Fella and I on here together...

melanie3103

So I am allowed 1200 cals, and he's allowed almost double that. We are both doing well going to the gym most work days (mon-fri) - well at least 3-4 times per week anyway.

My question is, as he is being really supportive, he is eating pretty much what I am. So lots of healthy things - lots of veg, chicken, fish, lower cal sauces/dressings, less alcohol etc etc - but of course his calorie intake is therefore very similar to mine, so he is wayyyyy under each day.

He isn't hungry on what he's eating, so it's almost like forcing him to eat extra. What do you suggest ?

I said maybe have a protein/cereal bar mid morning and mid afternoon - have a banana between meals etc, and make sure he has a dessert after dinner each night. I don't mean to moan/sound ungrateful, his support has been awesome in helping me stay on track - and I really appreciate his support, but worry he isn't eating enough.

I have 2 stone to lose, he has just half a stone - for our holiday in Cuba at the end of November. So while it's doing him good to drink less and eat more healthily, he's eating similar calories to me, which isn't enough for him according to MFP.

How can we boost his intake without "force feeding".. I don't want him eating for the sake of it.

x

christine24t

i definitely agree with having him eat extra snacks! im guessing you're from the uk, but here we have these protein bars called Clif Builder bars that are 270 calories and they're tasty. How about extra portions as well? If you eat 1/2 a cup of greek yogurt, maybe he should eat a cup (or two??). If he eats calorie dense foods (nuts, meat, avocado), that will up his calories!

gentlebreeze2

Calorie dense foods like nuts.

CaptainMFP

As the "fella" in my relationship, here are a couple of things I do.

(1) Protein shakes. Find a good, tasty protein shake mix. I do shakes with various nut butters (peanut, cashew, almond, sunflower seed) and/or fruits depending on whether I need more carbs of fats with my protein on any given day. I make mine with 1 cup of skim milk, so for just over one glass of shake I get up to 470 calories in one beverage. Nutrient dense and tasty, so the best of all worlds.

(2) Healthy home-made trail mix. These will often be heavier in carbs and fats (not protein) so they should be used judiciously. The one my wife and I make is over 100 calories for 50 g.

(3) Greek yogurt mixed with wheat germ, raw nuts, Kashi cereal, or trail mix. Calorie dense and pretty high in protein. The specific nutrient mix (and total calories) can be customized by what is added.

All of these are low sodium. I take in an average of 2200 calories a day with exercise calories and keep my average sodium below 1700 mg. I also hit my nutrient targets (50% carbs/<25% fat/>25% protein) pretty accurately. My diary is public so you (and your fella) are welcome to browse for ideas. I have also lost pretty steadily...I'm at 37.7 lbs. down in 4 1/2 months. Cheers!

EDIT: I have not found a worthwhile protein bar. I like Lara Bars on occasion, but even these (which are low sodium) have enough fat to make them a challenge...and I'm not trying to bulk-up; since this is the goal of most protein bars I don't personally recommend them on a regular basis. An extra piece of fruit before a workout will add calories...I do a half glass of orange juice when I get up in the morning before my run. Every little bit helps!

brittanyjeanxo

I personally am allotted 2280 calories a day. I only eat probably about 1500 on average. I'm losing weight just fine I feel like 2280 calories is WAY too much, so I just eat 'til I'm done for the day, and that usually puts at about 1500. I'm still losing weight, so it must be working for me

fallenangelloves

My husband and I are in the same boat. He usually eats a double portion of dinner (which is healthy) and eats snacks during the day.( train mixes and nuts) This is about being healthy and it will catch up with him eventually and may have an adverse effect later on.

christine24t

I personally am allotted 2280 calories a day. I only eat probably about 1500 on average. I'm losing weight just fine I feel like 2280 calories is WAY too much, so I just eat 'til I'm done for the day, and that usually puts at about 1500. I'm still losing weight, so it must be working for me

are you sure that that is your net calorie goal? and not your calories burned from daily activity? go to the "my home" tab at the top of the screen, and then goals, and then check there to make sure you are eating the right amount of calories. 2280 is a lot of calories.

melanie3103

Thanks for all your suggestions/tips.

I am so thrilled to have his support, as I do struggle to stay motivated. We've recently moved in together, and so find we are eating the same. Will definitely increase his portion sizes at meal times (more potatoes, rice, pasta etc) and he likes his protein shakes - as he works out a lot in the gym (often earning a whopping 300-500 extra cals from a workout!!!), and I will talk to him about getting some protein bars as well.

I am pleased we are both eating more healthily, as this is great for our ongoing/longterm health and our future. So I didn't want him riverting back to eating more greasy fried/convenient food and/or going back to having 2-3 pints every night JUST BECAUSE he has the surplus cals to do so. We have both made really positive steps/changes to our lives, both in terms of diet and fitness - and I was keen to ensure he remains happy with those changes too.

Nuts etc - is another good suggestion - at lunchtime will nip out to the local healthstore and stock up.

Thanks all...

CARNAT22

My OH does not need to lose any weight at all so I am in a slightly different position.

We eat the same for the most part but I make sure that his portions are always bigger than mine (carb and protein wise at least) .

My OH also drinks a Nurishment drink a day [about 500 cals] but it is good if you are burning lots of cals or weight lifting. OH does weights and has a very physical job.

I also make sure there are a few treats for OH - things I don't like though so I am not tempted (apple pies / blueberry muffins etc..)

tohealth4me

Congrats on you for having such a supportive SO! It is wonderful, and so much better than him trying to sabotage you.

However, in you discussions, explain that it is about health. Healthy for him means more food than you are having, especially if he is also working out a lot.

My DH doesn't need to lose weight, but he is also supportive. He definitely gets bigger portion sizes, we don't work together so he eats whatever at lunch. I often make potatoes or rice with dinner just for him (I don't eat them) or if we are BBQing, I have grilled chicken and make him a steak.

Snacks are great as well. My DH eats almonds by the handful. He has milk with all of his meals (though I am trying that too - but I drink skim and he drinks 2%). He gets more butter, more jam, etc.

We are both winning - me because he is wonderful and supportive, him because he is getting healthier food with better choices at home. Though DH doesn't need to lost weight, a few years ago he had his gall bladder removed. It was wake-up call for him because though he always looked great and worked out, he had an idea that the "bad" food choices were still impacting him on the inside (he was 34). For the record, yes, he can fit in the same clothes as university, but he is working with me to health, not just looking good.