New and Lost...HELP!!!

[szarkasm]

Ok I will keep this as short as possible..My main concern is HS..and doing what I can to put that into remission. Yes I know that HS is a tough one and its going to take many months if not longer for this. I am also obese. Currently at 215 lbs. down from 300lbs thanks to lapband. Which worked bc I couldnt eat bread or carbs with it. I would just throw up. anyways..I just started the AIP Paleo way of life..Jumped right in. and yes I know we dont count calories and such however I believe i have done so much damage to my body with undereating and overexercising for so many years. i would eat roughly 500 calories a day and was in the gym in combat kickboxing classes (hardcore) 60 mins 6 days a week. When I would see a gain I would add extra cardio on top of that..before and after class. Now i have no idea what to eat. Bc I always feel like I am overeating. my muscles are super weak so I would think I need to up my protein but I follow the recipes in Mickey Trescotts new cookbook. I know it will take a long time to see any improvement with the HS so I was kinda hoping to see a little weightloss to know I was doing things correctly. I have seen no changes no energy boost..Nothing. 

Breakfast: bacon, sweet potato, apple hash about 1.5 cup   Bone broth
snack: kale chips, carrots
Lunch: Spinach Salad 2 cups (Olive oil, white wine Vinegar Homemade), Beef and Liver Meatballs browned in olive oil and baked (1 inch) approx 4, Sauerkraut .5 cup
Snack: apple
Dinner: Spinach salad with avocado and homemade dressing, Shrimp sauteed in olive oil with seasoning.

Is this not enough food? Or is it too much? I worked up the calories on it but they were like 900 calories low for a 1500 calorie diet. 
Everyone speaks of initial weightloss...I think i have gained a pound or two. Because there is no counting calories im at a loss for how to make up my meal plans. 

Any help is appreciated!!
Thank you so much in advance!!  
Andrea

[EJ]

Great job getting started! It's hard at the beginning...and you have quite a few things to overcome.

First of all, I think it's perfectly acceptable to track what you're eating in a food tracker. It doesn't have to be forever (I personally get a little obsessive if I track for too long)-just long enough to figure out how much to eat (and of what). Especially at the beginning and especially because you have lost track of what it means to eat a proper amount for your body. Use a calorie calculator and make sure you get there every day! We're trying to nourish our bodies, not starve them! It might take time to ramp up the calories by finding nutrient-dense foods to eat. Don't just stuff poor-quality things in your mouth

Second, your daily list seems to be lacking enough FAT! It's super important! Make sure you're cooking your vegetables in quality fats. Also, most people shouldn't eat fruit without eating some fat to help with blood sugar regulation. Can you eat coconut oil or coconut butter? If I eat fruit, I'll eat a spoonful of one of those at the same time. Or eat some avocado. Also, spinach alone isn't going to add many calories or nutrients. Can you add in other vegetables? I don't know what your restrictions for carbs are, but there are several vegetables that are still considered low-carb (cucumber, radish, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, all varieties of greens & lettuces). Mix things up a bit and add things in where you can. Personally, I know that shrimp and spinach would leave my stomach growling for more all night

Check out Sarah's post with weight-loss tips: www.thepaleomom.com/2012/03/tips-and-tricks-for-losing-weight.html. Make sure you're getting great sleep, not working out too much, etc. And be patient-not everyone loses weight right away. It could be that your body is still holding onto the weight because you're not eating enough calories. So really try to work on that issue.

Good luck with your journey. Try to focus on healing and nutrition rather than on weight loss-hopefully, once you're healthy again that will fix itself

[szarkasm]

Thank you so much for your help. I agree that I dont eat enough. I have been on a diet since i was 17. mother was super strict about weight and instead of proper nutrition i was told to skip breakfast bc that always made my mom hungry all day..I would basically eat one meal a day. on weight loss meds at 17 as well and was only 170 lbs. not small but def needed direction back then. I have to change my thinking bc..I always feel like I am stuffing my face and going to gain weight..very scary for someone who has lost 100lbs and its starting to creep back. I CAN eat coconut oil and I will def do that from now on if I eat fruit. I do put mushrooms and such on my salads if i have them on hand. I know on a calorie counter I was supposed to be eating 1800 calories but I cant even get to 1500. I will def start up my calorie counter and food logs again until I can eat enough.
I guess my fear is that there is something I am doing wrong and wont realize what it is. My main concern is healing however id like to keep the weight stable at least..weight gain terrifies me lol But Thank you so much again..Off to log in breakfast

[EJ]

So I think you might also benefit from this post: www.thepaleomom.com/2012/11/how-to-gain-or-maintain-weight-on-the-autoimmune-protocol.html. Maybe it will give you ideas on how to sneak more calories in

Try to remember that you're aiming for health! Hopefully, weight loss (or at least not gain) will follow So try to alter your mindset a bit. Eat the foods that nourish your body. It does seem crazy that eating MORE will help you lose weight-but if that's what your body needs, that's what will happen

Also, once you get a feel for how many calories to eat...let it go! I'd advise you not to track. NOT TO WEIGH. Just eat That's really the glory of the Paleo/AIP lifestyle If you must keep track of your body, I'd recommend taking measurements every now and then. That's a much better indicator of change than weight, which is affected by water and can go up and down so easily. Once a week measurements at MOST.

You're on the right track! Just read up on which foods Sarah recommends for nutrient density and do your best