Not Getting Enough Calories

BaileySamson

I used to only eat once a day--dinner, followed by snacks until bedtime. Lately I have been forcing myself to eat breakfast and lunch, a sensible dinner, and limited healthy snacks, but I'm finding is that by eating so many low calorie foods I'm finishing my days having eaten well under 1000 calories, not factoring in my exercise. I'm simply not hungry enough to consume anywhere near 1200 of these low calorie foods. Is there a solution to this? I don't want to bulk up by eating additional foods packed with carbs, sugars, and fat. And having a full stomach due to drinking water constantly, as suggested, is not helping. Advice?

junipuni

What are you eating on a typical day? Not everything you eat has to be low calorie and low fat. Avocados are great for you but they are not super low cal/lowfat foods.

stacyoct19

i've had this same problem. i since have learned to just eat more at breakfast which helps. but one suggestion somoene gave me was protein shakes. i haven't tried them yet, but it might help.

StaceG1986

I have the same problem sometimes, I find like an hour before bed I have about 300 or 400 calories left but have no idea what to eat as I'm not hungry.

SHBoss1673

yes, stop eating low calorie foods. I'm serious. That and, do a meal plan every week, make sure to take into account that you may be exercising that day and plan for those calories. It quickly becomes very second nature if plan ahead a little. I used to do it on Sundays, eventually it becomes simple enough for you to do it as you go in your head.

KariM

Peanut butter! Good for you fat, good protein and 200 Cals per 2 table spoons! spread some on a couple crakers, celery or just on a spoon. Its my Fav treat (and its a treat cause I usually have no problem eating all my cals , then some)

lisawest

yes, stop eating low calorie foods. I'm serious. That and, do a meal plan every week, make sure to take into account that you may be exercising that day and plan for those calories. It quickly becomes very second nature if plan ahead a little. I used to do it on Sundays, eventually it becomes simple enough for you to do it as you go in your head.

I'm with Banks! I had this light bulb moment not too long ago. Why NOT eat 2% milk? Why NOT eat regular whole grain bread? Why am I eating "diet" food? This isn't a diet! I watch my serving size, and my numbers, but that does not preclude eating "regular" food.

I am also with Banks about planning. Not only does it make hitting your calorie goal easier, it also makes shopping easier! For me it makes my mornings and evenings easier. I already know what I'm packing for my lunch. I just grab it. I know what I'm having for dinner, so if the meat needs defrosting, I can do it well in advance. When I get home from work, no more hemming and hawing until it's 7 o'clock and my kids need fed before bed, so we just go with whatever is easiest.

Lots of reasons to pay attention to Banks. 1: he knows what he's talking about. 2: HE'S RIGHT!

Good luck getting everything balanced out!

BaileySamson

Thank you all for your advice. I think I'll plan tomorrow's meals in advance. Also, I am eating peanut butter as we speak. :0)