Newbie with questions

jkchampton

Hi. I just joined the group, read the starter kit, and put my new calorie goals into MFP. I will be eating TDEE for a while since I have been on a low calorie diet for a long time (mfp suggested 1200 calorie to lose weight and I believed it, lol!). According to mfp's calculations at 40% protein and my new calorie goal, I have to eat over 200 grams of protein. That is so much to me! I guess I am going to have to add protein shakes because I will not come close to that even though I eat protein at every meal and snacks. Are shakes what most of you do? I can't imagine eating that much meat, eggs, beans, etc.

My TDEE is over 2000 calories! I can't imagine eating that many healthy calories either, but I understand it is necessary to undo all the damage I have done to my body starving it for many, many months. I am 5'4'', 125 pounds, and I have been doing cardio and weight training for a long time, so I have a good bit of muscle. I gained some weight over the holidays (I did well on a low calorie diet for so long but the starvation caught up to me and I lost my once great will power and found myself bingeing to often...while looking for help online I found your group and I think it is just what I needed). I am going to take your advice and try not to worry about my scale weight, but I would like to slim down a little (I liked my body better before I gained some pudge over the holidays) and then maintain forever while enjoying life and not starving. I hope I don't gain a lot of fat while resetting my metabolism. I am nervous.

Any suggestions for a newbie? Thanks!!!

empressichel

Hi!
I do 40 carbs/ 30 protein/ 30 fat for my macros, those numbers might make your protein more attainable?
I found it really hard to hit the protein at first, especially being vegan, but you just get used to thinking differently about food and concentrating on getting protein first and letting the rest fall into place. I usually have a protein shake on the days I lift.
My TDEE is about 2500 calories, and I get up there eating pretty healthily.
Concentrate on calorie and nutrient dense foods like nut butters, avocados, nuts, dairy like Greek yoghurt.
It takes a while to refeed your body and change your mentality.
Have patience and trust the process and you will do just fine. :happy:

jkchampton

Thanks for the advice!