p90x nutrition question

I'm on my 3rd day of the program and I'm trying to follow the nutrition plan as well but I'm finding it hard to get the right ratio of protein (50%), carbs (30%) and fat (20%) and eating 1800 calories which is what they recommended.

I'm a vegetarian and my protein has been coming out to about 40-42% the past few days and I'm eating a ton and still can't seem to get above 1300 calories. 

This site tells me my target is approx 1250 to reach my goal by the end of July.  Do you think this is enough cals to be eating while doing p90x?  Or am I hindering my progress by not eating enough?  Is 40% protein enough?

Hi Ngeleta!

I don't know your stats, but I'm confident in telling you that 1250 calories a day is NOT enough, especially working out as hard as we do on P90x.  1200 calories is the very minimum required to just live.  I frankly don't see how you will have the energy to complete the workouts.

My suggestion is to get yourself some protein powder and start adding it to oatmeal and making smoothies and such.   If you can't use whey, there are soy protein powders available.  Add more beans and edamame to your diet.  Both are good sources of protein. 

Thanks for the response.  I'll have to try harder to increase my calories.   I feel like I eat so much more food when I make healthier choices!  I've even been drinking 2 - 110 cal low-carb protein shakes a day for the added boost in my protein intake.

I don't enjoy oatmeal but maybe I'll look into the protein powder and try a smoothie...  maybe make a bean salad..

Tonight is my first 'Ab Ripper X'.  I'm nervous!

Yeah, there's quite a difference in 500 calories of crap food versus 500 calories of heathy stuff. 

I know that P90x is supposed to be very low in fat, but if you're having trouble eating all the food, maybe try adding a couple spoonfuls of peanut butter during the day?  It's pretty high in calories, and contains good fats.  Just a thought...

Good luck with Ab Ripper!

In my opinion, 50% protein is a LOT for you to be consuming at this point.  If you did reach 1800 cals for instance, that's 900 cals from protein, which works out to be 225g.  You really don't need that, that amount would generally be better suited to a male bodybuilder.  Your current 40% intake should be fine, so now you can just concentrate on upping your calories.  Sneak snacks, especially nuts and (I don't know if you drink it) milk, in as much as possible, they're good.