I've started to track my calories, and realized that I'm not really eating enough. I weigh 295 (began at 310 on Jan 12th). The website suggested I eat 1500 calories a day to loose 2.5 lbs a week. After a week of tracking I'm consistently under 1200 a day.

But I feel like I am eating all the time! I'm eating very healthy foods, which are naturally low calories.

I know this is kind of funny, talking about not eating enough on a weight loss board, but how do I eat enough food, keeping the food healthy, and get enough calories in?

Donna

1500 seems low for your weight. i'm 260 (though tall and quit active) and am on 1700 a day and still losing around 2 pounds a week. where did you look?

1200 is ok for a little while. we do it for a kick start on the plan i follow but any longer than that and it's not good for your over all weight loss.

perhaps eat fruit during the day as a snack. 50 calories in 1 easy, healthy way. or increase portion sizes if that helps too.

The best thing is lots of fruits, lots of veggies, lean meats, and complex carbs.

I'm taking care of my health and it's great cuz I'm losing weight and I still get to enjoy bread! When I was working harder and restricting all carbs I was miserable- I joined sparkpeople and put in my weight and said 2 lbs a week for the rest of the year and I'm eating about 1500 calories a day, for your weight I'd say you are eating too little- if I were in your shoes I'd be eating more like 1800-2000 calories a day so that my body doesn't feel it's starving. But it's what works for you.

They do say you have to eat more (good foods) to lose more- I think they were right because it seems to be working for me now.

I did the calculator on The Daily Plate.

Hi Iwannalose -- If you're eating truly healthy foods like nutrient rich fruits, veggies, nuts and beans and very little processed foods, that is what is important. You said that you're eating all the time but how do you feel? Do you feel lethargic? Hungry all the time? If so, then I agree with the other two posters in that you should up your calories. However, if you're full of energy and don't feel hungry then I would just go with your bodily cues.

**This coming from a woman who needs to lose 87 pounds** :-)

have you talked to a dietician?

I'm feeling good, actually. Better than in a long time. I'm totally off caffeine, I had been drinking 5 or so cans of coke a day. Now I drink water and maybe one can of A&W diet root beer a day. Lots of fruits and veggies, lean protein. But my weight loss has slowed down (I've only lost one pound this past week) I'm reading about how your body can go into starvation mode, so I know I need to up the calories, I just want to do it in a healthy way. I have this mentality that I should eat less to lose weight, and I'm eating so much more than I used to. It's hard to change this old brain!

Donna

have you talked to a dietician?

No, I've not.

I agree that 1200/day is probably fine to kick start for a couple weeks, and increase gradually as you start to feel more hungry, which should happen when your metabolism catches up to the increased exercise I hope you're also getting. If you feel more hungry, eat more (sensibly). If not, just make sure you're well-hydrated.

It might help if you share a sample menu of your daily intake if you would like suggestions of what and where you could fit in good cals. Let us know what plan you are following if there are special restrictions on food groups. It sounds like you are doing a whole foods life style with calorie counting.

I don't eat the same thing every day, and I try to balance things.

Breakfast:

Omlet (1 whole egg plus 2 egg whites) 106
2 thin slices ham 20
2 Pieces toast (Light Honey wheat) 80
banana 60
(266)

Mid morning snack: 20 grapes - 60

Lunch:

Flat out wrap with
1 T Light cream cheese
1 t simply fruit
2 oz turkey
lettuce
tomato
_______________239
2 stalks celery 20
12 mini carrots 35
(284)

Snack: 2 clementines 80
Diet A & W Root Beer
(80)

Dinner

Grilled Chicken Breast 130
Small Potato Baked 110
2 T Low Fat Sour Cream 35
2 Cups Cauliflower 50
1 Cup Green Beans 60
(365)

Snack: Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwich 140

Total for the day: 1195

you are doing great with veggies and fruit. Your meals look like good balenced food. There is a book or site that has sample menues with alternatives for three differnt calorie levels. I can not remeber where i saw it. maybe some one will see this and know what I am talking about. My uneducated suggestion would be to add some protien to your snacks if you can eat a small amount of nuts like almonds. There are also some threads that give examples of 100 calorie whole food ideas that might push you towards your target calorie intake. I am sorry I am not able to be more specific my brain is not working with me this morning.