When 1800 calories just isn't enough.

CallMeKriss wrote: »

veggies do not count as carbs when it comes to diabetes because the fiber in the veggies is high enough that they dont matter

Actually, you subtract the fiber count from the carb to get your net carbs. Veggies still count as carbs. Veggies are definitely not free carb foods. Some have more carbs than fiber, like potatoes. So you need to be careful.

Like today I had 348g of broccoli, says it had 16 carbs and 8 fiber. That means I had 8 carbs worth of broccoli.

Overall the advice others gave with adding lower calorie options that have more volume to it may help a lot. I eat 1400-1600 a day, started off at 1200 but found that was too low but it did help jump start my new lifestyle and helped me kick old habits.

Experiment with wwhatthe others suggested. Carbs creep up on you fast, I know. I also was diagnosed with diabetes a couple months ago. I do have days I probably eat too many myself, but I try to keep a meal below 45 carbs. Most my meals are under 20 though.

Breakfast

Try some cottage cheese with "mix-ins" (crushed pineapple, avocado, black pepper, berries, pomegranate seeds, etc. are all good choices). You can have two servings (226g) for 220 calories and it has loads of protein, lowish carbs, lowish fat and is extremely filling. You can also make pumpkin protein pancakes and three of those will balance protein/carbs for a good breakfast on the run (you make a large batch, weigh, freeze, and zap in the micro before work). For eggs, try using egg whites mixed with regular eggs. You can eat way more for less calories, but you still get the protein. Six tablespoons of liquid egg whites, plus two eggs, a handful of spinach, and melt a small amount of shredded cheese. You can add in some turkey sausage if you want meat.

Lunch/Dinner

Pork and green chili stew (http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/10/slow-cooker-pork-and-green-chile-stew.html). You can make a crockpot full, weigh out portions, freeze, and heat and eat for lunch/dinner. Super tasty and filling and you can serve alone or add rice/noodles if you like. Taco meat - brown up 1/2 lean turkey, 1/2 lean beef, add taco seasoning and it's a great base. You can make tacos (mission makes white corn tortillas - 3 for ~100 calories) or make a taco salad with a bed of lettuce and add avocado and a bit of cheese.

One of the best pieces of advice is to try and pre-plan meals, make sure they have a lot of flavor, and don't repeat the same things every day. Go for volume, flavor, and nutrient dense foods. If you want recipes for any of the other things I've mentioned, message me and I'll be happy to help.

When I first started trying to lose weight, I was just like you. I always felt hungry, but I'd just drink water to try to fill up. I'm an emotional eater. My feeling of "hungry" was much more emotional and psychological than it was due to actual hunger. I learned to just be strong and eat what I was suppose to eat and nothing more. It took a long time but now I know when I feel hungry I'm actually hungry and it's not just a psychological thing.

Try to stay strong and eat only the amount you're suppose to. There are a lot of foods out there that are low calorie where you can eat more of. Try to eat more of those foods. I also found that eating things like grapes helped to curb my psychological hunger. It replaced things like chips or nuts that I use to eat tons of. Popcorn is another thing I eat in between meals. By eating airpopped popcorn I can have four cups and feel super full.

I know it's difficult but be patient. The feeling does pass.

CallMeKriss wrote: »

So.. basically what im reading it...
a small tortilla, 2 slices of bread and a cupcake no bigger then my mouth, is too many carbs, and i should cut that back...
yet, the rule most people go by on other posts is, if it fits into your macros, you can have it...
i used to eat 300-400 carbs per day.. i thought i was doing something right. it seems like even well intentioned attempts are wrong.
how depressing.
thanks everyone for the advice.
i guess weight loss and eating properly just isnt for me.

I am sorry you are struggling, this weight loss thing is tough, that's why there are soo many sites and so many really strong opinions from those people who have had success or failures. All you can really continue to do is modify your diet until you find what works for you.

As far as the carbs, and as a diabetic you must know it's not just bread, but also potatoes, milk and certain vegetables (even with their high fiber content), which will spike your blood sugar, causing increased hunger when you are in the down spiral. I strongly suggest you look into a low carb approach. Cut them out for 2 weeks (you've already had 2 tough weeks, what is 2 more?) and see if your weight loss starts again. Even more important, pay attention to how you feel and how your blood sugar reacts.

You really have to give it time to see what really works and what doesn't. I wish you luck.