The first couple weeks are the hardest......right?

I've started on cc a few times in an attempt to lose 20 pounds and get down to 130 from 150 (at 5'6").  Every time I start off great, but after a week or two, I start getting cravings galore and I give every reason/justification in the world to get off the wagon and go back to "norman" (ie. unhealthy) eating.  I reason that 150 isn't really overweight and it's not that important to get down to my "dream" weight; that's it's not conducive to a normal life of eating, etc. etc. etc. 

So, my question is, does it get better?  I know it's never "easy" so to speak, but do the cravings start to dim down and do you get into the "grove" of the new lifestyle, making it easier to make regular good choices with regard to what you put in your mouth?  If it does, please let me know, because I'm only a couple days in (and feel great with all the more veggies and lean protein I've been eating, by the way), but I know what happens each time I start.  If I know it gets better in some aspects, it will help me get over that hump. 

Therefore, if anyone can tell me the ways it does get better, even if it's never easy - which I don't expect it to be - it would be a huge help.

Thanks so much!

 

It DOES get better. You have to tough it out. If you want that piece of pizza, go ahead and eat it, but don't go overboard and completely let your diet disintegrate. You have to treat yourself once in awhile. Thats what I did when I dieted, and I got from about 135 to 120 in a month and a half, the HEALTHY way. It's worth it, because now I can still indulge in the foods I love such as pizza, pasta, steak, etc yet while doing so I can maintain my weight. And you can to. Once you begin to adjust, your body will crave HEALTHY foods more so than the high calorie, salty, fattening junk.

Keep that healthy mindset. Be determined, stay focused. Its so worth it in the end. Not only will you look better, but you'll feel better mentally & physically!

I think you eventually find it easier because you find healthy treats that you love and your taste buds sort of adapt (I cannot handle salt on my food anymore).

You will always have cravings. But a quart of raspberries with a few squares of dark chocolate can easy replacement high sugar candies... And isn't it better??

I went from 4500 calories a day and am now around 2000. It's a huge difference and I tought I would starve to death at the beginning. Just follow your own pace. Don't punish yourself from falling off the wagon and learn to incorporate new treats to your new lifestyle.

Good luck!!!

Thanks so much for the encouragement - that's just what I need to get past that point where it's so hard and all the reasons why I shouldn't stay committed or justifications set in. 

Rasberries and dark chocolate squares - yum!  Any more good ideas like that one? 

Well you see, that's where you are starting to mess up. You are already questioning yourself about going back to old habits and I kind of get the hint that you feel you are going to. Do NOT do this. You have to keep in mind and have no doubts. You have to feel you WILL do this and gain that determination. If you have all, but doubts you'll never have the determination that is going to make you pull through and to adapt to healthier choices in life.

 

First of all, another thing people tend to do is say, "I am on a diet." This more or less means nothing but fruits and veggies and the such, no you want to say "I am making healthier choices in the biggest majority of my food choices." If you want ice cream, then go ahead, but make sure it's a lighter variety and to measure it out and fit it into your daily calorie limit. I pretty much believe a person can eat what they want if they don't go overboard and can manage to fit it in for the day. Just make sure you get plenty of more filling and healthier options in that day. If you go to a restuarant with a loved one, friend or whatever and are unsure of the calories don't worry, just try to go for a healthier option just knowing your eating healthier is a big booster. If a craving is so terrible for a certain food that you can not control or know will not fit into your calorie requirements then oh well. But stop at that one thing and continue being healthy. The fact of the matter the next day is a new day and the sun will still shine. You just make sure you make up for it later on. The biggest majority of your diet should be from good nutrients, but it doesnt all have to be that way. You can have junk, you just have to watch yourself on your "healthier" life style.

I believe thats the right way to do things. For most people think Oh yeah, I'm eating so healthy now, then they reach their goal and go back to their old ways only to put the weight on again. If you chose to live healthier with some treats now and then you'll have a better chance at life thats why I say to say NO to diets.

 

Life is too short to live it so strictly, but it is our life's choices that may make that life so much longer. Don't diet to be skinny, eat right to be healthier.

 

And on a side note, yes your taste buds do adapt and you notice flavors in old foods you onced loved that you did not before.

You know what, I've never actually put myself on a diet because, until now, I thought I looked alright. I've been in a relationship for 5 years so I guess I was completely complacent with myself. I'm 5'11" and my maximum weight was 208. I'll be weighing in tomorrow again. Any way, I read someone else's comment about treating yourself but in control and I agree. But I am a perfect example of an unhealthy eater. My weaknesses are carbs. And I HATE most veggies so I've just stuck to a lot of fruit: peaches, grapes, sliced apples (crunch paks), strawberries, and mixed berries.

For breakfast, I'll either eat oatmeal or blended fruit with some rainbow light protein powder. I'll snack on a crunch pak of apples or just wait until lunch.

For lunch, I'll usually eat a 6 in. Subway sub turkey breast, ham, provolone and mustard on wheat. (260 cal) Or, if I'm home, I'll mix soy sauce, mustard and garlic with some pepper as a marinade. Then pan-sear a breast of chicken, chopped, and pour the marinade in once the chicken is white on both sides. If I want some, I'll add rice. Normally I just eat the chicken but its still under 200 cal. 

For supper, black bean soup (or bush's seasoned black beans cooked for a few hours on the stove), or maybe tomato soup, I just heat up a can of Contadina's tomato sauce, with a slice of toast or two and some smart balance. I may have some water and grapes before bed, but if you can set yourself up with food that you don't find repulsive, and just plan ahead, its achievable. I'll let you know what I weigh in as tomorrow because my first day was the 13th.

Last night, I looked up all of these fast food restaurants and compared all my favorites to plan for a breakdown if I had it; so that even in an emergency, I'm prepared. I was surprised to find out that one of my favorite sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwich at burger king, was, alone 760 calories! Compared to a supreme burito at taco bell thats less than or around 200 ( can't remember) But now, at least I'm prepared if need be and I WILL NOT be going to burger king in that event. Wish you the best! (Oh, and try Odwalla juices for a lunch on the go .. they're so good!AND read the ingredients- its all natural!!)

i agree with silentdeadlyrose....... i dont consider myself to be on a diet, but to have changed my lifestyle. stop thinking of foods as i cant eat that cause i'm on a diet, and start approaching it as , i wont eat that cause its horrible for me.

now that doesnt mean you cant eat those things.... if i had 100% control i would have lost about 20lbs more, as i have gained 2-5lbs several times through the summer, when camping, or going out of town...... the trick is to get back to your healthyier way of eating once that weekend is done....

also agree about the taste buds part..... SO true!

i'll stop rambling now.

Oh, and I don't know if you like yogurt, but Dannon (nonfat) light and fit is DELICIOUS. And, its only 60 cal. Its got fresh fruit, and its not whipped and tasteless like so many diet yogurts out there.

Driventon, I have to say, your approach seems very laid back but gets the job done.  I like the idea of scoping out your favorite fast food places or restaurants so you're well prepared ahead of time - good tip.  It's also good to know the taste buds and the body gets used to the new way of eating - it may take a few weeks, but I do believe it will happen.  Thanks for the encouragement!