20's with under 10 lbs to Lose

Hello everyone! My name is Ran-Mao, and I am new to the FatSecret community. I am trying to lose that couple extra pounds and become more toned. Right now I am 5 feet and 88 pounds and my goal weight is 82 pounds. That may sound very low, but because of my Chinese heritage I have a naturally slight build, so that would be a normal weight for me. Right now I am trying to add more protein and calcium to my diet, as I am not used to eating very much dairy or meat. I usually eat mostly fish, white rice, green tea, and soymilk, but does anyone have any suggestions as to other things to try to add more variety to my diet? I think my normal daily calorie intake is around 800-900... is that good or bad? Is it too high? I am new to the nutrition/dieting thing, so can anyone fill me in? Thank you! >w<

Dear, You shouldn't eat less than 1200 calories a day, basically for any reason. And I am 5 feet as well, and the normal BMI range is 102-127. Even if you have a small frame, you really shouldn't be going any lower than MAYBE 98.

Amen to Jilloe, 800-900 puts your body into starvation mode, which is super unhealthy

Really? That's about how much I always eat...I honestly didn't know. I've never weighed more than 90 pounds...
I'm not really that into losing any weight, I just want to keep up a healthy lifestyle. Thanks for sharing though!

I would like to know how to eat more protein. I always seem to take in 10-15% of my calories via protein but I want it to be higher without moving my diet above 1500 calories. I work out a lot and have been seeing results but its time to kick it up a knoch. I have 9 more lbs I want to lose and I'm stuck (I'm currently 5'8 and 139lbs).

Add more cottage cheese, egg whites, legumes, spinach to your diet. Chicken breasts without skin are great as well. Try to pick low fat protein products and cook without adding fat at all (boil or steam or at least microwave) and you will be fine.

I'm 5' tall too, and I'm a little skeptical about what is and isn't normal for our height. I think your caloric intake is fine; 1200 may be okay for someone taller or with a bigger build, but I've never needed much food to be healthy and happy. I eat about as much as you and am never starving. It is true that on doctor's charts, it says don't eat less than 1200 and that normal BMI for a 5' person is no less than 98, but it also often says in the fine print that it varies for people depending on individual needs. I've only had one doctor ever say anything about my weight at the first visit, but he said that while I don't weigh much, my muscle tone is good, I'm healthy, and I shouldn't worry at all (and that was back when I weighed 89, which is where I want to be again).

As for foods with protein, fish is actually really good. It's lean and high in protein. If you're looking for more lean things that are still high in protein, veal and shellfish are good and so are pumpkin seeds and peanut products for snacks. I do believe they actually sell protein enriched peanut butter. Cheese has protein, but I can't stand low fat cheese =P I usually just eat regular cheese; the calorie difference isn't significant enough to make me eat the low fat stuff!

I think it depends on your height, body weight etc as to how many calories you should eat. I believe 1200 is stated due to ensure a good amount of nutrients are eaten.
What I have also read is to eat a minimum of 10calories per lb of body weight. Which would generally put you at 1400 cals ish (with your weight being 139lbs). However if you are never tired or hungry or energy-less I suppose its okay.

As for protein, chicken breast, turkey breast, fish, cottage cheese, Greek yoghurt, protein shakes, lean ground mince. I think should be aiming for around 120g protein which would be around 480 calories. so that shouldn't put your calories above 1500, if that is what you are wanting?

If you're looking for a new protein, my favorite snack right now is steam in the bag mukimame (pre-shelled edamame). It's about 120 calories with 12g of protein for 1/2 cup. Pretty easy to find in the frozen food section and good with soy sauce, hot sauce, in asian soups like udon or ramen, or just with some sea salt.

Thanks for the great suggestions! I've always eaten chicken, turkey and cheese but adding cottage cheese with mixed nuts, egg whites, and fish to my diet really helped increase my protein intake. I'll try the edamame next.