Changing my eating

amjmortensen48

Is it best to just slowly change my eating or to change it all at once?

AnvilHead

"Change your eating" in what way, and why?

The general suggestion would be to do it in whatever way is most sustainable for you.

Emerald_Warrior

I think different things work for different people. I struggle with food addiction and I've learned I cannot do a complete turnaround overnight the way some people seem to. I have to take it step by step, eliminating one bad habit at a time.

VUA21

Slow and steady. Making small changes are less noticable, and over time with enough changes, you're entire eating habit will be changed and you'll only really notice it on your waistline.

nutmegoreo

I see a lot of people failing when they make major changes at once. I think it's because you are habituated to eating a specific way, and when you give up all the things you enjoy, the cravings lead to caving and bingeing. Not a good thing. Make small changes, but don't be afraid to fit in some treat foods. It will make your life much easier, and this process less painful.

kommodevaran

Yes and no, important question and not really relevant. Context is everything!

Depends on what's wrong with your current eating habits, and what you think of as "different".

I used to go from strict, disciplined dieting with home cooked meals, lots of fruit and vegetables, low fat and whole grains, and exercising and going for long walks, to eating chocolate and chips in bed and dragging myself to the kitchen and put a readymeal in the oven.

Now I have found some kind of middle road, where I eat regular, balanced/ordinary, home cooked meals, walk with a purpose (and the purpose can be "fun"), or run, dance or play. I still eat the same foods, just in other amounts and at different frequencies. Treats on occasion, not the mainstay of my diet.

Fuzzipeg

Why change anything except for portion size. I speak as someone who "naturally" developed problems with foods which I'm working to correct. If you mean giving up food groups this can expose you to becoming deficient in essentials. If you do not have problems you are aware of then there is not point in taking steps to avoid issues because you will create other issues on the way. Food should be enjoyable rather than a chore.

neugebauer52

I had to understand my food trigger point - bread, bread, lots of it and whatever fits on top and in between the slices. I am now pre - diabetic and had to make a couple of small adjustments. My meal plan is sustainable long term, I enjoy the food and over 5 months I have lost just over 20 kg. My carbs come mainly from vegetables and a little fruit and some milk products. My macros are about 30 % carbs and 35 % protein and fat each.

NovusDies

You'd have to be more specific.

amjmortensen48

kommodevaran wrote: »

Yes and no, important question and not really relevant. Context is everything!

Depends on what's wrong with your current eating habits, and what you think of as "different".

I used to go from strict, disciplined dieting with home cooked meals, lots of fruit and vegetables, low fat and whole grains, and exercising and going for long walks, to eating chocolate and chips in bed and dragging myself to the kitchen and put a readymeal in the oven.

Now I have found some kind of middle road, where I eat regular, balanced/ordinary, home cooked meals, walk with a purpose (and the purpose can be "fun"), or run, dance or play. I still eat the same foods, just in other amounts and at different frequencies. Treats on occasion, not the mainstay of my diet.

That is exactly the answer I was looking for. I eat way too much and need to trim it down a bit along with changing a few things that I do eat incorporate more fruits and veggies. And I figure if I can do that along with throwing some walking in there I should be able to lose some weight!!

rosebarnalice

I'm "an all in" kinda gal, so all at once is what worked for me

Millicent3015

amjmortensen48 wrote: »

Is it best to just slowly change my eating or to change it all at once?

Whatever works best for you. In the past I tried to cut out everything at once and it didn't work. This time I began making gradual changes-- adding extra lettuce and tomatoes to a shop bought sandwich, adding extra vegetables to microwave meals, getting a fruit pot instead of crisps in a meal deal, increasing the amount of vegetables in my home cooked meals, getting a fruit or carrot bag instead of fries with my Happy Meal. I gradually swapped calorie dense foods for less dense items, swapped to sugar free sweets and reduced sugar chocolate, started experimenting with using stevia instead of sugar, and lowering my overall carb intake. It's taken just over a year to make successful changes. Slowly reducing and replacing items works for me. Other people have no problem making a sweeping change and sticking with it. I knew a guy who became vegan overnight and is still a vegan 25 years on. His way worked for him. My way works for me. Your way will work for you, as long as you're realistic about what you are and aren't prepared to do.