More calories?

lsan1125
lsan1125 Posts: 20
edited September 2024 in Introduce Yourself
I have been trying to stay within my calorie goal each day, but almost everyday I am under my calorie goal by approx 200 calories. Then on the days with exercise I don't even come close to my goal. I have been drinking mostly water and trying to eat healthier but it says I'm not eating enough calories. I was watching my calories but then went over on my fat. Just need some suggestions on good meal choices. Please help!

Replies

  • kr3851
    kr3851 Posts: 994 Member
    I'm struggling with the same thing!

    I went out this morning and bought a couple of protein bars and some nuts - these were suggested as lower fat, lower carb alternatives to filling up on cals. Make sure the nuts are unsalted (almonds, cashews) so you don't go over on sodium and take note of portion sizes...
  • Jamazurunner
    Jamazurunner Posts: 132
    Two ideas for you:

    You may need to eat more carbs/protein and a tiny bit less fat? I don't know exactly what your meal plan looks like, but are you meeting your protein intake goal? If not, lean meats are always a good option. If you are looking for something extra in calories that are carbs only, you can always add in a piece of whole wheat bread or some whole grain cereal or granola. Fruit and veggies are always a good option too, but it sounds like you eat a lot of them already. Protein wise, I often eat almonds (but they have a bit of fat) or a scoop of almond butter. Cottage cheese or hard boiled eggs are also a good option if you are looking for something small in calories too.

    I think the food log and calorie totals are just a good "guideline" for us to follow. In no way will I meet every single total for my meal plan. How does your body currently feel on the meal plan you are currently on? If you are constantly under by 200 calories, I don't think its too much of an issue. If you feel like you are still hungry then go for it, otherwise I think its okay to be 100-200 calories under once in a while.

    Good luck!
  • littlecaponey2
    littlecaponey2 Posts: 143 Member
    Is your food diary viewable to your friends? If yes, you can friend me as mine is viewable to my friends. I get many ideas from my other friends on MFP. It is a great source of information and ideas! I don't know what your calorie goal is so I can't offer any help on what you can add or not add. I would say it is always safe to add nuts and fruit and veggies.

    If you want ideas and friends, you are welcome to add me, but I only keep the friends with "open" diaries.

    Good Luck!
  • jenilla1
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
    kr3851 has some great advice! :flowerforyou:
  • dls06
    dls06 Posts: 6,774 Member
    IF it helps you could take a look at my diary. I am maintaining now at 1430 but if you go back a few months I was eating 1200 cals. Hope this helps.
  • annacataldo
    annacataldo Posts: 872 Member
    healthy higher calorie foods--- banana 100+ calories (depends on size). Rice (depending on type/brand)=200calories a cup. Nuts (unsalted)=1/4cup 160ish calories. natural peanut butter (maybe on an apple, celery, etc)=190calories 2tbls. Beans, prunes, raisins, avacado, etc... all of these r natural foods, that r healthy, that will increase calories.

    For really low days due to excercise, combine them---banana with peanut butter for dessert, rice & beans with dinner (or for dinner--black beans and white rice is good). raisins in your rice for sweeter rice. You get the idea...

    I have nuts for snacks all the time if i see that i will be far under. You can add them in salads, eat alone as a snack, or cook into stir frys, etc etc.
  • annacataldo
    annacataldo Posts: 872 Member
    if it helps u, look at my diary for today ;-)
  • Paulita2011
    Paulita2011 Posts: 2
    I started at 1000 calories a day... i know that was WAY to few calories.... Especially when I realized i was consuming upwards of 8000 a day... so i've up'd it but I still seem to stay under....
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