How Good Does Being "in shape" Taste/Feel

OnthatStuff

I have finally come to grips with the fact that in order to reach my goals, I'm going to need to let go of my obsession with donuts . As I've said my last goodbye's recently, something Oprah Winfrey mentioned some years ago (early 2000's, i think) came to mind. She said something like "nothing tastes better than how being thin/in-shape feels" (loose paraphrase). Sheesh -- talk about blasphemy, right!

Now, as crazy as it seems, I'm entertaining the possibility of her being onto something. However, I can't think of many more things that trump how great glazed donuts taste IMO.

What's up with that?

Chef_Barbell

I eat donuts and I lose weight. You can have both.

Golbat

I was very thin most of my life, and I'm not far from where I want to be again. I would say going through life without carrying extra weight around, and without needing extra space, does feel different, and wonderful. There's a lightness to it.

Totally agree that glazed donuts taste delicious. Maybe I can split a glazed donut with my husband, and just every so often though?

SarahStarr86

Chef_Barbell wrote: »

I eat donuts and I lose weight. You can have both.

Yep, me too! We have a Krispy Kreme up the street and once a month I go and get some doughnuts. I just make them fit into my day. I'm not at goal weight yet but for me, being at goal/in shape will feel and taste like being able to wear certain outfits with confidence, being able to wear a swimsuit without a cover up, just feeling the best about myself physically. I have a certain goal outfit that I always imagine myself wearing whenever I want to go raid the pantry, lol. Also, my husband and I have very active friends and I'm super competitive so I look forward to being able to keep up better on our hikes and I want to be able to crush them, or at least compete on our local Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course!

KaleidoscopeEyes8

As someone who had gained a lot of weight and has now lost it, I can tell you that being in shape feels GREAT. I honestly feel so much better, physically and mentally, than I did before. I didn't realize how not great I had felt until I lost the weight either. However, I did it while still occasionally indulging in donuts. For me, it was better to let myself have them sparingly (once a month, maybe) than to tell myself I couldn't have them at all. Complete restriction is far more likely to make people binge. I've also heard that you should focus on what you CAN have, and not what you can't, if you want eating healthy to become a lifestyle (as opposed to "dieting"). And that you should remember you're fueling your body, not your tastebuds.

TimothyFish

There's nothing wrong with having one 300-400 calorie doughnut once in a while. And if you walk, run, or ride a bicycle to the doughnut shop, you'll find it is less of an issue. I find that being in shape means that I get more of that kind of stuff, not less. There's a cookie shop in downtown Fort Worth that has become one of my cycling destinations. It is fifteen miles there and fifteen miles back, so I burn through whatever I eat before I get home. If you are trying to lose weight without exercise then yeah, you pretty much have to give up that stuff. But if you are doing it without exercise then you aren't really getting in shape.

Chadxx

It feels fantastic, far better than donuts. Fortunately though, you can have both. You just have to moderate the donuts and work them into your budget. I had both cinnamon rolls and banana pudding this weekend and I have lost 140 pounds and counting.

essexgirl1971

i love food, and crisps and sweets would be my downfall . but having lost 2st, half my goal weight i want to lose, i feel better. i prefer the taste of healthy food and it doesn't make me bloated or over full like unhealthy food does.

RunWinterGarden

Nothing feels better than how you feel after a good workout. I've got no issues with eating donuts as well, it's just a matter of maybe 1-2 per week instead of 2-3 per day (which is what I was on at one point). Just like anything, it's all about moderation.

jgnatca

Being OUT of shape means everything is harder. Puffing going up the stairs. Having to plan a trip to the floor to pick up a dropped comb. Carrying a hundred pound backpack all day and NEVER getting a chance to put it down.

Being fit means trotting for twenty minutes while carrying a conversation. It means getting a third of the way up the river valley steps before I feel it. It means breaking out in a run out of sheer exuberance. Pink in my cheeks. Endurance. Flexibility. Options.

TheChaoticBuffalo

It's all about who's in control...you or the donuts. I have my own set of food demons, but I can tell you that being the one in control feels - and tastes - pretty darn good...maybe not better, but good enough to keep me being the one in control.

rsclause

In the mornings at 5:00 AM I run past the Krispy Kream doughnut shop and smell all those calories. When someone brings a box to the office I just leave them be. I know that I must run 7 miles to burn 1000 calories. I know that something that is that calorie dense will push me in the wrong direction. I don't feel deprived or cheated its just something I don't do anymore.

tulips_and_tea

Good advice already given, but to go along with your theme and quote, OP, I'd say input your stats here, figure out how much you want to lose, what your daily calorie goal is, and learn how to weigh, measure, and log your intake accurately and get a "taste" of success. When you lose that first 5 lbs (or whatever your first goal is) you'll see if that quote fits you or not.

Yes, you can still eat yummy food and maintain a healthy lifestyle, so I think if you really commit to it and see that you can eat all things in moderation you'll feel so much better, both physically and mentally. Doesn't hurt to try, right?

jusjoking

how does it feel?? An interesting question because some people have NEVER "been in shape"...or like me havent been in shape for many years

So this might be one instance where its ok to fantasize about how it will feel lol

I started letting myself go in my 20s and have been fat/chubby/smooth pretty much ever since. Ill be 50 in 2 months and I am in my worst shape ever. Grotesque and unhealthy feeling

back in 2003 I got a wild hair and lost down to about 189 I think (before they took ephedra drinks off the market lol). That would be the closest I have been to experiencing "what it feels like"

It felt nice and I got some compliments and questions etc etc. I got a few weird looks and some "are you ok?" .... "are you healthy?" lol. Pretty crazy because 189 at 5'8" isnt exactly anorexic but I have broad shoulders etc so i carry weight decently

other than that one brief time period id have to look all the way back to my late teens up to maybe 21 years old. But at that time YOU DONT KNOW HOW IT FEELS.....because you are young and have never felt anything different lol

So for me im pretty much shooting in the dark as to how it will feel and look etc.

So as I said it may take a little bit of creative fantasizing how good it will feel etc. that nice mental and emotional picture should help pull me forward towards that goal

One thing for sure, being fat and tired all the time isnt hitting on much lol

Cheers, JonJon

LessCookiess

The people saying you can eat doughnuts and lose weight are spot on!! As long as you can fit it into your calorie goals you can eat it. I actually ate 2 doughnuts last Friday, and another doughnut on Saturday and I'm down 36 pounds since I've started to lose weight. I do go for a 30 minute walk every day, and I do hit the gym at least 3 times a week so I do get to eat more than the amount MyFitnessPal intially gave to me extra calories rocks.

I usually eat about 2 doughnuts every Friday I'm not sure how being thin feels maybe other people can.

gamerbabe14

I do use that quote as inspiration but only when I know I want to eat just because I am bored and feel like over indulging. It reminds me that eating when I am not hungry is really pointless and doesn't make me happy.

Tacklewasher

I'm having trouble getting past "something Oprah said". Not the best example of successful weight loss

Running_and_Coffee

I think a splurge tastes better when you've earned it through hard work--that means NOT eating a donut most of the time, then really enjoying every bite every once in a while, and working hard with your exercise and diet the rest of the time. You can really savor every bite when it's a special occasion.

Gallowmere1984

Tacklewasher wrote: »

I'm having trouble getting past "something Oprah said". Not the best example of successful weight loss

I was thinking this myself. Clearly something must taste better than fit feels, because ol' girl didn't last too long...any of the times.

Tacklewasher

storyjorie wrote: »

I think a splurge tastes better when you've earned it through hard work--that means NOT eating a donut most of the time, then really enjoying every bite every once in a while, and working hard with your exercise and diet the rest of the time. You can really savor every bite when it's a special occasion.

What I'm finding (and I'm not sure this is what you are saying) is that the treat for me is more of a general "I'm doing pretty good" than a "hey I ran 5K, I deserve it" type thing. I've been losing pretty good so I'm not going to blow it, but I did have an obscene hot dog last week.

OnthatStuff

So many "correct" responses. Just being honest, I still want ALL the donuts?! I'm not a quitter. I like to finish what I start, so it's either all or nothing with me. With that in mind, I've had to put down the Dunkin' and go cold turkey for fear of ending up like this guy ...


Thanks for the words of encouragement.

endlessfall16

storyjorie wrote: »

I think a splurge tastes better when you've earned it through hard work--that means NOT eating a donut most of the time, then really enjoying every bite every once in a while, and working hard with your exercise and diet the rest of the time. You can really savor every bite when it's a special occasion.

It can also work against people with certain mindset. When you have worked so hard and put judgment on whether to have something or not, especially on trivial stuff, lots of time it tends to veer into the direction that you rather not have it because it's not worth it.

Same "problem" with money. The more and longer you save for something, the less inclined you are to get it.

A splurge tastes best when it's spontaneous and unattached.

Tacklewasher

OnthatStuff wrote: »

@Chef_Barbell ... but do you eat ALL the donuts?! I like to finish what I start, so it's either all or nothing with me. With that in mind, I've had to put down the Dunkin' and go cold turkey for fear of ending up like this guy ...

This becomes a personal question, that no one but you can answer for yourself. If you can't "eat just one", then it might be best to cut them out completely.

I thought I might have this issue with chips. I could eat a family sized bag in one sitting if I felt like it. And it would not last more than 3, with 2 being average. I now have a box of small bags of chips (under 30 grams ~ 170 calories) and I can eat one bag and move on happily. Others here can't and would eat a lot more than 1 bag if they had them in the house.

I'm more disturbed that you posted that picture.

reichardtjessica

I'm only 23 and already weigh 312 lbs (well before I lose 17 lbs lol) the last time I was remotely average sized/plump was 8 years ago. And I'm sure my doctor would say I was fat back then lol I was probably around 180. I didn't realize how much I liked being 180 until I found myself starring at a scale saying i was 312lbs. I wasn't skinny by any means but I don't want to be either. I like being chunky... Not morbidly obese. I love candy and I could certainly go to town on some glazed doughnuts but I know when I'm eventually fitting in my old size 13 jeans (not size 24-26 like now) I'm gonna be so damn thankful I chose fruit/veggies over those doughnuts. So as for your quote, I agree with it. There's nothing I want more for myself right now then to be back to a healthy size (by my standards)

inertiastrength

Donuts are pretty good. I mean looking good feels good too, but it's neck and neck lol Like other's have suggested, work a little bit of the foods you love into your diet. Oprah is constantly going up and down 50lbs I don't know I'd take her advice on food tbh

jusjoking

OnthatStuff wrote: »

So many "correct" responses. Just being honest, I still want ALL the donuts?! I'm not a quitter. I like to finish what I start, so it's either all or nothing with me. With that in mind, I've had to put down the Dunkin' and go cold turkey for fear of ending up like this guy ...

Thanks for the words of encouragement.

nice pic.

yeah, im a musician and I want to get really sexy so when I do an album i can have a nice sexy pic....like this guy

Running_and_Coffee

endlessfall16 wrote: »

storyjorie wrote: »

I think a splurge tastes better when you've earned it through hard work--that means NOT eating a donut most of the time, then really enjoying every bite every once in a while, and working hard with your exercise and diet the rest of the time. You can really savor every bite when it's a special occasion.

It can also work against people with certain mindset. When you have worked so hard and put judgment on whether to have something or not, especially on trivial stuff, lots of time it tends to veer into the direction that you rather not have it because it's not worth it.

Same "problem" with money. The more and longer you save for something, the less inclined you are to get it.

A splurge tastes best when it's spontaneous and unattached.

I guess everyone has their own "taste" when it comes to what makes a splurge taste good. I enjoy and really savor every crumb of a splurge I planned for. Going out for an amazing Italian dinner with my husband on a Saturday night when that morning I ran 8 miles, after a week of eating as I had planned to do=feels and tastes great in every possible way. Eating a donut I didn't intend to eat "just because" doesn't feel nearly as good to me.

kommodevaran

Being in shape feels... like being human is supposed to feel. Like this: "unit is properly installed and operating normally". Nothing special. But good. I can move, and I like to move just because I can. I fuel myself properly because it feels good. I eat great food because I'm worth it.

Make up your mind. Are you obsessed with donuts? Or will you miss them? You don't have to cut anything out. A happy healthy life is not about depriving yourself, but about balance. Depriving yourself means that you'll cave and binge. Eating to fuel your body means you will have to prioritize. Prioritizing means that you'll be more discerning. You will be looking for value. Value is individual, so it's impossible to tell what you'll value most. Some foods you believed you'd rather die than not be able to eat all the time, can become "meh". Other foods can become staples instead. Or you'll eat just like before, just less. And it won't even necessarily feel like you're eating less, because you pay attention when you eat. Maybe. Or maybe eating will feel less important. Anyway, changing a few small things can change lot of other big things. Or not. You'll never know until you try.

sunfastrose

Tacklewasher wrote: »

I'm having trouble getting past "something Oprah said". Not the best example of successful weight loss

And just to point out - the saying has been co-opted by the pro-ana (pro-anorexia) communities, so I regard it warily now.

crazyycatlady1

Chef_Barbell wrote: »

I eat donuts and I lose weight. You can have both.

Yep, this.

OP, I've lost 50lbs and I'm 4 years into maintenance. I don't feel a whole lot different, besides now I don't get winded so quickly. Otherwise things feel pretty much the same.

Geocitiesuser

Nothing wrong with practicing food abstinence. For some of us we DO have to give up the donuts.

As for how it tastes/feels... honestly.... same as when I was overweight, except I'm a bit more physically confident and find myself hungry more often than not. But, I'm not "done" yet (nor will I ever be).