Those that are on diets/or keep track of what you eat

[Swarly]

I've been on a diet for a few weeks and wanted some insight for those of you who live healthy/keep track of how many calories you eat/etc.

I'm 6'0, and around 180lbs. I'm having trouble getting enough calories per day. On a good day I can get around 1600+/- calories. That just seems like it's not enough for someone my size. I bike/swim daily so I'm probably burning off 400+ calories a day exercising, and I'm starting a weight lifting program within the next few weeks so I KNOW I'm going to have to consume more calories.

How many calories do you guys eat daily? What are some good(read: healthy) snacks to up the amount? or am I just misinformed and 1600 calories is a good amount for someone trying to lose weight?

[JakeFlake]

Just eat a lot of protein for muscle building and a lot of healty carbs (sweet potatoes, brown rice, etc.). Use protein shakes as well. I use one called True Mass from BSN. It is 630 calories and 40 grams of protein. I mix it with skim milk, ice and a banana. I am what you would call an ectomorph, and it has helped. I weighed myself just a few minutes ago and I am 160 pounds. Last May, I weighed 135.

[boo7382]

Mine is like 1220 something. Go on livestrong.com you will be able to put in your weight and have them tell you how many calories, but that is normally a conservative estimate.

Its free on there to track everything and they have all kinds of recipes and snack/eating and being healthy suggestions.

[Jase]

1600 is half of a lunch for me.

[JakeFlake]

The key, at least for me, is to not get discouraged if you don't see results right away. I have been patient and the results have shown, but not right away. I have started to see muscles I have never seen before, which keeps me motivated. Yes, I have gained 35 pounds since May, but you really can't tell because genetics get in the way. All of the men on my father's side of the family are thin and have sticks for legs, like I do. But I have put on some definition in my quads. The calves are another story.

Just eat like hell and after you are done, eat some more. I eat several small meals a day, or at least I try to.

[Mvp2014]

I'm 215 and I probably take in that many calories, why do you think its not enough? Are you really hungry after you excercise?

[Jangler]

1500 is about right, but if you are burning them up you could probably eat more than that and still lose weight. 2000-2200 a day is healthy though...depending on the food.

[natty]

If you're looking to gain weight go with GOMAD. Gallon Of Milk A Day. That's roughly 2400 calories from milk alone.

[Swarly]

I'm 215 and I probably take in that many calories, why do you think its not enough? Are you really hungry after you excercise?

The problem is I'm really not that hungry ever. I've never eaten a lot, and I NEVER have an appetite for breakfast. Sometimes I have to force feed myself a bowl of oatmeal in the morning because my appetite in the morning is nothing.

1500 is about right, but if you are burning them up you could probably eat more than that and still lose weight. 2000-2200 a day is healthy though...depending on the food.

I pretty much only eat healthy, and it's extremely difficult to get a good amount of calories when you are eating clean lol.

Just eat a lot of protein for muscle building and a lot of healty carbs (sweet potatoes, brown rice, etc.). Use protein shakes as well. I use one called True Mass from BSN. It is 630 calories and 40 grams of protein. I mix it with skim milk, ice and a banana. I am what you would call an ectomorph, and it has helped. I weighed myself just a few minutes ago and I am 160 pounds. Last May, I weighed 135.

Yeah I have some whey and a good protein shake recipe that I guess I'm going to have to start using. At the moment I'm just trying to get my body fat percentage down. 180lbs is a comfortable weight for me, but I'd like to cut down and bulk up. Dieting can be such a pain lol.

[Mvp2014]

The problem is I'm really not that hungry ever. I've never eaten a lot, and I NEVER have an appetite for breakfast. Sometimes I have to force feed myself a bowl of oatmeal in the morning because my appetite in the morning is nothing.

Yea I know what you mean, I'm never hungry in the morning, it sucks because thats really the most important meal. I'm going to start doing a protein drink I think

[Hawk]

enjoy it while you can!!! one day, your metabolism will slow down and you'll fight to lose it instead!!!!

[Jangler]

If you eat healthy then eat!! Can't get enough if you are burning it off.

[Kettle]

i've always heard that a way to come up with a rough number for sustaining your current weight is to multiply your current weight by ten. if you want to lose or gain then multiply the desired weight by ten.