Some tips that might help ....

floridagirl7264

I've lost 60 lbs. but gained back 30 due to a medicine causing really bad sugar cravings. I've finally figured my behaviors out and am on the losing path again. It's really about recognizing your behaviors and correcting them.

A lot of times I find myself reaching for a frozen fruit bar when I'm thirsty and not hungry. So I grab something to drink. I don't eat the frozen fruit bars when I'm thirsty now. I might have one when I'm overheated and need something to cool me off. Yes, I can have water, but I do need a treat now and then.

I also realized that when I'm tired, I eat. Stupid, huh? Now when I'm tired, I sleep. I make sure I get enough sleep at night.

I wait until I'm hungry but not too hungry. This one is a tough one because if you wait too long to eat, you'll overeat. When I first feel that pang of hunger, I grab something to eat. If it's dinnertime, I might have a few grapes so that I don't overeat. I also keep a protein bar in my purse when I go out. This has helped so much. I also bring water with me.

When going out to eat, I ask for the nutrition facts. I never have done that before. Once I see how many calories there are in a food, I pick a lower calorie item. If you do this, you will be amazed at how many calories are in your favorite foods. Every restaurant must have nutrition facts for their food. For example, I went to Bob Evans a few days ago. I asked for the nutrition facts and the server came back with a binder with all of the nutrition facts. I then was able to make an informed decision and opted for a fruit and yogurt plate. Did you know that at restaurants such as Burger King and McDonald's have their nutrition facts on the back of their place mat papers?

Also, when eating out, a way of having your favorite foods, take 1/2 of the food and box it to go. It will prevent you from overheating. Ask for the to go box when you place your order.

Now this one may sound goofy but it works. I was reading something that gives tips to lose weight. Only one worked for me. When I get a craving when I'm not hungry, I take a drop of hot sauce and place it on my tongue. It really does work. By the time the peppery taste is gone from your tongue, the craving is gone.

I am doing so much better. It isn't so much about willpower, it's about learning what is causing you to overeat. Just ask yourself questions. Why do I want to eat? Am I tired? Thirsty? Am I'm really hungry?

I hope this will make it a bit easier. Losing weight is so difficult. It takes work but it's worth it.

malibu927

Those restaurants also post nutrition info on their websites, so you can decide before you go as well. Local ones, probably not, but you can always check!

floridagirl7264

malibu927 wrote: »

Those restaurants also post nutrition info on their websites, so you can decide before you go as well. Local ones, probably not, but you can always check!

Yes ... Good point if you plan on going out to eat ahead of time. I should have specified when I'm out shopping and get hungry. I haven't planned to eat out ahead of time. I've tried using the mobile apps and I just ended up getting aggravated.

Francl27

I love flavored seltzer when I'm thirsty and need a treat!

I wish the 'box half the meal' thing worked for me, but if I go for higher calorie food, half is just never going to fill me up (unless it's huge meals like Cheesecake Factory obviously).