Vegetarian NOT Getting Enough Calories

cranberryfish

Hello, Everyone! I am a vegetarian and rarely get all of my calories in. The foods I eat are low in calories so I find myself purposefully eating "bad" foods to add to my calorie intake. For instance, yesterday, I ended the day short 1300 calories (500+ of those were added back in because of exercise); I had breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus 2-3 snacks. Any suggestions to help me reach my calorie target w/out the bad foods? Thank you…

SpazzyMal

Well I don't know exactly what you're eating, but I assume you're eating a high veggie intake and not as much of anything else to be having this much trouble? Not knowing exactly what you're eating and going on that assumption, I would suggest upping your carb intake. Whole wheat (not white!) pastas, rice and breads can bring your calorie levels up. Likewise, try adding in more fruits. If you cook for yourself you might also want to add some olive oil. A little healthy fat here and there drizzled on stuff likely wont hurt you. Avocados are also good on that front.

FlynnMacCallister

What are you actually eating? Are you low on one of protein/fat/carbohydrate calories on particular, or across the board?

cranberryfish

Generally, I eat lots of fruits and veggies; I eat lots of beans and legumes. Primarily, I eat brown rice and other whole grains, such as barley and quinoa. A typical day looks like this: Breakfast: oatmeal, banana, Silk, vitamin; lunch: green beans, brown rice; dinner: potatoes, chard, and carrots or beans of some sort. In between the 3 main meals I snack on fruit, granola bars, pastry (once a day), peanut butter, celery, raisins, nuts, etc. Even counting the 1 pastry I eat nearly everyday and the snacks I am not getting in all of my calories. I don't feel hungry, so I don't continue to eat just to meet the calorie goal... Thank you for your feedback.

heatgal976

Your menu looks vegan, not vegetarian, because I don't see dairy or eggs listed. If you don't feel hungry with your current meal plan, than you might want to up your fats. Nut butters, avocado, good oils like coconut or olive, and maybe some hummus with veggies or a salad should give some extra needed calories. You can add some coconut oil to your oatmeal or some almond butter to your banana in the morning. The lunch meal looks a little light. Do you eat tofu? Maybe add a salad with some healthy dressing to your lunch and dinner. When I eat vegan or vegetarian, I don't usually have issues with calories.