Why Don't We do what we know will work?

briegirl28

I've had good success in the past by using the simplest way of eating mainly protein, fruit, dairy, nuts, and veggies. With measured amounts of food, I have been able to eat out often and feel very "full" even when eating around 1,200-1,400 calories a day.

Despite these prior successes, I feel like I am focusing too much on my problem with sugar and reducing added sugars in my diet. I am also dealing with fatigue issues, so I often guzzle caffeine and sugar laden drinks in order to fight that tired feeling.

When I've done this in the past, I noticed a significant increase in irritability once I stopped eating foods with added sugar. It's these feelings of grouchiness that make me fearful of starting to omit the sugary laden items like soda and cookies/pastries.

How do you deal with any grouchiness or mood issues you feel while eating healthier and possibly lower in carbs? What do you find helps to change your sugary habit?

usmcmp

Maybe you need to eat more calories and carbs temporarily to reduce fatigue. I find the easiest way to reduce my intake of sweets is to not make them off limits (sometimes going as far as planning to have a small sweet treat at the end of the day). The moment I focus on reducing something I'm more likely to eat it.

sarahbetherck

What worked for me (but doesn't work for everyone) was cutting added sugar completely for at least a month. It sucked at first but once I got through the initial sucky part I stopped craving it. Now I can have A cookie (or whatever) without eating the entire sleeve of cookies

pamfgil

Or go gentle, if you have a health issue that means you need to cut down sugar do it gradually, maybe cut down by one sugary item per week. If you don't have any health issues go even slower

iofred

because we are human, and try to out-think ourselves ...

Lizzy622

I try to stay away from sweet drinks. I do use a raw sugar and stevia blend in my herbal tea when I want a little sweetness. Try to focus on the positive. Incorporate more whole grains to increase energy. Focusing in on adding healthy foods (nutrient rich) instead of eliminating things makes it easier to change your habits.

ninerbuff

Because if it REALLY worked, then a weight regain likely wouldn't have happened. May have gotten the weight loss out of it, but one usually had to either really RESTRICTED themselves from things they actually enjoy and sacrificed more than they really wanted to. Who wants to recommit to that?
COMMIT to something that's sustainable regardless of how long it may take one to lose weight (unless it's a health issue that requires immediate attention).

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

briegirl28

iofred wrote: »

because we are human, and try to out-think ourselves ...

So true. I have loved ones that are the same way. I feel it's like we want to take an easier route