Not eating enough calories?

jennagoogles13

I just can't seem to reach my recommended calorie intake without going over in some other category (protein, sugar, etc). Personally, I need more protein than what is recommended, so I don't quite mind going over in that, but at the end of the day I'm WAY under my net but I can't seem to find anything to eat that won't negatively affect some category!

leighann881

The problem is that it is unlikely that you can healthily maintain that low of a calorie intake. Your body/metabolism will eventually adapt to that intake and then you will gain when you go back to eating "normal." I suggest varying your calories. If you did 1100 on Monday then go for 1400 on Tuesday and then 1200 on Wednesday, etc.

Don't forget that you can gain/lose on the scale due to water and menstruation. I'm not sure you have given your body a long enough time to really determine what your natural burn rate is.

jennagoogles13

Yeah I'm really considering alternating my intake every few days just to experiment. I'm really fearful that once i reach my goal weight and start eating at a maintenance level I'll start gaining like crazy! I'm going to try to aim to eat a lot more.

leighann881

Have you tried varying when you eat? That seems to make all the difference in that world for me. I use to try to not eat anything with carbs after 2p. Sometimes I skipped dinner altogether. It worked.

I changed up my diet to be "healthy" and because I broke my ankle and was inactive. It gained. More than I should have just from the broken ankle. I think I'm going to start back on front loading my calories but I'm going to choose healthier options (Like oatmeal instead of a bagel for breakfast)

1tiamat

I am trying the same sort of thing. I am lowering my intake of carbs by limiting the amount of bread, pasta, and dead calories, like in burgers and food that doesn't really do much good besides fill you up and make you feel bad about yourself for eating it.

It's more challenging than I would have thought. best of luck to you!

SusanKKO

I'm new and I have the same problem where I'm under for the total calories, but can't figure out what to eat to reach the recommended total categories. I wish there was a way to plug in the desired carbs/fat, etc. and get food options. I guess it's just going to take practice though. Good luck!

fireant777

look on google and find out your TDEE..

you will for sure be needing more than 1200 calories a day..

I dont know why so many people think if you eat like a rabbit you will lose.. That is not the case. your body will starve and hold on to fat if its not getting enough fuel to burn off fat!

if you are trying to lose weight, take 200-300 calories off your TDEE so you will be at a deficit. and adjust to how fast you lose or don't lose.

MFP sucks for protein requirements. You should be getting at lease 1gram protein per lbs of body weight. I would set your goals to custom, and put your macros at, 40%carbs/30%protein/30%fat.. or just adjust so your protein is at roughly 1gram perbody weight. so for you, about 140-150 grams of protein per day.

for things to eat..

Protein shakes
whole milk
PB&J sandwiches
casseroles with ground beef/turkey or chicken
cereal
nut butters

Theres lots of options, just look for more calories dense meals..

hopes some of this helps!

Polymorphist

I was just about to post this same question. I've been having a problem getting enough calories per day, and when I finally do achieve it, i'm way over in protein or some other category. I got very used to getting at least very close to my body weight in grams protein and always thought this was a good way to live for an active lifestyle. So, I was a bit surprised when MFP gave me an allotment of only 50 grams of protein per day.

Fireant777 gave me a good suggestion, I think i'm going to go screw with my custom settings and see what I come up with.