I greatly limit foods of limited nutritional value most of the time. More specifically than calorie couting, I really feel that sticking to foods low on the glycemic index are much better for me weight wise.

Why on earth did it take me so friggin' long to figure this out???????

Thanks everyone for your input. I just need to find a balance but it's like a mental road block for me I'm scared to take this stuff out my diet in fear of failing and I'm scared to keep it in my diet.

I'll be the first to admit I'm weird, but this is what I do... If I feel like I have to have chocolate (or whatever) I measure out a small portion and try to really enjoy it. And if it leaves me feeling like I really have to have more then I eat a pickle. Something about eating a pickle sets my taste buds back to zero.

I haven't given up anything either. I just decide whether it will be productive for what I have to do that day. Even things that are good for other folks on their plans aren't good for my when eating prior to working out. If there is something I feel like I want to eat, I will but I have to calculate it into the calorie budget. I have even figured out how to have chips. I don't do them but maybe once a month and there is only a small bag of them available or I will go COMPLETELY overboard.

Decide what you can do without causing you to sabotage yourself and do it. This is why I love calorie counting. I can do what I like as long as I budget for it. Just like I do with my money.

I can't seem to cut anything out all the time. I do eat more vegetables and fruit. I try to eat very little earlier in the day because I crave food in the evening and it's hard to work with. I avoid pasta when I can or I'll go overboard.

I cut down on bread (esp white), red meat, candy, cookies (what are those again?), butter (I LOVE to use this on veggies... argh!). I drink water, calorie free stuff. I haven't eaten cheese by itself in a long time, or a lot of cheese or milk products. I will not touch a shake from a restaurant these days.

I recommend crystal light, and esp white grape...lotta flavor for a diet drink. I have trouble with stuff with spenda...kind of a yuck aftertaste.

Oh, and I incorporate fiber because 1) It makes you feel fuller 2) it keeps things "regular"... and really most people don't get enough of it.

OP if it leads to you binging and increases your hunger maybe you should eliminate it or cut way back. I haven't cut anything out of my diet except for alcohol and coffee. Im losing weight slowly but its easier for me to stick with this lifestyle if I can continue eating things that Im used to. My diet has to fit my lifestyle and day to day life. Moderation is my aproach.

Thanks again everyone for your advice. Toobig.. I like the pickle trick I will have to try that one. Have a nice day everyone!!

I have cut back on sugar and white flour - But, I don't say never can have it.

This is me too. Honestly, I have not been great at calorie counting lately, but when I'm on I still don't deprive myself of anything. I choose foods that are the best bang for the buck both calorie-wise and nutrition-wise and throw in the occassional treat.

Wish I could take credit for the pickle trick but I read it on this site somewhere. And now I always have a jar of baby dills in the fridge. lol

I don't forbid any food. No food is good or bad. I can eating whatever I want to, but I understand that there are consequences to eating certain foods. Some foods I have a hard time limiting. Those foods I avoid because I know what I will do if I start. Even though I avoid them, I don't forbid them. Forbidding causes me the crazies. lol. The most important thing for me is to COUNT EVERY BITE. I do this for the discipline of it, to understand how I think when it comes to food, to keep from fooling myself. I am one of the few that says this is a diet, not a lifestyle change. I am doing these things to lose weight. When it is time to maintain my weight, then I will do the lifestyle thing.

Some foods I may overeat just because they are so rich or so rare to have. (Think holiday foods or eating in a restaurant). These foods I plan out ahead of time, working out the calories before I eat so that I am aware of my choices and the calories I will be dealing with. Since my goal is a monthly average of my calories, I can fluctuate in order to accommodate real life eating situations. However, I don't kid myself about it. Eating a higher amount of calories for one day is still about good and worthwhile choices, not about indulgence for the moment.

My husband and I are on the road for 5 weeks at a time. We use to go to a restaurant about 3 or 4 times in that 5 weeks (I cook on the truck otherwise), but I found that even the simplest breakfast could easily add up to 800 calories, nearly my full day's total. I finally had to ask for support and lessen the restaurant visit to 1 while out. It just stressed me out too much, I am not ready to have to deal with it right now. That is something I never did before, ask for support.

So for me, it is about learning what works, what doesn't and being flexible and still remain on track for weight loss. There are times I am stronger in my resolve than other times. I allow more calories when the time really warrants it, but I am careful to stay exactly on target when my resolve is waivering. I know that sounds strange, but it is how I do it.

It is a healthy and positive choice to avoid foods you know have always been a part of overeating for you. Just don't get too restrictive or resentment will kick in eventually. Sending you happy thoughts!

Well I gave up soda, coffee, and hamburgers But as far as white flour and sugar, I have it on occasion I didn't totally eliminate it from my diet but I limit it. I have treats every once and a while. But, as long as it is n my calorie range.

orangebelpeper- You can make hamburgers at home that aren't too bad.

Heya!
Even though you have too~ I've given up solid carbs like pasta, potatoes, bread etc unless I need to eat something solid before an exam or something I've also given up chocolate and sugary things ¬_¬ and things with high sat fat content <3 but this is just my personal choice