Alright, so I just started counting this morning. I did some research on this site and in some others and it seems like to get my goal of 135 to 175 pounds in 2 months, I have to eat about 4300 calories a day.
This seems possible to me, I did some research and compiled some foods with high calories, and this morning I managed 1500 calories for breakfast.
But before I do this for too long, I'm just looking for some advice. (Will this work? Foods I can eat. Lunch meals. Etc.)
You're very welcome :D
1. I'm a 6'1 female and I don't quite yet eat much like a 6'0 male, but will need to be hitting that soon ;P (and I know what they eat like - until not long ago I was going out with one for two and a bit years). Feel no need to apologise for yourself, hah. xD
2. Daily increases are good goal if you think it'd be more managable for you. :D I began the other way around, gradual increases ending up with me being frustrated and just adding a chunk on per week xD Remember you won't hit an exact number all days, though; set yourself a number, but remind yourself everyone goes over or under their calories by small amounts on some days. :] Just so long as it's not TOO far over or under.
3. Again, that's wise :] Lighter foods = less heavy on the stomach while still mustering calories. Your dinner is fairly late compared to mine, though - mine usually lands around 6-7pm. Still, give yourself about an hour to two hours (depending on density of what you ate last and at dinner, how full you feel/if you think it'll be uncomfortable to sleep on is usually what I go by). Spice is good for you! xP Capiscum speed the metabolism temporarily because, well, they generate heat.
How do you mean by making yourself uncomfortable? o:
4. Ah, do you mean like an exchange meal plan? I do estimate/count to make sure I get as close to my target as possible, but otherwise most of my attention goes to balance and nutrition. I make sure I have the "protein/carb/fruit or veg" balance at main meals and then get remaining servings of what I need from snacks or mini-meals. :]
A good way to introduce extra vegetables outside of main meals is eating them with hummus or guacamole - you could even make up a salsa and have even MORE veg in that way - and fruits are often portable in themselves (hooray for skins on bananas and pears). I've filled little plastic tubs with berries or a homemade salad - fruit or veg - before, too. With bingeing on fruit and veg... ahha, the stomach trouble is probably from either from the fruit sugars, or excess fibre intake that your body might not be used to. I find citrus fruits cause me a lot of pain, personally. \:
I can make a pretty calorie dense salad and eat it any day! Baby spinach, blue cheese/feta/gorganzola, onion, peppers, carrots, olives, hard boiled egg, ham/turkey/chicken, turkey bacon, cottage cheese, croutons, and top with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper. You will get protein, fat, calories and nutrients out of that!
Leiann,
I don't have TOO much trouble with fruits when they are available. My biggest issue is variety: I eat 2-3 apples and 1-2 bananas a day!
I'll have to try your salad suggestion. I know last night was the first time I'd had veggies all week, but after a massive plate of veggies and dip my total dinner only ended up at 700 cals [with other items]. Hardly the 1000+ I'd planned on. So I finally got veggies, but screwed up my calories!
I am glad you agree with eating healthy to gain weight. I am a serious athlete and the main reason I even WANT to gain weight is to be as strong and healthy as possible, not just to get the pounds on.
