[gloriacoto]

I have changed some of my foods for eg Im eating squirley bread instead of regular wholewheat because it has no sugar and little oil. Im still struggling with the empty calories even though Im counting...ya cant have your cake and eat it too...sound familiar..food choices are choices and I still struggle with avoiding the quick and easy snacks...Stop and Think is a good mantra for me before picking up food...Im still at the early stages of changing years of bad habits and old coping ways..God please help me...and thankyou for your support and comments I couldnt stay focused on my own....

[Alana in Canada]

Yes. Stop and think: that's an excellent plan. No food is a bad food: it's just that some will get you to your goals better than others.

Keep on plugging Gloria. Can you eat for a day--a menu of foods--that if you were to post it here--you'd be proud?

[rockinrobin]

Okay. Sweetie, you could have written this in your original post - keep going (part one). It may be easier for other folks to follow this, as believe me - when you post something, it of course helps you, but many,many others as well.

But I'm still going to ask you, because we still want to help you -

How many calories are you allotting yourself? Do you plan out your meals IN ADVANCE? Is your home fully stocked with healthy foods? Are you preparing foods ahead of time, this way there good to go when you need them? Is the junk out of the house? And again, why don't you post a typical day for you? Your planned one and then how it actually turned out. Maybe we can give you some pointers.

We are here for you and want to help you in the worst way. You gotta give us some feedback though so that we can do so.

Keep in mind, yes, old habits are hard to break, but before you know it - these NEW habits will be OLD and THOSE (new ones) will be the ones that are hard to break. Those new and improved habits will become automatic to you.

[gloriacoto]

I am using fitday to track my calories at 2100 a day...I do have some high calorie foods in my house due to having kids. However, they are eating more healthier too.

i have planned my meals ahead of time but will start to post what they are as of tommorow..

[Alana in Canada]

Excellent!
I'm sure the ladies here will be able to help.

[Rosinante]

Originally Posted by Alana in Canada

Excellent!
I'm sure the ladies here will be able to help.

I can't tell you how much help I've had here! It's brilliant ~ though not always necessarily what I wanted to hear at the time!

[BarbPA]

Gloria - I saw the thread you posted with the food and since you have a couple messages I'm just going to reply on this one.

Every body is different and has to find the right balance of calories and exercise. In both of those areas you have to find what works for you. For me it was 1800 calories and exercising 6-7 days a week. If you are taking in 2100 calories a day and depending the amount of exercise it may be too much. It may also depend on how accurately you are weighing and measuring your food and accounting for everything. So many variables go into it all.

I know how difficult it is to have "kid" food around. I have 2 young boys. I do my best to offer them healthy options and even as toddlers I encourage them to make the smart food choices. During my journey I have found seemingly innocent kid foods that have been triggers for me....such as cereals and teddy grahams. I've learned which kid stuff to bring in the house and what to leave in the store. It also may help to separate some of your food from theirs. When you are hungry only hit your stash.

Plan, plan, plan! That is so key for me. The night before I have my meals and snacks thought out and packed.

As for the foods you listed on the other thread...I think you have some good ones in there, but I would suggest more protien - possibly some egg whites (with an occassional whole egg in the mix), more lean proteins (check on your salmon measurements), I'd personally eliminate things like the crossiant and the potato salad. Instead maybe go for whole wheat bread and veggies/fruit. Feel free to keep posting your menus and we can certainly give you ideas.

I know how how difficult it can be to figure this all out. You are surrounded by wonderful people here and we are more than willing to help out. Do you best not to get frustrated. Weight loss is a journey, an adventure...enjoy it! You are going to be out of the 300s in no time! Just wait and see!

Ramble over for now...

[Numina]

I find planning is really essential for me --- not just for the meals, but so I have lots of GOOD choices on hand when I am suddenly hijacked by some evil craving or other. If you think about this as a war on fat pounds and the bad habits that cause them, then battle plans are essential!

You are making good progress, Gloria --- learning all sorts of new tricks. Keep up the great work!