thought it would be interesting f we all shared tips/advice on what one change / food / diet plan etc has been an intregal key in our weight loss journies! the thread would not only inspire ideas but encourage others of trying new approaches and methods or realise where there own diet and weight loss plans have become ' stuck '! so come on, who wants to go first . . . . share your secrets! ; )

 

Fiber chewables. 1 or 2 a day I think has really helped :]

 

power bars!!!!! I LOVE them, they actually taste good. I have one every day. they help me not be hungry throughout the day. They have a full serving of whole grain, 10g of protein, and 5g of fiber. if you haven't tried one...do it!

oh, and my fav. is strawberry crunch which is 240 cals.

Scheduling exercise for specific times and days, which forces me to eat for fuel-make better choices. 

 

Egg whites / Protein!

I've learned having a good amount of protein with every meal has REALLY made me lose that "I'm hungry" feeling that I used to have all the time!

Also, Citrucel is amazing. I only have 1 serving a day (rather than 3) and it has been wonderful! In the morning, before my long runs, I'll have cirtucel mixed with 1/2 a scoop of protein soy powder... totally great little something for pre-run!

hey peachynerd, i have always wanted to try upping the egg whites/protein but the ' urban myth ' about eggs and protein increases being ' binding ' has always held me back!  have you found this at all?!  thanks in advance!

i don't know what binding is? educate me :) i'll try to answer...

sorry, it means, er, constipated!!!!  ; )

Oooh okay... the funny thing is, the other thing I suggested "Citrucel"... is a gentle fiber supplement mix drink (its really good actually, like tang/oj)

Anyway, long story short- its hard to say because I eat a lot of fiber on top of my protein intake, but basically, no problems at all! :)

The Zone Diet... balance carbs protein and fats

 

go to www.zonediet.com

 

 

I always leave 100cals at the end of the day so I can have a few squares of Green and Blacks chocolate after dinner. I savour each one and it means I end every day with a little treat, so I never feel deprived when I finish the day's calories.

Holiday clothes! Now that the suns out I've been wearing my new summer clothes, yay... it keeps me more on track when opting for a snack than wearing tshirt n jeans...

I've also got myself some hiking sandals (I live near plenty of hills) and have been taking them for a walk everyday.

funny you should mention holiday cd mine from last year . . . . not good!  so i am going to start doing something i did a few years ago as it kept me in control - a food and feelings diary!  i can but pray it hopes second time round!  i am also going to up the exercise now that summer is here, but it seems that only works for SOME people!  i have a couple of friends that actually GAINED weight from exercise - go figure?!

all your ideas are fab - keep 'em coming!  ; )

For the first time in my life I decided that I was going to make a life style change instead of following a diet.  The first difference was to approach food as fuel for my body instead of comfort.  I when from "live to eat" to eat to live" 

The second change was to incorporate exercise into my day.  I set a goal to walk 7 km every day. No excuses.  To create some motivation I walked to the grocery store each day to buy what I needed for the next day.  Evenually I incorporated running (but that is another story).  

The third and more important change was to stop eating after my dinner meal.  Before I consumed majority of my excess calories after dinner. This was the hardest part of the change but it is the key to my life style change and key part in my maintenance.

Following these changes I have been able to loose over 89lbs and keep it off for more than 5 months.  

Slowing down my eating pace. I now try and eat each mouth full individually and put my fork down between taking bites. It means I can have less than other people but finish at the same time so making me think I'm not cutting down.

Xbox360: I have had problems finding a gym nearby so ended up getting a exercise bike (donated by a friend) and mini-stepper at home, however I got bored after 10mins. Then I tried going on the stepper and playing arcade style games on my Xbox while exercising which really helps. I'll happily spend 45-60mins on the stepper at a time.

Tracking weight daily. I know this doesn't suit a lot of people but when I measured weekly I soon gave up. Tracking it daily means when i'm in a lull and am not going down I look back over the previous month and see the difference over that month and realise overall its getting better.

Also, the weathers been superfab and hot (I live in rainy old Wales lol) so I've been sitting outside basking in the sun studying as I have exams!... Not only does this help keep me away from the comp so I don't get too distracted, but also puts me in a summery mood to snack on grapes and strawberries etc rather than be near the cupboards for a quick fix! I'm also eating salad more yay!

And my daughter 'drags' me outside to play badminton for at least an hour. I've had to up my cals a bit, but if it's getting me fitter I'm happy with slow and steady :)

fluffybunbun I wish I could exercise and play games all at the same time hehe but I just can't do both :( I'll have to get out my daughters dance mat instead... and a mini tramampoline I REALLY wanna bounce!

What is special about the fiber chewables

working out, drinking loads of water, and eating fruit when I feel a sweet craving coming on

i plan my meals a day in advance. i psych myself up for my yummy dinner of lunch i will make. if i plan my calories in advance i give my self some wiggle room for a treat or two :-) 

walking a lot

upping protein

bringing lunch to work

Taking my 3 mile walk everyday, logging my weight everyday, frosted mini wheats (6grams of fiber per CUP! I eat 3 cups a day now ) Eating 3 large eggs every morning, and of course, my Arizona green tea. I'd die without that! Oh and logging the weight everyday, even when my weight fluctuates. And the nutrition grade thingie really helps me know I'm eating healthier too. That makes me happy.