[alinnell]

Jen~that is an interesting article. So true!

Although I have not cut out any food 100% (I am a true believer in moderation and I count calories, so I should be able to fit in anything that I should so choose to eat). Instead, I have opted for healthier versions of most foods and for whatever reason, I don't really crave the bad stuff. Sure, I'll eat tortilla chips from time to time (they go really good with my Santa Fe Chicken soup!)--but I do look for those with no transfats. You've gotta draw a line somewhere!! Last night, the family had ice cream while we watched TV. I didn't even want any. I'll probably have ice cream once every 2 or 3 months. I didn't even feel deprived while I sat with them and they ate. I guess that old saying "nothing tastes as good as thin feels" has something of a ring to it!

[LakeGirl]

Though everyone else has already said it, just let me reiterate that starving is going to get you nowhere fast.

I have a brand new approach to this weight loss thing and that is that I refuse, refuse, refuse, to diet! I'm done with it, never again, uh uh. What I am doing is eating way better, being AWARE of the emotions that are causing me to eat, and making sure that no food is off limits.

There have been three great resources for me: "You, on a Diet" which someone else recommended. I'm still reading it, but it amazing to read about how your body really and truly works. The second one is "The Best Life Diet" by Bob Greene. You may notice in your grocery store that there are foods with a little white circle with green print on the label that say "Best Life." I have found many things that way that I like to eat. The third is Foodnetwork.com. I go to recipe search and type in "low fat" or "healthy". I have found MANY really good, tasty recipes that my hubby and kids love as well. It takes time and a little planning, but it is so, so worth it.

I don't count calories, or fat grams or any of that. I know that works for a lot of people, but it has never worked for me. I need something that I can stick to FOR LIFE and that means learning to eat all over again. If I am out some place and they have a dessert I really want...and I mean really want, I'll have it. Often, I won't finish it and if I am at a friend's house or something, I'll just take a small piece of the dessert. I get to enjoy it, I don't feel deprived. I also KNOW that I can't do that every night. Again, planning.

I'm working on taking my time eating and not inhaling it like I used to. I don't eat in front of the television, EVER. I have sworn off fast food indefinately, simply because it is not good for me...well, it's actually IMHO at the opposite end of the spectrum of healthy food.

You need to find what works for you, but please, don't starve yourself. I don't know your history, but as I have fought weight all my life and have been on more diets than I can count, I know it has to be a lifestyle change...forever. I almost think it is more of a mental thing than anything else. I'm learning to understand my triggers and to talk myself through my weak moments. It will probably take me a lifetime to figure it all out, but I'm working on it.

You CAN do this!

[JukieF]

The reason I like the McDougall plan so much is that you get to eat a lot of filling foods. He encourages you to eat as much as you want. I never feel hungry, which means I'm never tempted to eat something I shouldn't. I tried to starvation/fasting route before, and I could never get through a single day without giving in. It's so nice to be eating healthy food, losing weight, and not being hungry.

[Rabmonk006]

Glory that is VERY good advice there. I too tried starving myself after I gained my freshman 15 at the end of 2003.. I lost 26 pounds before spring break, and as soon as i got on the plane it was back to eating "normal"... now here I am in 07 and over 50 pounds heavier. Thinking about the point beyond your goal weight is really important, so your "diet" should be something you can live with forever. Also gamerchick, i dunno if youre like me but I never never exercised lol. I just starved myself and played video games all day I realize exercise is important now.. and im starting to kind of enjoy it