Having trouble reaching calorie goal

Navy4571
Navy4571 Posts: 32 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Hi I have a calorie goal of 1690 but am routinely barely getting to the 1200 mark.

I am not starving myself, just have to force myself to eat to get to 1200....any suggestions?

For instance, today i went to starbuck and got a strawberry banana smoothie with whey protein just to get me over the 1200 mark lol


Breakfast
1 Packet of Oatmeal
1 Cup of Grapefruit

Mid Morning Snack
1/2 Cup Grapefruit

Lunch
6' Sub on Wheat (cucumber, jalapenos, banana peppers, spinach, black olives, vinegar, avocado) No Cheese

Mid Afternoon Snack
1/2 Cup Grapefruit

Dinner
Same as Lunch

Mid Evening Snack
Strawberry Banana Smoothie from Starbucks

Replies

  • 2hobbit1
    2hobbit1 Posts: 820 Member
    Start by increasing your protein intake - you are rather low - it helps you retain muscle mass.
    Try a larger portion of lean meat in your meals
    Add nuts and nut butters.
    Try greek yogurt
    Add cheese and fuller fat dairy
  • JesterMFP
    JesterMFP Posts: 3,596 Member
    Put cheese on the sub?
  • lioness0806
    lioness0806 Posts: 115 Member
    Start by increasing your protein intake - you are rather low - it helps you retain muscle mass.
    Try a larger portion of lean meat in your meals
    Add nuts and nut butters.
    Try greek yogurt
    Add cheese and fuller fat dairy

    Thank you for this suggestion. I've been having the same problem the past few days. I eat what I want, but consciously and therefore healthy. I end up eating a not-so-healthy afternoon snack to get my calorie level up. Today, I ended my day with too few calories and I don't feel like eating anymore.
  • Kippie1985
    Kippie1985 Posts: 11 Member
    Try adding more diversity to your diet... that is a lot of subs and grapefruit! Think nuts, other fresh fruits, whole grain crackers with cheese. You can also try adding extras to your oatmeal. I usually add various types of dried fruits, diced apple, flax, high fibre bran etc; to mine. I'd also look at adding more protein. If you're not a fan of animal based protein try having lentils, quinoa, barley, and beans. Also try to add some good fats in there ....
  • Navy4571
    Navy4571 Posts: 32 Member
    thanks for the tips...i am actually out of town so it makes it difficult! I am in a hotel room with just a small fridge and a microwave. I have been in here for 3 weeks so far.

    I am limited as to food sources haha.

    Unfortunately, I do not like nuts, nor do I like cheese unless its on a cheesesteak along with a ton of mayo :)

    I forgot to add the avocado so that is a little good fat.

    I have been eating pretty much the same things since ive been here, subway, grapefruit and chunky soup and fiber one bars lol

    Will be a little easier when i am finally home
  • Kippie1985
    Kippie1985 Posts: 11 Member
    mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm cheesesteak......... I for one only like "cooked cheese" ie: melted.

    Being on the road totally sucks. Not sure what the grocery stores are like where you are, but where I live you can get some decent meals that they prepare there :) But that all depends on where you are. Not all stores are created even!
  • Navy4571
    Navy4571 Posts: 32 Member
    i love cheesesteaks....lol

    i checked out our local store but could only find fried chicken and mac salad. i will just suck it up another few days and go back to normal when i go home :)
  • 2hobbit1
    2hobbit1 Posts: 820 Member
    With your limited storage and cooking arrangements

    Try making your oatmeal with milk not water - see if you can find the weight control oatmeal it is higher in protein and fiber with less sugar. Add fresh or dried fruit for a flavor change.

    For lunch try double meat on your subway I think the oven roasted chicken has lower sodium than most of the others. Drink milk with the meal. They have fruit slices as well.

    Does your local market have frozen precooked grilled chicken breast? It would keep in the fridge and could be nuked for dinner along with a veggie - small bag of frozen vegg would work for a meal or two and would keep in the fridge. Uncle bens makes ready to eat rice blends - just need waved.

    Fresh fruit will keep either in the fridge or at room temp.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    My suggestion would be eating less "diet" food and more real food and more fat.
  • JesterMFP
    JesterMFP Posts: 3,596 Member
    If you like mayo, then that would be something you could add to things when you're under calories. Real, full fat mayo - it's mostly egg yolks and vegetable (or olive) oil. The main problem is that it's high in calories, so that might be ideal for you.

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