Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: I need help cutting my calories. Here are the last two days foods, etc. LOOONG -- sorry :(

Hi there,

I think that so far cailin has given you some excellent advice, I think her ideas are spot on.
I'll also echo the sentiments of the others, that the diet you're on would be pretty hard on anyone with a touchy tummy and so if you are having problems with your stomach on this diet, I can def. see some areas to work on to get it more stabalised.

If you aren't happy with the website you are using (and I've never used it, so I don't know what it's like exactly), there are a number to try. I would try the one that SaraSage mentioned a few days ago, which is www.sparkpeople.com and they have a terrific diet tracking program. The thing i like about it is that it doesn't just track calories, but also your carbs and protein and fiber and things like that. So I'd give that one a shot too so you can accurately see where everything you're eating is coming from.

I think the most obvious one, and you already know it, is definitely the coffee. A drink like that could EASILY be upwards of 500 calories with milk/cream, sugar and whipped. Add to that, something like that is a whole whack of GI irritants so if you can cut down on those, I think you'll see a difference.
Cutting out a beverage also gives you an opportunity to add in another, healthier one, like water or herbal teas. Herbals teas are great for tummies, and for weight loss as well as they hydrate you better than coffee or juice and some are full of anti-oxidants. Try rooibos tea for this.
Increasing your water intake is important too. If you are trying to cut down on other beverages, but just can't drink still water all day long try having sparkling water with lemon or something, but def up the water and save other beverages for treats.

I agree 100% with cailin about the breakfast thing, especially the oatmeal idea. I like to add frozen berries to oatmeal in the morning with a bit of plain soy milk. It fills up a lot more than other common breakfasts, and much more than a banana for sure!

Also, good for tummies.

You can also reduce fat by using lower fat mayonnaise. I do this mostly because my stomach can't handle full-fat mayo, but I use "Ultra Low Fat Mayo" in sandwiches and stuff and one tbsp is 25 cals, which is substansially less than regular.
Also, cheese and ranch dressing are high in fat. I would try other dressings for salads, and marinades or something else in burritos/wraps that are lower in calories and fat.

And you already know the nuts are insanely high in fat. I sometimes will snack on a few almonds with raisins or something, but any more than that sets my stomach off, which is how I know the fat is too much. I'd cut these down quite a lot.

It doesn't look to me like you are eating too many carbs or anything, and if you are worried about them I agree with cailin again about portion control. Carbs should be 1/4 of your plate for a balanced meal. For healthy carbs, oatmeal is good as well as sweet potatoes and the like.

Hope this helps some, good luck!
Let us know how you are doing!

Cheers!

Steph

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~~I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell-I know right now you can't tell~~Matchbox 20
IBS-D,pain.

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