Low Calorie Count/ High Volume Foods

I feel like since I'm only allowed to eat 1,500 calories a day, I have to be thrifty with my calories. I'm literally at the beginning of my weight loss journey, only 16 days in, and I find myself constantly going over my calorie count because my meals end up being calorie dense and far between. Also, it's hard to go cold turkey and restrict my portions, I just like the look of a full plate. What are some foods that are low in calories, but you can eat alot of? I know popcorn is a good option and most veggies.

Replies

  • issyfit
    issyfit Posts: 1,077 Member
    Stir-frys with lots of veggies and a few ounces of meat really fill me up.
  • I like to eat foods that take a LONG time to consume - like raw vegetables! I'll pile a ton of lettuce on a plate and then put whatever is around on top of it. By the time I've worked my way through all that lettuce, I'm pretty sick of eating ;) I pile lettuce on my sandwiches, too. The crunch and water content lets me skip the mayo without noticing it too much.

    I eat steel-cut oats almost every morning for breakfast, I only drink water and coffee, I buy carrots in bulk, and I eat every hour or so.

    Take a look at your food diary and see what foods are putting you over the top! Healthy fats are important, but they add up quickly.

    Also, try a smaller plate ;)
  • Strawberries are delicious. You can eat a pound for 135 calories.

    Turkey bacon has like 35 calories a slice.

    beef jerky is very low calorie (i think like 80 cal an oz), and takes a long time to eat. I think there's usually like 60 in a single serving bag

    Pretzels, if you crave carbs, are the best option

    EGG WHITES. seriously! buy a carton of egg whites or egg beaters and just make omelettes out of them. There's maybe like ~75 calories in half a cup of egg whites, but it gets you a pretty big omelette if you had vegetables

    Greek yogurt! Delicious, low calorie and mostly protein!

    If you really just need to put something in your mouth, but rea lly shouldn't be eating, I recommend carrots or radishes. Very, very low in calories, but also delicious (I think) and filling.

    General advice: If you eat more protein, you'll feel less hungry throughout the day - that's where the egg whites and greek yogurt come in. When you really want to eat meat/cheese/something else fattening, do so, but choose a lean cut, and stretch it as far as possible with vegetables to fill you up.

    More important general advice: None of this advice might work for you the way it works for me. You have to work with your own body and brain to figure out what works for you. Write down everything you eat and remember how you feel, so that you can decide what you need to do in order to eat within your caloric limits and still be happy. More importantly, don't give up! Just keep trying and adjusting and eventually you will find an eating pattern that works for you. Even bad days are useful because they can teach you something about yourself and what triggers you to eat over your daily limit!

    *rant over*
  • Any fruit or veggies. Soups, Stews, low fat cottage cheese, egg whites and protein shakes.
  • sweetchildomine
    sweetchildomine Posts: 872 Member
    Most vegetables are extremely low calorie.

    I am in love with CELERYYYYYY!!! I like to eat it with bolthouse farms yogurt ranch dressing. Only 45 calories for 2 tablespoons.
  • carryingon
    carryingon Posts: 609 Member
    bump for later
  • KareninCanada
    KareninCanada Posts: 962 Member
    Exercise more, and then you can eat more... :)

    Seriously though. Start yourself out at a higher calorie count, like 2000 or so, and drop it by 100 calories for every ten pounds you lose. If you start out at a calorie level that you struggle to maintain, it's a really hard adjustment and you're setting yourself up for a harder struggle than you need to. That, and it doesn't give you anywhere to drop to when you do get down to a lower weight.

    Just my $0.02. Good luck :)
  • You can eat more if you exercise. Being overweight gives us a privilege of burning about 300-400 in an hour while just briskly walking.
  • So while I have not had any progress on this diet yet, I was 160 in high school and got down to 110 at the end of college, but for me 120 is a bit healthier, I am 5'7" and very athletic.

    My recommendation for what I had to do, when I was trying to still eat alot (and I still do) is with my coffee in the mornings, I add a protein powder with my fat free milk and just use a lot of it (I don't eat breakfast, I drink it). Also with vegetables, I eat alot of salad with alot of "fun" veges and maybe some fruit at times, but instead of dressing, which is horrible, I use other things like salsas, of various types, mustard, and other no fat and low cal condiments, etc... it makes each salad different and keeps it really low cal.

    I also eat kale, raw or cooked, like kale chips with a really light spray of pam or other cooking spray on top with like onion and garlic powder (sometimes sliced onions go in the oven with the kale to make onion and kale chips), or chili powder, etc... again depending on mood. Really good snack that is crunchy and almost, almost seems "bad".

    I agree with protein increases too, I try to get as much protein in my diet as possible. But I would stay away from nut sources, they are usually so much higher in calories and fat than necessary for the amount of protein you get. My recommendations are things like tuna, shrimp, all fish basically, sliced meat (as odd as that sounds it is a quick, cheap source of protein for the cal and fat content so I cut up sliced meat and add it to my salads or do tuna, etc). I am also a big advocate of protein bars, but not energy bars, those are too sugary, etc... just really good protein bars, but those basically are meal replacements then.

    Lastly, drink lots of water and if that is hard, then get tea or propel zero calorie or vitamin water or something, anything to drink more liquids.
  • auntiebabs
    auntiebabs Posts: 1,754 Member
    I have be come a huge fan of FARINA lately. About a 100 calories. If I add a slice of American Cheese (70 calories) It's all cheesy and yummy, and nutrient dense, but the best part is that it keeps me full for soooooooo long.

    Remember it's not just about lo-cal, but about High Nutrition food is fuel for your body, and the better your nutrition the more it reduces your cravings and the easier it is to stay in your calories.

    Also SUGAR AND ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS increase your appetite. I knew this from listening to my body even before I had this science explained to me by a nutritionist and a bio-chemist. (but I'm an artist, so don't ask me to explain this to you.)

    It's really hard to meet MFP Sugar goals, but still keeping an eye on your sugar/sweeteners should also reduce cravings. (though you sometime have to tough it out for 2-3 week before you can get past the cravings)
  • janlee_001
    janlee_001 Posts: 309 Member
    I like to eat so what I do is load up on low cal lots of food items like spinach salad, lettuce salad, almond milk/slim fast and ice and what would normally be 1 serving becomes 3,

    Try the cauliflower pizza crust, string cheese and use low calorie bread (i use the 35 Calorie bread), tuna, salmon are excellent sources of protein and very low in cals.
  • auntiebabs
    auntiebabs Posts: 1,754 Member
    So while I have not had any progress on this diet yet, I was 160 in high school and got down to 110 at the end of college, but for me 120 is a bit healthier, I am 5'7" and very athletic.
    ..., but instead of dressing, which is horrible....

    .... stay away from nut sources, they are usually so much higher in calories and fat than necessary for the amount of protein you get...

    You DO need some fats in your diet... A lot of nutrients are fat soluable... so you can eat them all day long, but if you don't have a small amount of fat along with them your body won't be able to access their awesome goodness.

    I think nuts are a good source of healthy OMEGA 3s just keep in mind that a serving of nuts is only 1 TABLESPOON.

    Watch out for saturated fats, especially if you have heart disease in your family history,
    but Healthy fats are excellent for nerve and brain function, heart health, and avoid diabetes..
    Also little goes a long way... for many folks a small serving of fat is very satisfying... and calms cravings
  • kelly_e_montana
    kelly_e_montana Posts: 1,999 Member
    I throw spinach into a lot of stuff (smoothies, egg dishes, salads, stir-fries, Italian dishes, etc.) for a fiber and vitamin boost. I also like egg white omelets or hard-boiled egg whites. Most white-colored fish is lo-cal and filling. My new thing is Yoplait Greek 100 yogurt. Strawberries, apples, grapefruit, and blueberries are favorites. Also, I like butternut squash cooked in a foil packet with some butter spray and pumpkin pie spice: very dessert-like. Grilled veggie skewers seasoned with a little olive oil, sea salt, garlic, and pepper are the bomb as well (make sure to include mini sweet peppers).
  • trudijoy
    trudijoy Posts: 1,685 Member
    i'm with everyone else - veges, veges, veges. veges should be at least half your full plate! plus theyre yummy
  • slrose
    slrose Posts: 164 Member
    singlE serving miso soup packets!!!
  • trudijoy
    trudijoy Posts: 1,685 Member
    oh, also shirataki/miracle noodles. bugger all calories and you can use them to pad out vegies in a stirfry, or as noodles or pasta.
  • Sugoiharris
    Sugoiharris Posts: 59 Member
    Eat tons of veggies. Load yr plate up with them. Eat more often, I eat ever two to three hours, usually something small or low cal like an apple or some low fat string cheese, or any other fruit or vegetable I can get my hands on. Most everyone else's suggestions are good. Stop eating out too. That food has little to no nutritional content and will leave you hungrier in the end. Eat whole foods that you prepare yourself. Go for whole grains, those are higher cal but they fill you up better since they are actual food. Drink tons of water, room temp water supposedly stays in your stomach longer and keeps you filling full. Idk if that's true but more water is a good thing.
  • Lots of great suggestions so far!

    I will add - use a smaller plate - plate still looks full - it just doesn't hold as much.
  • This content has been removed.
  • Lots of great suggestions so far!

    I will add - use a smaller plate - plate still looks full - it just doesn't hold as much.

    My suggestion too.
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    I feel like since I'm only allowed to eat 1,500 calories a day, I have to be thrifty with my calories. I'm literally at the beginning of my weight loss journey, only 16 days in, and I find myself constantly going over my calorie count because my meals end up being calorie dense and far between. Also, it's hard to go cold turkey and restrict my portions, I just like the look of a full plate. What are some foods that are low in calories, but you can eat alot of? I know popcorn is a good option and most veggies.

    If your ticker is correct, then 1500 is way too low to start with. When I had 120 pounds to lose, I began at 1700, and now I'm at 1900ish. Those extra couple hundred calories can be used to add a bit of healthy fats to keep you satiated.
  • lunnay
    lunnay Posts: 66 Member
    Lots of great suggestions so far!

    I will add - use a smaller plate - plate still looks full - it just doesn't hold as much.

    I was going to suggest this, but I see it suggested here. :) This really works for me!
    If using a smaller plate isn't possible, fill your plate with as much salad as possible (even if it's just lettuce, which is pretty much just water and so low in calories it barely counts). You'll still have a full plate, but with normal portions.
  • Healthydiner65
    Healthydiner65 Posts: 1,552 Member
    Great value stir fry Vegys with chicken breasts.Makes a lot and fills you up!
  • liittlesparrow
    liittlesparrow Posts: 209 Member
    Also, it's hard to go cold turkey and restrict my portions, I just like the look of a full plate.

    Use smaller plates :)
  • Aedrah
    Aedrah Posts: 100 Member
    Here are a few things I've learned. By no means an expert, and still struggle with not so great days, but sharing in case they help:

    - have a cup of soup for lunch, with a sandwich made with low-cal bread, and a side of low fat cottage cheese.
    - apples can help you feel full. I slice them up so it takes me longer to eat them, and it helps a lot.
    - mini babybel light cheeses are only 50 cals, and are delicious
    - plan ahead - it's easier to stick to the daily limit if you plan out your day, before you are hungry. I pre-log most days so I know where I will be at, and what I can "afford" eat. If I really want something but don't have the allotment for it, I make myself exercise so I can fit it in.
    - mix low fat cottage cheese in with salads to feel more full (and get protein)
    - Instead of mayo on sandwiches, use some mashed up avocados, with a little salt (weigh the avocado carefully after taking it out of its skin though - a little goes a long way!)
    - instead of a huge serving of rice, steam some cauliflower/put it in the food processor and then dilute cooked rice with it - this works really well for dishes that are really saucy, like Adobo chicken.
    - freeze leftover bananas then put them in the food processor with peanut butter (or better yet, PB2) then mix in some chocolate chips then re-freeze for fake ice cream without the guilt.

    Some of my favorite recipes:

    Avocado Pasta: http://ohsheglows.com/2011/01/31/15-minute-creamy-avocado-pasta/ (I make big batches when avocadoes are on sale, and then freeze in individual baggies so I have them ready when I'm not inspired to cook. Then just defrost in fridge or a bowl of cold water and make pasta/mix it in)

    Adobo Chicken: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/11/filipino-adobo-chicken.html

    Peanut butter/chocolate and banana "ice cream": http://www.gotchocolate.com/2012/05/recipe-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-honey-banana-ice-cream/print/

    Edit - again I forget to close my brackets...
  • MeghanMorrical
    MeghanMorrical Posts: 7 Member
    Using a smaller plate works wonders, your mind sees a full plate of food and it tells your stomach that when its gone you should be stuffed... I have been using this technique for years. I was born with a type of Prader-Willi syndrome, I never really feel full. My brain does not send signals to my stomach signaling that I am full. I have struggled with weight my entire life. I have switched to my side dish plate which is a little smaller then what a dinner plate should be, I eat a ton of veggies Instead of bread on my sandwiches I eat lettuce wraps with meat and cheese and a low fat low sugar dressing. The main thing I have found that helps is watching how much sugar you take in in a day and cut that back...I am not saying cut all sugar out just limit it I have lost 13 pounds in less then a month and I really just switched what I ate and I work out most days but only for 30mins at the most....10minutes at the very least. I live a busy life so if I can spare 10 minutes anyone can, I work out at home I don't go to a gym. Anyone can do squats, push-up, sit ups, or just dance burns calories like crazy. I am eating 1200 calories a day and I never feel hungry because I eat all day it seems, small meals and two snacks a day and I am golden....oh and a little tip pepperidge farm goldfish snack crackers (or any off brand of those) almost no sugar in them and low calorie. best of luck on your wight loss journey !
  • get a bag of popcorn kernels, put 1/4 cup in microwave safe bowl with a tight fitting plate on top , add 1 tsp of olive oil..microwave on high about 3-5 min depending on your machine, when its done spray with butter spray add some salt or other seasonings..i add stevia sometimes to make it kettle corn, YOU GET A HUUUUGE BOWL OF POPCORN AND YOU CAN EAT IT ALL CUZ ITS 140 CALORIES TOTAL----110 for the popcorn plus 40 for the olive oil...happy snacking!
  • sprocketism
    sprocketism Posts: 56 Member
    Take a look at my diary (better example of diary is January and February). I eat loads of veggies and only plant foods (like beans, legumes, nuts, fruit, etc.). I have a ton of awesome recipes to make totally "normal" meals that fill me up till I'm spilling over, and that's what your brain likes...a full belly of food and nutrients.

    I call it "brain trickery"!

    And, btw, I don't get sick anymore, no muscle pain, sleep like a rock, rise like the sun :)