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Best food choices when you need calories?

sassylilmama
sassylilmama Posts: 1,493 Member
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
I keep having days where I am way under even 1200 calories net. I am eating plenty but a lot of low calorie meals and snacks. Then I find myself way under after dinner and end up eating cookies or ice cream or something not so great. Simply because I have the calories I use them on something junky. I know veggies or fruit are healthy but they also don't really up the calories. Most nights I am a little hungry but I know there have to be better choices. Or should I just leave it alone and not eat anything else at all? My diary is open if that helps anyone give advice.

Replies

  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    Nuts, avocado, glass of fruit juice.
  • Almonds Almonds Almonds sister! High calories, great fats, filling!!!!!:
  • MichelleMcWain
    MichelleMcWain Posts: 66 Member
    When I know I am low on calories.. which is often, I drink a big glass of nonfat milk with dinner.. which brings it up.. I need ideas for snacks too..
  • cmel6334
    cmel6334 Posts: 41 Member
    Protein shakes are a good choice. I use Body Fortress Whey Protein. The chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry are all really good. I mix it with almond milk. It's high calorie, high protein, high potassium, low carb and low sugar. Sometimes I use it for a meal replacement, other times I use it to up my daily calories.
  • dia77
    dia77 Posts: 410 Member
    i don't know how you do it . I am always over ...
    anyway , a good way to increase your calories intake - home made guacamole + dip in broccoli
    or pop corn - low fat - but still 300 cal / bag
    this two things will give you the good fat , no sugar and lots of fiber.

    Any ideeas for low calorie meals and snacks ?
  • I'm barely able to keep the calories above 1200 gross most days. When I have an intense workout, like I had today and I burned over 1500 calories, I'll be lucky to get it to zero net. I typically haven't worried about it.
  • isabelk
    isabelk Posts: 153 Member
    Whole wheat toast and jam for a quick 200 cals before bedtime (or hummus if you are worried about the sugar).
  • sassylilmama
    sassylilmama Posts: 1,493 Member
    i don't know how you do it . I am always over ...
    anyway , a good way to increase your calories intake - home made guacamole + dip in broccoli
    or pop corn - low fat - but still 300 cal / bag
    this two things will give you the good fat , no sugar and lots of fiber.

    Any ideeas for low calorie meals and snacks ?

    One reason is I am still nursing my son a couple times a day. Also I am never very hungry in the morning so breakfast is very small for me. I have also learned to make veggies a big part of my dinner.
  • NoAdditives
    NoAdditives Posts: 4,251 Member
    I never have trouble meeting my calorie goal.

    For breakfast I'll have a breakfast burrito (eggs, beans, hash browns, cheese, green chile, tortilla) or a smoothie (vanilla soy milk, strawberries, banana, strawberries, protein powder). The burrito is around 500 calories, the smoothie is 300 or 400.

    For lunch I normally have a sandwich (turkey or roast beef, avocado, tomato, cheese, 2 slices whole wheat bread) and some veggies (carrots, celery, cucumber). It's usually around 400-500 calories total.

    For dinner I'll do either steak or chicken, rice/potato, steamed veggies, which is 400-700 calories.

    I'll have a protein shake after exercising which is 200-300 calories, and snacks can add another 300-700 calories depending on how much I eat.
  • sassylilmama
    sassylilmama Posts: 1,493 Member
    Thanks for the help!
This discussion has been closed.