I appreciate these forums-McDonalds

cafisher0404
cafisher0404 Posts: 77 Member
edited November 13 in Food and Nutrition
Today was an off day. I don't feel that great (I think I'm coming down with something). I didn't want to make dinner, so I went to McDonalds for the kiddos, but I was also hungry. Normally, I would feel guilty if I ate fast food while trying to "diet." After reading a lot of the posts here, I'm beginning to understand that its a lifestyle change that is needed, and occasional fast food is not going to kill me and is okay to fit in (within my calories) and still work towards my health goals. This helped me keep the mindset that this is working for me, and I can actually stick with it and not quit because I feel like a failure. It's a wonderful thing! I stayed within my calorie budget, and I can continue on tomorrow with my usual food choices. I have lost roughly 11 pounds so far (been on here about a month) and I just want to thank you guys for posting what you do!

Replies

  • goldthistime
    goldthistime Posts: 3,213 Member
    PS I appreciate these forums too. I've learned lots and am STILL learning lots.
  • MissusMoon
    MissusMoon Posts: 1,900 Member
    Hooray! I'm truly happy to your post!
  • oocdc2
    oocdc2 Posts: 1,361 Member
    I did the same thing yesterday--even had an ice cream cone. I hope you enjoyed! :)
  • macgurlnet
    macgurlnet Posts: 1,946 Member
    Ohhhh well done, you!! It's awesome that you've reached a point where you recognize McDonald's and similar stuff is AOK.

    I hope you got something yummy for yourself, too!

    Get well soon. :flowerforyou:

    ~Lyssa
  • dlkfox
    dlkfox Posts: 463 Member
    I am so happy to hear this! It's all about living.
  • CaptainJoy
    CaptainJoy Posts: 257 Member
    It's great to eat what we want and still lose. Congratulations on your weight loss! Be sure to check your nutrition tab if you're feeling sick. You may need a multivitamin or extra Vitamin C. Hope you feel better :)
  • River314
    River314 Posts: 66 Member
    I'm learning that I don't necessarily have to give up on all my faves. I stumpy eat smaller portions of things I like to get that craving out of the way. I typically eat smaller portions anyway, except for McDonald's fries. The other day I got value size fries and I didn't think I needed more. Portion control!
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    Fabulous.
  • ReaderGirl3
    ReaderGirl3 Posts: 868 Member
    River314 wrote: »
    I'm learning that I don't necessarily have to give up on all my faves. I stumpy eat smaller portions of things I like to get that craving out of the way. I typically eat smaller portions anyway, except for McDonald's fries. The other day I got value size fries and I didn't think I needed more. Portion control!

    When I finally had that 'ah ha' moment with portion sizes it really changed everything for me. It's so freeing to realize you can still eat all the foods you like, including eating out, and still be in control and lose/maintain your weight. You just have to be mindful of portion sizes and then fit everything into your calorie goals :)

    OP-I ate out several times a week during my active weight loss phase and I continue to eat out several times a week now in maintenance. I love eating out and I just had to learn how to fit it in with my goals!
  • MelissaPhippsFeagins
    MelissaPhippsFeagins Posts: 8,063 Member
    applause-gif-2.gif#applause%20gif%20320x240

    Ditto!!! Life happens, don't let it wreck your lifestyle
  • cgvet37
    cgvet37 Posts: 1,189 Member
    I eat Taco Bell once a week.
  • markrgeary1
    markrgeary1 Posts: 853 Member
    If your weight goes up tomorrow, don't panic. McDonald's is a lot saltier than what I am used to, and may be for you too.

    That's the only negative. I used to take BP meds so I watch sodium, that's the only issue I have with their food. I realize a meal or two probably isn't going to spike my BP. I just don't eat there 7 days a week.

    OP we're now in maintenance, we choose to allocate 300 calories daily to Ben and Jerry’s every night! It's awesome to be skinny and be able to do that.☺
  • LPflaum
    LPflaum Posts: 174 Member
    I travel a ton for work, mostly driving, and McDonald's all day breakfast has saved my life. There are not many places you can can get a sandwich for 300 calories with 17g of protein that can be eaten with one hand while driving a car, but the Egg McMuffin absolutely can. Is it ideal? no. Is life ideal? Absolutely not.

    the hardest thing for me to deal with has been picking myself up after those "off days", dusting off, and moving on, but I'm learning.
  • mjwarbeck
    mjwarbeck Posts: 699 Member
    Places like Mcdonald's have "healthier choices" as well. Here in Canada/toronto right now they have a grilled chicken sandwich that is not bad (call The 12).

    Grilled or crispy seasoned Canadian chicken breast, topped with white processed cheddar cheese, crisp leaf lettuce, fresh tomato, and applewood smoke seasoned sauce, on a sesame and poppy seed glazed bun. It’s a satisfying sandwich you’ll feel good about.
    Carbs 40, Fat 14, Protein 30...Calories 400

  • ASKyle
    ASKyle Posts: 1,475 Member
    This is an awesome post. I ate a half a pizza two weekends ago, and was up 5lbs the next day. It all went away within a few days. Don't panic!
  • mph323
    mph323 Posts: 3,565 Member
    Go you! You've figured out the hardest part of losing and maintaining weight - how to eat in a way that's sustainable for you. So glad you checked back in, you're doing amazing!
  • domeofstars
    domeofstars Posts: 480 Member
    That's awesome, congratulations! I've come to the same point too. When losing weight, if its not something you could do everyday for the rest of your life there's no point in doing it temporarily. I've found that if I restrict too much or deny myself the foods I really want too often I end up binge eating and undoing all of my weight loss efforts so there's no point. Better to incorporate some of the higher calorie foods sometimes and enjoy. Weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint :D
  • fitoverfortymom
    fitoverfortymom Posts: 3,452 Member
    Way to make it work! I have a busy life, kids, etc. and drive-thru food is a part of that. I do it a bit less than I used to (admittedly a few times all three meals for the day were fast food), but I don't fear it and know what my go-to convenience foods are.

    It was really hard to wrap my head around the fact that losing weight didn't have to have any off limits foods. There were a few self-imposed restrictions I gave myself such as no regular soda and pizza only when I have the calories to eat ALL the pizza. Otherwise, if it fits in my calories, I eat it.
  • leanjogreen18
    leanjogreen18 Posts: 2,492 Member
    edited February 2017
    Most freeing and empowering thing I learned on this forum was I didn't have to restrict foods. It's made all the difference in the world because I now have a sustainable exit plan.

    Oh and it stopped guilt dead in its tracks!!
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