Not enough good food

Since I’ve been on a diet and tracking my calories and macro nutrients I’ve discovered my natural way of eating contains no where near enough calories from good, wholesome food. I may at times get enough calories from junk food but never enough calories from good lean protein, vegetables, healthy carbs and fruit. My natural way of eating is less than 1000 calories a day and half of that is junk.

Now that I’m trying to eat 1500 calories a day from lean protein and vegetables with high fiber and good carbs I’m really struggling to find those calories. I’ll I want is cookies, cake and candy at the end of the day to get the rest of my 1500 calories. How many carrot sticks can I possibly eat? Eating healthy is hard. I almost never make it to 1500 calories.

When I eat my natural way, less than 1000 calories I don’t lose weight, I just maintain. If I eat a healthy 1500 I do lose. It seems so bizarre to me.

You should track your calories, I wonder if you’re getting enough??? I’ve been using myfitnesspal . com

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I track my calories on myfitnesspal.com too. I get a lot of my calories from sweets too. I’m learning to cook and eat wholesome, home cooked meals and I’m enjoying it. My problem is that I think I have to eat 3 cookies a day and that’s 1000 calories right there just in cookies. Insane!

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I’m learning so much using that app. Sounds like you are too.

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I ran into this problem using myfitnesspal, also. Some things I found that are healthy but still high in calories

Thai coconut curry. Take one 28 oz can of coconut milk, two pounds of frozen veggies, two vegetable bullion cubes, 3 TBSP of curry powder, cayenne pepper to taste (I use ten shakes), and a handful of dried coconut flakes. It’s about 500 calories per bowl, and makes five bowls. The whole meal costs about $5

Vegetarian chili. Dice one onion, one bell pepper, and 8 oz of mushrooms. Saute them in a big pot, then add a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes. Drain one can of corn, one can of black beans, and two cans of kidney beans, and add them to the pot. add whatever seasoning you like. I use McCormick’s taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Stir it occasionally until everything is soft. If you add cheese to your bowl, it’s about 600 calories. It makes about five bowls. Costs $8.

Keep nuts around to snack on. They’re healthy, high in calories, and have good fats that your body needs to keep your brain strong. Remember, your brain is primarily made of fat, and so are most of your hormones. Fat is essential. Carbs are also essential, because your body needs easily accessible energy. If you’re craving junk, it’s probably because your body knows it needs fat and carbs, and is used to getting it from those sources.

Hummus and nut butters are also high in calories. Peanut butter and bananas is a tasty snack that can help you get to calories.

A lot of dieting tips are inherently classist, because healthy food is just more expensive than junk. Don’t beat yourself up if you need to make a less healthy choice because it’s what you can afford. And don’t make my mistake. Don’t tie your self esteem into how well you can follow a diet. I did that, and got to an unhealthy point with extreme dieting. I was actually proud of myself on the days I only ate 1000 calories. That is BAD. It’s not sustainable. I had to give up on dieting altogether, because I was upsetting Mr. Star. Remember that you are a good and worthy person, no matter what weight you are or what you eat.

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thanks sweetheart, you’re the bestest!

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Try a variety of veggies each day and a variety of fruit each day. It’ll help with boredom. Also sometimes eat oats, beans, but, etc. the variety will help. Try using recipes and find ones that are health and that you crave.

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yes, that’s a good idea. I need more variety. Thanks lady.

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Thanks for the chili recipe too. Thinking if I can translate to microwave.

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That should have said oats, beans, and nuts. Lol. Not but. Oops. Darned autocorrect.

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