Having trouble balancing my diet

Hey all, so I've been doing really well tracking everything I put in my mouth and I'm learning that I actually take in less than I thought. I'm barely hitting 1500 calories so that's good for losing and I'm working out hard. I have noticed that I'm taking in 50% carbs, which can't be good. I don't eat bad carbs, a lot of fruit and such but I feel like I need more protein in my diet. I'm just not sure what to eat at this point. I only eat lean baked chicken and turkey breast.

Anyone have any ideas?? THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

Wish I had any advice, but apparently I've got the same problem:\

Up your protein by drinking a protein shake. Low carb 1-2g per serving, and 25-30g Protein. Way less fat g than animal products too. Drinking them right after a workout (like a recovery drink) is key. I make mine with milk (or yogurt) and frozen fruits, sometimes with fruit juice (100%) as the base, or ricotta cheese instead of protein powder. Just depends on what taste I feel for. Haven't been too active since we moved beginning of August, so I'm just getting back into my routine, but they are something I'll happily put back into my diet.

There are many recipes for Recovery drinks in the book Where did All the Fat Go. The WOW prescription. It has all your answers.

A lot of fruit might be the problem. That can add up to a lot of sugar.

How about low fat cottage cheese? It's a really good source of protein and easy for breakfast.

I don't think 50% carbs is too bad, but I'm in the same situation as you and I'm also trying to boost my protein. Things I've found so far;

-Nonfat Greek yogurt
-Egg beaters (I make scrambled eggs in a coffee cup with some laughing cow cheese for a snack. I got the idea from hungry-girl.com)
-Lowfat Cottage Cheese (I like the recipes where you mix it in a blender with other ingredients b/c the texture is a little weird for me)
-Nuts and/or peanut butter (although they are high in fat…)
-Morning Star Farms sausage patties or crumbles (I’m not vegetarian, but I like that these are high in protein without a lot of the fat)

Good luck and I look forward to hearing other people’s suggestions too

Whew - glad I'm not the only one. I can't seem to get my protein levels up, and I'm already doing the protein shakes. I'm a bit concerned as I'm taking in what I need to...but the bulk of my intake coming from fat and carbs....although the fat is mainly coming from nuts and a bit of olive oil, carbs from fruits and veggies....but I'm not dropping the weight. I also exercise daily anywhere from 1-3 hours.

Any suggestions?

Low fat cottage cheese for breakfast gets the protein up for me.

jeniffer501a: I saw in your food diary you drink almond milk. I realize people have various reasons for staying away from soy and dairy, but soymilk and regular nonfat milk both have more protein (although also a few more calories) than the almond milk. Just a thought...

If your carbs are really from fresh fruits and veggies (the green and leafy kinds vs. potatoes and corn) then I don't see 50% carbs being an issue at all. Unless you are looking to build a lot of muscle (i.e., body building) you don't really need to consume large portions of protein.

From your food entries, though, it looks like you're eating cereal and processed bars and not a small amount of sugar. I would aim to avoid these things versus adding protein. The carbs from these kinds of food are the carbs you want to avoid. Try filling up on nutritious, whole foods like vegetables and grains and see how you feel.

Maybe try to skip sugar in your coffee? Or make salad dressing at home? Processed dressings often contain sugar. It's not hard to make some at home and have it for the week. Plus--it tastes better! Beware of hidden sugar in processed food. Most of the snack bars, even the "healthy" ones, are loaded with sweeteners so use sparingly.

You guys rock! Thank you so much for the suggestions and the support!

I eat a lot of fruit & whole grain breads (like whole wheat pita bread, whole grain oatmeal) so my carb count is very high. I think as long as you get the amount of protein your body needs and your carbs don't come from processed foods & sugar, you're okay.

TM, enter your exercise for the day(even if you don't do any) so we can see your estimated calorie deficits/gains. That will depend on what you should be adding/taking out as well.