Although I've only been at this for a week or so now, I've noticed that on many days I feel like I've had too much food. It's normally the lites that make me feel like I've had too much, or not hungry enough for my next meal.
Should I ask my COD if I can skip a lite, or move down a plan? It jsut feels a little wrong to eat when I'm not hungry.
However keep in mind that if you don't eat as much as your body needs, then you will not lose. Although it does seem like alot of food, it's what you need to keep losing.
I don't know about you, but I was the type of person who would eat once a day, and everything was fine. Well, that's part of the problem for my weight gain. In essence I was starving my body.
I agree with Sherry--I think part of the problem with chronic dieters when they start this plan is thinking it's too much food when in reality it's just the right kinds of food. If you opt not to do the bars they will add food to make up the difference. I believe many of us have the mindset that less is better and it's not. This is a great plan and I think for the most part they are good about putting people where they need to be--colorwise (yes, there have been mistakes).
It can be a big mental problem early on.. I did that too... I ended up skimping on some portions because I couldn't wrap my mind around the thought that eating that much was going to make me lose, rather than gain..
Just stick with it... Now I'm on the Blue plan and it seems like not enough sometimes...
LOL it is funny to hear you guys say that! I must have been a REALLY big eater, because I never feel like I have enough food. (I've been doing this since June) I feel starch deprived) The gold plan is definitely not a lot of food to me. Since I am about to stop the lites, I wonder why i can't do the "Blue plan" (an extra 1/2 P and 1 more S) rather than going to "purple" which means I have to choke down another vegetable. (I am not one who LAWL has endeared to veggies)
I wonder if I can add extra carbs to my diet during times of need...for example, next month I'm going away to play hockey for a week. We'll be playing up to two games each day. During those times do you think it would be ok to drink stuff like gatorade before a game?
Angie- Hang in there, a lot of people just starting out do think that there is too much food on the plan and just like everybody else has told you, you really do need to stick it out and give it a chance. You will get used to eating that much. Actually the more you weigh, the more you need to eat and you DO have to eat to lose. If you don't get enough food, you may find yourself in a stall which may be even more frustrating. Try eating things that combine foods. Take the recipe below for example- Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup-1/2PSVVC
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
2 lbs. boneless lean beef chuck, trimmed of fat, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 teaspoon Morton lite salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 medium carrots, cut lengthwise in half, then cut into 1/4 inch slices
1 cup uncooked pearl barley
8 cups low sodium beef broth
1 1/2 cups green giant frozen sweet peas, thawed
1 cup green giant niblets frozen corn, thawed
Preparation:
In 12 inch skillet, heat oil over medium high heat.
Cook onion, garlic, beef, salt and pepper in oil 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned.
Spoon beef mixture into 6 quart slow cooker. Stir in carrots, barley and broth.
Cover and cook on low heat setting 8 to 9 hours. Increase heat setting to high.
Stir in peas and corn.
Cover and cook 8 to 10 minutes or until peas and corn are cooked.
Makes: 12 servings
Serving size: 1/12 recipe
LA Exchange: ½ Protein, 1 Starch, 2 Vegetables, 1 Condiment
You could increase the beef in the recipe to be a full protein and you've just knocked out quite a bit of food.
Okay, I'll stick with it. I shouldn't complain, I'm very happy with my first week. I think for me, like Dan mentioned, it's hard to wrap my head around eating more to weigh less. It's probably not more than I ate before, but it's better food, and more lasting.
Deb, thanks for the recipe, I'll probably make a batch next weekend. It sounds yummy, and a good remedy for the cold weather we're having.
Jason - I know that there was one girl here who didn't want to commit to the 5hr of exercise per week that would move her up a plan. She had a protein shake on her workout days right before she worked out. Maybe you could do something like that since those days will definitely be high intensity. Talk to your COD, and if you don't think your counselor is the most knowledgable, ask to speak with the manager. I'm sure there are some extras that your body needs during this time, but I'm not sure if it's just carbs, or maybe protein too.
Also, Juliemarie (maybe she can chime in) just completed a marathon. Maybe she can offer some insight as to her additions during her training regimen.
My COD has told me that if I have a really long day or a very intense day, then it is perfectly fine if I add a 1/2 a protein and if needed, then a starch. So I would say if you need the extra energy to keep your body going, then do it.
Hi Everyone,
I just have a quick question. I have been on LAWL since Jan 3, and have done great up except for the last 2 days. I had gained at my last weigh in 6 oz and by my own scales am up another today. I haven't been cheating so I am a little confused. Any ideas? Thanks
It's just natural fluctuations in your body. You may be retaining a bit of water (is TOM due?) or as my COD says, just day-to-day fluctuations. You've also lost 11 lbs in two weeks. Your body needs to adjust to the rapid loss. Don't sweat it and you should be fine. I think that it's very important to remember to be extra specific in your journal during this time so that if there is a gaining pattern, your COD will be able to help you to figure out the cause, if there even is one. Hang in there, and let us know how your next WI goes.
Also, try to remember that 2 lb. per week weight loss is healthy. When you first start you usually lose more quickly because you are losing water weight, etc. Your body is just adjusting. As long as you end up averaging a couple lbs. per week you are doing GREAT! And you are being good to your body in the process.
How much is too much?
) The gold plan is definitely not a lot of food to me. Since I am about to stop the lites, I wonder why i can't do the "Blue plan" (an extra 1/2 P and 1 more S) rather than going to "purple" which means I have to choke down another vegetable. (I am not one who LAWL has endeared to veggies)
