It took literally forever, but I finally did it!!!

[SleeveToBypass2023 2,597]

I finally gained weight!!! I'm officially at 180, and I like that. I feel better, I have more energy, and I don't feel nearly so run down and out of it. Still look super thin, but it is what it is. Now I'm going to work on maintenance since this is where I want to stay. I'm ok with 2 pounds in either direction, but I definitely don't want to drop below 178 again lol I got all the way down to 170 and it was just really bad.

I literally don't work out at all anymore because I'm on my feet all day working 5 days per week. I increased my calories to 1700 per day (up from 1500), my carbs to 55 net per day (up from 40 or so), my Protein to 100g per day (up from 80), my healthy fats to 80g per day (up from 50), my Fiber intake to 30g (10 from supplements and the rest from food - up from 20) and upped my fluids to 120 fl oz per day (up from 90 - 100). I'll add my weekend workouts back in now (nothing crazy, just core and strength but on the lighter side, not heavy) so I don't gain too much now that I've figured out how to finally gain weight lol

[ShoppGirl 4,776]

So happy you figured it out!!

[NeonRaven8919 355]

Well done! Thats great!

[MrsFitz 440]

7 hours ago, SleeveToBypass2023 said:

I finally gained weight!!! I'm officially at 180, and I like that. I feel better, I have more energy, and I don't feel nearly so run down and out of it. Still look super thin, but it is what it is. Now I'm going to work on maintenance since this is where I want to stay. I'm ok with 2 pounds in either direction, but I definitely don't want to drop below 178 again lol I got all the way down to 170 and it was just really bad.

I literally don't work out at all anymore because I'm on my feet all day working 5 days per week. I increased my calories to 1700 per day (up from 1500), my carbs to 55 net per day (up from 40 or so), my Protein to 100g per day (up from 80), my healthy fats to 80g per day (up from 50), my Fiber intake to 30g (10 from supplements and the rest from food - up from 20) and upped my fluids to 120 fl oz per day (up from 90 - 100). I'll add my weekend workouts back in now (nothing crazy, just core and strength but on the lighter side, not heavy) so I don't gain too much now that I've figured out how to finally gain weight lol

So pleased that you’ve found your balance and are happy with where you’re at 👍

[ShoppGirl 4,776]

19 hours ago, SleeveToBypass2023 said:

I finally gained weight!!! I'm officially at 180, and I like that. I feel better, I have more energy, and I don't feel nearly so run down and out of it. Still look super thin, but it is what it is. Now I'm going to work on maintenance since this is where I want to stay. I'm ok with 2 pounds in either direction, but I definitely don't want to drop below 178 again lol I got all the way down to 170 and it was just really bad.

I literally don't work out at all anymore because I'm on my feet all day working 5 days per week. I increased my calories to 1700 per day (up from 1500), my carbs to 55 net per day (up from 40 or so), my Protein to 100g per day (up from 80), my healthy fats to 80g per day (up from 50), my Fiber intake to 30g (10 from supplements and the rest from food - up from 20) and upped my fluids to 120 fl oz per day (up from 90 - 100). I'll add my weekend workouts back in now (nothing crazy, just core and strength but on the lighter side, not heavy) so I don't gain too much now that I've figured out how to finally gain weight lol

What are you eating that has so much Fiber? I do a soluble fiber in the morning but I don’t seem to get much from my diet. I eat a lot of veggies but mine is still fairly low. The only days I have a lot is when I do low carb stuff like a Keto wrap or when I have chili.

[SleeveToBypass2023 2,597]

1 hour ago, ShoppGirl said:

What are you eating that has so much Fiber? I do a soluble Fiber in the morning but I don’t seem to get much from my diet. I eat a lot of veggies but mine is still fairly low. The only days I have a lot is when I do low carb stuff like a Keto wrap or when I have chili.

I eat chick peas, lentils, avocado, almonds, banzo high fiber Pasta, raspberries, blueberries, pinto and kidney Beans, steamed broccoli, quinoa, occasionally an apple or banana (sparingly because of the sugars and carbs in them, but still a good source of fiber), peas, etc... I make salads, mac n cheese with the pasta, fruit smoothies or just as a snack, I add the beans to homemade chili or Soups, etc...

[ShoppGirl 4,776]

11 minutes ago, SleeveToBypass2023 said:

I eat chick peas, lentils, avocado, almonds, banzo high Fiber Pasta, raspberries, blueberries, pinto and kidney Beans, steamed broccoli, quinoa, occasionally an apple or banana (sparingly because of the sugars and carbs in them, but still a good source of fiber), peas, etc... I make salads, mac n cheese with the Pasta, fruit smoothies or just as a snack, I add the Beans to homemade chili or Soups, etc...

Okay. I eat most of those things too. I’m thinking maybe it’s just because my calories are a lot lower than yours right now so the portion of those things I’m able to eat are probably a lot smaller after I get my Protein. Probably just gonna be a thing until I get to maintenance. Except for the pasta and lentils. I’ve never tried lentils, but they actually put them in my grocery pick up order so I need to figure out how to make those. Is there a trick to it or just follow the instructions on the bag?

Edited October 12 by ShoppGirl

[SleeveToBypass2023 2,597]

2 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

Okay. I eat most of those things too. I’m thinking maybe it’s just because my calories are a lot lower than yours right now so the portion of those things I’m able to eat are probably a lot smaller after I get my Protein. Probably just gonna be a thing until I get to maintenance. Except for the Pasta and lentils. I’ve never tried lentils, but they actually put them in my grocery pick up order so I need to figure out how to make those. Is there a trick to it or just follow the instructions on the bag?

I looked up a few recipes online because I don't normally like them. But I make a lentil Soup that's yummy. And I make a chili and a 3 bean salad that really ups the Fiber and Protein. I also use the pasta for not only mac n cheese but also a type of goulash. I use the pasta and add spaghetti sauce, ground beef, and 3 different Beans. I also add shredded cheese that I melt on top. OMG it's amazing. And the protein and fiber are really high. I make a spinach salad with chick peas, some kind of meat (steak or chicken), cheese, bacon bits, artichoke hearts (also high in fiber), avocado, black olives, and hardboiled eggs. I like to make fruit smoothies with almond milk or I'll do a fruit salad with banana, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, apple, and I mix it with greek yogurt. All of these recipes have high protein, fiber, and healthy fat content.

[Spinoza 1,367]

So pleased that you're getting on top of this. You have had *such* the journey. It's HARD. Best of luck.

[ShoppGirl 4,776]

23 minutes ago, SleeveToBypass2023 said:

I looked up a few recipes online because I don't normally like them. But I make a lentil Soup that's yummy. And I make a chili and a 3 bean salad that really ups the Fiber and Protein. I also use the Pasta for not only mac n cheese but also a type of goulash. I use the pasta and add spaghetti sauce, ground beef, and 3 different Beans. I also add shredded cheese that I melt on top. OMG it's amazing. And the Protein and Fiber are really high. I make a spinach salad with chick peas, some kind of meat (steak or chicken), cheese, bacon bits, artichoke hearts (also high in fiber), avocado, black olives, and hardboiled eggs. I like to make fruit smoothies with almond milk or I'll do a fruit salad with banana, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, apple, and I mix it with greek yogurt. All of these recipes have high protein, fiber, and healthy fat content.

Wow. Thanks!! I am going to try most of these. I am really working hard to expand my menu. I am trying Brussels sprouts for the first time tonight. I was good for lunch and didn’t have a snack so I was able to add a little garlic butter and they aren’t my favorite but they honestly aren’t bad. My goal is to find as many things that I possibly can that are healthy before my hunger comes back because that’s when the cravings are more intense for me. If I have more options to go to I’m hoping it will be easier than last time to stay on plan. I just got so sick of chicken breasts and broccoli last time and that’s basically what I ate most nights because I didn't really know what else to eat. I really think I am setting myself up for success this time.

[summerseeker 2,124]

15 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

I’ve never tried lentils, but they actually put them in my grocery pick

Red lentils are a good starting place. They don't need an overnight soak and you can put a handful in loads of recipes. Carrot, red lentil and sweet potato Soup is easy to make and yummy in winter. You can put a handful of these lentils in with any meat, we used to do it to stretch family meals, now its known as healthy ! They disappear into the gravy. Barley is another great fibre provider. It goes staight into my casserole, unsoaked with the meat and vegetables. I learned a lot about other kinds of lentils/dhals from Indian recipes. Tarka dhal is top of my list of favorite foods, so simple and easy to make with so much flavour. I just omit some of the large amount of oil at the end.

[ShoppGirl 4,776]

25 minutes ago, summerseeker said:

Red lentils are a good starting place. They don't need an overnight soak and you can put a handful in loads of recipes. Carrot, red lentil and sweet potato Soup is easy to make and yummy in winter. You can put a handful of these lentils in with any meat, we used to do it to stretch family meals, now its known as healthy ! They disappear into the gravy. Barley is another great fibre provider. It goes staight into my casserole, unsoaked with the meat and vegetables. I learned a lot about other kinds of lentils/dhals from Indian recipes. Tarka dhal is top of my list of favorite foods, so simple and easy to make with so much flavour. I just omit some of the large amount of oil at the end.

The Soup does sound good if it calculates to enough Protein for me right now. I’m defintely gonna have to google that Tarka dhal. I have to try it now if it’s not too spicy.