Trouble with making calorie requirement...

DeechelleW
DeechelleW Posts: 12 Member
in Getting Started
Hey all,
I'm having trouble getting to 1200 calories. Part of it is that I am allergic (extremely (explosively) digestively sensitive to wheat, soy, corn, milk, eggs, turkey (also drastically affects energy level and mood). I am able to eat oat products and rice in small amounts... I prefer to eat as clean as it helps stabilize my moods and I have more energy.... What is a girl to do. It seems that I go over on sugar and fat requirements and am low on calories.
Anyone got any good ideas?
DM

Replies

  • parkscs
    parkscs Posts: 1,639 Member
    What'd you eat to put on the weight in the first place? Perhaps try incorporating a bit more of that into your diet.
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    If you're willing, it might help us to give more constructive advice if your diary was public so we can see the type of things you're eating. In general though, unless you have a medical condition that requires sugar restriction, going over sugars isn't a huge concern, especially if most of them ccome from natural sources. Same idea with fats.
  • DeechelleW
    DeechelleW Posts: 12 Member
    Steroids for two back injuries and no movement... Also, junk food during those lovely dark periods... I didn't care if it hurt later as long as it made me feel better at the start. That and lots of netflixing.
  • DeechelleW
    DeechelleW Posts: 12 Member
    I will change that setting now
  • DeechelleW
    DeechelleW Posts: 12 Member
    done! I just started on here again in the last two weeks. If you have a question about my recipe ingredients let me know. I walk, jog, yoga almost everyday with 1 day a week for rest. I've lost about 15 lbs in the last month and half. I have an extensive family history of diabetes so I try to be careful about sugar.
  • fishernd
    fishernd Posts: 140 Member
    My suggestion: Your protein is way too low. You should be eating at least what you've set as your goal of 66 grams. If you aren't vegetarian you should add chicken and/or fish to your meals. It looks like you're subsisting on soup rather than real food.
  • PokeyBug
    PokeyBug Posts: 482 Member
    I had that concern when I first changed my eating habits, too. Some people on this forum had me freaking out that I was going to go into 'starvation mode' from eating less than 1,000 calories a day. As I cam to realize from my research, some people just freak out too easily. The starvation mode thing is a common myth, although there is a danger of not meeting your nutritional needs if you keep your calories too low. (http://www.fattyfightsback.com/2009/03/mtyhbusters-starvation-mode.html for a well-written article and a couple of links to articles on both sides of the issue.)

    Are there any dietary restrictions, other than what you've mentioned? If you're not on a special, self-imposed diet, like being a vegetarian or a religious diet that doesn't allow pork, then eating more meat will help you meet your calorie goals. One thing I like to do on occasion is to mix smoothies for a snack. Throw a cup of strawberries, a cup of raspberries, 2 tbsp of coconut oil, and a scoop of whey protein (check your label to be sure that it doesn't contain anything you can't have) in the blender for a yummy 500 calories with only 14 grams of sugar. If you like, you can also throw in some greens for the extra nutrients.
  • terar21
    terar21 Posts: 523 Member
    My suggestion: Your protein is way too low. You should be eating at least what you've set as your goal of 66 grams. If you aren't vegetarian you should add chicken and/or fish to your meals. It looks like you're subsisting on soup rather than real food.

    I agree with this. Fit some more protein into your day. I've had that problem in the past too because I just don't like cooking meat. But after forcing myself to bake chicken, sautee some tilapia, grill salmon, etc., it's made a big difference in my diet.

    Don't worry about sugar because, in general, you seem to be high in sugar because of fruit. Not a big deal IMO since you aren't going out and drinking a bunch of frapps from Starbucks. But if you are concerned with that, maybe try fruits with lower sugar contents?
  • DeechelleW
    DeechelleW Posts: 12 Member
    My suggestion: Your protein is way too low. You should be eating at least what you've set as your goal of 66 grams. If you aren't vegetarian you should add chicken and/or fish to your meals. It looks like you're subsisting on soup rather than real food.
    Thanks... I will try to up that... Soups are homemade with lots of yummy vegetables (blended in Vitamix) from my farmer. Maybe eating bigger portions with more meat/protein sources.
  • parkscs
    parkscs Posts: 1,639 Member
    The problem a lot of people have when they first start out is they have it in their head that you need to eat foods that are perceived as being "healthy" and avoid "junk." Honestly I would probably to eat a lot of veggies and rice cakes as well, but thankfully you don't have to just stick with those foods. I'm not saying you should order a large stuffed crust right this second, but only that you can have meat, eggs, beans, rice, etc. (in general, calorically dense foods) and still lose weight. Instead of a dainty little fruit bar for lunch, maybe have a sandwich. And it's not that vegetables, rice cakes and the like are bad for you, but how long can you realistically keep that up? That sounds pretty miserable to me and the key to weight loss is sustainability.
  • kijasgirl
    kijasgirl Posts: 1
    Nuts and beans are a good source of protein and calories. Avocados, hummus, salmon also great.
  • DeechelleW
    DeechelleW Posts: 12 Member
    Nuts and beans are a good source of protein and calories. Avocados, hummus, salmon also great.

    Thanks I can eat those things... and I happen to love them!
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    Here are some ideas for adding healthy calories:

    Chicken with the skin
    Steak
    Cheese
    Whole eggs (including deviled eggs, egg salad)
    Full fat dairy (including cottage cheese, yogurt)
    Fruit
    Peanut butter or other nut butters
    Nuts
    Avocado
    Dried fruit (raisins, apricots, apples)
    Dark chocolate
    Salmon
    Add Chia seeds to salads or yogurt
    Olive oil
    Smoothies
    Granola/sports nutrition bars
    Whole grains or whole grain products (like brown rice, Quinoa, oatmeal)
    Beans and legumes

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