More Calories without More Processed Foods?

KittyMul
KittyMul Posts: 74 Member
edited September 29 in Food and Nutrition
Hi everyone,

I'm currently trying to increase my calorie intake from about 600 a day to about 1500, but I'm stuck a 1000. I'm finding it really hard to eat more than this without being stuffed to the point of nausea, or without including more processed foods. It's making me feel really uncomfortable and stressed but I'm determined to get them up there! I've recently made the decision to become vegetarian which also makes things hard but I'm not giving up on it. I'd like to keep my diet low-ish carbs but I'm finding it difficult with the higher calorie/no meat demands. Any tips would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks,

Kit

Replies

  • thetrishwarp
    thetrishwarp Posts: 838 Member
    Try eating foods like almonds or avocados, which are higher in calories, healthy, and shouldn't make you feel stuffed.
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    To add more calories without having to eat more, have a glass of juice, or drink more milk, liquid calories will not fill you up as much but will add calories. Add olive oil to soups and sauces, and eat full fat versions of the foods you are eating, such as yogurt, salad dressing etc. Ditch the diet and lite versions of foods.
  • rmrainbow
    rmrainbow Posts: 37
    I'm pescetarian, so I know how you feel, for the most part. I eat eggs, milk, and seafood/shellfish. I typically get most of my calories and fiber from grains, fruits, and vegetables. Bananas are a great high-cal, low-fat snack. Avocados are great, in moderation.

    I LOVE whole-grain bread, preferably fresh-baked without preservatives. Goes great with peanut butter (as does fibrous celery). Try to find a whole-grain oatmeal, something that will keep you fuller, longer. Add some fresh or dried fruits to that.

    Make sure (if you drink milk, I'm not sure what vegetarian entails these days) drink enough milk, or get some low-fat yogurt in there. If not, keep taking those calcium supplements.

    Brown rice is another great savior! In one meal, try combining a little bit of starch, a little protein, lots of veg, maybe a little fruit.

    Good luck!
  • Emma1903
    Emma1903 Posts: 195
    Nuts and Greek yogurt, bananas, milk, eggs
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    I was going to say, add more protien sources, and it looks like you have the sugar and carb room to add more fruit.
  • melsinct
    melsinct Posts: 3,512 Member
    I plan out my day the night before so I will know if I am short on calories. Then I will add high quality calories in when needed, like peanut butter on a couple crackers, whole grain toast, or on a banana; avocado slices on salad or sandwiches; a handful of nuts; a glass of milk or juice...if this is a constant problem for you, you may want to switch to higher fat products, like full fat yogurt or milk. Also, work in calorie dense whole wheat pasta as a meal-you will meet your calorie goal in no time with pasta!!
  • BigBoneSista
    BigBoneSista Posts: 2,389 Member
    you can use extra virgin olive oil to cook with in order to add extra calories or as part of a homemade salad dressing.
  • KittyMul
    KittyMul Posts: 74 Member
    Thanks everyone! I think I'll try switching to full fat yoghurt and play around with some whole grains - a lot of wheaty things make me feel really bloated and sick, but I've heard durum wheat pasta can help with this. I might try some juices as well - they could be a great snack without spoiling my dinner.

    Thanks again, I can't believe the quick replies!
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