[runsfromponies]

Greetings All,

First time seeking online help with weight loss. I have been yo yo dieting for years. I have used Seattle Sutton this last round. Lost 73 pounds and have gained about 60lbs back. In the past week I've started /stopped dieting about 6 times. One of those days I actually made it 2 days in a row. By dieting I mean no eating after dinner,no deserts and cutting back on carbs & no soda of any kind. I usually do this before I begin a diet program to help me ease into it. I looked over some of the site. Fasting programs. I'm not sure if I'm up to that. I have done almost vegetarian only have fish/chicken no beef or pork. I like the idea of vegetarian but I don't cook and burn out on Salads,bean burrito's or veggie burgers.

I am becoming reclusive I am so self conscience about my weight and its starting to affect my over all health. Any suggestions,idea's or just a good mental kick in the pants to begin would be most appreciated.

runs..

[ange82much]

Hi Runs
Great you're here, but it sounds like you're doing it tough.

I'd say maybe you're trying to do too much at once and then you're failing a lot and starting again a lot, so mentally you're thinking it's ok to 'fail' because you can try again tomorrow, but in the end it's happening too often and you don't really get anywhere.

Perhaps it would be better for your confidence to pick one thing and be determined to 100% succeed at that. No wiggling out. Then when you're successful at that (after a few weeks for example) and feel pleased with yourself, you can add another 'rule' back in. Remember, you might as well do this whole weight loss thing one time, make it now! You've got your whole life to live, so you don't have to do it quickly, but do it well.

So.… how about 'not eating after dinner'. That sounds a good one. Just don't do it!!! When you want to, remind yourself it's only for a few hours and you've got all of tomorrow day-time to eat. Also maybe find a substitute. For me it's a cup of peppermint tea. Not that it satisfies anything in terms of hunger, but it helps because the tea routine eventually becomes the habit rather than the snacking routine.

If you can get started, then it all becomes easier as you feel proud of yourself for what you've done and don't want to 'spoil it' by going back to old habits. I know this approach won't bring you quick weight loss, but you've tried that and at least this way you get a black/white picture if you're sticking to your plan or not - i.e. if you didn't eat after dinner you've 100% achieved your aims. Job done for the day. Put a sticker on the calendar.

Or really, there are lots and lots of approaches, so this might not appeal, so what's going to work best for you is whatever you most want to do. It's a very individual game!

So keep trying and good luck and see you around the boards

[mjf]

In the past week I've started /stopped dieting about 6 times.

If you've failed 6 times so far, maybe your diet is bad. You say you avoid dessert and soda, but which foods do you eat?

cutting back on carbs

You don't need to cut back on carbs. Just make sure you get your carbs from whole foods and not processed foods. The Okinawan diet was about 85% carbs, and they're one of the longest living populations.

I like the idea of vegetarian but I don't cook and burn out on Salads,bean burrito's or veggie burgers.

There are many foods to choose from: Vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, spices. You can make many interesting foods from those ingredients.
If you don't like salad, maybe you'd prefer cooked vegetables. Or you can try a green smoothie, if you prefer to drink your vegetables.
If you're looking for other bean options, you can try hummus, or tofu, or chili.

[runsfromponies]

Thank you ange and mjf for responding.

There is a lot of truth in what you wrote ange. I have had a "Gone With The Wind"... "tomorrow is another day mindset". Your suggestion of trying one thing makes sense. Last night I had the last of the ice cream bars so there is no food in the house. I will give it a go.

mjf By no carbs I mean bread. I eat out so usually I have salad,main course,potato or veggie. I am not really a cook. I have tried a few of those prepared Vegetarian meals. When I buy nuts. I have to buy them in individual sizes or I will eat the entire bag in one setting. Even when I divvy them up in small bags to take to work. If its in the house...I would end up eating them. It was one reason Seattle Sutton would work for me. It was the only food I kept in the house. What I would like to achieve is to get my eating under control and make healthy choices. I am feeling more positive knowing that there are others on here who have walked in my shoes. And may be able to offer guidance. My family has been supportive they are concerned for my health. I know its up to me to do this.

I looked at the article on reviewing diets. And have a lot more topics to check out.

Thank you again for your suggestions!