Week 1-4 : Diet

mikehart164
mikehart164 Posts: 108 Member
Tell me what your diet is like, sticking points, and how your energy levels are. Keep each other motivated as well. Everyone should get to know each other. 12 Weeks will go by very quickly!! Get ready for that Sunshine and warm weather. Well in PA it is still snowing i'm sure some of you have warm weather already and for that I am jealous =-)
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Replies

  • AAL94LBB
    AAL94LBB Posts: 77 Member
    For my diet I following my given goals on MFP. I eat around 1,200 calories a day and I try to make smart choices.
  • debgoomey
    debgoomey Posts: 28 Member
    I try to stay around 1500 cal/day. MFP recommends 1200, but I am still nursing my baby, and they do not allow for that here. I have a hard time after school gets out for the kids. Life seems to get crazy then and it becomes very easy to snack with them, and while I make dinner it is also easy to pick! My energy levels are usually ok until after dinner, when I tank. I eat alot of beans as my protein, overall I eat good foods, but I still like a lot of junk too. It is hard to kick those to the curb! (I know moderation is key...but it is hard to moderate them for me!)
  • NatzC123
    NatzC123 Posts: 150 Member
    Ok so according to MFP I should be consuming 1690 cals a day, I usually do eat my cals every day. I have a sweet tooth and love chocoalte so I am going to make an effort from monday to cut back a bit if I can. My energy levels are pretty good overall, I now look forward to doing some form of a workout most days, I do find the weekends a little tough but I am sure with the motivation of all in this 12 week challenge I can overcome my troubles at the weekends!!
  • ChristiSykes
    ChristiSykes Posts: 186 Member
    My "diet" consist of 2 protein shakes a day, 2 small snacks and Healthy supper. I juice from time to time....I don't struggle with cravings or eating junk, but what I do struggle with is skipping meals. I get so busy that I forget to eat or just too tired to make a shake or salad. I keep telling myself to make them ahead of time.....
  • I eat very healthily during the day but when I get home I tend to snack, I often finish work very late hence am really hungry and don't have the energy to cook a proper meal. I either end up with something out of freezer and chips or a take away which has really made the lb pile on again. I need to plan better and get home at a reasonable time
  • awkwardpear
    awkwardpear Posts: 24 Member
    I try to get most of my carbs from plant sources - fruits and vegetables, starchy tubers, etc. I throw in grains every once in a while because they are easy and tasty, but when they were a staple of my diet I felt pretty lethargic, so I guess my body doesn't respond well to them. Oatmeal and rice happen once or twice a week, though. Because they are delicious. I very rarely reach the MFP recommended daily carbohydrates (and I almost always go over the recommended fat and protein) but I have a lot of energy like this, and I haven't actually gained any weight in a month of eating this way despite always going over my calories and not getting much exercise - so I think that if I continue eating the way I have been, but following caloric restrictions and exercising daily, weight loss will happen. But any feedback/suggestions are welcome! :)
  • pat9278
    pat9278 Posts: 4 Member
    I eat healthy during the week. Lots of fruits and vegetables. But, I LOVE red wine... and when I drink wine, I LOVE cheese and crackers. I think that's my biggest downfall.
  • jwpe
    jwpe Posts: 77 Member
    I am starting to follow The New Rules of Lifting for Women. Their calorie requirements have me at 1600 for non work out days and 1860 for work out days. I try to follow a clean diet and getting rid of processed food, much to the dismay of my family! But I too, like my red wine!!!
  • phyl88
    phyl88 Posts: 51 Member
    MFP recommends 1200 calories for me and I usually make the mark, give or take 100 calories. When I'm good, I'm fantastic, when I'm bad, I am rediculous . The most exercise I get is a 2 mile run/walk on the treadmill any where from 4.8 mph to 6.2. I like the treadmill and eliptical becasue I feel that they are both great cardios and I feel like I get a lot for the 30 minutes. I struggle with breakfast because I get up at 4:00 am and usually don't want anything that early. I will eat at work at around 8:30, usually fruit. I like my diet because I eat exactly what I want, I just usually eat a portion that fits into my calorie count. I snack occasionally, usually something sweet, but I try not to start because I can't stop. Feel free to look at my diary. I weight and measure everything. I'm trying to stay away from gluten, but I do have it occasionally. Looking forward to the help and hope that I can help others.
  • DawnieB1977
    DawnieB1977 Posts: 4,248 Member
    MFP recommends 1550 for me, and my PT agrees, so that's what I've been doing. I eat incredibly healthily during the week and have a cheat meal on a Saturday. My weight loss has hit a bit of a plateau (after losing 60lbs so far) so I'm considering doing that TDEE - 20% thing, or at least increasing my calories slightly as I think my deficit has been too big.

    An average day:
    breakfast - either porridge made with a bit of milk and mainly water, or poached eggs (1 yolk, 2 whites), toast and baked beans
    snack: fruit/nuts/oatcake (either, not all!)
    lunch: tuna or chicken salad
    snack: see above
    dinner: something like chicken again, or fish, with veg, or sometimes a jacket potato with tuna
    snack: low fat natural yoghurt

    I generally have my 5 a day, if not more. My biggest vice is coffee I guess. I only have it with milk, but my PT says that too much caffeine can hinder weight loss.
  • mnflame
    mnflame Posts: 24
    I generally eat pretty well except for when I'm sitting at work doing nothing. I have a really hard time getting up in the morning, so I'm always running late to class. Because of that, I found this recipe for oatmeal muffins that I keep in the freezer and pull out the night before to thaw (really good, made with mashed bananas instead of oil, message me if you want the recipe). On days that I'm not in the lab at school, I make a smoothie. I separate smoothie ingredients, minus the almond milk, into little bags so all I have to do is pull them out of the freezer and put in the blender with some almond milk and blend. Quick, healthy and delicious. Lunch and dinner are normally pretty good. I'm really trying to cook more and finding that I actually like it. I have a really hard time with the recommended 3-4 servings of vegetables. I don't really like that many veggies and this is a downfall. I sometimes put some spinach in my smoothie and I do love carrots and zucchini. Plus I eat salads a lot and I try to pack veggies into that (cucumbers, carrots, peppers, etc.) I've also recently discovered that I LOVE sweet potatoes. I baked them the other night for sweet potato fries and they were delicious and nutritious.

    So, I've got a ways to go, but I'm slowly learning. Advice for quick, healthy lunches that I could eat on the go are always appreciated. Thanks!
  • lailahmed
    lailahmed Posts: 38 Member
    terrible at this as i eat mums cooked meals at home, mostly carbs i.e. Rice, pasta, bread with very little vegs and Fruit .

    From today switching to healthier options, more fruit and vegs, and def will try not to exceed my 1200 limit :)
  • SueGeer
    SueGeer Posts: 1,169 Member
    Eating at 1300 per day plus a proportion of exercise calories. I rarely drink, so alcohol is not a problem. Trying to eat more protein.
  • vguynes
    vguynes Posts: 753 Member
    My MFP maintaince goal is set at 1500 calories plus I eat back MOST (if not all) of my exercise calories. Depending on my workouts, I eat between 1700 and 2000 calories each day, and I've been maintaining a range of 129-131 since November 2012. It's time to start back losing!!!
  • spezzie
    spezzie Posts: 22 Member
    I eat very well...No processed foods, little or no salt, little or no sugar....mainly olive oil as fat. Lots of veggies, not enough fruit though....I find fruit so tastless this time of year....bread is mostly whole wheat pita's....

    In the past month or so, Ive been on a smoothie kick...I make them myself with yogurt and frozen fruits....and this can usually take me through 10am where I start to get hungry....If I don't plan, I go to the kitchen at work and grab whatever is around...ironically, its usually cake or cookies.... :( If I plan, then I have some almonds, or dried raisin or cranberries, green tea
    Lunch is usally protein and carbs with veggies...lots of veggies....If I work out that day, I have extra protein...chicken or fish...
    Supper...usually simple...soup or veggie stew...
  • Gigib64
    Gigib64 Posts: 18 Member
    While I fought the weight for years, and years, and years, when I started working from home the refrigerator called my name all the time. Now, I have a GoFitwear, (like a body bugg), and just from wearing it and entering all my food to My Fitness Pal, I am just so much more accountable. I follow the caloric guidelines on MFP and have had no trouble staying under my goals because I enjoy vegetables and chicken, but now have to boost my output of energy.
  • amysteri
    amysteri Posts: 197 Member
    Tell me what your diet is like, sticking points, and how your energy levels are. Keep each other motivated as well. Everyone should get to know each other. 12 Weeks will go by very quickly!! Get ready for that Sunshine and warm weather. Well in PA it is still snowing i'm sure some of you have warm weather already and for that I am jealous =-)

    Hello everyone, nice to meet you all :flowerforyou:
    I'd say my energy level is pretty good
    I eat around 1500 calories a day ...my goal is set to 1550. And when I exercise I eat back my calories burned.
    I cook my own food just because I can cook and I like to cook! I rarely go out to eat but when I do I enjoy the food haha.
    I also like to eat veggies and fruits. I always include rice for dinner. I don't eat chips very often... but I do eat shrimp and fish crackers:noway: ...ummm, i'm an omnivore lol
    I don't eat fast food much at all, and I don't drink soda. I prefer drinking H2O and tea... and I think that's all so far
  • cpanus
    cpanus Posts: 19,838 Member
    I eat my MFP calories -- 1350 and maybe some of my exercise calories burned. I eat plenty of fruits and veggies, beans, eggs, some rice, light yogurt, walnuts, salad w/low-fat dressing. I don't eat fish. I don't do fast food. I drink black coffee and water...no soda, no beer. I like soft-serve yogurt w/crushed Butterfinger on top. I just had that for my b'day on Tuesday. The time before was last October!!! I pack my lunch every day. My down fall is peanut butter...Adams creamy...*sigh*

    Chris
  • bluecrayonz
    bluecrayonz Posts: 459 Member
    1350 calories plus eating back exercise calories if I feel like I need to
  • tvetack
    tvetack Posts: 3 Member
    I'm just starting but I'm eating around 1200 calories a day. Only eating carbs in the morning and have protein at every meal. I want to exercise at least 5 days a week. The hard part is after work around 4 I want a snack (salty or sweet) so usually I take the dog for a walk. Here in New Hampshire it is suppose to snow this Tuesday-bummer. We have a great track around our football field at the school I work at and want to start jogging. Has anyone done the couch25K program?
  • SSkrabo
    SSkrabo Posts: 4
    Tell me what your diet is like, sticking points, and how your energy levels are. Keep each other motivated as well. Everyone should get to know each other. 12 Weeks will go by very quickly!! Get ready for that Sunshine and warm weather. Well in PA it is still snowing i'm sure some of you have warm weather already and for that I am jealous =-)

    First of all, don't be jealous of the warm weather - summer is too long! Enjoy the snow. :) As for the rest...

    My diet is a mixed bag. I am pretty good during the work week - but only for breakfast/lunch. Like someone else said, I tend to get very busy and I actually forget to eat, thereby skipping healthy snacks even though that apple isn't sitting far away. As a result, I am SO hungry when I get home and waiting 30+ minutes for something to cook sounds terrible and impossible, so I tend to stop by and pick up whatever on the way home. Unfortunately, "whatever" usually isn't very healthy and then after that I end up just watching TV or something, and rarely get my exercise in.

    My energy levels are a mess right now - and I know it's b/c of the simple carbs. I fully acknowledge that when I eat well and exercise, I feel tons better - the hardest part is forcing myself to get on the right track. Once I'm on the right track and there for a few weeks, I have no problems!
  • jamie88moore
    jamie88moore Posts: 54 Member
    no eating crap at night 1200 calorie diet but smart choices.....if I stop that I believe 30 lbs wont be hard
  • hairsprayhon
    hairsprayhon Posts: 334 Member
    When I started this journey my doctor said focus on building to 30 g of dietary fiber each day. Most days I do more and it really prevents hunger. My goal is to get away from processed food and I do pretty good, except for breakfast. Whether it is a6 am body pump day or not I seem always to be in a rush-so I grab a vita muffin top for fiber and a nature valley protein bar for protein. This breakfast is the best quick one that gives me energy until lunch. For snacks I eat almonds, popcorn or fruit.
  • emmalousmom1
    emmalousmom1 Posts: 121 Member
    I am a gastric bypass patient, 2004 lost 125lb, got thyroid cancer, gained back over the years 80lbs, now losing again, but difficult, when I lose I have to adjust my medicine or feel awful, I have been at a 3 week standstill, changed my goal to 1lb loss per week, so it increased my calories, i try to eat more protein, eating healthy nuts daily and getting energy to exercise.
  • a59feline
    a59feline Posts: 11
    I know how to eat healthy.... it's just a matter of doing it.... and that requires effort. You've motivated me to to go buy some protein shake mix, almond milk, frozen fruit, and chia seeds for breakfast smoothies. Breakfast is a hard one for me. I usually skip it and pump myself with caffeine and nicotine in the a.m. , which is my bad habit to break. Can't keep muffins or protein bars around....because I will go to them all night and there won't be any left for breakfasts.

    If I take the time to prepare individually weighed & measured meals and put them in the fridge....I can grab healthy lunch/dinners from the fridge. Today I'll make some individual big salads (lettuce, carrots, cukes, fuji apple, brocoli, and a piece of grilled fish). I'll also make meals with spagetti squash, chunky tomatoe sauce, meatless meatballs & canned lentils. These can be pretty big too. It tastes just like real spagettii & meatballs....without the calories!) The key is having the containers to put them in. I'm not keen on microwaving stuff in plastic containers (there's some connection bewteen that and breast cancer....,and several maternal relatives have died of breast cancer...so it's in my genes). Keep on the lookout for proper size glass containers with lids!

    So, that means I gotta get to the grocery store today. UGH!
  • bobbi29
    bobbi29 Posts: 138 Member
    Be so off track lately. Do alot of stress eating. Trying to get back on track with calories set by MFP and not going over.
  • countrygal02012
    countrygal02012 Posts: 124 Member
    I follow MFP of 1200 calories average per day.... weekends are the hardest and when I tend to lose control. I'm 46 years old... and the weight doesn't come off as easy as I was younger. I do try to move my body daily (with the aid of a Fitbit). I eat three meals and one snack per day. No evening eating when I am in control.
  • ThinUpGirl
    ThinUpGirl Posts: 397
    1400 calories a day and I usually eat them back if I've worked out.

    Ive spent my whole life eatting like a child and over indulging n crap food. I cut pop out of my diet at the beginning of the year and swapped chips for smart pop popcorn (baby steps).

    I've also have been eatting 5-6 meals a day since the beginning of the year and have noticed a major increase in energy. Before I would drink coffee all day, until dinner and then binge all night which left me feeling exhausted. I really think smaller frequent meals make the day more manageable.

    I've always been a picky when it comes to vegetables, but I've been trying new things and stick with what I like: carrots, green beans and Bell peppers. I aim to have 2 servings a day, but its hasn't become a natural habbit.

    I love fruit and have replaced the bad sweets with the good ones. My favorites are strawberries, raspberries, apple's and mango. I usually have 2-3 servings daily. I eat some sort of berry every day.

    I choose whole grains almost always.

    I eat chicken everyday, but one meal a week I allow myself red meat. Usually I splurge on my homemade pasta sauce or tacos.

    I have a protein shake with coconut almond milk every day, sometimes I have 2.

    I love to cook, but I cook two meals every night (mine + son&husbands) so I'm looking for ways to simplify.
  • chaunasmith
    chaunasmith Posts: 26 Member
    Hello :) I eat healthy 6/7 days per week. One day is usually a cheat day or just a cheat meal. I am following calories/day set by MFP. Mine is 1,550 calories per day. I do eat back some, if not all, of my exercise calories, and have noticed that I lose if I do eat them. I'm trying to get in more protein into my diet, which I find difficult on some days. If I get in 80-90 grams of protein in a day, I'm doing really, really good. I do NOT deprive myself at all. If I want something, I have it but in a moderate portion. I think this has helped me not to "backslide" with my diet. I try to get in fruits and veggies but it's just a few servings per day---not as much as I should. I drink plenty of water. Weight loss has been slow--have lost, as of this morning, 35 pounds in almost 3 years. Thanks for doing this challenge group :)
  • I think that the most important thing is not to consider that one is on a diet, but a healthy eating plan for life, which includes treats, chocolate, pizzas, birthday do's, restaurant meals and so on. But all in moderation. The worst thing about a diet is that one sticks to it, loses the weight, then goes back to "normal" eating - which is what put the weight on in the first place!