you'll be fine.

There's protein in almost everything you eat -- dairy, soy, nuts, etc. Much healthier than a protein shake, which is a very poor way to get protein, anyway. The Cleveland Clinic website has a very good article about protein needs and the best way to get it.

Your sodium is only at 1,800. Unless you're hypertensive, that's low. You have some wiggle room. But by cooking healthy, whole foods and not eating out a lot, you shouldn't have to worry about sodium at all.

redefiningmyself

I would recommend adding in a bunch of veggies each day. I looked at your diary and I think one of the reasons you are hitting your sugar/sodium/carb maxes and still under calories is because there is lots of processed food there.

Also, I completely understand not having much taste for meat - as I'm usually in the same position, but you can also get your protein through nuts, seeds, dairy products, soy products like tofu - there's lots of options, so maybe try some of those and see what you like and what works for you.

I hope that helps.

therequiiem

You can change the levels of any nutrient in your diary, and it's not written in stone that you need to stay within those levels everyday anyway. Not everyone is the same. You need to find out what suits YOU best.

I agree with the overthinking comment. Relax and go with the flow. If you try to pigeonhole it too much, then it becomes a chore. It's a lifestyle.

I had lowered my carbs due to suggestions on here, and i found that i lost more pounds quickly that way.

therequiiem

I think you're seriously overthinking this.

.......overthinking what?

Dieting. Going over macros. All of it.

Eat a healthy, balanced diet and watch your calories and you'll be fine.

There's protein in almost everything you eat -- dairy, soy, nuts, etc. Much healthier than a protein shake, which is a very poor way to get protein, anyway. The Cleveland Clinic website has a very good article about protein needs and the best way to get it.

Your sodium is only at 1,800. Unless you're hypertensive, that's low. You have some wiggle room. But by cooking healthy, whole foods and not eating out a lot, you shouldn't have to worry about sodium at all.

So should I change my sodium to 2,500? I just don't want to be bloated.
I have been told that I have an eating disorder NOS (not otherwise specified). In my case, yes I do overthink and tend to get obsessive

therequiiem

I would recommend adding in a bunch of veggies each day. I looked at your diary and I think one of the reasons you are hitting your sugar/sodium/carb maxes and still under calories is because there is lots of processed food there.

Also, I completely understand not having much taste for meat - as I'm usually in the same position, but you can also get your protein through nuts, seeds, dairy products, soy products like tofu - there's lots of options, so maybe try some of those and see what you like and what works for you.

I hope that helps.

Thanks, veggies aren't my favorite but I know I need to eat them. They are so low in calories though so it's like whats the point?

rebeccask

You're going over sugars because of all the fruit you're eating...which isn't bad, but try balancing the fruit with veggies. Looks like you don't get a lot of veggies in your diet. i.e. add spinach to a fruit smoothie. spinach is also a good source of iron which if you're not eating meat, you're probably low there as well.

morganadk2_deleted

I don't think you are eating enough , you are nearly aways around the 1000 ! 1200 is the min for a small sedentry woman..

but i agree with others your worrying to much, eat healthy

rml_16

I think you're seriously overthinking this.

.......overthinking what?

Dieting. Going over macros. All of it.

Eat a healthy, balanced diet and watch your calories and you'll be fine.

There's protein in almost everything you eat -- dairy, soy, nuts, etc. Much healthier than a protein shake, which is a very poor way to get protein, anyway. The Cleveland Clinic website has a very good article about protein needs and the best way to get it.

Your sodium is only at 1,800. Unless you're hypertensive, that's low. You have some wiggle room. But by cooking healthy, whole foods and not eating out a lot, you shouldn't have to worry about sodium at all.

So should I change my sodium to 2,500? I just don't want to be bloated.
I have been told that I have an eating disorder NOS (not otherwise specified). In my case, yes I do overthink and tend to get obsessive

If you're eating healthy, you don't even need to track sodium. Out of sight, out of mind.

I don't track mine, but out of curiousity, I've looked at it here and there. I average 1,600 mg a day, and that's because I usually eat out at least once a week. Worry more about fiber, protein, calcium -- things that will really have an impact on your health.

And keep in mind that the idea that we need loads of protein is not really true. Most of us get more than we need without even trying.

Again, just eat healthy and balanced REAL FOOD. Whole grains, healthy fats, good sources of protein (plant-based if you don't like meat anymore). Cut out processed stuff, or at least cut back on it. And then exercise. Just an FYI, but the macro requirements will go UP to accomodate for the exercise, so you can eat more and stay within your requirements if that's important to you.

I would also recommend a meeting with a registered dietician to get a more accurate idea of what YOU need and not the generic numbers MFP puts out there.

therequiiem

And I am also pretty terrified of gaining weight, so the fact that I have been within my macros has worked for me in the past, I guess I feel I should continue it