Would y'all mind...

Hey Liz

You've already lost 6lbs! I would say that you're making the right choices

However, I've noticed that you're consistently under 1200 cals/day, especially on your exercise days. While this may work for you in the short term, please be very careful as this could be dangerous to your metabolism in the future.

I've also noticed that you're entering {unnamed} quick calories - what are those?

I honestly can't remember what those unnamed calories are now

Any ideas on how I can up my protein? I'm struggling with that.

I know my calories aren't high enough and that is definitely something I've been struggling with. I've had issues with eating disorders in the past, so I'm really trying hard at upping my calories without feeling like I've overeaten and having that lead to bad, bad things.

I'm also having a hard time with the concept of eating back my exercise calories...I feel like it defeats the purpose of working out...?

Thanks for taking the time to look!

Eggs, egg whites, turkey breast, chicken breast, lean beef are a few examples of ways to up your protein. I don't know if you like Lentils, but they are a pretty decent source of protein for veggies. They are low in fat and high in fiber -which is never a bad thing. There is also protein powder. We have a "cake batter" flavor at home that is really good. You can mix it with water and I sometimes mix it with skim milk. This is a great way to up your protein AND get back some of those exercise calories without eating more. Which may help ease you of any guilt you may feel about eating.

Protein: Eggs! Especially in the morning, they'll go a long way in helping you feel full.
Meat - you can always include a small (70g) can of tuna to any salad to increase your protein.

Eating back your calories... well, that's a whole other can of worms right there! It all depends on you, and how your body reacts to exercise and caloric intake. For me personally, I'll eat my calories back to put me at 1200 cals/day, and that's it. Basically, I exercise so i can eat more, in the long run, im slimming down AND eating foods that are an "indulgence" for me. If i eat 1200 cals/day and not exercise, then that's it, I won't eat anymore. But, if I exercise and burn 500 cals, I'll eat most of those back to make sure I don't go under 1200 cals/day net.

But like I said, do what works for you

tofu, smoothies with protein powder, legumes, legumes, legumes lol, nuts

Don't bother with protein powder. You can get protein from whole food sources. Eggs. Egg whites. Cottage cheese. Greek yogurt. Chicken breast. Fish. Seafood.

I think your protein levels are fine for starting out. They are well within the MFP guidelines. That's great for starting out. You are eating lots of fruit and veggies.

Try not to use the quick add calories.

I think you should eat your exercise calories. Those calories fuel your exercise and your body post workout.

I think you are doing great. Keep it up.

yeah listen to these folks about those calories. When I was young I really screwed up my metabolism starving myself when I didn't need to. When I look at you, I don't really see someone who needs to lose weight as opposed to toning. Maybe try lifting some weights but then you have to make sure you are eating enough protein for that. I myself would feel sick if I only ate 1200 a day. When I started here like 10 days ago, they had me at 1400 then I lost a bunch of water weight and it bumped me up to 1600 and i was having a hard time eating it all...I still however still lost weight if i watched the sodium etc all those little things we all need to do ya know?