[appleofmyeye08]

OK I know this is going to sound really strange. I am having a hard time consuming all my calories for the day. I started about a week ago calorie counting. My first week I went from 225 - 219.6 on a 1600 calorie diet. I do walk away the pounds videos (2 -3 miles per day) about 4 times a week.

Problem is I should be consuming more calories according to certain sites. I should be eating around 1700- 1800 calories per day. I have been tracking on fitday.com and entering my nutrition info off the labels and measuring food. I am only averaging about 1520 calories per day and feel satisfied at the end of the day. I am worried that I am doing something wrong here.

I am eating veggies, fruits and trying to stay with lean protein when possible. With a family of 6 its hard to eat chicken breast 24/7. LOL I am also trying to make sure my fat intake is staying on the low end around 55 grams per day.

Any suggestions out there on what I can do to get all my calories in. I never thought this would be a problem for me.

Thanks Again,
Jen

[kaplods]

Adequate nutrition, starvation mode, and hunger/deprivation are the three main arguments for keeping your calories as high as possible during dieting

#1
Many experts say that it is nearly impossible to get in all of your basic nutrients and eat a sufficiently balanced diet on under 1200 calories, but you're not going that low, so this doesn't apply to you.

#2
There's still a lot of disagreement plateaus or weight loss stalls due to "starvation mode." Some people claim starvation mode doesn't exist at all. However, it is a phenomenon that many people, including many here report. However, there are also people here who say they lost all of their weight keeping a consistent calorie level from the beginning, on as little as 1200 calories. There are several theories as to why it may happen, and what to do about it when it does. Some theorize that by adding back as little as 200 calories WHILE increasing aerobic exercise by at least 20 minutes, 3 times a week or more, that you can get your metabolism revved.

#3
If you're not feeling hungry, deprived, jittery..... then you may be eating enough. The first thing you should check though is to make sure you are eating at least some fat. Recommendatins are generally that less than 30% of your calories come from fat, and about 15% at the barest minimum. If you are getting fat in your diet, then you might be eating enough. If you're still concerned, you might consider seeking the advice of a dietician (In most places anyone can call themselves a nutritionist).

[Tropigirl05]

I know exactly what you mean since I'm having the same problem. It's so weird, I've cut down to between 1400-1500 per day and sometimes even that is hard to achieve. I never thought I would have a problem getting all my calories in haha. I think a good way to get more in, for me at least, is to eat some cheese or maybe like an apple with some peanut butter-i'm kinda weird . Even lowfat yogurt has around 100 calories so if you wanted a snack, that could boost your caloric intake. It's hard trying to find good, healthy snacks but I hope that helps a little!

[appleofmyeye08]

Well right now I am eating yogurt which I am not a fan of. I am also putting in some grape nuts trail mix cereal for added crunch and added whole grain...

yum yum

Jen

[kimmieone]

Hi apple

The kinds you are eating are controlling your hunger that's a good thing. If you're not hungry for more I wouldn't worry about it. But if you feel you must eat more why not drink it? Like a smoothie or how about a yogurt, or since you are concerned about fat how about a dessert at the end of the day like Angel food cake with frozen yogurt. I mean you seem to be only 200 calories shy of your eating goals.Make it something fun to eat and I bet you won't mind

[Gymgurl]

I lost 12 pounds by eating under my range....way under with tons of cardio....Guess what happened.....I lost the weight but my body fat went up. My body used alot of my muscle for energy....SOOOOOOO really try to eat where you need to be!!

[sumu1]

Jen, just my 2 cents. Make sure you are eating the right amount of calories. I'm at 158 ( 20 down, 20 to go) and I eat an average of 1500-1600, throw in some cardio and I usually lose every week. Some days I'm into the 1800s too. If you are active everyday you should be eating many more calories per day. If you go too light on your caloric intake in the beginning when you plateau you won't have anywhere else to go. Plus I eat the way I plan to eat for the rest of my life too. Some days I snack on veggies, some days I have the brownie. My fat level is about a 70 grams per day. You may want to increase your calories a bit, see what level gives you a safe 1-2 lbs per week loss and eat to enjoy life. Again, this is what I do, everyone has their own goals and ways they want to get to them but if this helps at all....