Can't meet my calorie goal

OP, there is nothing wrong with cutting out cake and chocolate. I cut it out and feel way better. Not everyone has the self control to eat a piece of cake or a candy bar. I realized I had a problem with sugar and eliminating it from my diet has been really beneficial for me. You dont need cake. I substitiute sweets with an apple with almond or peanut butter. If your need support I am here to talk.

You're never going to eat cake again? There is no reason to label foods as bad or cut them out of your eating habits just because you are "making a life change". One of the best ways to keep your eating sustainable is to eat the treats that you enjoy in small amounts.

That said, if you are looking to add more calories from "healthy" foods, cook veggies in oil, eat nuts or nut butters, add bacon or avocado to salads, etc.

This.

Usually if I am short, I grab ice cream, peanut butter or a nice glass of wine! :drinker:

Raw Almonds - Dense in Good Fats
Baked Sweet Potato - Complex Carbs (add some salt and spices once cooked)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts - High in Protein (the cornerstone of every diet)

Like other users have said, try to eat towards your macro goals instead of focusing on calories. Calories are a by-product of your macro-nutrients.

1 g protein = 4 calories
1 g carbohydrate = 4 calories
1 g fat = 9 calories

Some of your diary entries look a little...off. It takes a little while for you to develop your BS meter when it comes to diary entries, so until you're there, you need to be really careful with your logging. You're probably eating more calories than your realize.

For example, I saw a generic basalmic vinaigrette with 75 calories for 3 tablespoons and "2 brown whole scrambled eggs - 1 cup" for 70 calories.

If you're using a "generic" entry, I'm guessing you made the dressing yourself (if not, use the entry for whatever brand). Olive oil has 120 calories per tablespoon, so even if you had a 1:2 ratio of olive oil to vinegar, that would be way over 75 calories.

On that last one, I'm confused as to whether you ate 2 eggs or 1 cup of scrambled eggs, but eggs have about 70 calories each, so either way, this isn't right. It also doesn't account for any butter or oil (unless you scrambled them dry, which most people don't do).

OP, I feel for you because I know what it's like to have your mindset. Cut out sugar.. cut out processed foods... its a lifechange. I've drastically cut sugars, decreased calories, tried only whole organic foods, and felt the shame of eating what everyone calls "bad foods." Research these things out and find out what is truly the most sustainable thing for you.

For me, making all of my foods from scratch and eating basically the exact same thing everyday is not realistic. I hate not being able to enjoy foods at the office and feeling like a failure when I do. So, I looked into it and did what would be sustainable for me. Today, I went to starbucks and bought a spinach wrap for breakfast. When I got to work, someone had brought the office breakfast from Chick-Fil-A-- which is seriously my favorite. So, I opted for the chicken burrito instead of the chicken biscuit because it fit better into my Macros and saved it at my desk to eat for lunch. This is just reality.

Thanks! I updated my diary so it can be seen.
Right now I'm trying to get used to no sweets unless they are healthy. I'm seeking alternatives for that yummy cake! Mmmm...cake.... I'll never be able to give it up for good.
I have tried nuts for their crunch and protein. But sodium is really high for them. Still, they are something I'd happily eat more of.

Is there a moderately good for you snack? Should I try a bowl of cereal at night?

YOu have to do what works for YOU. I gave up refined sugar about 10 years ago...I do eat sugar free candy in moderation(negative side effects as we know if you eat too much!!) It has been pretty easy for me as I wasn't a sweet person anyway(im a carb alcoholic!!) Trying different ways to fulfill your sweet tooth is a great idea...just be sure it is something you can stick to for years to come....a "diet" is not a long term thing...eating in moderation is NOT why most folks are on this site...most are FAT as moderation is a delusion for them...is a big learning curve and developing a different relationship with food.....try to realize your not eating to comfort yourself, but to fuel your body...one day at a time:)

I would more go towards eating a serving size rather than 1 leaf or a lesser amount of a packet (if you are doing a packet.) They put serving sizes on things just for that reason. You dont want to under eat because you will have the opposite reaction and could gain weight. Try for a few days of eating the serving size and see you it does for you.

PS - your calorie goal is REALLY low...

I agree with everyone on the cake and chocolate.

OP: What are going to do when you are invited to a Wedding or Birthday party? Or going to a buffet? You need to learn moderation, all foods are good!! :drinker:

+1

There are no bad foods.