Meal Plans for a pescetarian college student, 50lbs down

I'm also a pescetarian that attempts to keep things relatively frugal. I aim for about 140 grams a day, but that's certainly on the higher end, and not necessary for many people. My go-tos if you're trying to increase your protein intake:

  • You can buy big bags of frozen tilapia from Costco/Sam's for cheaper than Trader Joe's. If you don't have a membership, Walmart also sells big bags of individually portioned filets and bags of reasonably priced shrimp. I know, I know, it's Walmart, but sometimes you do what you gotta do when your salary sucks.
  • Cottage cheese
  • Greek yogurt
  • Seitan (has a stupid amount of protein, it's amazing)
  • Tempeh
  • Eggs
  • String cheese
  • Soy-based meat substitutes
  • Cans of tuna

As for the rest, I buy tons of veggies on the weekend, then chop them up on Sundays and put them in tupperwares, so during the week I can just grab them and throw them in the oven/skillet/whatever.

I have mixed emotions sometimes about people's take on carbs. Sure, pasta and rice and bread and potatoes every day for every meal is a bit much, but you do need carbs too. They're your energy, and if you're spending upwards of 10 hours (or however much) each week in the gym, you do need some. Or at least you'll be happier with some, and I think you'd still continue losing weight. I think when people are successful losing weight by cutting out carbs, part of the reason is it just inherently cuts out a lot of stuff that's not the most awesomest thing in the world for you (i.e. sugar). I eat a pretty solid amount of carbs every day, but it comes from sources that tend to be more complex carbs: buckwheat, quinoa, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, couscous, etc.

Sounds like you're on the right track figuring out your TDEE and your BMR. When is the last time you calculated it? Make sure to recalculate as you lose weight (http://iifym.com/tdee-calculator/). Keep at it, this whole fitness thing is a marathon, not a sprint! Sounds like you're kicking ass, so keep on keepin' on!

/r/xxfitness Thread