[Dagny18]

Not sure what I expect but maybe someone has good advice.

I have lost over 100 pounds. I was down to 170 twice before, just could not maintain it either time. I have hypothyroidism and I think that both times my meds might have been changed. At least this time they did.

I was around 180 a year ago but now I am 190-194. I have a boyfriend now. I still try to get all of my exercise in. Its just that we end up eating out alot more than I was used to. I end up going out with him some days and a few days a month I end up going out with my mom.
So easily in one month I might end up eating out 13 or more times.

I've never believed in cutting out a food group. I will never go low carb. I have cut out soda. I had drastically reduced amount of fries and bread I ate though. I guess I just ate smarter and once in a while enjoyed my food.
But now it just feels like it is out of control.
I need to learn how to make better food choices. I don't feel like I binge though. I have learned how to have one or 2 cookies and stop at that. Or even half. My dad eats "half" foods and is skinny as a rail.
My bf doesn't think I need to lose weight. I am around a size 12 or 14 depending on the brand. He thinks I look fine and obsess over stupid things.
But according to BMI I should be at least 159 pounds.
I just could never get there...
Has anyone else had this problem? I have asked before and I am usually told to go low carb or stop eating out entirely and I just don't think that is realistic. Life happens. I have lost over 100 pounds and did that while sometimes going out so I know it is not required.

[Earthworm]

As a vegan, I honestly hate eating out and try to avoid it unless it's at one of two places I actually like, but my aunt goes out to eat all the time. It's not just unhealthy, but it's expensive too!!
I'd suggest bringing some tupperware with you (maybe just put some in your purse?) and put a third or half of your meal in it before you even start eating. That way, you won't be tempted to eat more than that, plus, you turn one meal into two! You could also order an appetizer as the main meal if a place has some good options!

Congrats on your weight loss so far!! 100+ lbs is an amazing accomplishment!!

[ChelsieT]

What type of restaurants are you going to?

Here are a few strategies:

-You choose the restaurant beforehand.

-Look at the menu online and select your meal to stay within your calorie range for that day.

-If there are foods you can't resist, don't order them.

-Start your meal with a small house salad, substitute rice/potatoes for vegetables.

-Skip the bread altogether if this is your weakness.

Good Luck!!!

[Keika]

Yes, since you're going out to eat so much, I agree with ChelsieT's suggestions for healthier choices at the restaurants. Those are fantastic tips and suggestions. I'll have to try some of those.

I figure the most important thing is to live in a way that is happy and sustainable for you. Personally, I love to eat out, and I love foods like hamburgers and cake. The trick for me was to reduce [*cough* drastically] how much I was eating of those things, but not entirely cut them out. You're right: going low carb or cutting out meals/food groups is not realistic for long-term lifestyle changes. It sounds like you're already there: you know how to portion control, and you're not restricting yourself to a lifestyle that makes you miserable, which you can't sustain in the future. The very fact that you've managed to lose over 100 pounds, especially with hypothyroidism, speaks volumes. That is incredible, and it speaks to your motivation and force of personality.

We don't have a picture of you, but even if we did, I wouldn't pass judgment on whether you "need" to keep losing weight or not. But, if your boyfriend says you look good, try to believe him. He's a (mostly) impartial party. Even if you do find you still need to lose a little more, feeling good in your own skin is a big step towards the body confidence we're all trying to find by being on this journey.

[Dagny18]

ChelsieT-we usually end up at all you can eat buffets
He really likes KFC, or places we get all you can eat chicken wings. So he kinda likes meat
We've also gone to Dairy Queen or Hoss's
I like Hoss's cause I can make a salad, have a little garlic bread and small cup of ice cream
He also likes Chinese which I'm not much into

Thank you Keika! I am around a size 14 right now. If clothes are stretchy I can go maybe 12 not stretchy more size 14
Everyone thinks I looks great but I never liked my body
BMI says I am still overweight
I am afraid I regaining weight I guess cause I am close to 200 pounds (I was 180 before dating now I am 190) and I don't want to get above 200 pounds again

I also think my thyroid screwed with my weight gain cause they have upped my dose twice in less than a year so maybe its not all my fault