[Jethrine]

I started losing weight after my doctor told me that if I didn't lose 115 pounds, then I may not live long enough to see my kids graduate from high school.

He gave me a very strict diet that I worked at first, but I couldn't stay on it. It made me give up everything I liked to eat, and focused on foods I just did not like to eat. And they were too hard to prepare. That was a big learning lesson for me-- if the diet food is too difficult to prepare, I won't keep doing it.

I still had to fix good tasting meals for my family, and the temptations were too great for me to withstand.

The main things I found that seemed to work the best was swapping out high nutritional foods for the empty calorie foods I was eating.

For example, I switched from white potatoes to sweet potatoes. They had similar uses, but the sweet potatoes had a lot more nutrients for me and my family.

Until I started dieting, I had never even heard of butternut squash. But now I love it. I just roast it in the oven. My family actually likes it.

I even roast beets in the oven, and they like them, too. I was so surprised about this.

I also switched to using extra virgin olive oil as much as possible so I could get a heart healthy alternative to the oils and shortenings and butter.

I stopped drinking sodas and instead I drink 100% blueberry juice or 100% pomegranate juice, so I can increase my intake of antioxidants.

I stopped eating regular candy, but to satisfy my chocolate urges, I eat a tiny square of dark chocolate-- actually baker's chocolate with 100% cacao. It is bitter, but I like it. It has a very rich chocolate taste. I eat it along with my afternoon coffee.

I switched away from pork and beef, and I mainly make chicken and turkey dishes for my family now. I know I should be eating more fish, but my family hates the smell and the taste of fish. About all I can get them to eat in terms of seafood is tunafish.

Anyways, I have a lot to learn still, and I am going to read this forum for some new ideas.

[hbr777]

It sounds like you have already made so many great changes - GOOD JOB!

[patchworkpenguin]

Jethrine, welcome, glad to have you join us. I suggest you look for a Challenge or Support group to join; small check-in groups make it easier to connect, get involved, and be accountable. We have groups centering around specific diet plans, themes, or age groups, so find one that inspires you and just post to join!