Eating enough calories is IMPOSSIBLE!

morgiedoll333

Hey guys!
I'm a college student living on campus using a meal plan, so all my food comes from pre-made food or pre-packaged food. It's such a struggle to not only avoid the constant temptation of unhealthy foods, but even FIND healthy foods as an alternative. My go-to healthy food here are:
greek yogurt
grilled chicken
salad bar
turkey sandwiches
string cheese
granola/protein bars
almonds/pistachios
fruit
anything w/ hummus or peanut butter


My choices are limited to what my school provides, but I always feel really proud of myself for opting for the healthier choices.

HOWEVER, whenever I feel like I've had a really good day it only adds up to be no more than around 800 calories. WHAT?! I'm SO aware of how unhealthy this is. I'm so frustrated because I know my metabolism is only going to slow down. My goal is to have 1200 in a day, but I find that I can't get to that number unless I add in some unhealthy, high-calorie goodies.

My question is this: How do I add more 400 calories to my day in a healthy way? (I could always eat a bag of cheetos, but I'd really rather not lol.)

THANKS GUYS!

futiledevices

Eat 1/2 cup of almonds and you're up about 200 calories. It's actually really simple. Eat some avocado, they're pretty high in calories, too.

thecrossfitter

I hear you on the tough choices on campus problem - it's great you recognize 800 calories doesn't cut it! Consider getting some almond butter to keep on campus; it's delicious on apples! Adding just a little bit of calorie dense (and healthy) foods can help. I'd also recommend avocados, but they are more expensive and won't last as long as that almond butter.

That's the first thing I can think of off the top of my head... but you want healthy, calorie dense stuff - that you wouldn't have to purchase frequently/isn't too expensive/would last.

Do you know when you can opt out of your meal plan? I had to wait until junior year... I feel your pain!

thecrossfitter

Eat 1/2 cup of almonds and you're up about 200 calories. It's actually really simple. Eat some avocado, they're pretty high in calories, too.

Haha TOO FUNNY. I seriously was typing my response before you posted this. I hit 'submit' and then saw this in the thread lol

Lift_hard_eat_big

It's not impossible, just gotta plan it out more. I can eat over 1,200 kcal in one meal. You gotta eat more calorie dense foods. Add some olive oil to your dishes. Eat a few more servings of peanut butter, a few glasses of whole milk. Do your best to get in another 400 kcal with healthy choices.

servilia

have an extra turkey sandwich, have some almonds and pistachios

cheeksv

eat larger portions or keep almonds around would be easiest. Maybe even try eating one higher calorie meal like adding protein powder to your milk during breakfast? Keep it in your dorm and put it into a to go thermos you keep in the room or a small container with a tight lid?

taramaureen

Increase your portions over every meal or eat a few slices of bread and milk. Or, hell, have a desert after dinner.

it_be_asin

Maybe this is a time where some wholegrain carbs could help? Wholegrain bread, brown rice, porridge (you can't join MFP unless you pledge to eat porridge a minimum of 4 times a week)... that's the one thing I didn't see on your list. Protein and veggies are great, but wholegrain carbs will certainly add some filling slow release energy into your diet.

chrisdavey

the answer to every one of these threads is peanut butter.

SergeantSunshine_reused

the answer to every one of these threads is peanut butter.

Yes. Spoon + jar of pb = win.

ruststar

Your campus doesn't have a cafeteria that serves hot food? I work on a college campus and have access to plenty of healthy options, from the salad bar to the chicken breasts the grill area cooks up. Granted we have a really good dining program, but I can't believe they don't serve any actual food on your campus. When I was in the army I had to eat in some of the worst cafeterias I've ever seen, and managed to still find something I could eat that was reasonable.

going2befit

You'll be surprised at just how possible it is.
Come on. Just get some whole wheat bread (110 a slice) and some peanut butter (210 2 tbsps). Have two slices with 2 tbsps and there you are, 430 calories easily.