Help-I just started today

Hi everyone,

I just started again this morning try to get back on the lifestyle change (hate saying diet) as far as losing weight and eating healthier.  I was doing great April, May June (lost 20 lbs) then fell off the wagon. This morning I was prepared to start, was late for work, missed breakfast and just ate a snickers bar for breakfast.  Why?  Any suggestions to help stick to it?

It helps to be prepared for whatever may come your way to make sure you have healthy options.  For example I keep a Fiber One bar in my purse and at work in case I need an emergency breakfast or snack.  I keep some shelf stable (no refrigeration required) Healthy Choice meals at work in case I need something for a quick lunch.

Planning keeps you from getting into situations where you have no or few good options.

I agree with ncurlee - planning is the key to success. I started the "lifestyle change" on August 10th. I bough a scale that day...went home, stepped on it and the numbers hit me in the face - I had gained 25 pounds in 5 years. I am 29 and I promissed myself to be healthy again before I turn 30 next spring.

I started out with preparing things to take with me when I leave the house - breakfast (which i used to substitute with coffee), snack bar in the pocketbook, yoghurt to put in the job-fridge along with a container of fresh fruit for the aftrenoon snack. I really helps to keep food-log on this site and be ABSOLUTELY HONEST...and I try to reaserch the food before I actually go and buy it.

I have added extra 4-5 glasses of water, which helps to minimize the hunger.

By Friday i had lost a pound, by sunday i was back where I started, because I gave in to pizza and icecream :( It's Monday again, and I think I'll stick with it this time.

I agree with you mgramatt, we are not on a diet, we are just changing our lifestyle :) Best of luck!

Ask Mary recommended a book that I really enjoyed called Thin for Life (Anne Fletcher).  In it are many stories of "masters" of weight loss and how they managed to do it.  In many cases, they had tried and failed many time before they found the path to success.  You might consider getting it at the library (or buy it used) and seeing if you find it as helpful as I did.

For me, personnally, I feel that the main reason I am sticking with my lifestyle changes so far (since the first of the year in 2009) is that my plan is not overly restrictive or "all-or-nothing".  Your phrase is that earlier this year "you were doing great" and lost 20 pounds (congrats!) made me wonder if you "fell off the wagon" because your plan was too restrictive.  GI-Jane (and others) have repeatedly said make no change you don't feel you can happily live with for the rest of your life.

Also, remember, that even a day that starts with a Snickers can end with a big pile of vegetables.  Take each meal at a time, as a new chance to eat the way you choose/want/need to eat.

Don't buy junk food!
It's amazing how much one can lose when they fill their kitchens with healthier foods. It doesn't require great willpower when you're not having to look at junk food all day, and your only options are healthier.

Not advertising for Dr. Ian, but his 30-day diet really is a great way to go. My entire family, husband, 14-yr old son and myself, have gotten on board.  Truth be told, we do not follow everything on the list. We actually substitute one day for the next or day before. My point is, it works.  It is simply allowing you to eat what you like, but less. It is just a habit now.

I really think it works.  Especially with a good work out regiment (Wii Fit and walking).

Just MHO.

DXTREME

Don't get discouraged.  It's not an all or nothing situation.  So you fell from grace a little this morning, go get some exercise, drink a lot of water, and eat healthy for the rest of the day.

I find it helps to keep a stock of snacks at my desk...I have a tupperware bin I keep full of granola bars, 100 calorie popcorn bags, pre-measured trail mix, dried fruit, etc.  So if I'm in a hurry and I didn't get a healthy breakfast, or lunch, or I'm really craving a snack, there are always healthy options.  Also, while I'm not really a low-carb diet advocate, be aware of how much protein you've been eating.  A protein rich snack may be much smaller and higher in calories but it will keep you going longer and satisfy your hunger better.

And eat when you're hungry.  Just eat something healthy.  Suffering with hunger pains is usually what causes me to binge.

Good luck!

Thanks Everyone,

Good advice-I was thinking about it last night and breakfast seems to either start my day off right or wrong.  If I eat something high in calorie/not good for you, that's how I tend to eat for the rest of the day.  So this morning I brought instant oatmeal and put it in by desk.  I take the train everyday and I'm always late so of course I had a packet today as so far so good.

Also I noticed while looking through my food cabinets last night, and being on a very tight budget for food, I tend to buy my husband and 4-year old son all the things they like (they're two peas in a pod).  So when I look into the refrig/cabinets, there's nothing that looks good to me.  I think I have to start buying a larger variety of things for all of us to try or a least trying to bring in some of the things I like as well.

I think the best thing to do is to eliminate all the junk food from your house! Seriously, it helps so much, and when you think about it, if you buy junk food, you're paying to poison your body.

I make a point of taking about 30 mins every evening preparing my meals for the next day, and leaving it ready to go. Since I'm calorie counting, I figure I might as well make my meals well worth it, and something I will throughly enjoy eating and feeling good about.  Having everything portioned in advance saves me from over-eating or buying something high-calorie at work..

Good luck!

Planning is definately key, I would agree that stocking up on healthy choices makes a massive difference. Try to eat with anticipation of activity. When you plan on being least active eat a low calorie meal or snack. Its been said time and again but goes against our American culture, try to eat 5 to 6 small meals a day. They don not all have to be meals, they can be snacks (healthy snacks). This helps you feel more full and more energetic throughout the day. Stick to a healthy life style combined with exercise and you will reach your goals, consistency is key! These are just  my reccomendations I am not a nutritionist!

Andre (Certified Personal Trainer, ISSA)