I just want to share how I started, I am easily over whelmed and have to fight the all or nothing way of thinking. I started out first, cutting my portions to look more normal, look at the serving sizes on packages ect, then started seeing where I could cut things out like using less condiments ect then I really started counting, I bought a digital scale that measures in Grams and it is my best friend. I measure everything. its actually kinda fun for me. I also switched from white stuff to whole grain stuff, its more filling and usually lower in calories and way better for you

One of my favorite breakfasts (which I don't eat very often because it's too carby for my stupid body) is a serving of cooked oatmeal (150 calories) with a tbsp and a half of peanut butter* (150 calories) and a scoop and a half of vanilla protein powder (70 calories), for a total of about 370 calories with a decent amount of protein and a good serving of fiber.

Most days I do a protein shake on the way to work (I blend half cup milk, half cup water, half a frozen banana, a serving of chocolate protein powder, and a tbsp peanut butter), but not everyone can drink their breakfast and feel satisfied.

For easy, non-processed lunches and dinners, consider tracking down a copy of the South Beach Quick and Easy Cookbook. Just ignore the 'South Beach' bit and check out the recipes; they're all very easy with minimum ingredients, but delicious. I do all my cooking for the week on Sunday night and then just portion things out and microwave. That way it's quick and easy to grab for work or when I'm starving, but I don't have to worry about low protein levels or high salt content. Frozen dinners are convenient and I buy them sometimes, but they never have enough protein to keep me going.

Good luck! You'll figure it out. :)

*I always spend more to buy the Smart Balance peanut butter with added Omega 3s, a) because I don't get enough Omega 3s in my diet, and b) because it tastes weird right out of the jar and if I have the regular stuff I'll just eat it with a spoon and blow my entire day.

Hi...Im brand new here today..and I have already been able to identify a couple of things that are causing me problems..not enough protein at breakfast..maybe not enough for the day... I get very hungry before lunch...I do need help, and Im willing to read and try to learn because I can't get the WL surgery. don't weigh enough..but 60 lbs. overweight is hurting me in so many ways....knees and back have a lot of pain...thanks..I appreciate your helpful posts.

I echo the others in be sure to get enough protein. I have also found that having a BIG bag of carrots on my desk to munch on all day really helps.

Same thing here with not enough protein. I was also doing the same thing around 10:30ish. Feelish sick, weak, shaky, dizzy, etc.
My nutritionist recommended more protein for me at breakfast. Some suggesetions _ Quaker Weight control oatmeal (has more protein in it), hard boiled eggs, 1 egg white and 1 whole egg scrambled, Special K Protein Plus cereal with skim milk. I also add a piece of fruit to breakfast because it helps me to keep from feeling hungry, unless I don't feel full then I save my fruit for a snack.

You've gotten some good advice here. I hope that you listen and learn. Don't be overwhelmed, honey well all get that way! And just get right back on track. We are all here to learn, support, cry, rant, and just BE here for each other. You can do it!!

I'm with the protein and less refined carb suggestions, waffles would keep me going for about, oh, 12 seconds or so if not less. Protein will definitely keep the hunger at bay for longer. There's lots of higher-protein, options. If you like cereal, there's one called Kashi GoLean that has I think 15 g of protein in it and is also high in fibre (most cereals/waffles have about 4 g protein) and I have also found some grab-and go pre-mixed cottage cheese/fruit cups that are 110 cal, and 15 g protein, don't know if you have something like that there, but they've been a lifesaver for me! Also, you can pre-boil eggs and grab a few of those to take to work with you, remove the yolk and it's a low-fat, high protein snack.

I know this is kind of late, but wanted to thank you all for the suggestions!
I really needed that, kind of felt like it was all in my head and that I really shouldn't be hungry.
I think I will work on trying some of the new suggestions you all had for Breakfast and try to get away from the refined stuff.

I did do SB a few years back and seemed to like it. I may go back to my book and work out of that more and see if that helps too.

I haven't tried the Fit Day, so the calories I listed are what I am getting off the internet in general searches. I will look into this and start trying it to see if I am really getting as many calories as I thought.

Thanks again!