Oh yes. We must always remember that this is a choice. Not that I can't eat xyz, but that I won't. I choose better. I hold myself up to a higher standard. I no longer settle for second best. I require more from myself and therefore the foods that I eat which directly relate to my health and my well being.

So yes, it sounds like you're feeling better about things. Good. I'm glad.

But, I gotta caution you here, granola can be just as caloric as pancakes. If not more so, depending on how much you eat of it and really one serving isn't all that large. It is loaded with fat and sugar. Deceiving, right?

Really the only way to know for sure that you're creating that all important calorie DEFICIT is to indeed COUNT your calories. It can be a very eye-opening experience. It'll take time till you get it all down pat, but think of it as a learning experience. Educate yourself . Look forward to this. It's a time of personal growth and betterment. For you and your family.

Another thing you can do for yourself is to not deny yourself completely, but be very careful. When I lost weight before I allowed myself small treats everyday. By this I mean I would let myself have two or three Hershey's kisses - but only two or three. I would do this in the evening after the kids were in bed because that was the time I wanted to snack. It was my downfall time. This allowed me to have me treat, conquer the cravings, and not feel like I was depriving myself completely.

Also, as I said before, you cannot underestimate the importance of doing things for yourself. If you are always concentrating on the negatives, you will miss all the positives. Do you have any interests or hobbies? Indulge in those instead of food. Go for a walk with your husband, go to a movie with friends. Take your kids to the park. Also, this time of year, start planning your holidays out, it will keep you busy and give you something happy to look forward to.

Wow! Even qiuck cooking oats cooked in water then 2tsp of brown sugar and 1/2 cup 1% milk is that bad?


What in the world is healthy for breakfast?

Quick cooking oats is not bad for you to eat for breakfast. I think Robin may have been talking about the ready-made granola that you find in stores, that already have sugar/honey, nuts, etc. added to it. Plain oats from the box (and prepared as you mentioned) is a very healthy breakfast!

Ready or not, yeah, granola isn't so great for you. I mean, it is healthy for you, because it typically has nuts and whole grains, but there is a lot of sugar in there, too, and it tends to be highly caloric.

I found something that is craveable and filling that is perfect for breakfast - take an Ezekiel English Muffin, spread two wedges of laughing cow cheese and two tablespoons of pumpkin butter. Yummy, and less than 300 calories.

Or how about french toast made with Ezekiel bread and egg whites, with a bit of low sugar preserves?

There are lots of things that you can eat that aren't pancakes or granola. I would suggest going over to the food section of this site and get some ideas.

Good luck!

Yes, exactly. I thought you meant like boxed Granola.

Here's a link from thedailyplate.com
http://www.thedailyplate.com/nutriti...eneric/granola

It puts it at 598 calories per cup. Of course they all vary, which is why it's best to ALWAYS read the label. ALWAYS. On whatever it is. Don't assume just because something's "healthy" that it's low calorie and in fact, all that "healthy". Read. Become aware. It takes some time for. But you will learn and your food choices will evolve.

I definitely need food ideas! I'm still fairly new to the site. Where do I go to see the food section?

Just wondering... Do you have health coverage? Because many (most) plans cover the cost of a nutritionist. She/he may be able to guide you further and get you going on the right track. Great for accountability as well...

Oh thanks! I will check out that link when I'm not on my mobile!

What do you all go by? Calories? Fat? Sugar? Carbs?

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/food...lous-finds-17/

Not sure if that link would work, but look under Food Talk and Fabulous Finds in the forum section.

I do a combination of:

Whole foods (which limits sugar)
Calorie counting (which tends to limit carbs as well - since 200 calories of rice/pasta is SMALL)
Volumetrics (big portions of low cal foods to fill up)

I only worry about fat to make sure I'm eating enough healthy fat.

I do have health coverage. In Ontario when I was 15 I went to a dietitian.

Now I think in a tiny albertian town. They would probably send me to Edmonton which is a 3hr drive.

My coverage is through my husband. He is military and they don't make it easy to find out what you are covered for

I have almost completely cut out refined sugar, bread, artificial sweeteners, diet soda and high calorie foods and those foods that trigger binges. However, there are days when I fall off track and go wild and crazy on binges, but I haven't done that since about November 3rd. I try to take it one day at a time.

What will it take? Until you love your body just the way it is, it won't happen. We have to love ourselves to be our care first.

Thanks for posting this and encouraging all the responses. I am having the same challenges right now. Sabaotaging myself at every opportunity.

I don't have any bad food in the house - at all. But I live downtown and very close to places that do. No matter how hard I try, I choose not to find the willpower. I know I can't say 'can't' because I lost 70 pounds before.

I almost think that I have to eliminate any type of foods that trigger things - diet soda, a bite of chocolate, whatever it is. Just learn to live without them until I get myself under control? I know everyone is different.

I was very successful with a trainer before...but I can't really afford one now. I just need that support. I get a lot on here, but I need something, someone to validate how I look and how hard I work....it's quite strange.