Something I've learned...

I have been "dieting" for about a year and a half now, and I've lost about 60 lbs. I've learned a number of things, and I thought I would share at least one of those things in the hopes that it will help others:

Lesson: It is normal to NOT feel full, but it is not normal to feel ravenous.

In other words, I could always eat more. I never feel stuffed, which makes perfect sense because I never eat enough to qualify as an amount sufficient to produce a stuffed feeling. I eat 5-6 times/day, and I eat 300-500 calories at a time. However, I have at times felt ravenous, which ultimately resulted in a binge. THIS ALWAYS OCCURS WHEN I TAKE IN AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF CALORIES. It's pointless to eat so little that you end up binging, because you'll just undo whatever you've done. More importantly, there is an "out of controlness" that comes with binging that results in negative feelings of self-defeat.  I would rather my weight loss to slow slightly (but remain constant and steady) while I maintain a feeling of complete control rather than feeling like my urges are controlling me.

I never really binge anymore per se, at least not involuntarily. I have strategically planned "off times" where I greatly increase my calorie intake in order to shake up my body and keep it guessing. I hope this helps some people. What have you learned during your experience?

I've certainly learned that portion-control is vital if you want to lose weight.   My idea of what constituted a modest portion was a long way from reality and I would always clear my plate - of course!  These days, I cook & serve much smaller portions and still clear my plate.  Amazingly, I am just as satisfied with a smaller amount of food.

Have also learned that a 'day off' from time to time is a good way to keep spirits up and metabolism perky.

I learned that there is a big difference between hunger and the urge to eat.  

I learned that dieting is bad - but lifestyle changes are good.

I learned that many "silly myths" are imposed into poor diet or exercise plans.

I learned that more exercise is not necessarily better, just as less food is not necessarily better.

I learned beware of weight loss secrets, and look for weight loss facts.

I've learned to bring my eyes down to the level of my stomach, and that 1400-1600 calories really can go a long way.

I also learned that you can be creative and get lots of desserts with not lots of calories.

It's a lot easier on your sanity if you give yourself a range of 100-200 calories instead of a specific target.  For example, I try to eat 1400-1600 a day. 

Lastly, you don't have to give up your favorite foods.  a 300 cal cup of Forbidden Chocolate Ice Cream once in a while is not a threat, especially if you can work it into your calorie allowance.

I've learned the same things you all have stated.  The big idea here is that if you live a healthy life, you will look like you live a healthy life! :)

I have learned that I eat to much every day although I so want to be the same weight I was when I was 18 :)

Original Post by gdharris:

It is normal to NOT feel full, but it is not normal to feel ravenous.

this lesson is still blowing my mind. i've been trying to lose weight for about a year and a half now, and i'm still wowed that i can eat, not be full, but not be hungry, either. it's confusing to my brain; it's not used to being satiated without being belt-poppingly full. i'm trying to come to grips with this, and it's still hard for me not to go back for seconds just because i'm not full. listening to your body is hard when you spend so much of your life drowning it out with food.