Seriously need healthy recipe help for a picky eater

[worm761]

I have been to the doctor. I have an appointment with a new one on Dec 13th (old one stopped practicing or left the area, letter didn't say which). They haven't put me on meds, its still technically not high enough consistently to need that (technically high blood pressure is more then 140/(something, I don't pay attention to the bottom numbers since mine are ok) good is less then 120. I tend to be in the borderline area between them, its only a problem because I'm 25.

There is a nutritionist that comes to work a few days a week I'll try and make an appointment tomorrow (no one is there past 3:00 so its too late today)

You should check out eatbetteramerica.com. I love that site. And Skinnytaste.com. She has some seriously good food on there.

 

[dngnb8]

He does love his sugar.

Funnin aside, honey is a super food.

 

[FireDancer]

I don't know why this is the one thing I can't put myself first in. I have no trouble with that when it comes to work, getting my degree, my job, the extra projects required for the program I'm in. I just can't seem to do it for this. I have woke up quite a bit about this lately and my health really is starting to scare me, but to be honest I don't know how to fix it. I'm not even sure I know what a really healthy meal looks like because with the OP the things in her list didn't sound so bad. That is how I always ate as a kid, if not worse.

To tell you the truth is sounds like your husband might be purposely sabotaging you. If he is supporting of your job and education but not of your health it very well might be because your education and job also benefit him while your health doesn't. It can be a way for him to exert control over you via food. You say he "will not allow not ordering both chips and salsa and hot wings" but what the heck kind of husband doesn't allow their wife to not order something they don't want. Add in that he goes and gets fast food multiple times a week and I am assuming eats it at home in front of you and that is what this whole situation reeks of to me. I admit this is total armchair psychology so take it for what it is worth.

I can't tell you how to put you first other than just do it. If he is going to be cranky because he can't get his Chili's or Taco Bell or whatever too bad. Tell him go by yourself or don't go. He is your spouse not your child. I know that might sound harsh and might be hard to do but you are on the fast track to an early death if you don't do something.

Here is another question... what do you do for lunches for work? I have access to a fridge and microwave but can't really go anywhere due to the time it would take to get there. The work cafeteria is kind of gross (taste and health wise). I tned to have frozen dinner process stuff that I know is awful for me.

Every Monday I go to a local grocery store and get my lunch for the week. An example of what I might get is some flat bread or pita bread and Turkey or Roast Beef. We have a small local grocery chain that makes their own so it doesn't have the added chemicals and preservatives normal deli meat could have. I usually get some single serve cottage cheese cups and Greek Yogurt. They also make soup in house fresh every day and some days I'll grab some of that for my Monday lunch or some sushi because they have a sushi chef working right there making it fresh. I then eat wraps or pocket sandwiches the rest of the week.

I am also a believer in eating small meals throughout the day so I have almonds, cliff bars, Kashi granola bars, dried fruit, or something along those lines in my desk so I can graze throughout the day.

I might have missed it but did you mention anywhere that you get some physical activity every day? I know it is hard with work and school because that is what I did and I got far too sedentary but I also wasn't over 200 lbs. You have to get in some sort of exercise. That might mean using half of you lunch to just walk around outside or up and down the stairs. It could mean that for dinner you have something portable and eat it while walking around your block. If you live in an apartment complex with a pool or fitness room use it. What you do depends on your schedule but do something.

Lastly see a doctor and see a good doctor. I belong to an experimental health care plan through the Cleveland Clinic and ERC that is wellness based. Basically it concentrates not on my doctor just seeing me as part of an assembly line and throwing drugs at me but instead on concentrating on my overall health as a single entity. I get access to sports medicine doctors, standard doctors, cardiologists, nutritionists, and am guaranteed as long as I need as opposed to a 5 minute quick check. If you can find something like that I think it would benefit you greatly. At least find a doctor that will refer you to a nutritionist and while you will probably need the help of drugs to keep your numbers normal the end goal should be getting you into a lifestyle the gets you healthy and off of as many of the drugs as possible. You might never have perfect blood pressure but the things you are describing are not normal for someone in their 20's.

I don't know if you watch the Biggest Loser but you a near perfect example of the kind of contestants they see. You might not be able to lose 100 pounds in 10 weeks because you do nothing but work out 8 hours a day but you can take the overall approach they use and get the same results over a longer period of time.

 

[Disneylvr]

Fire Dancer offers some very good advice. kamik86 I am in my mid-40's and allowed myself to get over 300lbs since my teens. PLEASE don't let this happen to you! I have HBP, terrible knees & back, borderline diabetes.... In September I finally said ENOUGH and made significant changes in my life because I knew I was killing myself. I joined weight watchers and started using my Y membership for ME not just for my kiddo. In 11 weeks since making my lifestyle changes I have lost 37 pounds. My blood pressure is lower, I have more energy... As for my diet, I changed that in September COLD TURKEY and stick to my Weight Watchers points very strictly. I started more slowly with exercise, at first just walking outside during my breaks at work and have now moved up to hour long cardio workouts at least 4 times a week. I work full time, am PTO President at my daughter's school, a wife and mother of a special needs child but was able to squeeze in ME time for exercise. You know what, I feel so much better already even though I still have a long ways to go. Each day it gets easier. Thanksgiving was a little tough but I got through it and still lost 4lbs that week and enjoyed a sliver of pumpkin pie. My husband, who wasn't on board at first, is now eating what I eat (so is my 8 year old daughter) and I enjoy trying new, healthier recipes. I rarely eat out now but when I do I stick with salads or items from the a la carte (no cheese, croutons or high calorie dressings....) or immediately ask for a to-go container and put 1/2 or even 2/3's of your meal in it before starting. Most restaurants, even chains, will alter a menu item to make it healthier. I pass on the bread, desserts, anything fried, creamed....and say yes to more fresh veggies, fruits, whole grains, low fat protein. I never thought that I could do this, but I have. It isn't easy but you CAN do it too. Please don't wait as long as I did. The older you get, the harder it will be to lose it.

 

[kamik86]

Well I stopped at the store on the way home so for dinner I head quinoa with onion, zucinni, pepper (both red bell and fresno) and some chopped walnuts.

I need to work on the seasoning of this a bit more (just threw in some cajun seasoning, I think next time a bit less of that and some garlic would taste better.

I have no idea if I cooked it right though... is it supposed to have a tiny bit of a crunch left to it? I did 1.5 cups in a can of chicken broth (low sodium kind)

I have more then enough left over for tomorrows lunch (which will stop me from getting the nachos loaded with cheese and fatty beef from work tomorrow.

To tell you the truth is sounds like your husband might be purposely sabotaging you. If he is supporting of your job and education but not of your health it very well might be because your education and job also benefit him while your health doesn't. It can be a way for him to exert control over you via food. You say he "will not allow not ordering both chips and salsa and hot wings" but what the heck kind of husband doesn't allow their wife to not order something they don't want. Add in that he goes and gets fast food multiple times a week and I am assuming eats it at home in front of you and that is what this whole situation reeks of to me. I admit this is total armchair psychology so take it for what it is worth.

I can't tell you how to put you first other than just do it. If he is going to be cranky because he can't get his Chili's or Taco Bell or whatever too bad. Tell him go by yourself or don't go. He is your spouse not your child. I know that might sound harsh and might be hard to do but you are on the fast track to an early death if you don't do something.



Every Monday I go to a local grocery store and get my lunch for the week. An example of what I might get is some flat bread or pita bread and Turkey or Roast Beef. We have a small local grocery chain that makes their own so it doesn't have the added chemicals and preservatives normal deli meat could have. I usually get some single serve cottage cheese cups and Greek Yogurt. They also make soup in house fresh every day and some days I'll grab some of that for my Monday lunch or some sushi because they have a sushi chef working right there making it fresh. I then eat wraps or pocket sandwiches the rest of the week.

I am also a believer in eating small meals throughout the day so I have almonds, cliff bars, Kashi granola bars, dried fruit, or something along those lines in my desk so I can graze throughout the day.

I might have missed it but did you mention anywhere that you get some physical activity every day? I know it is hard with work and school because that is what I did and I got far too sedentary but I also wasn't over 200 lbs. You have to get in some sort of exercise. That might mean using half of you lunch to just walk around outside or up and down the stairs. It could mean that for dinner you have something portable and eat it while walking around your block. If you live in an apartment complex with a pool or fitness room use it. What you do depends on your schedule but do something.

Lastly see a doctor and see a good doctor. I belong to an experimental health care plan through the Cleveland Clinic and ERC that is wellness based. Basically it concentrates not on my doctor just seeing me as part of an assembly line and throwing drugs at me but instead on concentrating on my overall health as a single entity. I get access to sports medicine doctors, standard doctors, cardiologists, nutritionists, and am guaranteed as long as I need as opposed to a 5 minute quick check. If you can find something like that I think it would benefit you greatly. At least find a doctor that will refer you to a nutritionist and while you will probably need the help of drugs to keep your numbers normal the end goal should be getting you into a lifestyle the gets you healthy and off of as many of the drugs as possible. You might never have perfect blood pressure but the things you are describing are not normal for someone in their 20's.

I don't know if you watch the Biggest Loser but you a near perfect example of the kind of contestants they see. You might not be able to lose 100 pounds in 10 weeks because you do nothing but work out 8 hours a day but you can take the overall approach they use and get the same results over a longer period of time.

Honestly I don't think he is purposely sabatoging me as much as he doesn't want to have to change in anyway for this. The two appetizer for instance are shared between us. I just can't manage to not eat any of it when its sitting there in front of me.

As for the doctor part. Unfortunately I live in the middle of no where. If I went to a doctor in the town I work in I would have a few more options but even then I have very few.

I don't excercise much at all. I worked until 3:30 with the stop at the store and an accident on the way home blocking traffic didn't get home until almost 5. Made dinner ate, and in a moment will start working on homework.

I'm already exhausted and although I have a gym membership haven't been since Sept when school started... I was going 4 days a week during the summer. I doubt I will do any exercise tonight.

 

[LSmith]

Fire Dancer offers some very good advice. kamik86 I am in my mid-40's and allowed myself to get over 300lbs since my teens. PLEASE don't let this happen to you! I have HBP, terrible knees & back, borderline diabetes.... In September I finally said ENOUGH and made significant changes in my life because I knew I was killing myself. I joined weight watchers and started using my Y membership for ME not just for my kiddo. In 11 weeks since making my lifestyle changes I have lost 37 pounds. My blood pressure is lower, I have more energy... As for my diet, I changed that in September COLD TURKEY and stick to my Weight Watchers points very strictly. I started more slowly with exercise, at first just walking outside during my breaks at work and have now moved up to hour long cardio workouts at least 4 times a week. I work full time, am PTO President at my daughter's school, a wife and mother of a special needs child but was able to squeeze in ME time for exercise. You know what, I feel so much better already even though I still have a long ways to go. Each day it gets easier. Thanksgiving was a little tough but I got through it and still lost 4lbs that week and enjoyed a sliver of pumpkin pie. My husband, who wasn't on board at first, is now eating what I eat (so is my 8 year old daughter) and I enjoy trying new, healthier recipes. I rarely eat out now but when I do I stick with salads or items from the a la carte (no cheese, croutons or high calorie dressings....) or immediately ask for a to-go container and put 1/2 or even 2/3's of your meal in it before starting. Most restaurants, even chains, will alter a menu item to make it healthier. I pass on the bread, desserts, anything fried, creamed....and say yes to more fresh veggies, fruits, whole grains, low fat protein. I never thought that I could do this, but I have. It isn't easy but you CAN do it too. Please don't wait as long as I did. The older you get, the harder it will be to lose it.

Great post! Thanks.

 

[Imzadi]

Okay... odd question...

What is the texture of cooked Quinoa? The reason I ask is that I am not a big fan of the texture of brown rice. I do eat regular rice (really infrequently, like 2-3 times a month) couscous, ect. So, I just want to prepare myself!

It depends on how much liquid & how long you cook it. I tend to like it softer and mushier, when I have it in place of oatmeal, ( I actually prefer creamy oatmeal,) or mixed with a sauce, like pesto, or tomato sauce, or just butter & Pamesan cheese. It is my white rice substitute.

Usually you cook quinoa with about 1 part quinoa and 2 parts water. I look in the pot just a few minutes before it's about done. If it looks too dry & fluffy to me, (couscous like,) I'll simply add in a little more water and cook it another couple minutes.

If I want it drier, a little chewier & fluffy, I'll take it off the stove earlier and fluff it with a fork, or take the lid off the pot near the end if it looks like there is still too much water, so the water evaporates out while cooking. Same if I added too much water. Just take the lid off.

It may take a few times of cooking it to find the texture you like.

This was something no one addressed to the OP. Even if she starts cooking vegetables, she's probably not going to get it right the first time. She may end up with overcooked wilted mush the first couple times and totally hate that vegetable, because it wasn't cooked properly, and/or she didn't find a recipe she likes and can cook it properly.

Broccoli is one of my favorite veggies. I don't care for it just blanched, like for veggies & dip. It's too hard and well, raw for me. . Of course, I've also had it over-steamed to soggy oblivion at buffet tables. If I had never had it cooked till it's soft enough for me, but still has a crispy bite, I'd say I hate broccoli.

When I first tried quinoa. I didn't like it. It was way too bland, and as much as people say they can have it instead of rice, it does have a little flavor. So it's not bland like rice. That is why when I explain it now, I always say it has a bit of nutty flavor. AND it has to be well rinsed. I don't think I rinsed it well the first time.

Since I really liked the idea of it as an alternative protein. (It is actually the ONLY grain that is a complete protein.) And I didn't have blood sugar dips after eating it. I had to rethink how to use it. I prefer it with strong sauces like pesto, curry, tomato sauces.

It took time for the subtleties to grow on me. As someone here said, you have to try a food few time for the taste buds to adjust. Also, I was expecting a rice taste, which it is not. I had to readjust my thinking. Quinoa tastes like quinoa. Now, I love couscous.

BTW, quinoa can be cooked in large batches (once you figured out how you like it cooked,) and stored in the fridge like rice, to be reheated quickly for meals or oatmeal. This saves time for the people hoping to shave off time & steps in cooking.

If you have a Trader Joes near you, you can buy the boxed, pre-rinsed quinoa for the same price ($3.99) as the bulk, non-rinsed quinoa at the health food store, or at Whole foods, (which sells them in bags.)

 

[Disneylvr]

I'm already exhausted and although I have a gym membership haven't been since Sept when school started... I was going 4 days a week during the summer. I doubt I will do any exercise tonight.

Even 10, 15 minutes of exercise is better than none. Do you have steps at home? Take breaks from studying every 30 minutes and walk up and down the steps, walk in place, do crunches... I see you have a cat, use the empty litter bottles filled with water as weights to lift. There are many things simple things you can do at home in between making dinner, studying etc.. I don't mean to sound so annoying, but I really do understand what you are going through. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do.

 

[WowLookAtThat]

For those who are wondering about transporting lunch I usually use my bento box. It is small but not too small and does help with portion control. I usually pack some brown rice and some fish or chicken from the night before with some nice vegetables both cooked and raw. It is pretty cute and can be stored anywhere. The red band keeps the box closed and providing I don't overstuff the thing it stays closed.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Funnin aside, honey is a super food.

Yeah...I know.

I only like some, but not all honeys. Really depends on which pollen those little bees were attracted to. Some honey will set my allergies off.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Well I stopped at the store on the way home so for dinner I head quinoa with onion, zucinni, pepper (both red bell and fresno) and some chopped walnuts.

I need to work on the seasoning of this a bit more (just threw in some cajun seasoning, I think next time a bit less of that and some garlic would taste better.

I have no idea if I cooked it right though... is it supposed to have a tiny bit of a crunch left to it? I did 1.5 cups in a can of chicken broth (low sodium kind)

I have more then enough left over for tomorrows lunch (which will stop me from getting the nachos loaded with cheese and fatty beef from work tomorrow.



Honestly I don't think he is purposely sabatoging me as much as he doesn't want to have to change in anyway for this. The two appetizer for instance are shared between us. I just can't manage to not eat any of it when its sitting there in front of me.

As for the doctor part. Unfortunately I live in the middle of no where. If I went to a doctor in the town I work in I would have a few more options but even then I have very few.

I don't excercise much at all. I worked until 3:30 with the stop at the store and an accident on the way home blocking traffic didn't get home until almost 5. Made dinner ate, and in a moment will start working on homework.

I'm already exhausted and although I have a gym membership haven't been since Sept when school started... I was going 4 days a week during the summer. I doubt I will do any exercise tonight.

Can you wake up early and do it. I will admit to slacking lately..but I just was recently cleared or the exercise I really want to do and timing won't work to get on that until next week.

But I joined a gym that is 24 hours a day during the work week. This enables me to go in at 4:15 am and get my exercise in before my husband has to go to work.

Additionally, it seems quite the opposite, but if you add in exercise, it will boost your energy. So even if you can get in a quick 15 minute walk BEFORE dinner--that will help.


As for the Quinoa--I like it with the crunch. I have no idea if that makes it overcooked. But I liked it.

On the appetizers--while you cannot imagine not eating something before you, it is up to you to have the conviction to just not do it. It may seem rude or whatever, but who cares? You didn't order it. Tell your husband you won't be eating it.

I do feel weird not eating rolls that are served with a meal--but I don't. I know that if I do, I will not feel right physically. I also know that I don't need to eat it. And it is okay to not eat it. That is what they tell them on Biggest Loser. It does seem weird at first--but it really is okay! Order a house salad as your appetizer instead.

 

[kamik86]

Can you wake up early and do it. I will admit to slacking lately..but I just was recently cleared or the exercise I really want to do and timing won't work to get on that until next week.

But I joined a gym that is 24 hours a day during the work week. This enables me to go in at 4:15 am and get my exercise in before my husband has to go to work.

Additionally, it seems quite the opposite, but if you add in exercise, it will boost your energy. So even if you can get in a quick 15 minute walk BEFORE dinner--that will help.


As for the Quinoa--I like it with the crunch. I have no idea if that makes it overcooked. But I liked it.

On the appetizers--while you cannot imagine not eating something before you, it is up to you to have the conviction to just not do it. It may seem rude or whatever, but who cares? You didn't order it. Tell your husband you won't be eating it.

I do feel weird not eating rolls that are served with a meal--but I don't. I know that if I do, I will not feel right physically. I also know that I don't need to eat it. And it is okay to not eat it. That is what they tell them on Biggest Loser. It does seem weird at first--but it really is okay! Order a house salad as your appetizer instead.

I did end up doing 30 min on my exercise bike, not as good as the gym but better then nothing I guess.

Its not just not imagining not eating once in front of me, I just know there are certain foods I won't do it with. Also I'm generally hungry when we go and don't want to sit watching him eat waiting for my food (and seriously we order so much already there is no way I'm ordering MORE) I really rather to just not go. But I doubt that is going to happen. I guess I'll try to not eat anything until the main dishes come out. I rather only go out to eat rarely (like once a month) and eat what I want for that one meal. If I'm going to just eat a salad I could make that home for cheap.

 

[lovemygoofy]

I did end up doing 30 min on my exercise bike, not as good as the gym but better then nothing I guess.

Its not just not imagining not eating once in front of me, I just know there are certain foods I won't do it with. Also I'm generally hungry when we go and don't want to sit watching him eat waiting for my food (and seriously we order so much already there is no way I'm ordering MORE) I really rather to just not go. But I doubt that is going to happen. I guess I'll try to not eat anything until the main dishes come out. I rather only go out to eat rarely (like once a month) and eat what I want for that one meal. If I'm going to just eat a salad I could make that home for cheap.

I have been in the boat and still am to a point. But I've changed my lifestyle bit by bit. Here's a few food for thought:

1.Appetizers have just as much fat and calories as your entree. Would you order two entrees? If you are going to eat on the appetizer, then eat one portion of your entree and take the rest home.

2. Portion control is your friend. Most places have at least two portions on one entree. Start automatically taking half home. When you order also ask for either another plate or a to go box and when your entree arrives place half away from you. I don't care if it's pasta or a burger; automatically cut it in half.

3. I go out alot and enjoy eating out but you have to make good choices even if your husband is not. One guide for me is Eat This Not That. He has really opened up my eyes and ruined lots of food for me. Would you eat a dozen krispy kremes in one sitting? Probably not, but don't think anything about lapping up a huge plate of cream pasta.

4. Eat smart and think about numbers. If your eating out is going to be 2k calories, then you are going to have to make smart choices the rest of the day. The other day I knew we were going to Five Guys. I had a salad for lunch and had my little burger(no cheese) with portioned out fries and water to drink.

5. Get enough sleep and have a good breakfast. Eat protein in the morning instead of sugar and make good coffee decisions. Less cream and sugar.

6. You lead a busy life and maybe can't cram in 60 minutes a day exercise but you can park farther away and walk. You could go up 3 flights of stairs and take the elevator the rest of the way and then the next week or two add another flight of stairs. Take a lap or two around your parking lot. It clears your head and you are moving around. Go to the person's cubicle instead of calling/emailing.

7. Something you haven't thought about is that your weight can make it difficult to conceive when ready and your high BP can make things even worse. If you want to have a baby in the future, get this under control now. I know because I"m having some of these problems now. I feel like I'm spitting in the wind but I KNOW I'm making good choices and leading a better life.

8. Learn to cook and enjoy it. Think about the value of that meal at home in comparison to what you are buying. You pay $14 for a pasta meal and could feed 4 or more for that much at home. Find a copycat cook book and make healthy changes to it that you will enjoy.

9. When you are eating, ask yourself if you are eating because you are hungry or because you are upset or because it tastes good. Allow yourself time between courses whether it's seconds or dessert.

10. You can control yourself over time. You have to want this and you have to realize you can make your choices. Your taste buds will change when your eating changes. You will begin to enjoy different things after a while because right now you are trained to enjoy fried goodness. Make small changes and they become big success.

 

[nancytoby]

kamik86,

Now is the time to make some lifestyle changes and incorporate exercise and healthier eating into your daily life. I don't think you want to be looking at 300+ pounds before you're 30.

Concerning Chili's - nutrition info for their menu is here:
http://www.chilis.com/EN/Pages/menu.aspx

If DH insists on appetizers, just tell the server to bring them to the table WITH a house salad for you (or something similar lower-calorie). Eat that first, slowly, and it will help keep you out of the more calorie-laden stuff until your entree comes. But watch out for the appetizer selections, anything there has enough calories to be an entree.

They have lots of entrees in the sub-600 calorie range, try selecting one of those in advance so that you don't have to make your choices by impulse.

Having a plan in advance always helps in dining out.

 

[kamik86]

I have been in the boat and still am to a point. But I've changed my lifestyle bit by bit. Here's a few food for thought:

1.Appetizers have just as much fat and calories as your entree. Would you order two entrees? If you are going to eat on the appetizer, then eat one portion of your entree and take the rest home.

2. Portion control is your friend. Most places have at least two portions on one entree. Start automatically taking half home. When you order also ask for either another plate or a to go box and when your entree arrives place half away from you. I don't care if it's pasta or a burger; automatically cut it in half.

3. I go out alot and enjoy eating out but you have to make good choices even if your husband is not. One guide for me is Eat This Not That. He has really opened up my eyes and ruined lots of food for me. Would you eat a dozen krispy kremes in one sitting? Probably not, but don't think anything about lapping up a huge plate of cream pasta.

4. Eat smart and think about numbers. If your eating out is going to be 2k calories, then you are going to have to make smart choices the rest of the day. The other day I knew we were going to Five Guys. I had a salad for lunch and had my little burger(no cheese) with portioned out fries and water to drink.

5. Get enough sleep and have a good breakfast. Eat protein in the morning instead of sugar and make good coffee decisions. Less cream and sugar.

6. You lead a busy life and maybe can't cram in 60 minutes a day exercise but you can park farther away and walk. You could go up 3 flights of stairs and take the elevator the rest of the way and then the next week or two add another flight of stairs. Take a lap or two around your parking lot. It clears your head and you are moving around. Go to the person's cubicle instead of calling/emailing.

7. Something you haven't thought about is that your weight can make it difficult to conceive when ready and your high BP can make things even worse. If you want to have a baby in the future, get this under control now. I know because I"m having some of these problems now. I feel like I'm spitting in the wind but I KNOW I'm making good choices and leading a better life.

8. Learn to cook and enjoy it. Think about the value of that meal at home in comparison to what you are buying. You pay $14 for a pasta meal and could feed 4 or more for that much at home. Find a copycat cook book and make healthy changes to it that you will enjoy.

9. When you are eating, ask yourself if you are eating because you are hungry or because you are upset or because it tastes good. Allow yourself time between courses whether it's seconds or dessert.

10. You can control yourself over time. You have to want this and you have to realize you can make your choices. Your taste buds will change when your eating changes. You will begin to enjoy different things after a while because right now you are trained to enjoy fried goodness. Make small changes and they become big success.

I agree I think eating out would be the killer for me. Well that and ice cream (I had a bit of ice cream last night, but I did have much less then normal and will try to have it less days then I used to).

I realized with that I am not going to be able to go cold turkey on my eating habits. I am going to have to allow myself small cheats. Thinking back to other times I have done well and then went back to old habits it was always when I broke down had something bad and then felt awful and decided that I already ruined it so might as well have more.

My goal for tomorrow for Chilis is no hot wings, and to order the fajitas instead of the Cajun pasta (Alfredo and pasta). That way I can still have one of the apps so I won't be sitting there with nothing while he eats.

 

[cabanafrau]

I agree I think eating out would be the killer for me. Well that and ice cream (I had a bit of ice cream last night, but I did have much less then normal and will try to have it less days then I used to).

I realized with that I am not going to be able to go cold turkey on my eating habits. I am going to have to allow myself small cheats. Thinking back to other times I have done well and then went back to old habits it was always when I broke down had something bad and then felt awful and decided that I already ruined it so might as well have more.

My goal for tomorrow for Chilis is no hot wings, and to order the fajitas instead of the Cajun pasta (Alfredo and pasta). That way I can still have one of the apps so I won't be sitting there with nothing while he eats.

Good for you at making a start. Keep your goals small so you don't feel overwhelmed & give up.

Have you discussed this with your DH? Does he know you're afraid, actually afraid about your health? The visit to Chilis is still on?

You might want to sit down & seriously consider why you need comfort food. Does your mate ever truly and seriously attempt to comfort you in a way that is genuinely what you need? To ultimately resolve your health issues you're going to have to get down to the root of the real issues. You are an intelligent woman, not a doormat meant to be stepped on and left to live in the filth left behind.

It's obviously been all about him & his wants all along. It's your turn now. If he won't compromise at all now, exactly when will it ever change?

 

[nancytoby]

My goal for tomorrow for Chilis is no hot wings, and to order the fajitas instead of the Cajun pasta (Alfredo and pasta). That way I can still have one of the apps so I won't be sitting there with nothing while he eats.

Just keep in mind that if you select the fajitas with tortillas and condiments you're looking at 880 calories of food and 3 grams of sodium before you select anything else for that meal.

Planning ahead helps.....

 

[mombrontrent]

Fire Dancer offers some very good advice. kamik86 I am in my mid-40's and allowed myself to get over 300lbs since my teens. PLEASE don't let this happen to you! I have HBP, terrible knees & back, borderline diabetes.... In September I finally said ENOUGH and made significant changes in my life because I knew I was killing myself. I joined weight watchers and started using my Y membership for ME not just for my kiddo. In 11 weeks since making my lifestyle changes I have lost 37 pounds. My blood pressure is lower, I have more energy... As for my diet, I changed that in September COLD TURKEY and stick to my Weight Watchers points very strictly. I started more slowly with exercise, at first just walking outside during my breaks at work and have now moved up to hour long cardio workouts at least 4 times a week. I work full time, am PTO President at my daughter's school, a wife and mother of a special needs child but was able to squeeze in ME time for exercise. You know what, I feel so much better already even though I still have a long ways to go. Each day it gets easier. Thanksgiving was a little tough but I got through it and still lost 4lbs that week and enjoyed a sliver of pumpkin pie. My husband, who wasn't on board at first, is now eating what I eat (so is my 8 year old daughter) and I enjoy trying new, healthier recipes. I rarely eat out now but when I do I stick with salads or items from the a la carte (no cheese, croutons or high calorie dressings....) or immediately ask for a to-go container and put 1/2 or even 2/3's of your meal in it before starting. Most restaurants, even chains, will alter a menu item to make it healthier. I pass on the bread, desserts, anything fried, creamed....and say yes to more fresh veggies, fruits, whole grains, low fat protein. I never thought that I could do this, but I have. It isn't easy but you CAN do it too. Please don't wait as long as I did. The older you get, the harder it will be to lose it.

I am posting on this thread just to give you a huge congradulations I don't even know know you and I am so proud of your acomplishments, I can't imagine how hard the change was at first. I am sure you have been an inspiration to people in your life as well as here on this board. what you are doing in your life is going to have a huge positive impact on your husband and most importantly your young daughter

 

[Disneylvr]

I am posting on this thread just to give you a huge congradulations I don't even know know you and I am so proud of your acomplishments, I can't imagine how hard the change was at first. I am sure you have been an inspiration to people in your life as well as here on this board. what you are doing in your life is going to have a huge positive impact on your husband and most importantly your young daughter

Thank you. I have tears of gratitude in my eyes right now. It is words of encouragement, like yours, that keep me on track. I am so blessed to have many supportive friends and family in my life and I only hope that I too can help someone in their journey to better health/fitness. It will be a long road, but one I want take and stay on for life.

 

[LilyWDW]

Fire Dancer offers some very good advice. kamik86 I am in my mid-40's and allowed myself to get over 300lbs since my teens. PLEASE don't let this happen to you! I have HBP, terrible knees & back, borderline diabetes.... In September I finally said ENOUGH and made significant changes in my life because I knew I was killing myself. I joined weight watchers and started using my Y membership for ME not just for my kiddo. In 11 weeks since making my lifestyle changes I have lost 37 pounds. My blood pressure is lower, I have more energy... As for my diet, I changed that in September COLD TURKEY and stick to my Weight Watchers points very strictly. I started more slowly with exercise, at first just walking outside during my breaks at work and have now moved up to hour long cardio workouts at least 4 times a week. I work full time, am PTO President at my daughter's school, a wife and mother of a special needs child but was able to squeeze in ME time for exercise. You know what, I feel so much better already even though I still have a long ways to go. Each day it gets easier. Thanksgiving was a little tough but I got through it and still lost 4lbs that week and enjoyed a sliver of pumpkin pie. My husband, who wasn't on board at first, is now eating what I eat (so is my 8 year old daughter) and I enjoy trying new, healthier recipes. I rarely eat out now but when I do I stick with salads or items from the a la carte (no cheese, croutons or high calorie dressings....) or immediately ask for a to-go container and put 1/2 or even 2/3's of your meal in it before starting. Most restaurants, even chains, will alter a menu item to make it healthier. I pass on the bread, desserts, anything fried, creamed....and say yes to more fresh veggies, fruits, whole grains, low fat protein. I never thought that I could do this, but I have. It isn't easy but you CAN do it too. Please don't wait as long as I did. The older you get, the harder it will be to lose it.

Wow! Amazing job! That is so wonderful and it makes me smile to read it. Your story (like a few on here) has given me another nudge that it IS possible and that even normal people can succeed (those with busy lives and other things in their path).

This thread has given so many good ideas, good words of advice, and wonderful inspiration. I'm so glad we could salvage it!

I agree I think eating out would be the killer for me. Well that and ice cream (I had a bit of ice cream last night, but I did have much less then normal and will try to have it less days then I used to).

I realized with that I am not going to be able to go cold turkey on my eating habits. I am going to have to allow myself small cheats. Thinking back to other times I have done well and then went back to old habits it was always when I broke down had something bad and then felt awful and decided that I already ruined it so might as well have more.

My goal for tomorrow for Chilis is no hot wings, and to order the fajitas instead of the Cajun pasta (Alfredo and pasta). That way I can still have one of the apps so I won't be sitting there with nothing while he eats.

Some advice...

1) When you get your entree, be sure to ask for a box and half it before you even start eating. This will bring the portions in line with what you SHOULD have.

2) For small food swaps, I really do suggest Eat This, Not That. It shows you what the better choice is and explains WHY it is the better choice. It also understands that not everyone is the same and that, for some people, it can't be a full 180 within a single day.

Also, I fully understand how hard it is. I have tried in the past, done well, and then fell right off the wagon. I am terrified about trying again because I am so scared I will fail again. However, I think this time I am ready. This thread started the push, but it really hit me on Tuesday that I couldn't keep living the way I do. I am always tired and always sick. My knees are killing me (I already have an old knee injury so my weight doesn't help). My boyfriend's stepdad was just diagnosed with diabetes. I can't let that be me. I need to finally stand up and say "I'm important and I have to put myself first for once."

Luckily, I don't have a DH who is not cooperating. My mom seems to be behind it for now (especially the keeping a salad in the fridge ready to go idea) but I do wonder if she knows what she is in for.

If you ever need to talk, just send me a PM!