Daily Post--4/22/08

I went to my Dr last week and I was getting aprox. 40 grams protien/ day. And I was getting most of that from protien shakes. He was not too happy and said that I needed to raise my protien to 90-120 grams/ day (and that I need to be getting that from solid foods, not protien shakes ) and that I needed to be getting in about 1200 calories/ day. I have never kept track of my calories before so this will be a challenge. I do keep a food journal and that helps keep me on track. I am scared that if I start to eat that many calories I will start to regain my weight. Does anyone know how to figure out how many calories are in an ounce of meat? My nut really stressed how I need to be getting in my calories. I was managing approx 400- 500/ day, and she was not happy with me. She said that I would start losing more once I increased my calories and now I am confused. I have really kicked up the exercising to counteract the increased calories I am consuming. I am so confused right now, I thought that I wanted to decrease the amount I was eating, not start eating more.

You will be fine! The first thing you should do is go out and buy yourself a food scale. They're not expensive. Then weigh and measure everything, at least until you feel you can eyeball your portion sizes. Then record everything you eat in fitday, the dailyplate, sparkpeople, calorie-count or some other free online program. The software will calculate the calories for you after you put in the the food and amount that you ate. By the way, your nut is right. You need to eat more. Your body thinks it is in starvation mode and will therefore hold on to everything to keep you alive -- this is the way our bodies are built to protect us in times of famine and such. It used to be that way back in the caveman days. It's not like that anymore, but our bodies are still wired to react that way.

thanks i have a scale and will start keeping better track. i have been eating now for a week. i dont feel any different and i havent noticed a change in my weight (at least i havent gained). Thanks again for your help

I try to get in at least 80 grams a day and I track my intake on sparkpeople.com. I use protein powder to supplement when needed.

I try to get in 60 - 80 grams per day. If I'm having a low protein food day, I will throw in a shake to bump my numbers up.

Hi, I get between 50 ang 100 grams a day from food.I track on fitday.com. Renee

I dont really know. The last time I saw my NUT, she stressed protein first, and portion control, not necessarily total protein grams. I have always written down what I eat, and I used to do fitday, but then I moved and didnt have internet for a while, so I dont keep accurate track of the numbers. It seems to be working ok, I have lost 64 lbs in less than 4 months. Vivienne

My NUT says that I should have 54 grams of protein a day, but I usually have more. I have a journal that I keep track of my food (carbs, protein, fat, calories), weight and exercise for each day. I start my day with a protein shake and eat chicken, tuna, etc. Jules

I don't keep track, so I have absolutely no idea! lol Probably need to get in a lot more though. Cheers!

I am supposed to get 50-75 a day, but I have been having a hard time doing it lately. I get so constipated with the protein whether it's powder or animal protein. I think I am not getting enough WATER!