Need Feedback on My Diary

jfauci

OK, so I took the plunge and opened my diary to the public because I need some help. My goal is 1200 cal/day, Problem is, I am always hungry and I don't know what to eat that will help fill me up, but not make me go over in calories. I eat lots of greek yogurt because it's supposed to fill me up. But it doesn't.

I also eat salads, which aren't lots of calories, but they really don't fill me up either. And, I'm sick of lettuce!!! I try to eat something every few hours, but all I do is think of food! I'm just wondering if I am doing something wrong. At 1200 calories, I shouldn't be hungry, right?

auddii

Your snacks tend to be carbs, and relatively simple ones at that. Personally, I find that snacks like that make me hungrier, although I'm reactive hypoglycemic, so I react badly to just carbs. My go to snack of choice has been hard boiled eggs or a spoonful of peanut butter.

That said, you might be hungry because you aren't eating enough. MFP tends to be very restrictive of calories, especially for women. There are some great posts about calculating how much you should be eating (see below). Also keep in mind that if you don't have over 75lbs to lose, you shouldn't be expecting to lose 2lbs per week (usually 1% of your body weight is what is appropriate per week).

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

booboo68

I looked at your diary. If it were me personally, I would trade the Special K pastry crisps, Ritz Crackers and Snackwells for something with more fiber and protein. It's ok to go over on your protein (using lean protein) and fiber because they fill you up but these 3 items little nutritional value.

If you're tired of lettuce, try some steamed broccoli or cauliflower with some Mrs Dash on it. Those 2 things are very filling due to the amount of fiber in them. For added protein, try some low sodium turkey breast or low sodium chicken breast. Usually 60 or so calories for 6 thin slices. You could also try celery sticks dipped in a laughing cow cheese wedge because laughing cow has only 35 calories. Try making some homemade healthy soups. Add some chicken or tuna to your salads. Add some fat free cottage cheese.

You are well under your calories. Remember MFP already sets you at a calorie deficit when you put your weight and goal in so anything under this is an additional deficit.

You could also try some smoothies off some of the websites (there are several threads on MFP with smoothie recipes.) I'm really into some of the smoothies right now. They taste like milkshakes if you do them right.
Good luck, I hope this helped a little.

alaskaang

Several days at least half of your calories are from high carb snacks like pretzels, crackers, etc with no real other nutritional value. If you're only going to eat 1200 calories, I'd highly suggest eating more real food instead of snack packs - lean meat, lots of veggies, some fruit. You'll feel much more full and get better nutrition. Also, the MFP settings are very low on protein so you might want to consider manually adjusting your macros to be a little higher in protein and fat and lower in carbs. My diary is open. My goals are set higher than yours, but I cycle calories so you can go back a few days and see how it's possible to get in more protein and more food at a low overall calories.

jfauci

Thank you all! I will try cutting down the carbs and adding protein rich snacks. Appreciate the input!