How do I stop eating 6,000 calories??

SpinDizzie

I'm new here, too, and it can be rather mid-90s Usenet. But, there are lots of genuine, kind and smart people here to share the journey. Logging your food is one of the best tools ever. You have no idea until you see it in black and white. Your last couple of days look much better.

chonji4ever

You might loose really fast if you were at 6000 on a regular basis and cut right down to the 1500, so you might try 2000 for a week or two to see how the scale is changing on that. After you change a daily calorie goal, stick with it for a week or two to see how much you are dropping, and then you can adjust the goal as needed. The mfp site's calculator is not perfect for everyone, but you can get in the ballpark with it. However, you will have to cut some serious calories to start making progress.

amd895793

hey, was looking at your diary, And make sure your brand can be right. because i noticed this western family brand and their spaghettti was 600 calories a cup, which isn't normal. ANd the bacon was 270 calories for 2 slices which also isn't normal. so you may have a lower caloric intake

stubbysticks

It kind of confuses me that this isn't obvious since you are indeed logging your food. Put down the beer, cookies & M&Ms & you'll be in much better shape.

My question was more about surviving on fewer calories since I did not know if 1,500 was manageable for people. I am aware that cookies and beer are not making me skinny.

Gotcha. 1500 is manageable if you don't exercise & eat the right stuff - focus on high-protein & high-fiber foods to keep your appetite in check. If I'm not mistaken, you do exercise & are eating back the calories which is good, so you really don't have to survive on 1500. Drink plenty of water, which also helps with the appetite.

Weight loss is a moving target sometimes, & there's honestly nothing wrong with high-calorie days once in a while. 6,000 is excessive though, if you have binge-eating tendencies you need to address those so you can limit your treat days to 3,000 or less.

wackyfunster

This has to be a joke, who eats over 5,000!calories??

That's actually quite rude. It's easier than you think.

Honestly, I don't think that's rude. I eat ~3,500 calories on workout days, and have to continue to force myself to eat long past the point of enjoyment. Eating 6000 calories a day is IMPRESSIVE. Even my 250+lb. enormous bodybuilder friends have trouble breaking 5k/day without eating tons of fast food. IMO, the OP should just roll with it and become a competitive eater instead.

(not sarcastic)

Ri024

It kind of confuses me that this isn't obvious since you are indeed logging your food. Put down the beer, cookies & M&Ms & you'll be in much better shape.

My question was more about surviving on fewer calories since I did not know if 1,500 was manageable for people. I am aware that cookies and beer are not making me skinny.

Gotcha. 1500 is manageable if you don't exercise & eat the right stuff - focus on high-protein & high-fiber foods to keep your appetite in check. If I'm not mistaken, you do exercise & are eating back the calories which is good, so you really don't have to survive on 1500. Drink plenty of water, which also helps with the appetite.

Weight loss is a moving target sometimes, & there's honestly nothing wrong with high-calorie days once in a while. 6,000 is excessive though, if you have binge-eating tendencies you need to address those so you can limit your treat days to 3,000 or less.

Thank you Very helpful! I've found that having protein in the morning the last few days has totally filled me up for much longer than I was expecting.

Ri024

This has to be a joke, who eats over 5,000!calories??

That's actually quite rude. It's easier than you think.

Honestly, I don't think that's rude. I eat ~3,500 calories on workout days, and have to continue to force myself to eat long past the point of enjoyment. Eating 6000 calories a day is IMPRESSIVE. Even my 250+lb. enormous bodybuilder friends have trouble breaking 5k/day without eating tons of fast food. IMO, the OP should just roll with it and become a competitive eater instead.

(not sarcastic)

If you took the time to look at my diary, I think you would notice that there's only like 3 meals in there and a bunch of drinks and snacks that I ate throughout the day. It's not like I'm shoveling in thousands of pounds worth of food. Maybe you should become a competitive jerk... looks like you'll do well.

wackyfunster

If you took the time to look at my diary, I think you would notice that there's only like 3 meals in there and a bunch of drinks and snacks that I ate throughout the day. It's not like I'm shoveling in thousands of pounds worth of food. Maybe you should become a competitive jerk... looks like you'll do well.

I am training for the jerk Olympics as we speak!

But seriously, the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.

Iron_Maiden

This has to be a joke, who eats over 5,000!calories??

As someone who is brand new to this site and just starting my journey - I would hope all replies to people looking for support be supportive or left unsaid. Consuming 5000 calories is very realistic. Shifting down from that intake takes courage and stamina. Best of luck to you in your efforts! I am sure you can do it! At first it might not be 1500 calories but don't lose heart or confidence in yourself!!

Ri024

If you took the time to look at my diary, I think you would notice that there's only like 3 meals in there and a bunch of drinks and snacks that I ate throughout the day. It's not like I'm shoveling in thousands of pounds worth of food. Maybe you should become a competitive jerk... looks like you'll do well.

I am training for the jerk Olympics as we speak!

But seriously, the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.

That's why I've come to this site and also got in touch with a therapist to control my issues with binge eating.
Best of luck to you in your Olympic training

Anayalata

This has to be a joke, who eats over 5,000!calories??

That's actually quite rude. It's easier than you think.

Honestly, I don't think that's rude. I eat ~3,500 calories on workout days, and have to continue to force myself to eat long past the point of enjoyment. Eating 6000 calories a day is IMPRESSIVE. Even my 250+lb. enormous bodybuilder friends have trouble breaking 5k/day without eating tons of fast food. IMO, the OP should just roll with it and become a competitive eater instead.

(not sarcastic)

Eating the wrong foods loaded with fat can easily pile on the calories.

I remember before I started watching what I was eating I would shove down an entire Large bag of Hot Cheetos as a SNACK.
That's 1640 calories.

I'd follow that by eating an entire Large Frozen Pizza which was around 1400 calories~

Easily ate 3000 calories (mostly coming from oils and other fats) and this was only Lunch.

sspadaro54

it helps me to walk and then when I plug my exercise into my fitness pal app, I can have 200-300 calories more to spend on food. I am allowed 1200 a day, I drink a lot of water and eat lean protein to help with my hunger.

susannamarie

This has to be a joke, who eats over 5,000!calories??

That's actually quite rude. It's easier than you think.

Honestly, I don't think that's rude. I eat ~3,500 calories on workout days, and have to continue to force myself to eat long past the point of enjoyment. Eating 6000 calories a day is IMPRESSIVE. Even my 250+lb. enormous bodybuilder friends have trouble breaking 5k/day without eating tons of fast food. IMO, the OP should just roll with it and become a competitive eater instead.

(not sarcastic)

It depends on what you're eating.

I know I've (while driving a 14 hour drive) mindlessly chowed my way through over 8000 (didn't add it up at the time).

A dozen cookies (at 180 each, but MAN they're delicious) -- about 2000.
A gallon of 2% milk -- about 2000.
2 2-liters of mountain dew -- about 1000.
A pound of peanuts -- about 2000.
Half a pound of sesame sticks -- about 1200.
I think some gummi bears might have been involved too but I forgot.

If you're drinking a lot of calories and/or eating foods that are just loaded with fat, it piles up REALLY quickly. And I certainly wasn't eating long past the point of enjoyment.

wackyfunster

If you took the time to look at my diary, I think you would notice that there's only like 3 meals in there and a bunch of drinks and snacks that I ate throughout the day. It's not like I'm shoveling in thousands of pounds worth of food. Maybe you should become a competitive jerk... looks like you'll do well.

I am training for the jerk Olympics as we speak!

But seriously, the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.

That's why I've come to this site and also got in touch with a therapist to control my issues with binge eating.
Best of luck to you in your Olympic training

Good luck to you as well. I mean that in a non-jerk way

yoovie

quit your job.

ChristyP0303

Hello,

I am new to this. I put it in most of what I ate today and it is around 5,744 (I cannot remember everything) but this program says my goal should be 1,530.

Is this right? I know I eat more than some other people but is 1,530 really manageable? I am not very active but now I think I should start! Please feel free to send me any advice.

Well if I was you, i'd cut out about 2,000 calories and start there. Jumping that low makes no sense from your starting point. Over time decrease them as you lose weight.

I agree with this...

concavity

Good luck with your eating. I looked at your diary and it seems you're getting better, Maybe slowly cut back on carbs or eat it for only one meal.

jamaljohar

Hello,

I am new to this. I put it in most of what I ate today and it is around 5,744 (I cannot remember everything) but this program says my goal should be 1,530.

Is this right? I know I eat more than some other people but is 1,530 really manageable? I am not very active but now I think I should start! Please feel free to send me any advice.

its not that hard to make that change, it takes some will power and a routine. stay away from the snacks all together, no junk food and stay away from the breads and pastas. instead eat an omlet with turkey ham topped with salsa, and a slice of low fat cheese, its healthy and very filling i load my omlets with almost 6oz of turkey ham everyday and its very filling. if you find yourself hungry again ( note that i said hungry and not bored, be carefull not to eat out of boredum) get a lean snack like beef jerky loaded with protein low on carbs and calories. get in the habit of eating salads, you can top them with chicken or fish whatever floats your boat. if you get hungry drink a protein shake, not the store bought ready to drink, those are loaded with calories buy yourself a protein powder, low in calories and carbs and mix it with 1 cup of light soy milk
for dinner eat a salad again! that is my routine it works for me. you have to find something that works for you, the first week is the hardest but i promise it gets much easier

yoovie

volunteer.
work at a soup kitchen.

Change your priorities.

you dont need that much food. there is a point when someone just starts eating recreationally and that shows that their priorities are truly sadly, 'making my own self happy because i dont care'.

I wish you determination.

yoovie

If you took the time to look at my diary, I think you would notice that there's only like 3 meals in there and a bunch of drinks and snacks that I ate throughout the day. It's not like I'm shoveling in thousands of pounds worth of food. Maybe you should become a competitive jerk... looks like you'll do well.

I am training for the jerk Olympics as we speak!

But seriously, the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.

I have three meals a day (usually) and snacks as well and have a very difficult time breaking 2000 cals.

it's most definitely a problem. 6000 cals has shock value for a reason.

This has to be a joke, who eats over 5,000!calories??

As someone who is brand new to this site and just starting my journey - I would hope all replies to people looking for support be supportive or left unsaid. Consuming 5000 calories is very realistic. Shifting down from that intake takes courage and stamina. Best of luck to you in your efforts! I am sure you can do it! At first it might not be 1500 calories but don't lose heart or confidence in yourself!!

nice =/= supportive
shocked =/= unsupportive
honest feedback that this number is shockingly high =/= unsupportive

saying you can do it! good luck! will not teach a person self-control or impress upon them the seriousness of the situation they have gotten Themselves into.

Expressing the severity of it and explaining that this behavior cannot continue for the sake of their health is how a loving parent would handle it. But have a stranger say these same things and its suddenly counter productive.

Theres no excuse for 6K+

Gooberis

My goal right now is 1530 calories, it is possible if you choose the right foods. Also, if you find the time to go for a brisk walk or perform some other excercise, it becomes more managable to be under the calorie goal.

melb2003

That sounds about right. Right now I am managing with 1360 a day. You just have to learn what foods are best and make better choices. Most of all, don't always try to eat until you are full, eat until you are satisfied, then move on. It's definitely a lifestyle change and you have to stick with it. One day at a time...you can do it.

georgiep84

yes it is definitely manageable- when i started i couldn't see how it was possible to only eat 1300 cals per day but i managed it and actually found it easy to balance day to day. Just keep updating your diary and be prepared to do a little exercise to help too. x

Nikoah

I did not read through the whole list, but my suggestion is to PLAN ahead, if you know what you are going to eat tomorrow it is easier to do. Also - - be flexible if you are hungry grab some popcorn or carrots.

Runningchick11

It appears that the OP has improved greatly over the week! Great job! It is very suprising how much calories can be in a meal. I've looked back at restaurant items I've eaten and am very disturbed by the amount of calories and fat in them! Some meals can be 1500 or more calories, plus if you throw an appatizer in there, and beverages, it all adds up. Again, great improvement, it is difficult!

_Wits_

Ok...as someone who struggles with binge eating...you have to determine what makes you do it...not just what foods to avoid or have less of.

There are several different opinions and thoughts in here and while they are all may have some validity, they may not "fit" your situation.

That amount of food is easy to consume when you are running around, or going through some sort of mental breakdown. Every situation is different. You just have to choose to want it to stop and really work at it.

I went from binging several times a week and now I maybe binge every couple of weeks, my worse one just a few days ago. In the process I got rid of 50 lbs but reteaching my brain how to tick correctly when it comes to food has NOT been easy so best of luck to you but never give up. It does get easier.

Oh yeah and eat all those better options, more water, more protein, exercise, and if you can afford it, seek therapy. ♥

NathanJ79

Okay, I'm not sure if, in 11 pages, somebody told you, but those values are way, way wrong. I'm looking at your food diary for Monday, the 18th of June. Some problems I'm seeing:

1. 2 slices of bacon is not 270 calories. The bacon I get is around 40 calories a slice. That's turkey bacon. I don't eat it often. I've had some real bacon that is around 60 calories a slice. That's Hormel Center Cut (less fat, more meat).

2. 2 ounces of cheddar cheese is not 240 calories. That's 1/4 cup if shredded which is about a quarter of that.

3. Your coffee cream is probably right. Try 1% milk, it's what I use. Whole cream in coffee is not good. Especially if you're a coffee-holic like me, haha.

4. 6 slices of smoked turkey breast is 180 calories? It may be, I'm not familiar with the brand. Walmart has a 98% fat free turkey breast, deli sliced, 4 or 6 slices (depending on the cut, it's the same amount, if it's 4 the slices are thicker) is 50 calories and it tastes great. Buddig makes 90 calorie packs of turkey (and other deli meats) and those give you a lot. That's what I prefer to use. 58¢ a pack at Walmart.

5. Minor gripe, but try the Arnold or Nature's Own sandwich rolls. They're 100 calories instead of your 180 calorie white hamburger bun. White hamburger buns are tasty (kinda) but the whole grain sandwich rolls hold up better, and if your burger tastes great, the "wheat taste" won't get in the way. If anything, it'll put more focus on the burger.

6. Cut out the mayo if you can help it. That s*** is liquid calories.

7. 1 cup cooked spaghetti is not 600 calories. Ronzoni heart healthy pasta is much less and tastes great (IMO, it does have a different taste, but I love it).

8. Classico pasta sauce is pretty good. Prego Light Smart is 50 calories a serving and tastes fine. It is a sacrifice to not use Classico, but I think it's doable.

9. Garlic bread, or any bread really, is going to be high in calories. If you can avoid bread you can go far. Ditto for heavy ales and stouts. Think of them as liquid bread.

10. The snacks, well, they speak for themselves. Goldfish crackers and Cheese Nips/Cheez-Its make a decent snack. They're not low calorie, but you get a lot for a little, so that's cool. Yogurt makes a great snack. Popcorn is pretty low-calorie. Cheat the butter by using the calorie-free spray from Parkay. My wife likes to add chili powder, cayenne pepper, and Cajun seasoning. It's a little hot, but pretty good.

Good luck!

Muskiecat

The 6000 calorie thing is definitely due to eating too many refined or packaged products. Before you go to the grocery store you need to think "ingredients" and not packaged meals. Stay on the outer ring of the store and don't go down the aisles unless you need soap or something!

Only buy fresh or frozen produce, lean meats or fish, and minimal dairy. 2 servings of dairy per day is the recommended amount and many people just eat waaay too much. A serving of cheese, for instance, is one ounce. That's about the size of two dice. Meat should be 4 ounces or less, which is about the size of a deck of cards. Produce is what you use to fill up on as you would be so surprised how few calories they have. 2 cups of steamed broccoli has only 50 calories.

Our government also encourages us to eat whole grains, but the body processes grains the same as sugar. To minimize that, look for gluten free or sprouted grain breads. I like Ezekiels.

Bobby_Clerici

Once I add in my exercise calories and account for activity, I eat over 3000.
You'll be just fine.

Christine1110

When you eat processed foods , premade or fast food you will eat alot more calories to get ful. If you make food from scratch you can get full on alot less. Eating lean meats, fruits, veggies and dairy. You will be healthier and lose weight.