So after using MyPlate to track my calorie consumption for the last three days I have found that I don't eat enough calories, which seems odd to me. I don't feel hungry and I stop eating when I'm full. I'm even consuming 1-2 sodas a day. I've been eating like this for quite some time, is this why I have gained weight? I've gained about 5 lbs in the last two years (actually I gained 10 lbs and I've lost 5 in a year). 1727 is my goal net calories according to MyPlate, Monday was 1730, Tuesday 899 and today 1337. I worked out 30 mins Monday and 40 minutes yesterday and today. Like I said I don't feel hungry. Any suggestions?
Re: Not eating enough calories
First, I'd suggest checking your serving sizes when putting them into myplate. Serving sizes are much smaller than we realize and you could be under-counting your calories.
Next, if you do eat too little, your body thinks you are starving it and holds onto every bit of energy you consume. Typically, if you just laid in bed and watched TV/eat all day, you'd need 1200 calories to support your body. Movement and exercise ups this number.
I would try to up your calories and see what happens. It's easy to add calories back in - look at the US population
As a PP pointed out, more commonly, we underestimate our calorie intake. Weigh/measure your portion sizes to make sure they are what you think they are.
Look for healthy calorie rich foods to include in your diet, so you don't feel like you're stuffing yourself. Avocado is one off the top of my head. I'm blanking on others,b ut my coffee hasn't kicked in yet this morning.
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