Optimal Calories?

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  • Shrelana
    Shrelana Posts: 248 Member
    Wow, just got home from a 14 hour trip from and back to home, and was very surprised at what my Caloric intake ended up being...and surprisingly, I'm not hungry...but I also didn't get to work out today...Hmmm...maybe I'm just too tired :D
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    From a quick peep at your diary - there's not enough variety. Often you've only eaten 4 or 5 things a day, usually one of them a slice of pizza!

    If you're new to making meals from scratch, look on that as a whole new adventure. I'd recommend buying a really simple how to cook book - you're in the US so I cant give a particular recommendation, but here in the UK Jamie Oliver's Ministry of Food is the book I sent my daughter to college with - it starts from the basics and then gives suggestions for how to vary that.

    You don't HAVE to drink coffee if you dont like it!
  • econut2000
    econut2000 Posts: 395 Member
    It's really, really easy to prepare veggies. A stir-fry is a go-to meal for me. Sometimes I buy the bagged frozen stir fry and sometimes I mix my own fresh veggies. I put a bit of water (or olive oil) in a skillet, add the veggies and just let them go! I honestly prefer my veggies a little more on the over-cooked side, but you can leave them with a crunch (they're better for you prepared that way). My thoughts are, it's better for me to eat veggies that are a bit overdone, than not to eat veggies at all! I will add some vegetable stock or some soy sauce for something different, although they are totally optional.

    You can add meat to the stir-fry for your protein. I don't eat a lot of meat, so I will prepare quinoa on the side which contains protein or I will add a bit of scrambled egg to my stir fry.

    Also just search for vegetable recipes on here or suggestions for recipe blogs. I like happyherbivore.com. Her recipes are all vegan so there are plenty of veggies to be had on that site! I modify them to include dairy or eggs if I want and I will serve meat on the side for my dad.

    Good luck!
  • shrinkinginQualicum
    shrinkinginQualicum Posts: 131 Member
    If you need recipe ideas, also check the recipe section on the Message Boards tab in MFP. There are some great recipes there. And as far as Veggies go, like one of the above posters said, easiest of all: steam, sautee, boil if you must (but just an inch or so of water), and pair with a piece of meat and some rice or potato. I've started really loading my plate with them and cutting down the side dish and the size of the meat. That fills me up pretty well, and I don't feel like I'm leaving the table hungry. I'm also one of those that doesn't find carrots and apples etc a satisfying snack, so that's my downfall. If I eat enough at supper I can usually survive the 7:30 snack craving. It's mostly fake hunger anyway, more because of habit than because you're actually hungry. Feels the same though. If you have trouble ignoring it, try finding something to keep you busy until it passes. If I'm watching TV, that's the worst. If I'm doing something I don't even notice it.
    Good luck, and keep at it. It takes time to change a lifetime of bad habits!
  • Shrelana
    Shrelana Posts: 248 Member
    On my way to the gym, then I'm gonna wander Hornbachers with the goal of coming home w/ at least 4 or 5 vegies I've never eaten before...won't be a hard feat since there are very few I have...I found a couple recipes on the skinnytaste website I want to try out...baked squash for a substitute for potato chips maybe? :D
  • Shrelana
    Shrelana Posts: 248 Member
    Wow...got the quinoa someone recommended (only ever heard of it on Top Chef) and wowzers is that ever sweet! It was great! I made just enough for my husband and me to eat together. I was super excited, I've never had brusselsprouts, yellow bell peppers, green onions, or asparagus. Very rarely have I ever had broccoli. Over all, I told my husband we'll have this over and over :D

    Now...what of these veggies can I make with chicken? :D I guess I'll experiment tomorrow...
  • heybales
    heybales Posts: 18,842 Member
    Wow...got the quinoa someone recommended (only ever heard of it on Top Chef) and wowzers is that ever sweet! It was great! I made just enough for my husband and me to eat together. I was super excited, I've never had brusselsprouts, yellow bell peppers, green onions, or asparagus. Very rarely have I ever had broccoli. Over all, I told my husband we'll have this over and over :D

    Now...what of these veggies can I make with chicken? :D I guess I'll experiment tomorrow...

    This made me smile, for 2 reasons.

    You are exploring new horizons, finding new food, not only excited about it, but finding it great to.

    The other reason - you are the one eating extra vegetables - not me! ha.
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    That is so lovely to see you getting excited about vegetables :laugh:

    Have fun experimenting. Remember, there's loads of them out there, and you don't have to like every single one.
  • Shrelana
    Shrelana Posts: 248 Member
    That is so lovely to see you getting excited about vegetables :laugh:

    Have fun experimenting. Remember, there's loads of them out there, and you don't have to like every single one.

    Yea...we decided the yellow squash was WAY too sweet!
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