I have a total weakness to potatoes and Chinese food... now that I haven't eaten them for a while they dont even sound good anymore. very much a mental addiction.
For many of us, it's not just mental, but positively a physical addiction as well.
Ive been eating out a lot and feeling the effects of it.
I work 2 jobs everyday and i use to eat out A LOT!!! I decided to go on a financial diet as well as a physical diet. Ive found that i eat so much better when i bring my own food to eat each day. I know its tempting to eat out but when u do, u usually end up with junk! Try packing your own healthy meals each day. That alone can cut out a ton of calories. Also, i try to make it my mission to get up earlier at least 3 times a week to actually "cook" me some breakfast. I find that when i just eat cereal i am STARVING 2 hours later and go raid the fridge at work lol. Eating a larger breakfast helps me out a LOT!
Lori, i think you are right on the money lol. Im addicted to soda and carbs. I may be able to calorie count but not with ANY soda and with no white bread at all. Pasta and bread are my biggies. Im italian and grew up on it. Ughh I have some major changes to make.
I am also a carb lover and understand what you mean! I started calories counting then slacked off a little only because i tend to eat the same stuff each week, so i already know how many calories im consuming.
Now i try not to cut out my favorite foods but find healthier ways of preparing. I use to have wheat bread but now i LOVE it. I also have grown to love whole wheat pasta and light spaghetti sauce. Minor things like this helps out a lot as well. I'm always searching the net for healthy variations of my favorite meals!
I agree with LuckyMommy
Start counting the calories, and cut out the bad carbs for one week. Keep your calories high. When I started, I was eating 1800-2000 carbs per day and losing steadily on that. And guess what? I did not count fruits or vegetables. I wanted to integrate more of those into my diet, so I allowed myself as much as I wanted. So technically, I probably was eating 2000-2200 calories and losing consistently.
You want pasta? 2 ounces of whole wheat pasta, with a low-sodium tomato sauce, loads of veggies and 2 ounces of grilled chicken. Big ol' bowl and freaking yummy.
If you change over to a lower carb, whole foods based diet, eating no processed foods, and use your calories to eat the most filling and nutritious food for your buck, you will not be hungry.
Oh, and eating out? I do it. Quite often. Guess what? I research the nutrition at a place before I go and choose meals that are under 500 calories. 90% of places have the calories right there on the menus, or a nutritional guide. You've just got to commit to yourself that you will make different choices.
Good luck, and sometimes you need to realize that you are stronger than what you give yourself credit for.
I have some basic rules. I use them to fall back on when I am struggling. My rules: eat my veggies everyday, limit booze, careful with cheese, do SOME for of physical activity. These are things that I can focus on easily when I am struggling and just want to dive into a tub of cheesy dip and pretzels and rinse with a 6 pack.
Once I get going on one or two changes, then it gets easier to add in another.
Exercise has been SUPER helpful for me too = it elevates my moods. When I am happier, it is easier.
] to tell myself to stick with the program lest my efforts at the gym be wasted.
salts, msg, sugar, oil are all physically addictive. Though physical addiction is temporary it's very real.
