I have trouble eating too few calories.

If you barely have a slice of cheese for lunch and you don't eat dinner, you will make yourself ill.

Fine something you enjoy that is healthy and eat it for lunch. Find something else and eat it for dinner. ANYTHING, frankly is healthier for you than what you are not eating.

Eggs
Anything dairy (a glass of milk is 150 calories - cheese is almost 100 calories/oz)
Whole wheat toast and orange juice is several hundred.
5 almonds is 70 calories
Lentils, beans . . .
Put some dressing on that spinach and maybe a slice of bacon

If that is all you are eating and that is a lot, you have an eating disorder, as your body should be screaming at you to take care of it better.

Take care.

I suggest checking this out if you are looking for food ideas. There are foods that you can eat that will have you easily reaching your goal...

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/410771-i-can-t-reach-my-calorie-goal-it-s-too-much-food


Honestly, though, 1200 is probably not the calorie goal you should be aiming for.

If you want, check out this link by MFPer Heliotsdan - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

It'll give you a detailed walkthrough (with pictures even) on finding your TDEE and calculating what you should be eating.

Also, if you are worried about the calorie intake, I also suggest you read this thread that has numerous people who met their goals and are maintaining. Some for years and they also provide their calorie intake and how often they work out.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/816542-let-s-hear-it-for-maintainenance

I say when in doubt, drink your calories!! If you find a protein powder you like, you can add milk, fruit, peanut butter, yogurt, the possibilities are endless!!! One protein shake can yield 500 calories if ya add enough of the right stuff.

Then the obvious for me are chicken breast, salmon, nuts, peanut butter, protein bars, brown rice, cottage cheese, soups made with chicken or veggie broth and that have lots of veggies and meat in it.

Hope that helps!!

How about a glass of whole milk before bed? It will help you sleep, add calories and much needed nutrition- 12oz, 220 cal, and not hard to get down.

Add some ovaltine, carnation instant breakfast, or even better- protein powder to amp it up even more, but just the milk would be good, too.

How about a glass of whole milk before bed? It will help you sleep, add calories and much needed nutrition- 12oz, 220 cal, and not hard to get down.

Add some ovaltine, carnation instant breakfast, or even better- protein powder to amp it up even more, but just the milk would be good, too.

This is a perfect solution. Best of luck, OP.

What are your suggestions? btw im a 135 lb 5'6 female. I have always eaten like this-a few years ago I probably ate about 200 daily. I don't starve myself It is just.... idk

If you've always eaten like this, then you wouldn't be overweight. Sorry don't buy it. As for the last line, you need to probably see a specialist rather than get advice here if you don't think you're starving yourself.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

I don't think I would classify a 5'6 135lb female who only wants to lose 8lbs as being overweight...

OP, nut butters are very cal dense, avocados are too, add some cheese cubes or milk as Bean suggested.

What are your suggestions? btw im a 135 lb 5'6 female. I have always eaten like this-a few years ago I probably ate about 200 daily. I don't starve myself It is just.... idk

If you've always eaten like this, then you wouldn't be overweight. Sorry don't buy it. As for the last line, you need to probably see a specialist rather than get advice here if you don't think you're starving yourself.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

I don't think I would classify a 5'6 135lb female who only wants to lose 8lbs as being overweight...

OP, I think you should seek counseling and talk to your doctor

There are plenty of natural foods that can help you reach your calorie goal. If you like hot cocoa, then try what someone suggested above - whole fat milk with carnation instant breakfast or chocolate protein powder. Or, make your hot cocoa with whole milk and add in some organic heavy cream. YUM.

Adding coconut cream or oil to your coffee can be a great way to up your cals and it is really good. Coconut cream can also be whipped like heavy cream for a great dessert! I love dark chocolate, nuts, or cheese with fruit as a snack/dessert as well.
Try Trio Bars - they are gluten free and delicious! They are made with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.

Also, to your spinach, add strawberries, almonds, and feta (or goat cheese) with a balsamic vinaigrette for a great fall salad. You can make your own dressing very easily. A little dijon mustard (helps dressing to stay together), olive oil, balsamic, salt, pepper - whisk together and done! I use an orange flavored olive oil with this salad that is divine. A regular vinaigrette is also good with a club salad - add egg, turkey, ham, avocado, bacon, cheese, tomatoes, and onion to your spinach.

You can also make smoothies with spinach. I add 1/2 apple, a small bit of green pepper, maybe a little zucchini, spinach, tangerine juice (4 oz), chia seeds, and L-glutamine powder (helps heal the gut), and water to a magic bullet. Add greek yogurt and protein powder for more substantial smoothie.

If you truly are not hungry, then you need to see a doctor. You may not be deliberately trying to starve yourself, but 200 cals is just not enough in the long term. If you have no appetite, then something might be physically wrong.