Okay so I'm starting my lifestyle change today and I wondered if I'm doing well so far.I'm only asking because if I'm doing well now, I'll continue doing well.

For breakfast I had a raisin granola bar
and for lunch I'm having a salad (well actually it's plain lettuce) , a small bowl of broken up cheesy pretzels , and two soft tortilla shells with a thin layer of mayo, plain lettuce, and 1 piece of cheese(sharing between the two shells)
oh and a bottle of water

Am I doing well so far?

Hi there!
I think you're missing a bit of protein, in my opinion. And whole grains-- and perhaps more vegetables in addition to the lettuce.
Perhaps oatmeal with a few raisins, and perhaps a few scrambled egg whites on the side for breakfast.
Maybe a salad with some sort of low-fat protein-- chicken, hard boiled egg, grilled fish, tofu on top and more vegetables as well.

If I ate mostly carbs for breakfast and lunch I would NEVER stay under my calorie goals. Fiber, protein and bulky veggies fill me up!

Good luck!

Look up the calories on everything you're eating and then you tell us!

Good luck on your plan!

Don't forget the protein and more fiber!

Those 2 can help expedite your weight loss tremendously

I know I'm lacking protein--I'm a vegetarian, but I never really figured out what to eat in place of meat.

as for the grains, I usually overdo them. I love bread and almost every night we have some sort of pasta. I just really want to get the veggies in there. I lack them the most, but of course I'm still going to eat the other food groups.

For protein for breakfast, I add in Special K Protein Plus cereal - I have a hard time getting in protein without it when I'm in a hurry.

Also, I love greek yogurt for breakfast - you can add some fruit in it and it is delicious - and has TONS of protein.

For lunch Beans are also a good source of protein. Next time spread some fat free beans on the tortilla instead of mayo, add in some green pepper, tomato, cucumbers, onion, broccoli, and a tiny bit of reduced fat cheese. This will be much more filling. Also, ditch the cheesy pretzels for an apple.

Are you tracking calories for everything you eat? Make sure that you write down everything that goes in your mouth. Make sure you have a calorie deficit each week.

Instead of focusing mainly on calories in looking at healthy options - look at the nutritional substance you're getting as well ... something may be light, but something else might be a better choice if it'll give you more nutrients and keep you fuller longer. As it's been sais, Beans are a GREAT option to give you protein and if you eat eggs, that's a 70-calorie option for some protein/fat combo. Hummus is a great bread spread, too - it has olive oil so it will have fat, but in moderation, is great.

There are a lot of options so if you're vegetarian, you can make good choices without being stuck being a carbitarian and having too many meals start with pasta or bread. Start with the veggies you want and add from there.

GOOD LUCK - no one is perfect on day one or day 100! We're all working to finesse it all.

For protein you could try soy puddings or drinks etc. That's what I do. Also veggie burgers or any of the yves products.

I was a vegetarian for 12 years. But started to eat chicken when I got pregnant last year.
Eat beans, dairy, soy and veggie burgers to get your protein.

Hi and welcome to 3FC.

Good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle