what is your strategy?? Over the summer I managed to gain all of my weight back. I thought it was time for a change. So I have been watching my calories/portions for about a month and a half. It's been going pretty well. I've lost around 18 pounds. I call it my "shut my mouth more often" diet. But..........I was wondering what some of you use as your basic strategy. Do you watch calories...........if so, what is your daily total? Do you just watch portions?? Do you stay away from high fat foods? Do you push the fruits and veggies?? I know that exercise has got to be part of this also. I need to start. So, tell me your details, please..................
Well, I really believe in portion control being key. This really hit home for me just recently. I had been doing a great job, and was well within site of goal, when I started relaxing my portion control and stopped exercising. I became a firm believer in portion control when I visited Europe this past spring. It seemed like I ate constatly, and meals seemed to take forever. I didn't gain a single pound in 10 days, though I ate anything I wanted, lots of cheese (FAT), bread (CARBS) and wine. I managed to keep true to my portions and walking at least 4 miles/day, until my hubbies work fiasco. Then I slowly stopped exercising and started stress eating. After gaining 10+ pounds since July, I have taken stock and have begun scaling back. My two most successful strategies are waiting 15 mins to eat and waiting 20 minutes to eat more. So, If I'm hungry around 11:00, I wait 15 mins to have lunch. I carefully watch my portions, no more than 4-5 bites per group, (Unless it is a salad or other single dish meal) and then when I'm finished, I leave the table, and clean up. I don't eat anything else until I have given my body 20 minutes to feel satisfied, and I rarely have to eat anything else. I do, have lots of helathy snacks around in case I do get hungry a few hours later. As far as what I eat, I try to follow a modified South beach plan. Good fats and good carbs, and lots of veggies. And yes, exercise is a must. As you can see by your success (18 pounds! WOOO HOOO!), it isn't hard and it is a lyfestyle change that is not too tough to maintain. Just watch out for emotional eating. Congratulations on your success! Tracy
Tigoblue!! What a great attitude towards eating. I also try for portion control. My biggest issue is being an emotional eater. When I am bored or stressed. When I can keep my life on an even keel there is no problem with the portion size. BUT when life throws me a curve ball I really struggle remembering how much to eat. Thanks for the motivation. Have a magical Disney Day!!
