What's your best little tip that has helped you?

valente347

When I don't feel like working out I'll tell myself it's ok just to go easy or finish early. Once I get started though, I usually do the whole routine.

Fairysoul

I do that too!

valente347 wrote: »

When I don't feel like working out I'll tell myself it's ok just to go easy or finish early. Once I get started though, I usually do the whole routine.

launchpadmkquak

I thought of another one. I am dieting with my wife and when we are together we usually do just fine. Unfortunately, she works most Saturdays and I'm left to my own devices. Through out the whole week, if I was going to eat something bad, Saturday's are the day I would do it.

So most Saturdays, I'll do yard work or work out in the morning. Then I'll eat a big lunch, bigger then I normally would. I try to eat something relatively healthy but I eat more then usual. It's probably more of a mental thing but I'm less likely to mess up later in the day when I'm a little bored and would usually get hungry. I call it my "preemptive strike." I figure an extra couple hundred calories of a lean protein at lunch is a lot better then driving through McDonald's in the early evening. I know it's not the most logical and solid plan but it's been working for me.

Penthesilea514

Focus on what eating healthier ADDS to my food options, not what losing weight SUBTRACTS from my life. I felt for a long time I had to suffer and be starving to lose weight but really finding new things I like to eat and trying new things has kept me interested and motivated. Really, I think about what all of this is bringing into my life, what I am gaining, and it turns out that it helps me say no to other things that are less healthy (or learn how to eat them in moderation).

Good luck to everyone and thanks for sharing

eman460

i try pop corn in evening as i have been told it doesnt count for bad evening eating it fills stomach and counts less goodie

HannahInHawaii

famousmel wrote: »

I stopped 'bargaining' with myself. If I say I'm going to do something, I do it. No sleeping 10 more minutes or only working out 30 minutes instead of 40 b/c of the weather. I could talk myself out of anything. That means I should be able to talk myself INTO anything, right?

Love that. I started using a new motto for 2016. "Lose The Lazy." It's helped me a lot!

peaceout_aly

I "treat" myself to a Quest bar or ONE bar each day (usually twice a day) to get my protein in and kick that craving for sweet treats.

Another tip that actually helped me a lot was to focus on getting my body weight in protein (i.e. 110 lbs = 110 grams), that's when I saw the most results with building muscle and definition.

Pre-logging is a great thing to do. Helps you stay on track.

Miles_to_Go

I've been going off the rails since last summer with unintended Maintenance. Maybe it will help to remind me what I did early on...


* Chewing sugar free gum seems to help when I'm bored at work on the computer. I have a problems with snacking. Still struggling with it when I'm at home.
* Also drinking Crystal Light lemonade when it's hot out and I'm craving something sweet.
* Cut down on the amount of carbohydrates I was eating (pastries, cakes, potato chips, bread, rice, pasta - that was the majority of my food before). Try to increase protein intake to feel fuller.
* I recently joined a gym to try and break out of my exercise rut. It's too easy to get comfortable with a routine, so this as been a fun way to get re-energized about exercising. Normally I'm not a "joiner" - I don't like signing up for group activities, but this has been pretty fun.

Miles_to_Go

Also - early on I kept singing the "Just keep swimming" song from Finding Nemo.
It kept me going when I was really struggling to get started.

LillysMomma09

Love this!

I do my best to never eat all of my workout calories, to always have at least half of them left at the end of the day.

Being kind to myself has been hard to adapt to and I'm still trying. We're gonna have bad days, beating yourself up over it doesn't make it any easier. Just get right back on track the next day.

I plan all my food for the whole day first thing in the morning. This way if something does come up and I'm offered a cookie or whatever I know I have wiggle room and it won't throw me over for the day.

nichalsont

Eating when I was hungry and not when the clock said I should eat. Before, I had too much time left at the end of my calories.

k_nelson_24

-lots of water and gum between meals

-When I'm out of calories and want something salty I like to eat whole pickles. Only about 5 or 10 calories.

-Fiber one brownies in the microwave for 10 seconds and then a dollop of cool whip on top is HEAVEN.

-On my hormonal "eat all the foods" days, I chug two tbsp of chia seeds in a glass of water/ crystal light after breakfast and lunch. Keeps me full for hours! 120 calories for two tbsp plus awesome source of fiber, protein and omega 3's.

-Coffee helps my cravings!

-fancy hot teas- like fruit or peppermint- help me with sweet cravings.

-I have a go-to low cal meal at every restaurant in town, so no stress when last minute dinner decisions are made!

This is a fun thread!

rmtdoug

If you go slow and don't chew them, you can make 50 m&m's last about an hour. Whenever I'm at least 100 calories under at the end of the day, I get a treat!

launchpadmkquak

k_nelson_24 wrote: »

-Fiber one brownies in the microwave for 10 seconds and then a dollop of cool whip on top is HEAVEN.

I've done that. I've also put them in the refrigerator. Oddly different experiences.

EliseTK1

ebrass73 wrote: »

Rewards for big milestones. I, personally, have a huge weakness for cute workout clothes and shoes. So, I set goals for myself that when I reach (A) goal weight or (B) exercise goal or (C) get through a holiday without eating sweets, then I'll reward myself by purchasing something cute. When I finished my half-marathon last fall, I bought myself a pair of Nike Frees. Look good, feel good!

When I'm tempted to eat sweets or other free junkfood in a public setting (like the teacher's lounge since I'm a teacher), I always ask myself, "Would I go out and buy this at a store with my own money?" If no, then I pass. If yes, then I splurge a little.

I love this. If it's not worth paying for, I shouldn't be snacking on it. Usually I munch at work because it's there, not because I really want it. It has helped to be mindful of that.

ChampCrucial

You don't have to follow rules. You don't have to eat every 2 hours, 6 small meals, workout every day., use HIIT to lose fat etc. Make your own rules. Observe the facts and make your own. Example: I may fast in the am to get more work done as I am more productive. Then, I may eat half of my cereal and banana an hour before my workout, and then eat the other half as soon as I am done. I make small meals mini meals and stretch them. Other times I big out and sleep the day away

k_nelson_24

launchpadmkquak wrote: »

k_nelson_24 wrote: »

-Fiber one brownies in the microwave for 10 seconds and then a dollop of cool whip on top is HEAVEN.

I've done that. I've also put them in the refrigerator. Oddly different experiences.

They are so good! Oh, and the Special K blondie bites are my fave! They taste just like cookie dough bites!

mylifeisbeautiful

I'm working toward a reward of nice knives and tupperware! I would love a vitamix blender but that would have to be a huge reward - like for running a marathon! (I'm currently at the couch part of C25K

rabblescum

When working out I tell myself well just finish these five minutes so it Is a round number, then when I get there it is oh just finish these x reps or the quarter mile, and when that is done I convince myself to finish rounding the time. It shouldnt work. I know I am tricking me. But damned if it doesn't work.

kiittenforever

Food scale

Officially_Rosey

kiittenforever wrote: »

Food scale

Definitely one of the most handy things to have

JennaBelle86

The Fiber One dessert bars! They come in so many flavors and taste great. And you won't be tempted to eat more than one (or two) ... because, well, you know ... they are fiber bars!

Lisa_Ookoo

I make myself eat a snack in the afternoon, even if I'm not hungry. Otherwise I'm too hungry when I get home from work and overeat.

ajff

On my most successful days I try to eat half my breakfast at home, then pack the rest of my breakfast, lunch, and a snack for work. Eating more often has helped me.

Also, related, if I REALLY just want something to eat, I give myself TOTAL PERMISSION to eat something... in an hour. By then then urge has passed, usually, or by then I'm close to my next meal so I can hold out. Something about not telling myself NO... that has been a thing.

sarahkanzalone

I made a rule try something new every week. It's turned into a fun challenge to find new foods and it helps me feel like I'm not "missing out"

Also making sure I pack fruit in my lunch for sweet cravings so I don't make a trip to the vending machine

akerra27

titinyc wrote: »

Tip #1: I can't tell you guys how many great habits I've started using the '21 Days' rule. A lot of psychologists say that it takes 21 days to make a practice into a habit, so if there's something I'd like to change, I'll commit to 21 days of it (which is just three weeks and feels totally palatable). For example, "I commit to drinking 8 glasses of water per day for three weeks." By the end of your tenure, it's pretty much something you've grown accustomed to doing daily. It's a really good process practice for little things you'd like to change to help along your journey.

Tip #2: when there's a movie you're reeeeeeeally excited about seeing on Netflix, bring your phone/iPad/laptop to the gym and watch it while walking on the treadmill or elliptical. You'll be so engrossed in your flick that you won't even notice you've just burned off 1000 cals. It's great!

Oh and I'm not even gonna lie, I love the 'workout next to a cute girl' rule. My gym is full of cute dudes and it's my #1 motivator for SURE. Best times to go are 5-7PM when they all get off work!

When I first started someone told me about this and tho I never looked it up it stuck in my mind. When the first week was hard I kept telling myself just 21 days. It really works.

I had a problem buying sodas at work it was a habit so I would purchase water after probably 14-21 days one day half way through my shift I realized wow I didn't have to buy a water today.

As far as a tip for me it was finding the right times to eat and what to eat. I also now sit at a table (which I have never done) each meal. It has helped me to realize "Hey you have ate" and when I am hungry realize only X amount of time till food.

sew205

ajfuelling wrote: »

Also, related, if I REALLY just want something to eat, I give myself TOTAL PERMISSION to eat something... in an hour. By then then urge has passed, usually, or by then I'm close to my next meal so I can hold out. Something about not telling myself NO... that has been a thing.

YES. This 100%. Some part of me is still three years old, and throws an oppositional tantrum upon hearing "no, you can't eat this pint of ice cream". She's much less rebellious when told "sure, you can have it later." And then she's gotten distracted by something else when later rolls around.

capaul42

Definitely a digital scale!
When I first started I thought I was doing great using the portions/servings in the database. Then my loss seemed to slow right down. So I bought the scale on a recommendation and realized that I was so under recording my intake.

taylorwatson1

I never miss a Monday workout, even if I only do a small workout, I never miss a Monday. I always think the week is more positive when I start it well.

Love the film idea, I think I'll be adopting that one and hopefully burning lots and lots of calories at the gym!

Love this thread

Tenster

Record your calories as accurately as possible and always over estimate if in doubt.

Also don't put your excersise calories in, from what I can tell most people on here always over do the excersise calories.

Save carbs for after training