Ask The Dietitian

Re: Daily Calorie Count

butterflyer246 — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:03:23 GMT

Ali_RD,

Thanks for the info. I am really bad when it comes to bordom eating. When I was 17 or so I lifeguarded for the summer on a lake beach. Our indoor pool had rules for eating, but on the beach we could eat as we please. This was the biggest time for boredom eating and I am sure it has taught me the bad habbit.

I am getting better, but am still trying to eat when I have nothing else to do. :(

Thanks for the advice though!

Re: Daily Calorie Count

Ali — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:25:31 GMT

butterflyer246,

Fruit and vegetables are definitely a better alternative to junk food. In fact, you should be getting in a minimum of 5 fruits or veggies each day. However, even with lower calorie foods such as fruit, you can end up consuming too many calories if you eat them all day. On the Slim-Fast Plan, we give you a recommendation of how many additional fruit/veggie servings you can have each day based on your current weight. If you can, try to stick to this amount (if you're not sure of the recommendation for you, you can respond with your height and weight).

I also want to comment on your "boredom eating". Even though blueberries are definitely a better alternative to potato chips, it is important to try and break the habit of eating out of boredom. Therefore, I would not recommend munching on blueberries all day because down the line, this could easily turn back to potato chips. Instead, try keeping your snacking to set times, and between meals and snacks try drinking water, sucking on sugar-free candies, or chewing gum.

Sincerely,

Ali Auerbach, MS, RD

Registered Dietitian

Re: Daily Calorie Count

butterflyer246 — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:43:28 GMT

It seems to me that you never really hear about how many calories are in fruits and vegetables. I love both and although I can easily eat a burger from a fast food resturant with no problem, if the fruits or veg is put in from of me, I can eat all day without another thought. Is there a limit of these that you can have? Or am I aloud to munch on blueberries all day, and fit other foods that I am suppose to eat (like lunch and dinner) in there too?

I am one of those people who will just eat out of bordom... So i figure that if I am stuffing my bordom with blueberries instead of potatoe chips, it will be better for me, but is there a limit?

Re: Daily Calorie Count

Ali — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:40:40 GMT

It sounds like you did a great job!

Keep up the great work!

Sincerely,

Ali Auerbach, MS, RD

Registered Dietitian

Re: Daily Calorie Count

FLmom — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:21:25 GMT

At the time I was only at just under 800 for the day but when I had cottage cheese, a serving of almonds, a splurged a tad by having some chocolate milk, I boosted my calories up. I did just miss 1200 calories, but only by about 30.

Re: Daily Calorie Count

Ali — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:50:35 GMT

FLmom,

You really should be getting in a minimum of 1200 calories per day. If you eat less than that, you can end up with nutritional deficiencies. For this reason, I would really aim to get in the calories allotted to you each day. If you find towards the end of the day, you still need another 200-300 calories, that really would not constitute a binge. Simply grab another Slim-Fast Shake or Meal Bar and a piece of fruit.

Sincerely,

Ali Auerbach, MS, RD

Registered Dietitian

Daily Calorie Count

FLmom — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 00:18:58 GMT

Ok, so according to my meal plan calculator I should be getting about 1300 cal/day. Today was an extra busy day and after logging in my dinner I realized I haven't even hit 1000 calories. Needless to say, I will be having a snack a little later, but I don't want to binge just to get to my recommended calories. Is it ok if this happens sometimes as long as it's not a regular thing? Thanks!