Need help with calorie minimums!

Jaymazing

Okay, I'm sure some of you want to slap me for even asking this, but I'm really having trouble getting enough calories. I think some of its mental - I'm scared that I've overestimated my burn, or underestimated my intake, so I'm a bit afraid to eat more. I'm also really busy all day, so I don't realize my deficit until late at night. So - should I eat something at bedtime to fill the gap? That seems so contradictory to any diet plan I've ever heard of!! But, I know I need to at least hit the 1200 mark. I've been extremely touchy and irritable lately, and I'm guessing this is likely why. Oh, and did I mention my headache? Please help!!

Barberini

I always have something before bed, the number of calories depends on how my count is for the day. I CANNOT go to bed if I am hungry, and if I try I usually wake up in the middle of the night starving. I have been having a protein shake before bed lately, or cheese. One of the reason eating close to bedtime gets a bad wrap is that if you eat carbs before bed you have an insulin spike that affects the release of growth hormone while you sleep. That is why I go for a protein (plus it keeps me fuller through the night). If I am very far behind on calories I won't force myself to make it up at the end of the day, but up to about 300 calories I have found to be fine.

If you are struggling to meet your caloric requirements, go for calorie dense foods that are not as filling, like nuts and cheese. An ounce of nuts is 150-200. A glass of milk is another good option.

I know it is hard, but try not to be afraid of eating. If you are anything like me, the amount I ate before I started counting calories was probably double what it should have been, and the weight still didn't go on overnight. It went on slowly, it will come off slowly. You need to make sure you are eating enough to fuel your body, especially with your p90x. The minimum they recommend eating on the program is 1800 calories! So I think you have plenty of wiggle room, and if after a few weeks it isn't working, then you can change it up.