New to MFP: some questions!

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Hey guys, i've just started eating healthier and exercising for two weeks and I wanted to ask some questions here. What foods would you guys recommend to increase my calorie intake? According to this site i should be eating around 2600 calories but I cant seem to hit that mark. I'm currently eating only half of the daily recommended calories, but after the meals i feel to full to eat anymore.

My typical day consist of:
Breakfast: milk shake (two cups milk, one banana, 1 cup mixed berry, flax seeds)
Lunch: Salad (1/4 cup quinoa, 1/4 sweet potato, 1/4 bell pepper, 1/4 cucumber, 3 oz fish/chicken, 2 cups lettece)
Dinner: Same as lunch
Snack: one apple

Replies

  • Bun_Ya
    Bun_Ya Posts: 174
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    Don't try and eat double what you are now straight away. Try adding 100-150 calories extra per day for a week and then bump it up on a weekly basis until you hit that 2600.

    I'm sure someone else will write out a list of food for you but I would just say eat anything, at this point. Milk. Rice. Peanut butter. Cake. There you go - have at it.
  • jhracefan24
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    Have you thought about adding some protein drinks? - that can give you some extra calories. Also, a snack in between breakfast and lunch would be good too.
  • sadrithmora
    sadrithmora Posts: 121
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    I assume you're following a pretty low carb diet? Why not add some nuts? Healthy fats are pretty good for you. If I'm mistaken and you're not on a low carb diet, just try adding some of those, like rice.
  • JJChans
    JJChans Posts: 6
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    Thanks guys! I am Kind of following a low carb diet with no rice, bread and flour. These two weeks I did lose 14 pounds but im scared ill bounce back if I ate normal. I will give give the protein shake and nuts ty!
  • mbmillr
    mbmillr Posts: 28
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    Pb with yr apple would add 200 cal easily
  • Bun_Ya
    Bun_Ya Posts: 174
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    Add some olive oil to your salad if you're on a low carb diet. That'll bump up your calorie intake, quick as you like!
  • GreenIceFloes
    GreenIceFloes Posts: 1,491 Member
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    If you're going low on carbs, you need to up your fat and protein. Maybe get full fat milk instead of skim. Add lots of chicken and turkey and other protein-rich foods to your day. Plus what everyone else suggested - nuts like almonds (1 oz has 164 cals), protein powder (I suggest whey - typically around 100 calories per scoop), peanut butter (almost 200 cals in 2 tbsp).

    ETA: You may get bored of eating the same thing everyday. Best to just eat normal food and watch your portion size.
  • JJChans
    JJChans Posts: 6
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    Thanks again for the additional tips guys! I was wondering if its a good idea to exercise less if I dont eat enough? I am currently brisking walking for 50 mins + a few sit/push ups.