Conflicted confectioner

Smartia

I've been MFP-ing off and on for several years, but am posting for the first time. My long-term goal is to lose 15 more pounds (I'm currently about 70 pounds below my heaviest weight), eat a plant-based whole-foods diet to the extent feasible, and somehow continue my much-beloved hobby of making chocolates.

CaffeinatedConfectionist

It's all about finding balance and an approach that works for you. I love baking and confectionery (obviously) and I would not feel like I was being myself if I gave up those hobbies - really, cooking, baking, etc, is my form of creative outlet (I also enjoy cooking with a whole-foods type approach, although I also incorporate a fair amount of meat and a lot of cheese, dairy, etc), and I'd go crazy without it.

But I have learned techniques to allow me to still enjoy those things without sabotaging my physical health - I practice intermittent fasting, which helps me reserve calories for chocolate and other sweets, and I make sure that I eat enough protein and fat, which helps with satiety. I have also identified several varieties of fitness activities that I enjoy and can do consistently because they're a pleasure, not a chore - trail running, lifting, kickboxing/martial arts, roller derby, TRX, etc. If you can find a type of physical activity that you enjoy, you get a lot more flexibility in terms of your food choices. Good luck to you!