Fed up of dieting...want to start enjoying

gloria286
gloria286 Posts: 1 Member
edited November 21 in Health and Weight Loss
58 years old and cant remember a time i wasn't thinking about/worrying about what i ate. Basically feast or famine!!! Enough now...watch this space!
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Replies

  • Gska17
    Gska17 Posts: 752 Member
    I never (surprisingly) thought of calorie counting as dieting. I guess I'm lucky in that regard. It is daunting however to realize in order the maintain the body I want I have to do this for the rest of my life. That freaks me out a little but I manage to push it to the back of my head. :D
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    I'm 51 and can also not remember a time when I wasn't thinking about what I ate, though I don't think I've ever really "worried" about it. But, I'm okay with thinking about it. I think that, and periodic dieting, is the only thing that's kept me from becoming obese because I do so love to eat, drink and be merry.
  • hekla90
    hekla90 Posts: 595 Member
    If you aren't enjoying your food then you are definitely dieting and not making lifestyle changes. I don't have foods that I want to eat that are off limits, I just eat them in moderation and exercise. I greatly enjoy the food I eat, maybe even more because I don't eat unlimited amounts of it so what I do is quality and well prepared. No one is making diet though so if you would be happier eating everything you want even with the consequences, go for it.
  • Laurenjenai
    Laurenjenai Posts: 197 Member
    Just eat what you want but you still have to watch calories if you are trying to maintain or lose. I don't torture myself by not eating stuff I like. Moderation/portion control is key, they say. Not to say you won't go over every now and then, it won't be the end of the world.
  • KateSimpson17
    KateSimpson17 Posts: 282 Member
    Today I had homemade crepes and strawberry filling (strawberries and sugar warmed up and mashed) for brunch, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cherries for dinner, and a piece of dark chocolate for dessert. I'm very full and satisfied and it was all delicious!

    And I'm still under 1000 calories.

    It's about portion control, not dieting. Don't worry about avoiding foods because they're "bad for you." Sure, some things don't lead to a healthy lifestyle, but having sugary or fatty foods in moderate amounts isn't going to kill you.

    We're all going to die someday, so don't make yourself miserable. But, at the same time, I'm so much happier when I'm healthy.

    Eating well is hard, being overweight is hard... chose your hard.
  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    Stop dieting and make a lifestyle change.
  • whmscll
    whmscll Posts: 2,255 Member
    edited July 2015
    kateyb94 wrote: »
    Today I had homemade crepes and strawberry filling (strawberries and sugar warmed up and mashed) for brunch, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cherries for dinner, and a piece of dark chocolate for dessert. I'm very full and satisfied and it was all delicious!

    And I'm still under 1000 calories.

    It's about portion control, not dieting. Don't worry about avoiding foods because they're "bad for you." Sure, some things don't lead to a healthy lifestyle, but having sugary or fatty foods in moderate amounts isn't going to kill you.

    We're all going to die someday, so don't make yourself miserable. But, at the same time, I'm so much happier when I'm healthy.

    Eating well is hard, being overweight is hard... chose your hard.

    That's fine for you, but not enough volume of food for most people. You are way over simplifying.
  • ASKyle
    ASKyle Posts: 1,475 Member
    Liftng4Lis wrote: »
    Stop dieting and make a lifestyle change.

    This this this.
  • MeiannaLee
    MeiannaLee Posts: 338 Member
    Gska17 wrote: »
    I never (surprisingly) thought of calorie counting as dieting. I guess I'm lucky in that regard. It is daunting however to realize in order the maintain the body I want I have to do this for the rest of my life. That freaks me out a little but I manage to push it to the back of my head. :D


    Same here! I see calorie counting and exercise as a lifestyle and I acually love it. Im ocd so planning ahead of time is so much fun to me. I guess losing weight and becoming fit comes naturally to some people.
  • ManiacalLaugh
    ManiacalLaugh Posts: 1,048 Member
    With the exception of a few isolated instances, I don't really feel like I'm dieting right now either. It's just tracking - that's the key thing. It gets a bit meticulous, but at the same time, it's easy - and I get to enjoy just about everything as long as I can fit it in at the right time.

    And it's kind of funny because my roommate keeps trying these super-restrictive diets that he ends up falling off of. I keep suggesting that he just start counting, but he refuses. I'm beginning to think he wants to make this harder than it has to be.

    I'm not judging him. I used to be in the same mindframe. "If it's too easy, I'm not doing it right." But then, like OP, I got sick of dieting.
  • ohgeeque
    ohgeeque Posts: 224 Member
    kateyb94 wrote: »

    Eating well is hard, being overweight is hard... chose your hard.

    Practical and to the point. I love it.

  • This content has been removed.
  • atypicalsmith
    atypicalsmith Posts: 2,742 Member
    whmscll wrote: »
    kateyb94 wrote: »
    Today I had homemade crepes and strawberry filling (strawberries and sugar warmed up and mashed) for brunch, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cherries for dinner, and a piece of dark chocolate for dessert. I'm very full and satisfied and it was all delicious!

    And I'm still under 1000 calories.

    It's about portion control, not dieting. Don't worry about avoiding foods because they're "bad for you." Sure, some things don't lead to a healthy lifestyle, but having sugary or fatty foods in moderate amounts isn't going to kill you.

    We're all going to die someday, so don't make yourself miserable. But, at the same time, I'm so much happier when I'm healthy.

    Eating well is hard, being overweight is hard... chose your hard.

    That's fine for you, but not enough volume of food for most people. You are way over simplifying.

    Except that it really is that simple.
  • DuckReconMajor
    DuckReconMajor Posts: 434 Member
    Logging what I ate was something I always wanted to do but knew I'd never have the discipline to do so, so I never tried. Then I tried MFP logging and found how easy it was and it was like getting that pony i'd always wanted
  • kk_inprogress
    kk_inprogress Posts: 3,077 Member
    kateyb94 wrote: »
    Today I had homemade crepes and strawberry filling (strawberries and sugar warmed up and mashed) for brunch, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cherries for dinner, and a piece of dark chocolate for dessert. I'm very full and satisfied and it was all delicious!

    And I'm still under 1000 calories.

    It's about portion control, not dieting. Don't worry about avoiding foods because they're "bad for you." Sure, some things don't lead to a healthy lifestyle, but having sugary or fatty foods in moderate amounts isn't going to kill you.

    We're all going to die someday, so don't make yourself miserable. But, at the same time, I'm so much happier when I'm healthy.

    Eating well is hard, being overweight is hard... chose your hard.

    I don't want to derail this thread, but you're eating more than 1000 calories a day, right?

    I like what you're saying and I agree with that one exception.
  • NinaSharp
    NinaSharp Posts: 101 Member
    kateyb94 wrote: »
    Today I had homemade crepes and strawberry filling (strawberries and sugar warmed up and mashed) for brunch, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cherries for dinner, and a piece of dark chocolate for dessert. I'm very full and satisfied and it was all delicious!

    And I'm still under 1000 calories.

    It's about portion control, not dieting. Don't worry about avoiding foods because they're "bad for you." Sure, some things don't lead to a healthy lifestyle, but having sugary or fatty foods in moderate amounts isn't going to kill you.

    We're all going to die someday, so don't make yourself miserable. But, at the same time, I'm so much happier when I'm healthy.

    Eating well is hard, being overweight is hard... chose your hard.

    This.

  • whmscll
    whmscll Posts: 2,255 Member
    whmscll wrote: »
    kateyb94 wrote: »
    Today I had homemade crepes and strawberry filling (strawberries and sugar warmed up and mashed) for brunch, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cherries for dinner, and a piece of dark chocolate for dessert. I'm very full and satisfied and it was all delicious!

    And I'm still under 1000 calories.

    It's about portion control, not dieting. Don't worry about avoiding foods because they're "bad for you." Sure, some things don't lead to a healthy lifestyle, but having sugary or fatty foods in moderate amounts isn't going to kill you.

    We're all going to die someday, so don't make yourself miserable. But, at the same time, I'm so much happier when I'm healthy.

    Eating well is hard, being overweight is hard... chose your hard.

    That's fine for you, but not enough volume of food for most people. You are way over simplifying.

    Except that it really is that simple.

    Only it's not, not for everyone. Simple in theory, maybe, but not in practice. Every person is different. Emotional eating, hormonal changes, complex biochemistry in everyone that is different...eating "in moderation" and changing your mindset and behaviors can be FAR from simple for many people.
  • amillenium
    amillenium Posts: 281 Member
    edited July 2015

    kateyb94 wrote: »
    Today I had homemade crepes and strawberry filling (strawberries and sugar warmed up and mashed) for brunch, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cherries for dinner, and a piece of dark chocolate for dessert. I'm very full and satisfied and it was all delicious!

    And I'm still under 1000 calories.

    It's about portion control, not dieting. Don't worry about avoiding foods because they're "bad for you." Sure, some things don't lead to a healthy lifestyle, but having sugary or fatty foods in moderate amounts isn't going to kill you.

    We're all going to die someday, so don't make yourself miserable. But, at the same time, I'm so much happier when I'm healthy.

    Eating well is hard, being overweight is hard... chose your hard.

    Not trying to nit pick but this doesn't look exactly accurate--an average 4oz serving of meatloaf is close to 300 calories, so 600 and crepes are around 150 each, so 300, and a generic serving of mashed potatoes is 200. You are already at 1100. Then your fruit and sugar so probably eating more than you think.

    I think the OP's point is that she cant eat as freely as she wants--a single piece of coffee cake throws a 1200 calorie day way off. It is hard to stay under 1200 without sticking to foods that give you a lot of bang for your buck on the volume to calorie ratio.

  • hrtchoco
    hrtchoco Posts: 156 Member
    kateyb94 wrote: »
    Today I had homemade crepes and strawberry filling (strawberries and sugar warmed up and mashed) for brunch
    Sounds yummy! I might make some crepes for breakfast tomorrow.
  • KateSimpson17
    KateSimpson17 Posts: 282 Member
    whmscll wrote: »
    kateyb94 wrote: »
    Today I had homemade crepes and strawberry filling (strawberries and sugar warmed up and mashed) for brunch, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cherries for dinner, and a piece of dark chocolate for dessert. I'm very full and satisfied and it was all delicious!

    And I'm still under 1000 calories.

    It's about portion control, not dieting. Don't worry about avoiding foods because they're "bad for you." Sure, some things don't lead to a healthy lifestyle, but having sugary or fatty foods in moderate amounts isn't going to kill you.

    We're all going to die someday, so don't make yourself miserable. But, at the same time, I'm so much happier when I'm healthy.

    Eating well is hard, being overweight is hard... chose your hard.

    That's fine for you, but not enough volume of food for most people. You are way over simplifying.

    ... The meatloaf and mashed potatoes alone is quite a bit of food. Go look at my diary if you wish. You don't have to sacrifice quality is my point. You can eat food you enjoy and still maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  • KateSimpson17
    KateSimpson17 Posts: 282 Member
    kkenseth wrote: »
    kateyb94 wrote: »
    Today I had homemade crepes and strawberry filling (strawberries and sugar warmed up and mashed) for brunch, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cherries for dinner, and a piece of dark chocolate for dessert. I'm very full and satisfied and it was all delicious!

    And I'm still under 1000 calories.

    It's about portion control, not dieting. Don't worry about avoiding foods because they're "bad for you." Sure, some things don't lead to a healthy lifestyle, but having sugary or fatty foods in moderate amounts isn't going to kill you.

    We're all going to die someday, so don't make yourself miserable. But, at the same time, I'm so much happier when I'm healthy.

    Eating well is hard, being overweight is hard... chose your hard.

    I don't want to derail this thread, but you're eating more than 1000 calories a day, right?

    I like what you're saying and I agree with that one exception.

    Yes! I eat much more than that. My point was just that it's possible to eat good food and be full and happy and still watch your calories!
  • KateSimpson17
    KateSimpson17 Posts: 282 Member
    whmscll wrote: »
    whmscll wrote: »
    kateyb94 wrote: »
    Today I had homemade crepes and strawberry filling (strawberries and sugar warmed up and mashed) for brunch, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cherries for dinner, and a piece of dark chocolate for dessert. I'm very full and satisfied and it was all delicious!

    And I'm still under 1000 calories.

    It's about portion control, not dieting. Don't worry about avoiding foods because they're "bad for you." Sure, some things don't lead to a healthy lifestyle, but having sugary or fatty foods in moderate amounts isn't going to kill you.

    We're all going to die someday, so don't make yourself miserable. But, at the same time, I'm so much happier when I'm healthy.

    Eating well is hard, being overweight is hard... chose your hard.

    That's fine for you, but not enough volume of food for most people. You are way over simplifying.

    Except that it really is that simple.

    Only it's not, not for everyone. Simple in theory, maybe, but not in practice. Every person is different. Emotional eating, hormonal changes, complex biochemistry in everyone that is different...eating "in moderation" and changing your mindset and behaviors can be FAR from simple for many people.

    Honey, I have depression, an anxiety disorder, and ptsd. I wrote the book on emotional eating. I never said it was easy... in fact I said EATING WELL IS HARD, BEING OVERWEIGHT IS HARD... chose your hard.
  • atypicalsmith
    atypicalsmith Posts: 2,742 Member
    edited July 2015
    kateyb94 wrote: »
    kkenseth wrote: »
    kateyb94 wrote: »
    Today I had homemade crepes and strawberry filling (strawberries and sugar warmed up and mashed) for brunch, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cherries for dinner, and a piece of dark chocolate for dessert. I'm very full and satisfied and it was all delicious!

    And I'm still under 1000 calories.

    It's about portion control, not dieting. Don't worry about avoiding foods because they're "bad for you." Sure, some things don't lead to a healthy lifestyle, but having sugary or fatty foods in moderate amounts isn't going to kill you.

    We're all going to die someday, so don't make yourself miserable. But, at the same time, I'm so much happier when I'm healthy.

    Eating well is hard, being overweight is hard... chose your hard.

    I don't want to derail this thread, but you're eating more than 1000 calories a day, right?

    I like what you're saying and I agree with that one exception.

    Yes! I eat much more than that. My point was just that it's possible to eat good food and be full and happy and still watch your calories!

    I think everyone is way too hungry today.
  • Unknown
    edited July 2015
    This content has been removed.
  • KateSimpson17
    KateSimpson17 Posts: 282 Member
    amillenium wrote: »
    kateyb94 wrote: »
    Today I had homemade crepes and strawberry filling (strawberries and sugar warmed up and mashed) for brunch, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cherries for dinner, and a piece of dark chocolate for dessert. I'm very full and satisfied and it was all delicious!

    And I'm still under 1000 calories.

    It's about portion control, not dieting. Don't worry about avoiding foods because they're "bad for you." Sure, some things don't lead to a healthy lifestyle, but having sugary or fatty foods in moderate amounts isn't going to kill you.

    We're all going to die someday, so don't make yourself miserable. But, at the same time, I'm so much happier when I'm healthy.

    Eating well is hard, being overweight is hard... chose your hard.

    Not trying to nit pick but this doesn't look exactly accurate--an average 4oz serving of meatloaf is close to 300 calories, so 600 and crepes are around 150 each, so 300, and a generic serving of mashed potatoes is 200. You are already at 1100. Then your fruit and sugar so probably eating more than you think.

    I think the OP's point is that she cant eat as freely as she wants--a single piece of coffee cake throws a 1200 calorie day way off. It is hard to stay under 1200 without sticking to foods that give you a lot of bang for your buck on the volume to calorie ratio.

    You can go look at my diary and recipes if you like (not sure if you can see recipes?) each of my servings of meatloaf is 95 calories based on the ingredients I use and I ate 3 of them which is 285 calories, and my mashed potatoes with milk and butter was 203 calories and was still a good helping. My crepes were 103 calories a piece and I ate three of them, and my strawberries and sugar was 80 calories. My cherries were 37 calories, and the dark chocolate piece was 42 calories. All of that equals 955 calories.
  • KateSimpson17
    KateSimpson17 Posts: 282 Member
    kateyb94 wrote: »
    Today I had homemade crepes and strawberry filling (strawberries and sugar warmed up and mashed) for brunch, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cherries for dinner, and a piece of dark chocolate for dessert. I'm very full and satisfied and it was all delicious!

    And I'm still under 1000 calories.

    It's about portion control, not dieting. Don't worry about avoiding foods because they're "bad for you." Sure, some things don't lead to a healthy lifestyle, but having sugary or fatty foods in moderate amounts isn't going to kill you.

    We're all going to die someday, so don't make yourself miserable. But, at the same time, I'm so much happier when I'm healthy.

    Eating well is hard, being overweight is hard... chose your hard.

    What exactly is "3 servings" of meatloaf? unless you cloned that meatloaf, shouldn't you weigh each slice and log it in grams? 50g of extra lean ground beef is 90 calories roughly, and that is a small serving, it would probably take 2-3 of those to make a skinny slice of meatloaf. 270 calories per slice.

    you did the same thing with your mashed potatos. How much is a serving? how many grams?

    I used a recipe. I made 6 servings of meatloaf (cupcakes!) and weighed to make sure they were equal (70 grams each) and ate 3 of them. I made the mashed potatoes and weighed them and then scooped out exactly half of that weight. I believe it was 153 grams.
  • KateSimpson17
    KateSimpson17 Posts: 282 Member
    oh... and I weighed each of the ingredients in both recipes (as well as my crepe recipe) as I went. Everything is accurate to the gram.
  • Annie_01
    Annie_01 Posts: 3,096 Member
    kateyb94 wrote: »
    Today I had homemade crepes and strawberry filling (strawberries and sugar warmed up and mashed) for brunch, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cherries for dinner, and a piece of dark chocolate for dessert. I'm very full and satisfied and it was all delicious!

    And I'm still under 1000 calories.

    It's about portion control, not dieting. Don't worry about avoiding foods because they're "bad for you." Sure, some things don't lead to a healthy lifestyle, but having sugary or fatty foods in moderate amounts isn't going to kill you.

    We're all going to die someday, so don't make yourself miserable. But, at the same time, I'm so much happier when I'm healthy.

    Eating well is hard, being overweight is hard... chose your hard.

    What exactly is "3 servings" of meatloaf? unless you cloned that meatloaf, shouldn't you weigh each slice and log it in grams? 50g of extra lean ground beef is 90 calories roughly, and that is a small serving, it would probably take 2-3 of those to make a skinny slice of meatloaf. 270 calories per slice.

    you did the same thing with your mashed potatos. How much is a serving? how many grams?

    Many of my recipes are listed as servings. I know how many grams are in a serving. When I put it on my plate I put the correct number of grams even though that doesn't show up in my log.

  • kk_inprogress
    kk_inprogress Posts: 3,077 Member
    kateyb94 wrote: »
    oh... and I weighed each of the ingredients in both recipes (as well as my crepe recipe) as I went. Everything is accurate to the gram.

    You go girl. I need that kind of commitment.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,029 Member
    If you're tired of "dieting" then your approach is wrong. You should be looking forward to enjoying what you eat to extent and not just doing it to fulfill some type of programmed eating to lose weight.
    The formula hasn't changed for weight loss. Calories in/calories out.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

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