Calorie Counter

Two good nights of sleep in a row!  I think I am on my way to kickin’ this bronchitis right in the fanny!

Yesterday started at 4:15am.  I’m not sure what to do with myself that early since I’m not working out until this bronchitis is gone.  I know everyone feels differently about working out while your sick, but I feel like any energy I have should go towards healing. So, no workouts until this is gone.

I decided to check in with myself and count calories yesterday.  Justin was keeping track of everything he ate in regards to calories, protein, fat, and carbs, so I thought it would be a good idea if I did that as well.  I have definitely gotten off track with my eating and the scale (and my jeans) reflect that.

I didn’t worry about how much fat or protein or carbs, just calories.  I just wanted a broad overview of what I was eating in a day.

Meals

Meal #1: 515 Calories

• Chobani Vanilla Yogurt – 1 cup – 170 calories
• Udi’s Gluten Free Granola – 1/2 cup – 240 calories
• Medium Banana – 105 calories

Meal #2: 335 Calories

• Egg whites – 1 cup – 125 calories
• Turkey sausage – 2 patties – 120 calories
• Gluten Free toast – 1 slice – 90 calories

Meal #3: 360 Calories

• Whole O’s Gluten Free Cereal – 2/3 cup – 110 calories
• Panda Puffs Gluten Free Cereal – 3/4 cup – 130 calories
• Dark Chocolate Almond Milk – 1 cup – 120 calories

Meal #4: 280 Calories

• Gluten free pretzles – 1 serving (24) – 140 calories
• Gluten free chicken noodle soup (Kettle Cuisine) – 140 calories

• Coconut Bliss Bar – 170 calories

Meal #5: 600 Calories

• Chicken breast – 110 calories
• Southwest Salad – 1 bag – 490

Total for the day: 2,260 calories.

I would like to keep my calories between 1,500 and 1,800, so each meal needs to be between 300-360 calories.  I feel the best when I am in this range.

What I Learned:

• Never eat a bag of Southwest Salad again! 
• Cut my yogurt bowl serving in half.
• Eat more veggies in meals 3,4, and 5.
• Eat more protein in meals 3 and 4.

I don’t really like counting calories.  Usually I am mindful of how much protein, carbs and fat I am getting in each meal and the rest of the numbers fall into place.  I have definitely gotten more relaxed with this, though, and have started to lose track of what I am consuming.  I think it’s a good idea to check in once in a while and see where I stand.

Do you ever take a day to count calories?