Need help with my diet...?

Question

This is a repost, but I didn't get much more than "eat more protein" in the Diet & Fitness section.

Original Post:
I need to know if this is a good diet plan to stick with, and if there is anything I need to add or subtract. It wouldn't be the same every day, but this is typical of what I would eat in a day.

5am - 8oz skim milk & a banana
6:30am - package of instant oatmeal and an apple
9am - granola or protein bar
12pm - 1cup brown rice & 1cup blackeye peas w/ 1/2cup fat free yogurt and berries
3pm - pita chips(about 15) & salsa
6pm - potato , steamed veggies, and olive oil / vinaigrette dressing

I've already done the math, and this comes out to about 1800 calories, which is what I want. I work a lot... from 6:30am to 7pm usually, and I don't have a lot of time to work out, so I'm trying to get my diet as healthy as possible. I try to do some at home workouts during the week if I have time, but usually that only happens twice, but I can work out on the weekends.

p.s. I became a vegetarian a few months ago, so that is why there isn't any meat on the menu.

Any help would be appreciated.

Additional Details

22 minutes ago
I'm not trying to maintain my weight, I'm trying to lose, so that is why I'm aiming for 1800 cal/day.

1 minute ago
I just did the calculations for protein. With this sample day, I would get 76.7g of protein. The daily recommended value is 50g. Protein does not mean meat, protein is in potatoes, beans, veggies, rice, etc.

I take a multi-vitamin, and sometimes I take an iron supplement (&vitamin c to help absorption) when I know I'm going to donate blood soon.

Cathy - Yes, I add water.

Can't really eat anything soy based (I just don't like the taste), but maybe I can find something else (seitan?).

I usually drink 6-8 16oz bottles of water a day.

Answer 1

It's not a diet I would choose for myself, but it looks pretty healthy. I would suggest replacing the milk and yogurt with vegan versions. I know it is a protein source for you, but adding even a little bit of dairy to your diet each day can greatly increase your chances of disease ( http://www.ezhealthydiet.com/casein-protein.html ).

I also would suggest varying your diet from day to day. A variety of fruits and vegetables is going to give you a broader range of nutrients. (oops - just reread and saw that you know that - very good!)

It looks like you are dedicated to trying to become a much healthier person. I applaude you! So many people don't understand how great the link is between nutrition and health. My eyes have only recently been opened and I can't believe how little regard I had for my diet before.

Have you looked into a raw vegan diet? I ate solely raw for about a month and the change was dramatic. People lose hundreds of pounds on a raw diet and report miraculous tihngs. After one month I believed them - I had my own little miracles (like eyes that sparkled so much people commented on them, glowy skin, increased energy, a bizarre, but lovely feeling that I was more "alive", and a little weight loss which probably would have been greater if I wasn't indulging myself in all kinds of lovely desserts and nut creams and sauces. I have to say though, it takes some dedication to really plan well and make sure you're getting enough nutrients, but it sounds like you are pretty smart and know that you can't just eat carrots all day and expect to be healthy. The biggest problem I had was getting enough calories. With an added granola bar here and there you'd probably be right about 1800 calories on a typical raw diet. I urge you to google some before and after pictures of raw foodists. AMAZING results some of these people have had. Also, check out some of the raw food recipes out there. When you eat raw there is ZERO guilt involved with any of your food. the only thing you really have to be careful of is eating too many nuts, otherwise, yu eat waht you wnt and as much as you want and you feel good about it. I wish I had stuck with a raw diet better. My husband was getting frustrated (he's not very adventurous) and I got lazy. I'm still about half raw food, but I'd like to get back up to about 75% - that felt pretty good. Anyway, check into it -it might be right up your alley.

Answer 2

That looks pretty good. I would like to caution you about curtailing your sodium intake, most people don't consider this when they're trying to lose weight. Keep in mind that while olive oil is good for you it is also high in calories. If you go to mypyramid.gov you can find a lot of helpful information that includes a vegetarian diet and losing weight. When you don't have time to work out is it possible for you take a walk in the evenings on those days? All Recipes has a cool feature where you can create an account and add recipes to your own online recipe box and then have a personalized cookbook printed with just the recipes you want for $24.99! allrecipes.com

Edit: I agree with the others that you should be taking a multi-vitamin.

Answer 3

Your diet sounds okay, though I don't eat diary, and I actually believe dairy products contribute to weight gain (I have been eating quite like you for MONTHS but a few weeks ago I went vegan and once I put aside the artificially-sweetened and flavored yogurts and bovine breast milk, I dropped 10 pounds).

I think if you took out some vegan and vegetarian cookbooks, you would find some ways to utilize soy, nut, tempeh and seitan ingredients. I transitioned to vegan only VERY recently, and I am experimenting with these ingredients and recipes.

I have found a LOT of aid from TV dinners by "AMY'S KITCHEN". They are 100% vegetarian and MANY are egg and dairy free as well - a.k.a. vegan - and they are typically very filling and low calorie. It helped a TON for me to eat these until I found some recipes that really taste great.

I think you will do well as long as you exercise in addition to dieting, because then your body will feel at its best.

I just suggest more variety, that is all... it is very hard to stick to a diet that doesn't have variety and isn't tasty.

Answer 4

To me it sounds like you might still be a little low on some vitamins and minerals, especially iron. I'd say to either to increase the number and/or variety of fruits and veggies in your diet, or possibly consider taking supplements if you don't think you can do it through diet alone (though it's better to get essential vitamins and such naturally, because your body absorbs them better).

Answer 5

Sounds quite good - do you add water to your oats?

You might like to add tofu at some of your meals - or have it instead of the potato some nights - just lightly stir fry in your olive oil with chilli and basil and have it with your steamed veges. Tofu is really low cholestoral and fat.

As you mentioned you will need to vary it a bit so you don't get too bored and eat badly.

Eat as little processed food as possible and drink lots of water.

Answer 6

Sounds Ok to me! Most people tend to eat too much protein. Certain Enzymes are more important than protein.. Too much protein can cause obesity! Meat is recycled protein not good protein! You are wise to become vegetarian.. Look at my blog.. ca.360.yahoo.com/ddherbals you'll find some vegetarian recipes there also look
in your local library or book store for Vegetarian books and Vegetarian Recipes. For iron eat plenty of beets or spinach or swiss chard!

Answer 7

If you don't like tofu, you probably haven't had it prepared correctly.

You need to freeze and press your tofu (see my profile for tips). Tempeh is a good source of protein and fiber--it's an Indonesian product made of fermented soy beans. You can crumble that into a chili.

Seitan is wheat gluten or "wheat meat." I make my own, and I make it in giant lumps so I can cut it into chops, should I choose.

Check www.vegweb.com for more recipes.

Answer 8

I think this sounds great! You really did your math and are being realistic about calories. Take a multivitamin just to make sure you get what you need and drink lots of water too. Congrats to you!

Answer 9

switch from pouring your cereal straight from the box to using a measuring cup to cut your cereal calorie count in half

Answer 10

Do 45 minutes cardio workouts a few times a week