Never dieted before

awsure

I've remained fairly active most of my life up until a back condition began to bother me a few years ago. I steadily began adding weight to my 45 year old 5'8" frame and kind of accepted it as fact until a recent visit to get an arm injury checked out revealed my home scale was 10 pounds under accurate. Although not horribly huge I found myself at 184 pounds back in early July. It really put me in a foul mood and that caused stress which in turn aggravated my back and fed a cycle of a couple dark weeks. On a Boy Scout trip with my son one of the other Dads showed me the "My Fitness" app on his phone and I resolved to try it. WOW! I am now, a week before Halloween, down to 154 pounds. I tried very hard to honestly add the foods and quantities every day and every meal. I really feel great about the results although I am HUNGRY most of the time. I did give up breakfast cereal (cut back by at least 98%) which, after growing up with a Mom that only allowed us shredded wheat and corn flakes, proved challenging. I rationalized my love of Count Chocula and Boo Berry as an adult decision to make up for my childhood deficit. I think, for me, the next phase of simply maintaining a constant weight around 150 lbs. may prove a struggle. I LOVE food and it really seems that deprivation is the only way to get the traction I did. I am happier without the extra weight and if saying goodbye to great cuisine keeps me lean then I prefer that but I sure miss a few things.

_Zardoz_

You really shouldn't have to deprive yourself. As long as you're calorie level are correct you should be able to eat most things in moderation. Without an open diary it's hard to give any more specific advice but try not too get too obsessed over that number on the scale. As much as it may technically be your ideal weight it may not actually be the best weight for you depending on your frame size etc.

davemahon927

Whilst i am no expert, I think food should be seen as fun and enjoyable. The bit my wife and I enjoy are preparing and cooking food. Plan your food over the week around your dietary needs, monetary constraints if applicable and experiment on new dishes, ensuring you have lots of fresh produce and spices. Make your own sauces for stews, spag bol etc. Purchase a number of cook books or use the internet for great idea's and vary what you eat from day to day to ensure balance..

In the hour or so, I prepare & cook food, I will nibble on some of the fresh foods having a glass of water or two . With preparation, cooking and then eating, I find this kills an hour and a half, feeling full for a couple of hours or two.

It helped myself to lose a number of pounds this year. If only I could stop snacking outside these times.

Best of luck pal and I hope the back problem improves.