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How do you get enough calories

Ok.  I've been logging everything and I weigh things that I need to.  I struggle to get enough calories which gets me to junk food sometimes.  What are you guys nutritious foods that you snack on etc This is what my day looks like today and to me it's a lot of food but only 1700 calories.  If I don't get more calories I feel weak and tired during my workouts.  You can see from the screenshot below what my day looks like

This dinner isn't usual, the Mrs had planned to make her favorite chicken alfredo today and since she doesn't cook often I'm obliged to eat when she does.  Call this my SAU's.  I could add a spinach salad with my Chicken alfredo but normally I try to do lean meat and veggies for dinner also

 Someone give me some tips here what do add in?  I'm trying to cut the carbs some and get more protein.  I'd like to lose 10 more pounds.  I don't drink coffee or sugary drinks and drink VERY little alcohol.  My weakness when I'm dragging a$$ is M&M's as a pick me up and I know it's because I'm low on calories.  I'm also going to start fueling all my workouts no matter how short.  A GU or something before I start and calories in the bottles on the bike instead of just water on the shorter rides

 

Edit:  Because I forgot.  I'm 6'0 - 185 lbs and would like to get between 170-175

Comments

  • What do you weigh now and how tall are you ?

    It looks to me that you are NOT eating enough calories. Between breakfast and dinner you should be eating a meal with some protien too. It looks as if your body is going to or is fighting you to hold the weight on as it may think you are being starved.

  • Posted By David McLaughlin on 11 Apr 2013 08:02 AM


    What do you weigh now and how tall are you ?



    It looks to me that you are NOT eating enough calories. Between breakfast and dinner you should be eating a meal with some protien too. It looks as if your body is going to or is fighting you to hold the weight on as it may think you are being starved.


    I added my height and weight to original post and I know I need more protein and another meal,  I'm looking for suggestions on what to eat to keep my energy level up and keep the weight coming off.  I don't want to be "skinny fat"
  • FWIW, I don't count calories, but I do snack all day. My go to snack is mixed nuts with either dried cranberries or raisins mixed in. You get some protein, some carbs, and lots of good healthy fats. I also snack on fruit and eat a banana, apple, and/or orange at least 1 or 2x per day.

    So I eat somewhat similar to you (except I'm Gluten Free), but around 10AM I'll have a cup of hot tea (I don't like coffee) and I'll have a small handful of nuts and maybe an apple or banana.

    Then around 2-3PM I'll have another cup of hot tea and a whole bowl of mixed nuts with raisins. then around 4:30 or 5PM I'll have another piece of fruit because I can't usually eat dinner until ~7:30PM.
  • 300 cals for dinner....!?...110 cals for a snack?...lets see...first I would add Mid morning & a Mid Afternoon Snack...yogurt & banana maybe....bagel & peanut butter...something....

    Second...how bout some carbs to go with that chicken...baked potato, sweet potato, rice....

    me...when my training is in full swing...I eat that...and top off the tank with a 2-400 calorie treat of my choice at night (usually and ice cream something)...I find that a treat is a reward and a motivator...your treat could be beer or wine...whatever....

    Lastly....doesn't look like you are recording energy/calorie intake around workouts...ie. Gels & Drinks....

    If you are doing ANY EN style work (even outseason) you are WAY under eating for 180lbs 6'.....you are probably training your body NOT to lose weight......just IMHO

     

    fyi - I'm 5' 8" and my weight fluctuates through the year from about 145-155 depending upon workload...and of course I can cut back as necessary...but I have learned starving myself (and I'm not talking mental hunger I mean metabolic deprivation) does more harm than good....its not about gross weight its about the most strenght at weight... 

  • nothing to add to the above it all sounds good to me.
  • apple+nuts mid morning snack, peanut-butter+banana sandwich mid afternoon, add some quinoa (as a salad, or a side) to your lunch or diner (quinoa has protein and crabs+rich in fiber, iron,gluten free etc..). Fuel your long training sessions and get a recovery drink afterward. That should do it.

  • Posted By Brenda Ross on 11 Apr 2013 12:35 PM


    You might get an answer from Penny if you put this question in the nutrition forum and not he the training forum. She is a dietitian.


    As far as I can tell it is in the Nutrition forum?

  • Posted By Jamie Gambrell on 11 Apr 2013 12:37 PM

    Posted By Brenda Ross on 11 Apr 2013 12:35 PM


    You might get an answer from Penny if you put this question in the nutrition forum and not he the training forum. She is a dietitian.


    As far as I can tell it is in the Nutrition forum?

    You'll have to forgive Brenda...   She gets extra calories in by pounding Quarts of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream every night trying to prep for next yr's ICTT...  Lactose intolerance be damned... 

  • Sorry Jamie. Thanks for covering my back John.
  • Don't go more than 3 hours without some food. Have something with protein as soon as you wake up. No food after dinner save for a scoop of protein powder in 8oz water...

  • Posted By Patrick McCrann on 11 Apr 2013 04:30 PM


    No food after dinner save for a scoop of protein powder in 8oz water...

    Huh- I'm not partying with you!....I'm positive there is protein somewhere in a Klondike bar!....seriously though...I make some extraordinarily good smoothies with fruit (even avocado) and greek yogurt...also protein powder and sugar free Jello pudding mixes (100's of flavors) & greek yogurt....

    You gotta have the Carrot hangin out there...why not make it carrot cake...sorta...if ya got room in your calorie count that is..? or is there something you are getting at regarding calories in the evening????

  • Thanks for the help folks.. and eegads I'm so full... lol Eating more often, putting a lot more meat on my sammiches, more snacks but still keeping the calories manageable. I'm going to be at about 2200 calories today before dinner so getting there
  • Hi Jamie,

    I'm late to the party. You've gotten some great suggestions above. Eat. When you can good food. Snacks (M&Ms) aren't horrible for you on occasion.

    Good luck!
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