I've been all over the place with diets but when the dust settles, it seems that calorie counting with a higher protein, lower carb ratio seems to be what works for me. I hate eating low carb, I don't like most meats and I can't eat wheat which is what a lot of fake meats have in them. I can't eat a lot of carbs either because of blood sugar issues. So, calorie counting makes the most sense for me.

I realize I signed up here two years ago and have never really committed myself to posting or anything. I have been homeschooling my son and have been very busy with that and other projects but now son is a senior, can take care of lessons himself, can drive himself everywhere he needs to so I'm not playing chauffer either.

It's time I focus on me for a while. Like most mom's, I put myself last and my health and waistline are taking the toll.

I've been two days counting calories. I'm a bit lightheaded and hungry, need to get used to less food! I'm making wise choices and making sure I get my fruits, vegetables and lean proteins in there.

I look forward to meeting all of you and really settling in here.
Ann

Ann1231!

I hope your lightheadedness goes away... Don't let your cals go too low, and space out your eating--that might help.

Good luck!

Jay

Welcome back, Ann! Calorie counting has been very successful for me. I love the flexibility.

Are you sure you aren't eating too little? It's something we discuss here frequently. How many calories are you eating each day? Are you eating frequently during the day? You don't have to starve to death to lose weight.

Typically, it isn't recommended that women eat fewer than 1200 calories/day, even when dieting! It's just too hard to get in good nutrients and enough calories to keep you going...

heh. Jay and I are on the same wavelength!

thank you Jay and Heather!

I had 1200 calories today and 1400 yesterday. Because of low blood sugar issues, I try to eat a little something every couple of hours. I make sure I get a good protein and a vegetable or fruit with each eating time.

I think my body is just used to 2000+ calories and doesn't know quite what to do with less. If I don't feel a little better here in a few minutes I'm going to go ahead and eat 100 or 200 more calories to make it thru the night. I was hoping to stick to 1200 but it may not be possible yet, until my blood sugar stabilizes, so I'm keeping an open mind to higher calories.

thank you for the suggestion. It may be the way I have to go.

My gosh, Heather, you're gorgeous! Congratulations on your weight loss!

Ann -- Well, thanks!

It seems that all of us need to work to find a way to make calorie counting work best for us. You may want to search out more low cal snacks, or try things like gum... or drinking tea or other beverages to stave off hunger.

I still sometimes have trouble telling if I'm actually hungry or if I'm bored or something else...

I hope you find this site helpful!

HI and welcome
I eat string cheese WW 50 calories if Im feeling like my sugar is dropping. I have found it works better than fruit for me. I agree with not eating to little and try and eat something every 2 hours.
good luck

I am a dedicated calorie counter, too. I eat about every 3 hours, bkfast, snack, lunch, snack. dinner, snack. This keeps me from becoming ravenous and eating anything that doesn't move. My snacks are usually something like Laughing Cow cheese wedges at 35 calories,non fat yogurt at 60 calories , jello 10 calories as an example. Drink plenty of water, sometimes I think I am hungry when actually I am thirsty. And as Heather says, boredom can be a problem, playing tricks on our minds convincing us we are hungry.

thank you for the snack ideas. I have string cheese, that would be perfect! Boredom is a big one for me. My son is really getting mobile this summer so what used to fill my summers is now moving on and, like all mom's, I'm finding myself with time on my hands and finding out what "I" like to do again. It's a fun adventure but I feel like a fish out of water at times. I have taken up photography and finding I have a real knack for it so I'm sure I'll be out and about taking photos and away from food (that's a good thing for me!)

anyway, enough about me... thank you all so much for the support and suggestions! I'm feeling very good about this