[tukogirl]

Hi all!

I'm on day 10 of Phase 1 and am having a great time so far. Constantly being in the kitchen is getting a little tedius, but I think as I learn the recipes and techniques more, my time in the kitchen will decrease.

Anyway, I'm a little confused about Phase II. Should I still be eating 2 cups of veggies at both lunch and dinner? That just seems like sooo much food to be eating, especially when adding up to 2 servings each of fruit and grains/day. How do you proportion your veggies, carbs (small serving), and protein to each other at each meal?

I guess I'm just not grasping how to have breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 2 snacks, keeping a good amount of protein, veg, and some carbs; without getting too many calories

[cottagebythesea]

, tukogirl! I'm glad Phase I is going so well for you! There are several Stickies in our FAQ section of this forum that you will find very helpful for starting Phase II, and guide you along. Check them out!

[WaistingTime]

I never worry about balancing, as you call it. I try to have some veggies with both lunch and dinner but actually get the bulk of mine with snacks. I also have very little grains, often none. Everyone is different so you'll need to see what works for you. What you can eat and not get cravings or gain weight.

[jenne1017]

hi there,

sorry I can't help as on SBD, I don't count calories nor do I find it hard to get my veggies in with my meals and snacks! Plus, veggies have practically no calories but what you put on them does...

[EmmaD]

I mostly plan around getting all the veggies (4.5 cups) in first and proteins with every meal, and maybe one serving of fruit. I look at the grains as optional/treats and although I do end up eating a lot of whole grains, I don't feel the need to include them. If I do, it's usually just one serving/day. (A lot of people around here limit grain servings...)

Also I do count calories when I feel I have gotten off track. I almost always end up at 1300-1400 for a well-planned day. I agree the grains can bump up your calorie count quickly.

You'll figure out what works for you.

[tukogirl]

Thanks for your feedback everyone. I appreciate all of the advice. I will definitely try to get veggies in on those snacks. It all just seems like so much food, lol! Which I guess is great when you are learning to eat better!