I'm new to this forum and wanted to find a few new friends for support. What way of eating is everyone using? I'm 42 and have gained and lost the same 60 lbs for the last 10 years. I lose it than slowly re-gain it (gaining it back is a lot more fun than losing it) than lose again slooooooowly. I have in my life time tried/failed tried again every diet known to man. I own every diet book and I'm an RN so I know the "correct" way to lose but find it interesting that different diets work better for different people.

I'm not doing too well at the moment.

2 birthdays and an anniversary this weekend.

I usually do well when I count points or do the core program on Weight Watchers.

I have been on WW in the past and done well. I started Atkins two weeks ago to get me started and will probably transition over to WW again. I need something in the beginning to get me through my sugar addiction than I can make better choices.

I eat healthier versions of my favorite foods. I eat in moderation. I count calories. I never punish myself if I eat something "bad". I just continue the next day. I stay positive and I try and be satisfied if I only lose a pound a week. I think no matter how slow it may take, at least the scale's read lowering numbers, not higher!

I can't eat 6 small meals, though, and I don't like snacking. 3 normal size meals and a snack work fine for me.

wormwooddoll (what an interesting name),

That is a great outlook. We would all do better being good to ourselves and not negative. When I first start a diet I have to cut out certain foods i.e. sugar or I just cannot stay with it. I can slowly add sugar/flour back without too many problems and continue losing so I usually transition to WW.

Hi Darlene!
I'm the opposite as WormwoodDoll; I'm a big snacker throughout the day like those mini-meals, but they are healthy snacks for the most part; fruits, yogurt, almonds, or granola. I find my lunches are tiny compared to last year as a result. Oh wait it's also because I'm in a different school...
Haha. At my last school we had a cafeteria that served HUGE lunches for 4 bucks every day. So I wouldn't snack as much but I'd have a three-course lunch and then have a huge dinner as well.
And here I wondered why I wasn't losing weight. Silly me.
Well as it turns out - small snacks during the day works way better for me!
Welcome and good luck Darlene! I hope you will find something that will be suitable!
Tam

Tam,

just keep up the good work. small meals with snacks works for me and helps when I'm out and about I at least have my safe snacks with me.

I count calories and try to eat as clean as possible.

By clean I mean I avoid processed and packaged foods, processed sugars, HFCS, preservative, colors, and chemicals.

I try to eat a lot of veggies and fruit, whole grains, and protein.

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Grasshopper,

I've been on Atkin's induction for two weeks but I'm going to transition over to WW. I like Atkin's because I lose my craving for sugar on it well but it is difficult to stay on for a long time. WW worked well for me a few years ago but my little town does not have too many meetings, do you like the on-line version?

Darlene

Photochick,

Looks like you're doing great with your plan. Do you have trouble staying within your calorie restriction?

Darlene

Honestly I don't. I eat about 1500 calories a day (+/- 100) and I'm doing fairly well. I actually posted about it the other day ... that my idea of portion sizes has changed a lot since I started eating this way and that big meals are no longer enjoyable for me. I really like the way I'm eating now. It's made a huge difference in my life.

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PhotoChick,

Do you eat out much? I have bought/read several magazines on eating clean and the idea truly appeals. I try to stay on the outside perimeter of the grocery store but I think they are on to me they moved the soda's to the outside wall last week.

Darlene

I don't eat out nearly as much as I used to. When I do, I try to stick to places like Sweet Tomatoes (a salad place) or Jason's Deli (I can get a sliced turkey on rye and a vegan french onion soup) or someplace that has a calorie count online so I can check things out before I go.

One thing is that I haven't had fast food in AGES. I used to eat at McDonalds and Sonic and Wendy's all the time. But it's been forever since I had a fast food burger.

OTOH, on my non-counting meals, I often eat a 5 Guys burger and fries. They're a big weakness for me!

.

I've been on WW online. It works when I actually follow it :P I've been doing well since August 17 (for some reason I woke up totally sick of myself that day).

We recently moved and the only way I could stay on track with points is with WW meals or Lean Cuisine...they've been a lifesaver. But they can get expensive and yes, I know it's better to eat fresh, whole foods.

PhotoChick, do you have any tips for me? My biggest problem is, if I get too hungry, watch out, I could eat anything. That's when those frozen meals come in handy. I tell myself I can eat anything AFTER I eat my meal. Of course when I'm done with it, blood sugar is restored and I'm not so crazy anymore

I'm afraid that if I just have raw chickens in my fridge they'll take too long to cook and my willpower will be shot.