[amyyy]

I just started my diet 2 weeks ago and have done really well. I must be a little more serious this time because honestly I haven't ever been on a diet this long. I need to lose 100+ and as I go along I have found things that have helped me out. I want you to tell me the different things that make dieting easier for you.

1. I don't leave any food or snack on the counter. When I go into the kitchen I don't see them and then I don't want them.

2. Keep fruit and low-fat snacks on hand.

3. I have cut my portions and don't go back for more. I have found that if you wait a few minutes after eating a little. . . later your tummy if more full and you don't want more.

4. Fat-free pretzels with low-fat dips. YUM!!!

5. Of course, lots and lots of water!

I know there are many more tips. Would you please share them with me. I do realize whatever I do I will probably be doing it the rest of my life to keep the weight off. I am trying to change my eating habits as I go.

Thank you so much.

Amy

[QuilterInVA]

One the the biggest tips I have for you is to STOP thinking diet. A diet has a beginning and an end (at which point we usually regain all we lost and then some). You are making permanent lifestyle changes and will NEVER go back to eating the way you were. Think of this as doing something loving for yourself.

Journal every bite before you take it. I lost over 200 pounds and this is the thing that helped me the most. I have kept my food journals and still journal daily 30 years later. It teaches you to be honest with yourself. Even if I'm having a bad day and binge, I write every bite down.

Don't weigh yourself more than once a week. Record your inches measurements once a month. You will notice a definite pattern develop with your weight loss. When you don't lose, check inches and you'll probably be pleasantly surprised - we don't seem to lose pounds and inches at the same time.

Drink plenty of water and eat lots of veggies and some fruit.

[aphil]

Hello!
What has helped me the most:
1.) Making exercise part of my life. I schedule time for it each and every day. If you find a class or video or activity that you enjoy, then it will not seem like a chore. I loathe perky pink leotard clad aerobics instructors, so my exercise consists of more alternative exercise, such as yoga and bellydance.
2.)Keeping a journal-I write down what I eat each and every day, and keep track of my inches lost, and pounds lost.
3.)I take preventative measures to avoid binge eating. I have certain trigger foods that I tend to lose control with, so I avoid binging on them by not buying them. (For instance, I love Cool Ranch Doritos, and will eat half a bag if they are around-so now I buy the regular ones for my husband-because they are not a appealing to me-and if I know we are going to a fast food restaurant, I check out the nutrition information ahead of time, and decide what I am going to eat before I get there-instead of looking at the drive-thru menu there trying to decide with the smell of fries in the air, and ordering something bad!)
4.)I have a lot of low calorie/low fat recipes for usually fattening foods that I like! It really helps to have a recipe for lasagna or for cookies when you like to cook and eat with your family.
5.)Don't let an isolated binge turn get you off track. So many women will have an "eating episode" and then go off track eating everything in sight for a week! If you fall down, start right back up the next day!
Aphil

[amyyy]

Thank you for your advice and tips. I do understand that this is a lifestyle change because I have seen so many people lose and then gain it back.

I will start a journal today. That is something that I have not done. I will also measure inches so I can see the change. I really had a hard weekend because we were out of town. Going out to eat is really hard. I took healthy snack but restraunts were so hard to resist.

Thanks again,

Amy

[SEMO]

Here is a tip if you are eating out, which works when you do it!
When you place your order ask for a to go container. Then before you take your first bite put half your meal in the container to take home, the temptation is less at the beginning instead of waiting until the end of the meal. (I never seem to have anything left at that point) I don't always remember to do it but it will work - just simple portion control. Another thing is to avoid buffets, you know we all try to "get our moneys worth" but it's easier to order from the menu and nip the temptation up front.

I like the idea of this thread, some of us have been at this a long time but it's good to be reminded of things that work.

[bandit2]

I have my "point friendly" snacks in one cupboard. So, if I need something I am not tempted by anything I shouldn't have.

Also, put your snacks in cookie tin all pre-measured out in little baggies. Good for taking with you in a hurry.