Too Little Calories!

Hi all, 

 

I weigh about 280 - 300 pounds. As a result, I require somewhere between 3,000 and 4,000 calories (though I still aim for only 2,000). My problem? I'm trying to keep everything Kind but I can't find meals or snacks that fill me up enough - meaning I go back for more and things I shouldn't have! 

What are filling snacks and filling meals to make?

I don't want to always have to make a bunch of stuff. Rather, I'd like just a larger portion of one thing. I find soba noodles fill me up but there is so much salt in that! Same thing with my fiance's waffles! 

Help! 

Hi Tania - brown rice, brown rice, brown rice!  Make a big pot and it will last a few days.  Have a bowl for breakfast as porridge.  Soy milk/almond milk, a little maple syrup, almonds, raisins.  Or for lunch put a little shoyu and sesame seeds or for dinner - stir fry lots of veggies and add them to your rice.  Brown rice will balance you and make you feel like a superhero!

I have a very big appetite but blood sugar troubles. I find that I rely on dark green leafy veggies to fill me up. They are not what I would think of first and don't really satisfy those cravings but I eat large amounts and it works reasonably well. Combine the veg with legumes and you can get a lot of food for few calories.

Are you trying to maintain your weight? That just seems like a lot of calories. Anyways, lucky you, you could eat some nuts and/or avocado, but be careful: a LITTLE bit goes a LONG way, calorie-wise! :) Some of my favorite snacks are tamari pumpkin seeds and raw balls. Almond butter really fills me up! And another favorite snack is a little bit of brown rice, black beans, vegenaise, and a dab of hot sauce. They say that eating a carb and a protein together makes you feel more satisfied and I really feel a difference when I eat a snack with both in it!

Peasandlove, 

 

I'm trying to loose weight but weigh ~300 pounds at just shy of 6 feet. That requires ~3,500 calories a day just to maintain! 

I haven't tried almond butter yet - I definitely should! Thanks! 

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  • J S — Sep 21, 2010
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I hear ya, Tania!  I'm down 23 lbs. and have about 60 more to go, and yes it is difficult to consume all the calories required.  In fact, I can't say that I've ever reached that number.  I usually keep some Nature's Path cereal at my desk for snacking--keeps me away from the lunch room snacks.  I track my weight loss goals in 5 lb. increments.  These mini-goals add up and are so much more manageable.  I'm just know learning to create my own "favorites" by adapting the recipe with kind ingredients.  Although expensive in the start up, I have found that getting quality products saves money in the long run and are more filling since the items are in their most natural state. 

I get a lot of recipes from the VegWeb iphone app.  The webiste is vegweb.com.  They have a lot of simple, quick recipe adaptations on old classics; sloppy joes using cole slaw mix, meat loaf using ground pecans, etc.  It's a way to eat those comfort foods without the guilt.  And they literally take minutes to prepare!  These wholesome versions also make a huge amount.  You can either freeze or eat over several days.... or sometimes with coworkers!  A friend at work is on the weight watchers program.  We started alternating Fridays to make something new and exciting for lunch.  Last week we had brown rice with a yummy roasted pepper mixture on top.  This week I'm making the mushroom pizza from Alicia's book.  We each are conscious of the others' food needs and it's fun, too!

I have found that if I don't bring it in the house, there's no threat of eating something I shouldn't.  Same goes for my family.  If they are truly hungry they will eat what we have.  It has greatly diminished snacking especially between meals.

Hope this helps.

 

Hello, I guess I don't have this problem. (My mom does have a hard time keep up her calories though). I am 5'6 and about 119 lbs. I eat roughly 1900-2200 calories per day. I eat a lot of whole grain products (bread, rice, quinoa, bulgur), some fats everyday like nuts or avocado, lots of veggies, and few fruits. I also indulge in dessert, something I never did before going vegan. Also, I eat about every 2-4 hours depending. By eating this way, I don't get stuffed quickly, and I am also not crazy hungry so I don't indulge on things I shouldn't. If you are trying to lose weight, you don't need to be keeping your cals as high as 3500/day. Some filling meals that I love: chili, veggie stir fries, as well as radish tabbouleh (from TKD). Snacks that are filling: nuts, toast w/ nut butter, grapes for some reason. You could always have a meal bar (beware of calorie content), Larabars are great in a pinch. Good Luck Laura

This once too was my problem. Though since then I've managed to eat brown rice as it stays a significant detox and also beets, beans and nuts could be great alternatives. Fruits I believe could balance your calories once mixed with tuna and other spices. Loving them!

FRUIT mixed with TUNA?!?!?!?! Did you really mean to say that. Irenekrey?!?!?!?!

I find that beans, whole grains (instead of processed grains) like rice, quinoa, and nuts added into my meals or snacks also keep me the most full for longer!  I also find it is better for me to eat more frequently than 3 times a day (like 5-6 times spaced out by two or three hours) to avoid getting overly hungry and overdoing it . Good luck Tania!

Tania,

i'm almost 6' and weigh 234 lbs.  i'm trying to get back down to 200 (just had my 2nd baby in february) and it's much harder this time.  i try to eat around 1500 a day.  if i have a great veggie filled day i eat less calories but on a carb day (obviously) my calorie intake is higher.  i think it's ok to have some sweets on hand, but portion control is key!  i usually have TKD peanut butter cups in the freezer, but since I don't like peanut butter i use almond butter.

do you eat 6 small meals a day or 3 meals and a snack? 

best of luck!

Yeah, I have fruit and veggie salad mixed with tuna. LOL. That might be funny to most but I enjoy it. :)

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