Trying to lose weight--what do you eat and how often throughout the day?

[clovergirl5]

When I was trying to break my 'carb habit', I let myself eat a small bowl of cocktail mix - peanuts, almonds, and raisins - whenever I felt like it. I'd often eat 3-4 small bowls (1/3 cup) over the course of a day. I think the protein made me feel satisfied over the long term, while the dried fruit satisfied sweet cravings and gave instant energy.

My breakfast consisted of a bowl of cocktail mix, a yogurt, and a piece of fruit. If I got hungry in the morning, I'd have another bowl of nuts. Lunch would usually be my big meal of the day, where I'd let myself have a reasonable serving of pasta or bread along with veggies and protein. Dinner consisted of a salad or steamed veggies with some sort of meat. After a couple of days, I really seemed to get past my carb cravings (and now can barely stomach fried foods...and I NEVER thought that would happen!).
I've lost 18 lbs since last June (From 156 to 138). My original goal was 145, then 140. I was 135 when I started university (22 years ago)...that is now my new (and likely final) goal.

That is my biggest downfall, is the carbs. I notice once I have them, I crave more and more. Its a hard cycle to break. And its hard to pass up fastfood. I love to cook and bake too. I have been buying fatfree products for cooking and baking. We are getting used to that different taste.
Does anyone know if cutting carbs for myself is good for the whole family. I know its fine for dh but what about the kids. They are age 3-13. They love my cooking but I don't want to give them reduced carb foods if its not going to be good for them. Im talking breads, pasta, etc.

 

[disfan07]

The only things ive changed is the portion sizes and how much I eat.

I haven't cut out any foods at all. I drink soda, I eat cookies, candy, ice cream, carbs, etc....I just watch my portions. I also exercise more but I am limited to only Wii fit for 30 minutes per day b/c of heart problems and asthma.

By eating what I want just limiting portions and serving sizes, Ive lost 50 lbs.

I have always been told my all of my doctors adn my nutritionist that the key is not to deprive yourself of anything.
If you want cookies, have a cookie...but just one
If you want a soda, have a glass...but just one
If you want pasta, have pasta...just one serving

What I have learned from all of them is that depriving yourself of something you love is not going to work...its about moderation.
If carbs are your downfall, you are not going to be ablet o succeed on a low carb diet because you wont be happy.

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

When it comes to avoiding bread...forget about it! I love it way too much! Anyways, I am a vegetarian so I end up eating way too many carbs like pasta. I just read in SELF Magazine what Carrie Underwood eats so I've been doing that. She makes a 250 calorie pizza and I tried it and it rocks! Just get the Flat Out flat bread, spread some pizza sauce on it, and then sprinkle some low fat cheese on top and add veggies. Bake at 400 for 10 minutes and it tastes great! (I haven't lost any weight yet but at least I'm eating better!)

 

[Angelhalo]

That is my biggest downfall, is the carbs. I notice once I have them, I crave more and more. Its a hard cycle to break. And its hard to pass up fastfood. I love to cook and bake too. I have been buying fatfree products for cooking and baking. We are getting used to that different taste.
Does anyone know if cutting carbs for myself is good for the whole family. I know its fine for dh but what about the kids. They are age 3-13. They love my cooking but I don't want to give them reduced carb foods if its not going to be good for them. Im talking breads, pasta, etc.

The problem with fat free and low fat foods is that they are jacked full of sugar. Thats the way they make them fat free.

 

[minkydog]

This is not necessarily true. We restrict carbs and we haven't failed. We've been eating this way for going on two years now, with no "failures" Losing weight is all about finding a way that works for you, and that is different for everyone.

I agree. Getting motivated is the first step, then finding what works for you and doing it. For me? It was when my doctor said "You have diabetes." I had already been playing with a sorta Weight Watchers diet and had lost some weight,but there is nothing like hearing you have a chronic, life-threatening illness to make a believer out of you! I was put on a low carb diet immediately and I've actually done very well--lost 10-lbs between Thanksgiving and New Years. And didn't give up pie or birthday cake, either.

What I do now is document every morsel that crosses my lips. I keep a little pink notebook with me at all times so I can jot a quick note. At the end of the day I input the data to my food diary online. I use Livestrong.com. I put in the individual foods and it spits out the cals, carbs, fats, fiber, etc. I also track my exercise there. I keep my carbs to 100gm/day and my cals to 1400. And I'm losing weight at about 1-1/2lbs per week. So far 44-lbs It's just falling off!

I still go to WW meetings because they are great support and I have a long way to go(at least 40-lbs). Everyone there is as big as i am and I figure if they can drag their fat butts in there, so can I. I have been seeing a weight loss specialist for the past 2 months because I mean to be serious about this. She doesn't do surgery, just weight loss the hard way. And for some reason, i'm really sticking with it!

For me, the pay off has been that my blood sugars are much better controlled. That's even more important that the total tonnage, to me. The side benefits are that I feel better, I look better, and I am moving more so the weight is dropping. Iexpect it to take at least until October to get the last 40-lbs off and I'm taking it slow. As I pass a goal I get rid of the old clothes. I have decided to keep one pair of enormous granny panties hanging in my closet where I can see me as I *was* every day. Believe me, it's a scary sight!

 

[Angelhalo]

The only things ive changed is the portion sizes and how much I eat.

I haven't cut out any foods at all. I drink soda, I eat cookies, candy, ice cream, carbs, etc....I just watch my portions. I also exercise more but I am limited to only Wii fit for 30 minutes per day b/c of heart problems and asthma.

By eating what I want just limiting portions and serving sizes, Ive lost 50 lbs.

I have always been told my all of my doctors adn my nutritionist that the key is not to deprive yourself of anything.
If you want cookies, have a cookie...but just one
If you want a soda, have a glass...but just one
If you want pasta, have pasta...just one serving

What I have learned from all of them is that depriving yourself of something you love is not going to work...its about moderation.
If carbs are your downfall, you are not going to be ablet o succeed on a low carb diet because you wont be happy.

Again this is not the case with everyone. My DH are carb lovers yet we are on a low carb lifestyle and doing great.

 

[clovergirl5]

I agree. Getting motivated is the first step, then finding what works for you and doing it. For me? It was when my doctor said "You have diabetes." I had already been playing with a sorta Weight Watchers diet and had lost some weight,but there is nothing like hearing you have a chronic, life-threatening illness to make a believer out of you! I was put on a low carb diet immediately and I've actually done very well--lost 10-lbs between Thanksgiving and New Years. And didn't give up pie or birthday cake, either.

What I do now is document every morsel that crosses my lips. I keep a little pink notebook with me at all times so I can jot a quick note. At the end of the day I input the data to my food diary online. I use Livestrong.com. I put in the individual foods and it spits out the cals, carbs, fats, fiber, etc. I also track my exercise there. I keep my carbs to 100gm/day and my cals to 1400. And I'm losing weight at about 1-1/2lbs per week. So far 44-lbs It's just falling off!

I still go to WW meetings because they are great support and I have a long way to go(at least 40-lbs). Everyone there is as big as i am and I figure if they can drag their fat butts in there, so can I. I have been seeing a weight loss specialist for the past 2 months because I mean to be serious about this. She doesn't do surgery, just weight loss the hard way. And for some reason, i'm really sticking with it!

For me, the pay off has been that my blood sugars are much better controlled. That's even more important that the total tonnage, to me. The side benefits are that I feel better, I look better, and I am moving more so the weight is dropping. Iexpect it to take at least until October to get the last 40-lbs off and I'm taking it slow. As I pass a goal I get rid of the old clothes. I have decided to keep one pair of enormous granny panties hanging in my closet where I can see me as I *was* every day. Believe me, it's a scary sight!

Im sorry for your diagnosis, but happy for you about your weightloss and sticking with it! Great job!
For me, the diabetes issue is very much in the back of my mind. I don't have it but it is very prevelant in my family. My issue right now is my cholesterol and blood pressure run on the high side. I have been taking meds for both for about 2 years now. I also have hypothyroid. I just had a dr. appt a few days ago and weigh 216lb. Blood pressure was good but cholesterol was a little on the high side even with my meds. So dr. would like me to lose some weight. I also carry a lot of my weight in my belly. Can't I just blame my bellyfat on having 5 kids lol!

I lost 10lbs a year ago, but slowly slid back into old habits. Its so easy to stop for fastfood when you are taking kids all over to sporting events during dinner hrs.

Anyways, I want to be successful this time and for longterm. Thanks again everyone for your input, I really appreciate it!

 

[Tantor]

Portion control. I just finished losing the last 20lbs on Weight Watchers (by far the easiest way to lose.) ......... it is all about portions.

 

[jsmith]

One thing no one else has mentioned is to limit artificial sweetners-with the exception of stevia they are just that-artificial-the are not good for you and many of them increase carb and sweet cravings. If you must have something sweet-eat a small amount. cut out diet sodas and watch out for fat free sugar free foods-they are full of chemical fillers.
I eat 5 smaller meals a day-always with a protien source , fiber and complex carbs-fat free dairy like cottage cheese or greek yougurt are great for breakfast and keep your calcuim intake up. Whole grains provide fiber and keep you full longer and complex carbs fuel work outs. Dont eat white foods-noodles, rice, or bread-i rarely eat bread at all. Exercise.

 

[minkydog]

Im sorry for your diagnosis, but happy for you about your weightloss and sticking with it! Great job!
For me, the diabetes issue is very much in the back of my mind. I don't have it but it is very prevelant in my family. My issue right now is my cholesterol and blood pressure run on the high side. I have been taking meds for both for about 2 years now. I also have hypothyroid. I just had a dr. appt a few days ago and weigh 216lb. Blood pressure was good but cholesterol was a little on the high side even with my meds. So dr. would like me to lose some weight. I also carry a lot of my weight in my belly. Can't I just blame my bellyfat on having 5 kids lol!

I lost 10lbs a year ago, but slowly slid back into old habits. Its so easy to stop for fastfood when you are taking kids all over to sporting events during dinner hrs.

Anyways, I want to be successful this time and for longterm. Thanks again everyone for your input, I really appreciate it!

I"m right there with you, sista. When I hit my high point last spring my BP was 140/90, considered high, and my triglycerides were 485--critical level! I was 228 and just about popping out of my fat clothes. Finding out that my lipids were high, not just high but EXTREMELY high got my attention. I have been on meds for Trigs ever since.

Since losing the first 42-lbs my BP is now avg 110-70 and my trigs are 143, still not as low as they need to be, but a significant improvement. Getting the diabetes diagnoses as simply been the kick in the tail that I needed to really start taking care of myself. I've been taking care of everyone else in my family for years and had let my own health, body and soul, go to waste. For me, staying on or at least close to my low carb diet is paramount do maintaining my health. I can look at a donut and say "Mmmmm, donut....mmmmm, gangrenous foot " Not going there if I can help it!

One thing I've learned, at least for my case anyway, is that I'm not fat because I have no self-control. I'm fat because I eat to fill up some empty place in my life. Finding out what that empty place is called and working to fix it appropriately has helped me tremendously. Not that I still won't eat secretively sometimes. I'm definitely an addict. But now that I can put a name on that empty place I am much more aware when I'm trying to fill it with food. Does that make sense?

 

[NatashaDisneyCM]

This is how I did it:

-Drink plenty of water

-Eat small amounts every few hours

-Alot of vegetables

-EXCERCISE! This was the biggest improvement from the diets I've gone on before. I bought a treadmill and went on it about 60 minutes a day. It was boring but I watched TV so the time went by a little faster. I lost more inches this time with the same weight loss.


-I'm not a cook and ate Lean Cuisines paninis or flatbread sandwiches for dinners.

-For snacks I eat cantelope, grapes or a cup of Life cereal.

I also didn't deny myself of anything. Every Saturday I would have my ham and cheese omelotte with a small amout of home fries.
And Fridays I still I had my pizza. Just not 4-5 slices I use to eat.

Good luck!

being I have a degree in nutrition, and was a body builder for many years. This is the way to go! you cannot totally cut cabs out, because what happens unless you can live every single day of your life like that you will gain weight back! period.
I eat small meals all the time! I eat NO PROCESSED foods, and CUT OUT THE TONIC, or soda as some of you all call it! There is just no need for it!
it is bad for you!
learn to drink H2O!!
Have a cheat type day, that you are not watching or counting, it gets to the point where you will change your eating habits and not care!

IT is a life style change, not a diet...( I HATE that word!)
and do not forget, you have carbs all around you ! you need to learn the difference of them, what fruits work the best, what ones not to eat! same with veggies! just because it may be a veggie does not mean it is the best for you!
like corn!

so do some research, learn about food....that is your best way to learn how to malipuate how food will work for your body! And make sure you learn to eat breakfast! I love an awesome egg white omelet with peppers and onions and one slice of cheddar cheese. then later I may have a couple of pancakes! Then I will have a yogurt! Food can be fun!

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

I am trying to lose weight....I ride my upright stationary bike 5 miles everyday but I end up eating the same things everyday. I don't know what else to eat that will still keep me on the right track.

My weakness is carbs--bread, etc. Comfort foods basically.

Really the only thing I have been eating are eggs, chicken, salads. For those who are losing and making lifestyle changes, what do you eat and how often?
TIA

My DW and I have recently both lost about 35lbs each, and we've kept if off for several months (including over Thanksgiving and Christmas ).

We did it by journaling the calories that we ate vs. how many calories we *should* be eating to lose weight (exercise counts as "negative" calories when doing this).

My wife used an App for her iPhone called LoseIt! to track her calories in and calories out, and I used a MSExcel spreadsheet with essentially the same data.

Calories in foods (all foods) are easily found on the internet: www.thedailyplate.com is a good site.

Daily Calorie Needs can also be found on-line. I used this calculator and it worked just fine: http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm

We didn't cut out any particular foods, but we *did* modify our portions. And, we're *far* more mindful of the choices we make, now!

 

[clovergirl5]

I"m right there with you, sista. When I hit my high point last spring my BP was 140/90, considered high, and my triglycerides were 485--critical level! I was 228 and just about popping out of my fat clothes. Finding out that my lipids were high, not just high but EXTREMELY high got my attention. I have been on meds for Trigs ever since.

Since losing the first 42-lbs my BP is now avg 110-70 and my trigs are 143, still not as low as they need to be, but a significant improvement. Getting the diabetes diagnoses as simply been the kick in the tail that I needed to really start taking care of myself. I've been taking care of everyone else in my family for years and had let my own health, body and soul, go to waste. For me, staying on or at least close to my low carb diet is paramount do maintaining my health. I can look at a donut and say "Mmmmm, donut....mmmmm, gangrenous foot " Not going there if I can help it!

One thing I've learned, at least for my case anyway, is that I'm not fat because I have no self-control. I'm fat because I eat to fill up some empty place in my life. Finding out what that empty place is called and working to fix it appropriately has helped me tremendously. Not that I still won't eat secretively sometimes. I'm definitely an addict. But now that I can put a name on that empty place I am much more aware when I'm trying to fill it with food. Does that make sense?:confused

I understand perfectly. I do the same thing Its definitely a mind game when it comes to eating to fill a void. Its a hard game to win too.
Sounds like you are doing great! Keep it up

 

[clovergirl5]

Wow...congrats to everyone who has lost and been successful!
Makes me feel like I can do it too.
I will take all this info to heart and try my best! Thank you for the links and the great advice everyone

 

[redlight]

I lost more than 20 lbs this past spring and summer. Gained a couple back with the holidays, but am now back on track to lose the rest.

I'm not restricting complex carbs (like pasta) too much, but I've cut way back on simple sugars and the like. I also try to eat protein through the day and have smaller portions in the evenings. I also run and ride my exercise bike.

 

[Robinrs]

I start the day by running 2 - 3 miles, either on the treadmill or outside, weather permitting.

I eat a banana and maybe an egg, with calcium-fortified OJ afterwards.

When I get to work, a couple our hours later, I eat a packet of instant oatmeal with Equal, with a cup of green tea.

At lunch, I have a Lean Cuisine - I only buy the one that are less than 300 calories.

For the munchies, I have a stash of roasted almonds, rice cakes, dry roasted peanuts, sometimes a 100 calorie pack.

For dinner, usually a salad and a main dish. If I eat dessert, it is usually some fruit.

Oh, and I drink a lot of water throughout the day.

Wow, that's my regimen!! But I do my miles on Wii Fit!

I try to avoid my trigger foods, anything with sugar makes me want sugar all the time. I've found the only way I can truly lose weight is to want to do it. This is the first time in a lONG time I really want to.

 

[Tiggeroo]

A new accidental fave snack. Take some greek yogurt, 0 or 2 percent. Top it with some fruit, a few almonds and drizzle a tiny bit of honey or agave syrup on it. Freeze it a bit. Yum. Better then ice cream. Really.

 

[TwingleMum]

. She makes a 250 calorie pizza and I tried it and it rocks! Just get the Flat Out flat bread, spread some pizza sauce on it, and then sprinkle some low fat cheese on top and add veggies. Bake at 400 for 10 minutes and it tastes great! (I haven't lost any weight yet but at least I'm eating better!)

whats flat out flat bread??

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

A new accidental fave snack. Take some greek yogurt, 0 or 2 percent. Top it with some fruit, a few almonds and drizzle a tiny bit of honey or agave syrup on it. Freeze it a bit. Yum. Better then ice cream. Really.

That sounds delicious...I'll have to try it!

whats flat out flat bread??

Here is the link. I never heard of it either and had to look it up to see where I could buy it. I found it at my grocery store by the pitas.