What to avoid on a diet

ksz1104

I've come to learn that theres noting to "avoid". you need to make smart choices. Don't beat yourself up that you had a big piece of cake at the birthday party, or drank a coke at the movies. Overall you should make smart choices with what you are eating, but its not going to kill you to indulge a little here and there. Like if you eat smart 80% of the time, living it up during the 20% will keep you from thinking you are depriving yourself. And when you do eat smart, eat things that you LOVE. You will have to try out some new and different thing and you might find something you love and can eat regularly. Like I love vegetables, like brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, mushrooms...so since I have to eat low carb most of the time (im diabetic), I usually make myself these things and really season them up. So I'm still happy while the rest of the family eats pasta or rice. its not without difficulty, I'll tell you.

ksz1104

Blitzia wrote: »

You can eat anything as long as your total calories stay under your goal. If your goal is 1600 calories, you can eat that fastfood cheesburger, fries, and a soda, but then you'd have to eat nothing else all day. So here are some things I've found helpful, with the caveat that you shouldn't put anything completely off limits; learn how to work the treats or desserts into your plan that you want the most.

1. Sodas/drinks with calories - if you can stick to water (or calorie-free bevarages) it makes it a lot earier to stick to your calorie goal. A big enough soda can have a whole (small) meal's worth of calories, so weigh out whether you'd rather have a soda or a big filling snack.
2. At restaurants, meaty/low carb items are usually the lowest calorie options. Get the small steak or grilled chicken instead of a sandwich or wrap. (When you cook things yourself, you can find ways to make carbs that are higher in fiber and lower in carbs than restaurant foods.)
3. Substitutions are your friend! I really like homemade burritos, and I switched tortilla brands from one that was 140 calories each to one that was 50. I also switched from sour cream to fat free greek yogurt and switched from full fat to nonfat cheese. I also switched out high calorie desserts for Halo Top ice cream (Halo Top is a staple if you're counting calories but love ice cream.)

Read the label on everything. Over time, you'll learn what works for you and what doesn't. Everyone likes different things and finds different things filling, so my best advice is to do some experimenting.

I totally agree about the drinks with calories. I had to cut out regular soda and sweet tea and things when I got my diabetes diagnosis...man the amount of calories in those things really adds up!! Sometimes its not worth it and I'd rather spend those calories on something way better or not use them at all. Water and I have become BFF.

junodog1

Noel_57 wrote: »

Avoid loading or unloading in the red zone.

The white zone is for loading or unloading only.

crystalewhite

My advice would be don't try to do too much at once, it can get overwhelming at first. You don't have to eat only vegetables and protein shakes and exercise three hours a day.
Buy a food scale if you don't already have one, and then start measuring out portions of foods you actually like. Proper portions of food are eye opening (I'm looking at you, cheese and pasta!).
Everything in moderation!

TxTiffani

Avoid cutting out any food/drinks entirely. That has been key to my mental well being so far this time around. I love that I have the choice to eat or drink whatever I want. I have committed to myself that I will stick to my calories so I make sure I know the calorie count and serving size then make the choice if said food or drink is worth it to me. Also I exercise to earn calories so I can eat more....I don't always eat them but I do if I'm hungry or fitting an extra treat in my day:)

leanjogreen18

Avoid complicating things:)

mehlerscasada

It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle! Think of it like that, control your portion sizes, and you're in the clear!

Purplebunnysarah

Avoid buying large quantities of foods you cannot moderate. So no large bag of chips if you normally eat most of the bag in one go. Get the single serve bag instead. (In my case I can't even buy more than one single serve bag at a time... I will eat them all in one sitting at some point.)

Avoid lying to yourself.