How do I get enough calories with food allergies?

I have been on here lurking and cal counting for a few weeks. I have lost about 10lbs so far and have about 40 more to go. However, I have an issue with getting enough calories in a day. I try to get in about 1400 but most days end up with about 1100 and some days as low as 800. I graze all day and I want to eat more to avoid starvation mode but between chasing a young child and multiple food allergies/sensitivities I am having a very difficult time.

I am 29 5'6 and 185lbs. I am lactose intolerant and lactose aids don't cut it. I can eat a little yogurt with few issues but that's it for dairy. I also have a gluten sensitivity. (a bowl of cereal is my kryptonite, lol) I bake with rice flour and try to plan meals in advance. I also cannot eat too many nuts or nut products. It just makes me feel yucky.

any suggestions.

Buy rice bread, it is about 200 calories for 2 pieces and they are small pieces, it is quite calorie dense, and spread with avocado. This should bump up your calorie intake a fair bit, at least enough to keep you out of starvation ranges. xx

Rice, sweet potatoes, avacadoes, mangos, tapioca puddings, garbanzo and fava beans, and (standard grain) quinoa would be a couple off the top of my head, but you can also get coconut milk yogurts and gluten-free meal replacement shakes.

Edit: Also using a bit of olive oil on anything you can will bump up your calorie intake.

The best way - plan.  Make menus and use those menus when you shop. 

I know chasing kids is difficult and does not leave you with time for yourself.    But if you don't plan you end up right where you are.  Make meal planning a priority.  Make it as important as budgeting your pay check.

Then plan some more.  Put yourself on a meal schedule if you find you miss meals.  If it helps, pre-pack your meals for the day ahead of time so you dont have any excuses for skipping.  Carry a small cooler when you go out - fill it healthy snacks for you and the kids and practice the phrase "its mommy's turn". 

I am lactose intolerant and have wheat sensitivities as well.  My profile is full of info on how to choose foods and live with these two challenges.

thanks for the ideas. My hubby has taken up bread making and his rice bread and waffles are to die for. And as for balancing the check book, I don't do that either. 

For now I live at a remote location and with my husband in the military and gone many days, I am acting as a single mom. It is often hard to find items at the grocery store so we do what we can buying whole foods and exploring the farmers markets.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

Try Quinoa. Its a gluten free grain that you can find at Kroger. It looks sort of like a seed though, not a flour, though Im sure its probably available in flour form somewhere ;) Its about 180 calories per 1/2 cup cooked, and is really good with a tiny bit of coconut or olive oil. When I use olive oil I usually add rosemerry or curry.

I also have celiac's disease so I'm in the same boat as you. Not only am I allergic to wheat, barley, oats and rye ... I can't have soy and I try to eat vegetarian at least 6 days a week.

Eat lots of veggies

Eat lots of fruit (berries are high in antioxidants)

Eat lean meats (if you can) Another good source of protein  is eggs.

Eat grains such as rice, corn ... you know most General Mills Cereal is Gluten Free now that they no longer use barley malt to coat it!

Don't know if this helps at all. Guess I'm in the same boat as you. I almost NEVER get the amount of calories that "i'm supposed to." Keep in mind, we are all different with all types of different metabolisms. Your body might not need as many calories as the next persons.

If you aren't hungry or malnourished in any way, don't worry about it. You'll make up the calories at some point.