What to eat when you're running out of calories?

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12/15/12 5:13 P

If tea or water doesn't help, then for me, it's mostly one of the three:
1. Cup of broth - pick the low sodium kind. I like fish broth, 1 cup is about 7 calories and it fills your stomach when you're not really that hungry
2. Egg-white omelet - I use 4-5 egg-whites (about 60-75 calories) and make it in the microwave, takes about 2 minutes, I also add some pepper. It looks like a decent dish and fills me up when I'm actually hungry. It's a great source of protein. If you can spare more calories, add some veggie salad and salsa sauce.
3. Coke Zero jelly - really good if I crave something sweet and very low in calories

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12/15/12 4:55 P

In cold weather I make hot tea or heat up some beef or chicken broth. About 5 calories per cup and I buy the low sodium type.. A hard boiled egg and a drained can of green beans with seasoned vinegar is very low cal, quick and easy. If you can manage it, a couple whole wheat crackers alongside might help fill you up with a smear of whipped butter.

If you are craving something sweet, I eat cinnamon graham crackers (2 boards) for a snack. For dinnner, bake a sweet potato and add coconut oil in place of butter or else whip in some almond milk.

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10/3/12 10:01 P

a fresh cucumber has zero calories,zero fat,zero cards,zero everything.good for you.keep at it!

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9/11/12 11:05 P

apple...i love em

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9/5/12 11:21 P

fresh vegetables with homemade spinach dip.

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9/3/12 8:05 A

I try to save calories for the evening (just in case) but I don't eat them, if I don't need them.

If I am short on calories, I usually have a drink, 1+ full glasses of water or tea. Afterwards if I'm still hungry and want something but not too much I have either a low cal/low carb hot chocolate or iced cap (homemade of course, so I control the ingredients)

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9/3/12 2:53 A

If your nutrition for the day is perfect go for gum, flavored water, ice and 1/2 cup of frozen fruit made into a smoothie, or knox gelatin with crystal lite packet for non fat jello.

If your nutrition is not perfect for the day go for 100 calories that hit your need. Mushroom pack protein in a low calorie package - get past the flavorless button mushroom and explore chicken mushrooms, Black trumpets, shiitakes, chanterelles.....high in minerals. B vitamins and protein. If you are not lucky enough to find the supplier for your local restaurants to find these at....you can buy dried. www.fungusamongus.com/

Cucumber is better than bananas for a quick potassium pick up. Lemon juice in water for Vitamin C. Pumpkin with peanut butter on celery for fiber and a protein pick up. Be sure you are getting enough healthy fat in your diet to turn off the dang hunger pang signal. Eating a high fiber, protein and healthy fat breakfast will set the tone for your whole day.

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9/2/12 8:53 P

If it's summer (Chicago) and the veggies are good, I make fake gazpacho...just a little low sodium tomato juice or V8 with chopped raw tomatoes, celery, cukes, green or red onions, green pepper plus a little vinager, garlic powder, pepper. Great tomatoes are key. Serve icy cold with a bit of good evoo on top and a few coutons to sop up the juice. Crunchy. healthy, and takes a long time to eat. Keeps a couple of days in the fridge.

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9/2/12 7:11 P

Celery! You actually burn more calories eating and digesting it than it has! I keep celery cleaned and ready to go. I keep salad dressing spritzers (low, low calorie) around and give the celery a spritz or two. Try it!

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9/2/12 3:19 P

I don't count calories - eat clean, veggies, meat, fruit, no processed food - have lost 60 pounds without calories counting

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9/2/12 9:28 A

Fruit, Jello, or a bunch of vegetables.

Some milk-base ice-creams can have less than 50 kcal and make you feel like you're splurging.

Love them!

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9/2/12 8:24 A

I love to bake carrots..put the oven to 400 degrees and slice the carrots and bake them plain or add a little pepper for about 20 minutes. It feels like you're eating something a little more than just carrots.

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9/2/12 7:11 A

So many good suggestions! Thank you everyone.

I keep some whole grain crackers on hand. I eat them with hummus.

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9/1/12 11:37 P

Sugar free jello!! I didn't think I would like it without whipped cream, but it's good!!

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9/1/12 10:30 P

I usually have a water flavored with something like a zip fizz or a vitamin powder or as a last resort a diet Dr. Pepper. If I have a few calories left I have celery with just a small amount of fat free cream cheese.

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9/1/12 9:24 P

Never thought of a pickle that may work. Thanks alot

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9/1/12 9:07 P

fruits & veggies...a lot can go a long way

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9/1/12 2:31 P

wow, alot of good ideas. i try and drinking alot of water and i found out about chie seeds. i take a tablespoon in the morning and try to again b4 i eat dinner. i also eat egg whites, no yolk. i usually run out of carbs, fat and sodium b4 i run out of calories. I also noticed the more water i drink and the busier i am the less i think about food. Eating tilapia instead of chicken, beef, pork or een turkey helps me too.

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9/1/12 2:14 P

if i dont have any room left for calories i have a pickle and some water. if i do have cals left over, I will have spaghetti squash, lentil soup, or a small snack bar.

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9/1/12 10:51 A

I also think cheese .5 ounce of cheese and some fruit is an excellent choice. I also find the Chobani greek yogurt with fruit, 6 oz containers. 140 calories and 14 grams of protein along with 20% of your daily calcium, very satisfying. These are available in a 12 pack at Costco for less than $1.00 each.

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9/1/12 10:35 A

I usually keep fresh fruit at home and some cheese. Maybe it'll take me a bit over my limit, but at least I won't go to bed feeling hungry.

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9/1/12 10:29 A

fruit strips (home made or Stretch Island), 100% fruit (serving or more of veg), energy pick-me-up, chewy (satisfies the craving to eat something), less than 50 cal

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9/1/12 10:01 A

vegetables, fruits, water, salad protein shakes or bars.

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9/1/12 9:47 A

Turkey pepperoni and a lowfat cheese stick! Low carbs, low cal and some protein to keep you full:)

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8/31/12 8:19 P

very well spoken

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8/31/12 2:28 P

I love snow peas as a filling snack or addition to dinner. They satisfy my need for something crunch, cool and moist as well as being healthful and having minimal calories or carbs.

Trader Joe's carries them in 3-serving bags.

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8/31/12 1:14 P

Fruit - watermelon, peaches, cherries; nuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts; yogurt yoplait light

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8/31/12 12:57 P

If you live in the midwest, Meijers carry's miracle noodles!! Who knew??? I'm took off 2 days next week (I'm working 7/7 right now) and I'm going to try them!!

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8/31/12 12:51 P

Stir fry. A lot of low calorie veggies (I usually just get a mix at the store frozen and dump it in a pan with a little oil or you can even use water) and I like shrimp but you can put any fish or meat in it (chicken breast, fish and shrimp are pretty much your lower calories go tos) and then put soy sauce or seasoning blend. Quick, easy and filling. I also will wait until it's closer to bedtime (get involved in something like laundry or sorting out stuff to distract yourself) because that way you don't need a bedtime "snack".

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8/31/12 12:08 P

I unfortunately am not a Costco member, but they have these super delicious frozen greek yogurt bars, the brand is Yasso. They are really good and only 70 calories, 11 grams of sugar and 35 mg of sodium. Most Skinny Cows run at 100 calories, and more sugar and sodium.

I often eat half a green pepper with a little bit of hummus. I have Wild Garden low carb right now and it's 35 calories for 2 tbsp which is plenty. I usually pair it with a few cherry tomatoes and 5 snyder's pretzels just to get a little more of that full feeling. Veggies leave me feeling like I need something carby.

Sugar free pudding is also a favorite. I 'need' chocolate sometime!

Edited by: JMANDA86 at: 8/31/2012 (12:09)

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8/31/12 11:30 A

I think i just need to adjust my taste buds

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8/31/12 9:43 A

I like ricotta cheese with a little splenda or truvia and some semi sweet chocolate chips. It is a decent alternative to ice cream or cheesecake and it tastes like a canoli.

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8/31/12 8:57 A

Although already mentioned, I would go with Greek Yogurt. High Protein, great selection of new flavors (from Chobani). And if you have some extra calories to spare, I add 1oz of walnuts to give it a bit more texture and crunch... not to mention the high value of Omega-3s (good fats). It is a great Heart Healthy snack that I try to eat at least once a day.

Also... there is a new Frozen Greek Yogurt bar by Jalabars. I've tried the Chocolate, which was awesome and again, for a desert.... 7g of protein... and I think 110 calories. Not so shabby!!!

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8/31/12 8:39 A

I like everything you mentioned. Thanks for the tips.

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8/31/12 5:10 A

I love celery with a dash of peanut butter, rice cakes, 1/4 cup of almonds, cucumbers with a touch of salt and pepper, 100 calorie yogurt, handful of raw green beans or a carrot, sometimes I fix sugar free jello up with a bit of chopped mixed fruit,walnuts and celery. Top with sugarfree coolwhip and YUMMY.

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8/30/12 11:39 P

I would eat almond or walnuts, because it make me drink a lots of water. Also, I would have a salad, strawberries, any type of fruit that has low sugar, such as raspberries.

Edited by: TEE789 at: 8/30/2012 (23:40)

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8/30/12 9:16 P

air popped pop corn
almonds
scrambled eggs
oatmeal

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8/30/12 6:13 P

Rapsberries and apples.

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8/30/12 5:48 P

Greek yogurt
1/2 cup cottage cheese with a few cherry tomatoes (OMG! So good!!!)
A wintergreen Lifesaver
Fat- free pudding cup
A few almonds with 3-4 dark chocolate chips
Slice of apple with 1 tbsp. of almond butter
Bag of lite microwave popcorn ( nice to have something that takes some time to munch on!)
Glass of Crystal Lite iced tea
100 calorie snack pack of cookies or salty treat
I have found that it def helps to try to make it something with protein and fiber- just to help get through the day. AND, I tell myself, "There will be less of me tomorrow because of the decisions I make today"
Good luck!

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8/30/12 2:35 P

Greek yogurt it is filling and has about 11 grams of protein

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8/30/12 1:47 P

Thanks for the great idea, Scatterbrain419! I like to use Kale for its healthful benefits, antioxidants, but never though of baking them into chips. I also like the VegasKaty's recipe for Roasted Chickpeas. These are both especially great options for long winter evenings to fill the kitchen with great odors and provide a healthful snack.

I found that SparkRecipes has similar recipes and suggestions for seasonings so I added them to my recipe collection! Yum

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8/30/12 10:45 A

I agree with the veggies for sure. Even making a salad with all the goodies, using salsa for dressing will fill you up w/out a lot of calories. Enjoy!

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8/30/12 10:24 A

Hungry girl oatmeal. She overcooks the oatmeal it so it doubles in size. It is VERY bulk for being only between 150-250 cals (250 if you decide to make with deliciously creamy almond milk and half an apple like she does). I make it plain with water when I am very hungry and do not want to kill my calorie count for the day. www.hungry-girl.com/show/rise-and-dine-gro
wing-oatmeal-bowl-recipe

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8/30/12 8:39 A

Yes, fresh veggies are a great go-to food for me if I'm low on calories. They're also a great go-to food if I want to store up calories for a meal later in the day!

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8/29/12 11:37 P

I eat veggies. Cucumber, brocoli or baby carrots. I make a dip out of fat free sour cream , fresh dill and garlic powder for a super low calorie dip. This way I get my fiber in too : )

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8/29/12 10:21 P

Steamed broccoli, tonic water with a little flavoring or popcorn!

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8/29/12 5:55 P

That sounds divine!

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8/29/12 5:09 P

Personally, almost all of these ideas work. What helps the most for me, however, is being prepared. I have learned to have several options on-hand for snacks so that I can be sure I always have ways to stay within my own parameters. I also want variety. It becomes too much of a "diet" rather than a lifestyle if I habitually do the same old, same old.

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8/29/12 4:20 P

Celery sticks!!! :)

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8/29/12 4:15 P

Yay, I was just thinking about this exact same question today and I look to the right and there it was. Great tips, Thanks guys!!

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8/29/12 3:46 P

diet jello, sweet but only 8 calories

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8/29/12 3:38 P

I like to eat something warm in the evening, so I opt for popcorn to fill the void and it's low in calories, or one of my trainers said have a scrambled egg w/ a little cheese.

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8/29/12 2:35 P

VEGGIES, VEGGIES, AND MORE VEGGIES. IF YOU ARE NOT CRAZY ABOUT THEM, TRY V8 FUSION. IT TASTES LIKE FRUIT BUT HAS A FULL SERVING OF FRUITS AND A FULL SERVING OF VEGGIES IN ONE GLASS.

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8/29/12 2:20 P

I am so grateful for this post! I was having this issue and couldnt figure out what to eat

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8/29/12 1:56 P

1 can french style green beans (no added salt) drained then add your favorite mustard stir and enjoy!!!!!! eat cold or warm

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8/29/12 12:02 P

Fruit.. right now cherries are plentiful and a handful is satisfying... eating around the pits slows me down! Hot tea/ice water depending on the time. Salad works, any fresh veggies.... and the calories number isn't magic... so if I go over a few, it's generally okay...

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8/29/12 10:18 A

Thank you everyone for you help and guidance with "what to eat when I'm running out of Calories"
Nisey1957

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8/29/12 10:12 A

If I think I'm hungry I will just drink another glass of water. If I am hungry I will have some celery with a laughing cow spreadable cheese (35 calories) on it.

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8/29/12 9:27 A

I go for fresh fruits or veggies with a little bit of dip or something on them. Or, I eat whatever I'm craving, go over on my calories for the day, and make it up the next day.

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8/29/12 8:19 A

light cool whip is a sugar fix and low cal finger full snack.

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8/29/12 6:55 A

Such great ideas!

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8/29/12 4:37 A

The Miracle Noodle website is www.miraclenoodle.com. I haven't tried them yet, but am going to! You can find stores that carry them here -- http://www.miraclenoodle.com/t-store_locations.aspx.

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8/29/12 12:07 A

Welcome!!! I am new as well. And I do not know what that is either!!!

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8/28/12 10:01 P

I really enjoy weight watcher's ice cream bars for evening snacks, especially when I'm short on calories for the day =) only about 100 calories and feels like you're getting a great treat!

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8/28/12 9:19 P

Some veggies like tomatoes or cucumbers or a few grapes or an apple w/peanut butter.

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8/28/12 9:04 P

I just restarted on sparepeople and things have really change for me I'm alot older for one. Can you tell me what miracle noodle are?

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8/28/12 8:50 P

Miracle Noodles! You can add a little soy sauce, and toss in some veggies.

Or, I figure you can never go wrong with a spot of protein. 10 to 15 grams. I chunk of chicken does the trick.

miraclenoodle.com

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8/28/12 4:11 P

I try to sneak in a little protein every time I eat somehting. I have found it really helps keep me from getting hungry. So, if I have an apple, I will do half and a litlt reduced fat cheese of peanut butter with it, for examaple.

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8/28/12 4:08 P

Idea was farther on page.... Know nothing about nutrition...sorry....my 5 year old ate most of mine....crunchy like thin chips....I REALLY liked them though :-)

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8/28/12 4:08 P

roasted brussel sprouts and sweet onion w/ olive oil cooking spray and Trader Joe'a Everyday Seasoning!!!! Delicious, filling, full of fiber and vitamin c!

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8/28/12 3:57 P

what are these Kale chips).....? temp on oven and how long? How many cals?

Edited by: BLAIZEY at: 8/28/2012 (15:58)

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8/28/12 3:10 P

Kale chips are in oven...used garlic powder, onion powder, cheyenne pepper, and a hint of salt....they smell delicious.....kids have already come to the kitchen to check out the smell...can't wait:-)

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8/28/12 2:39 P

Cherry tomatoes. They're only 2 or 3 calories each.

I keep a punnet in the fridge all the time as they're also a good thing to tuck into if you've an uncontrollable urge to fridge raid.

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8/28/12 1:27 P

low fat cottage......good protein, lessens the "hunger"

Edited by: BLAIZEY at: 8/28/2012 (13:28)

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8/28/12 11:43 A

A small yogurt, a banana, an apple, orange, berries, grapes, cantaloupe, carrot sticks....you get the idea. :)

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