When you started your diet...

[~*Belle 2003*~]

and were hungry, what did you eat to fill that gap? I've tried water but I'm still peckish!

I only started on Monday and am eating less as well.

Did you just put up with being a little bit hungry?

 

[Debbie]

Belle, I went on the "grazing all day long" plan. I took what I would eat, and spread it out so that I was eating something every hour or two. It worked for me, and I think that it is healthier to graze than to eat 3 big meals a day anyway. I drank/ate/chewed water-cold or hot-, tea (I like green tea, no sugar or milk), diet pop (although I know that some plans would nix this one), gum, sugarless mints, veggies etc. I also ALWAYS saved myself something to eat before bed-eg. an Arrowroot or some popcorn- since that is a danger time for me. Feed me or I will EAT! Good luck, sweetie. It's tough, but you CAN do it! I know you can.

 

[CruisingCA2005]

I've also turned into a grazer. For instance, this morning at 8:30 I had cereal. At 9:30 I had 4 oz of yogurt. At 10:30 a hard boiled egg.

I know it's more economical to buy large containers of yogurt, cottage cheese, make your own jello, etc. But I buy the snack size packaging so that I won't overdo the portion size. I've been trying to stick to more whole foods in my diet so I'll usually have a piece of fruit or some nuts when I'm feeling hungry.

If I'm feeling hungry I also drink some water and try to do another activity for at least 5-10 minutes to distract myself. Sometimes I'm truly hungry but sometimes I forget that I was hungry.

 

[LuvTigger]

What kind of program are you on, if any?

Being hungry can be detrimental in several ways...it can cause your body to go into "starvation mode" where it thinks you need to store fat because you aren't eating enough. It is also likely to cause binge eating.

If you aren't on any kind of plan and are just trying to reduce the amount you eat, or trying to eat healthier, I think Debbie's suggestion is good. Or you could find healthier snacks like celery with a bit of peanut butter, unbuttered popcorn, etc. If you are on a high-protein program, you could eat protein snacks like a hard-boiled egg or string cheese.

I am on a program that is high protein, so I can eat protein snacks (in moderation). On days where I only eat protein and am likely to get hungry, I make broth out of chicken or beef bouillion cubes, which satisfies me more than water does.

Good luck!

 

[Tasha+Scott]

I think it depends on what program you are doing. I just started WW online last week and I have enjoyed it very much so far. I don't feel deprived at all. You get pts. so you can eat when you want to as long as it is w/in your point range. I tend to have 2-3 snacks during the day, plus my 3 meals, plus dessert. My snacks are sometimes fruit, string cheese, a nutrigrain cereal bar, etc. They are not huge snacks but they control the hunger long enough that I don't feel tempted to cheat. They are also a lot healthier than a candy bar which also makes you feel hungrier after eating it. I know WW doesn't work for everyone, but you just have to find a plan that works for you. That is the advice I was given and it is great advice, IMHO. Good luck. Just remember, you can do this!

 

[~*Belle 2003*~]

After about 30 mins of posting this I ate a small pear which did the trick and filled the gap!

I'm not on any plan/diet as such but a healthier eating regime. I have to cut down on fat/cholesterol. My eldest sister diets counting calories where my other sister is on WW. I want to find out information on which one would suit me the best, but more importantly one that I am most likely to stick to long term.

I'm trying to find somewhere like WW that I can go to for regular exercise too.

Thanks for the support & advice.

 

[LuvTigger]

My boss, who is thin as a rail, walks to work every day, runs every weekend, etc., has high cholesterol. He was determined to lower his cholesterol so he wouldn't have to go on Lipitor. Within a matter of months, he simply changed his eating habits, and his cholesterol went down dramatically.

He cut out ice cream, one of his major weaknesses. His wife bought him sorbet instead. He reduced the amount of chocolate he ate. He snacked a lot on almonds, which have good fats. He also increased his intake of veggies and whole grains. I know quite a few people who have oatmeal for breakfast and that seems to help reduce cholesterol as well.

Good luck Belle! Let us know how things are going and which plan, if any, you decide on!

 

[nancyj_pa]

Hi Belle,
I am on the Protein Power plan (low carb) and never feel hungry. There are so many choices. I do drink a lot of water and that helps. I never used to exercise, but now I bike ride outside almost every evening weather permitting. Sometimes I walk as well. It's hard to make yourself start a routine, but once you do you'll find that you enjoy it. My DH often rides with me. You can start out slowly (about 15 minutes) and gradually build up.

At my last checkup, my cholesterol finally went below 200 (192), my blood pressure is normal, and my glucose levels also became normal. This doesn't happen overnight so don't give up.

Good luck!

NancyJ