why cant i just do it?
LinziT123
Posts: 43 Member
obviously i want to lose weight, its why i signed up for mfp, ive got high blood pressure and losing weight will help so i get up in the morning raring to go, eating within my cals until its night time and the dreaded phrase pops up..
"i'll start again tomorrow"
and the snacking starts..i feel sofrustrated after i do it, with all this said the obvious thing to do would be just dont snack, righht?
so why the **** can i just stick to something?? does anyone else do this? how did you break the snack habit?
"i'll start again tomorrow"
and the snacking starts..i feel sofrustrated after i do it, with all this said the obvious thing to do would be just dont snack, righht?
so why the **** can i just stick to something?? does anyone else do this? how did you break the snack habit?
0
Replies
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It's ok to eat snacks, just control how much you eat. Track it, and eat a reasonable portion. Dieting doesn't necessarily mean restricting or completely cutting out our favorite foods. It means controlling our portions. And if you exercise, that's even better because then there is more room for your favorite foods and snacks.
If your snack is coming out of a bag or box, just read the nutrition label and see what one portion is and how many calories it is. Just eat one portion, track it, and put the box/bag away. I find it helpful to put my snacks in a separate plate, put the bag away, and sit in the dining room or living room to eat it. This way, I am not eating straight out of the bag. It's easier to not over eat.
So remember, snacking is ok in moderation.0 -
Open up your diary, maybe we can give you some ideas to help you out
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You joined in April, right? Think about the progress you could have made in those 4 months. Think about how amazing you'd feel right now!
Okay, now stop thinking about it... and think about how you will feel tomorrow or today after sticking to your recommended calorie intake. Imagine that huge sense of "YESSSS" (haha, that's what I was like after my first day of logging on MFP! :bigsmile: ).
Now imagine how amazing you'll feel after a week of logging sensibly...
And then imagine how great you'll feel after logging for a month (I've DEFINITELY had a few slip ups during my time on here so please don't think a "red calorie" day is the end of the world!)
Then a few months...
Oooh, and before you know it, 4 months will have gone by, you'll feel a hell of a lot better about yourself just because YOU CAN DO IT. And you've proved that you can do it... you'll be lighter too and full of energy!
One thing I WILL say before you start, however... open your diary up so the public can see it! Also, make sure your calorie deficit is sensible... I get super grouchy if I eat under 1400 calories a day!
Time to realise that you can just do it. Not only that, you can start now... do you want to? :bigsmile:0 -
Eat less during the day in order to have spare calories at night to fit your snacks in it!0
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obviously i want to lose weight
Obviously not bad enough. It's not that you can't do it, it's that you won't. None of us can tell you why or how to fix it - that's something you have to figure out on your own. Some of us eventually get to the point where we want it bad enough to do something about it and actually stick to it and some of us never get to that point. It's all up to you - you either want it or you don't. If you want it bad enough, you'll do something about it.
I eat 6 times per day - there's nothing wrong with snacking. It's the amount of calories you're consuming that's causing you to gain weight.0 -
Actually I think you should either eat more total daily calories, perahps your cutting your calories too low, too fast; or eat more calories earlier in the day and less at night.
I have the same problem you do. My will power is great all day long but at night it goes right out the window and I want to eat everything not nailed down. So I tried upping my total calories which has helped ALOT. I'm not so afraid to be "over my calories!!!" OMG! and relax a bit. I also try to eat a larger breakfast. Which helps so I'm not so hungry throughout the day and have more energy.
I hope these suggestions help as they have helped me0 -
obviously i want to lose weight
Obviously not bad enough. It's not that you can't do it, it's that you won't. None of us can tell you why or how to fix it - that's something you have to figure out on your own. Some of us eventually get to the point where they want it bad enough to do something about it and actually stick to it and some of us never get to that point. It's all up to you - you either want it or you don't. If you want it bad enough, you'll do something about it.
I eat 6 times per day - there's nothing wrong with snacking. It's the amount of calories you're consuming that's causing you to gain weight.
This...
If you want it you will grab it and take it...
When you want it bad enough you will do it.0 -
Who brings in the snacks you eat at night?
If you have any control over it, try not to have anything around until you get a better grip on your eating.
Moderation is key, but if moderation isn't happening right now, cut out the snacks and try again after you get a good start.
If you can't lay off the snacks and can't ban them from the house, go to bed. Seriously, if you've met your calorie goal and don't have any other obligations for the day, call it early and get some rest.0 -
There is no tomorrow. All you have is today. Make it count.
Also, you have some great data points up until now (have you been tracking all the snacks?) This will help you figure out what to do differently. Have you been low on protein and fat during the day? Do you need to save some calories for evenings (already mentioned)? Are your goals too high? Maybe change them to lose 1lb/week for now, it's better than what you are doing. Do you need to learn some distraction/stress release techniques? You can do this, but you need to figure out why you're not doing it.0 -
I've been there, and not to be brutal, but you get out of your journey what you put into it.
If you can't stop snacking at night, stop buying the foods that tempt you or make sure you are busy at that time of night, maybe take a walk?
Try drinking a glass of water and wait 20 minutes. If you are still genuinely hungry, you probably need to eat. Grab some fruit or a small handful of nuts.
Learn to know what your triggers are and you can learn to deal with them before you lose control.
For me, logging all my meals and snacks the day before has helped me stay on track better.
Good luck on your journey!!0 -
obviously i want to lose weight, its why i signed up for mfp, ive got high blood pressure and losing weight will help so i get up in the morning raring to go, eating within my cals until its night time and the dreaded phrase pops up..
"i'll start again tomorrow"
and the snacking starts..i feel sofrustrated after i do it, with all this said the obvious thing to do would be just dont snack, righht?
so why the **** can i just stick to something?? does anyone else do this? how did you break the snack habit?
How many pounds are your trying to lose a week? Is there any way you can set your calories per day to be less of a drastic cut?
I've found that trying to be too restrictive with calories ends in binging. Setting my goal to a half pound or a pound a week makes me actually successful.0 -
I know that feeling. Its hard at times, but you can do it if you want it bad enough! Keep trying and moderate your snacks! I recommend maybe getting a box of snacks, each snack portioned out already (like pretzels or even Oreos) by 100 calories. They (the food makers) do this with chips, pretzels, and other snacks. Maybe take 1 or 2 of those to a different area and snack there, as has been said earlier. Also, Fiber One has brownies that come in 90 calorie pouches. Just a few suggestions. I'm restarting down this road too after a TREMENDOUS weight gain. I've got your back! 0
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so why the **** can i just stick to something??
I bet there are already lots of things in your life you don't like doing that you "stick" with.
So the first step is to realize it's not about "motivation" - it's about choice.
When you're ready to do this - you will.0 -
I'm a late dinner eater and a night time snacker, but I've discovered I hate to eat after exercising. So, now I eat dinner and about 2 hours later (9pm or so) I go to the gym. I hate going that late, but I don't have any other time during the day any way. Once I get home I just want to drink a ton of water, shower, and go to bed.0
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Open up your diary, maybe we can give you some ideas to help you out
^^^^This^^^0 -
Here's a few questions: How good are you at doing favors for other people? How often do you forgive others? Are you capable of that?
There is a great concept I read about on reddit called the 3 selves. It's from a concept called No Zero Days. Your past self, your current self and your future self.
Your past self is the old you. Forgive your pas self for any missteps. You will feel better for it. We can often be our own worst critic, and constantly blaming yourself is making it harder to accomplish what your current self wants to accomplish. So start by forgiving your pas self so that your future self can do what it needs to do.
Your current self is who you are right now. Do the things you need to do, whether that be choosing healthier snacks or really sticking to your diary so you know what you're eating. As your current self, do favors for your future self. You said you're good at doing favors or helping others right? Well do your future self a favor and choose that apple or have a few almonds instead of the chips. When you do favors for yourself you are able to make your actions have more meaning, because you are doing a kindness for "someone else." That way, you are always moving forward and always doing good in the world, and you are starting it with you.
Your future self is who you will be. Do you want to feel better in the future and be healthier? Great! Give thanks to your past self for making better choices and for doing favors for the future you.
By focusing on forgiving your past self, doing favors for your future self, and thanking your pas selves for all the great things you've done, you are completing a full cycle. Had a bag of chips? Fine. Forgive yourself and move on. Had a weekend of binging? Today is a new day, forgive your past self and do your future self a favor by having a healthy breakfast. Want to try and feel great tonight? Do your future self a favor and have a huge glass of water and a few almonds or a salad for lunch. Then your future self can reflect on the day and say thank you for all the good you've done.
Once you get a few weeks down of this it will be no sweat. But just remember, there will always be ups and downs, because that's how life goes. The key is to keep moving forward and making YOU the most important part of the process...because you'll never make it without your help. 0 -
The temptation to snack at night is a very strong one... and a VERY hard habit to break. That being said, stay focused and stay strong just for one night. When you think about grabbing something to eat and the idea of "i'll start tomorrow" starts to surface tell yourself that you can do this just for one night...
Once you do it once, the second time is easier and then the third is even easier. Eventually, it just becomes habit and then you don't have to fight with yourself anymore.
I used to try to save a portion of my calorie allowance for evening snacks, but I learned that it is harder for me to stick to a specific and portioned snack than it is is for me just to not eat after dinner. Once I start eating it's easy to keep going rather than just sticking to a solid no food policy.
Also, I brush my teeth before I sit down to watch TV for the evening. If I start trying to convince myself that I should have a snack, I drink herbal peppermint tea.
It doesn't work 100% of the time, but most nights I am able to keep my inner snacker in check.0 -
I had to literally quit buying snacks. I don't keep anything snackable in my house because I can't control myself either. It drives my kids crazy but they don't need all that stuff either.0
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obviously i want to lose weight, its why i signed up for mfp, ive got high blood pressure and losing weight will help so i get up in the morning raring to go, eating within my cals until its night time and the dreaded phrase pops up..
"i'll start again tomorrow"
and the snacking starts..i feel sofrustrated after i do it, with all this said the obvious thing to do would be just dont snack, righht?
so why the **** can i just stick to something?? does anyone else do this? how did you break the snack habit?
If you are tired of starting over, you have to stop giving up.
The only one who can make the change is you, make the decision to stop making poor choices and stick with it, it gets easier with time.
Also, every time I hear someone say that they "can't" do something I just insert the word "won't", because it's the truth. You can do anything that you want you just have to WANT to do it.
EDIT: What she said... V V V.0 -
You CAN do it. You just don't want to. You have to want it and be committed 100% (which you clearly aren't right now).0
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I have had high blood pressure for 25+ years. I started MFP (and did what needed to be done) 6 weeks ago. I have been off Blood pressure medication for 2 weeks and have normal BP now.
Here is what 6 weeks of doing this gave me:0 -
I find that, if I have an insatiable urge to snack at night, it's probably due to one of the following:
a.) I didn't eat enough filling, healthy food earlier in the day. If I pack lots of fruits/veggies and lean proteins in my day, my body generally isn't craving a lot of crap at night, because my nutritional needs have been met.
b.) I haven't been hydrating well enough. When you get the urge to snack, drink a full glass or two of water first, and then see how you feel.
c.) I'm tired. Being tired ratchets up my cravings for junk. Answer: go to bed early instead of eating.
d.) I'm bored or acting out of habit. If this is the case, find something else to do that doesn't allow you to sit there and snack. Go for a walk. Do something involving your hands. I like to crochet, which makes it impossible for me to simultaneously shove things into my face.0 -
All I can say is ... I get it and if you can't defeat it accommodate it.
I hate to hear the all or nothing statements - if you truly are struggling then I would find the compromise.
I think hearing "you just don't want it bad enough" would just make me say "ok, maybe you're right. I'll just quit." But I don't relate well to all the passionate talk. It always sounds like empty hype to me.
Look for your why and then look for a way to stop or accommodate it until you are ready to change or you have found a way to include it. I snack at night. I exercise at night. I'm a night person though. I eat light through the day because I prefer that and then I eat more at night when I want it. It's not broken and I'm not fixing it. And yep, some days I don't want it anymore, but allowing myself to be imperfect allows me to keep moving forward after a bad meal/evening/day. I do my best and it's not perfect and it's not "all or nothing." All or nothing is how I got this big - because if I couldn't get it right I just thought I couldn't do it.0 -
To echo many of the other sentiments in this thread, you can do it. You just won't. Can't means physically unable i.e. I can't lift a Mercedes over my head. Won't means refusal i.e. I won't eat mayonnaise out of a jar.
Quit making excuses and take some personal responsibility.0 -
Controlling snacking is obviously important, but I recognize that I'm a night eater, and that's probably never going to change. I often budget my calories so that I have some left for the evening so I can eat! Knowing I can have a late night snack in my daily budget prevents me from going overboard. Using this, you can wean yourself off of late night too often-- once you see how much less you get to eat during the day depending on how much you save, it tends to even out.0
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I brush my teeth when my kids do so that I am less likely to snack at night. I also come on MFP to read a few motivating posts to keep me in it. Also, the suggestion to just go to bed is a good one! Most of us could use the extra sleep by going to bed early now and then. I also weigh myself daily. I think about how extra food that I put in my belly at night will affect the scale the next day. If I absolutely need something, my husband and I will usually make smoothies... plain greek yogurt, frozen strawberries, frozen blueberries, low cal almond milk and either splenda or a little homemade jam. Its a huge filling smoothie for about 125-150 calories. You can do this!!0
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There's plenty you can do to help control this:
You can work with the snacks:
1. save calories for a bedtime snack
2. pre-portion snack foods in baggies or bowls so that you can grab just 1 and know how many calories are in it. I mark the calories on mine with a sharpie sometimes.
3. make sure healthy snacks within your calorie budget are readily available, like hard boiled eggs, deli meats, fruit with small amounts of peanut butter, etc.
4. try eating dinner later and see if that curbs it
Or avoid the snacks:
4. take a walk or do some sort of indoor cardio before bed so that you will be tired and not feed like snacking
5. brush your teeth
6. take a long bath
7. pin photos of you when you were thinner, or photos of your ideal body, on your fridge so that you have to look at them when you open it.0 -
My worst time was at night. It did not matter how much dinner I ate, I had to have my snack at night. It wasn't portioned, it was straight from the box or the bag.
You may not be ready...I mean really really ready. After all, you will be giving up something that you look forward to every night. When I finally was ready, I decided to just let myself go to bed early. Get a good book, and a glass of water and just go to bed. After a year of giving this snack time up, I look back and wonder how I ate so much before bed all the time. Here is an article to read: It has some good points. Good luck!
http://jillfit.com/2014/08/04/craving-solution/0 -
You get up in the morning raring to go so use that to your advantage. Get in a walk in the morning, it's good for your heart. Preplan your day, fix containers with breakfast, lunch, dinner and allowable snacks and enter them all into your diary. As your day goes on you'll be seeing the healthy foods going into your body and when the containers are empty they're empty, you want more to eat that means you have to earn it, go for another walk, do a few sit ups.
To avoid the snacking chew gum, brush your teeth, paint your nails because who wants to ruin a freshly painted nail, these things really do work. My guess is you snack at night because it's a habit, it takes 3 weeks to make a new habit so it's going to take a while to break a habit.0 -
You joined in April, right? Think about the progress you could have made in those 4 months. Think about how amazing you'd feel right now!
Okay, now stop thinking about it... and think about how you will feel tomorrow or today after sticking to your recommended calorie intake. Imagine that huge sense of "YESSSS" (haha, that's what I was like after my first day of logging on MFP! :bigsmile: ).
Now imagine how amazing you'll feel after a week of logging sensibly...
And then imagine how great you'll feel after logging for a month (I've DEFINITELY had a few slip ups during my time on here so please don't think a "red calorie" day is the end of the world!)
Then a few months...
Oooh, and before you know it, 4 months will have gone by, you'll feel a hell of a lot better about yourself just because YOU CAN DO IT. And you've proved that you can do it... you'll be lighter too and full of energy!
One thing I WILL say before you start, however... open your diary up so the public can see it! Also, make sure your calorie deficit is sensible... I get super grouchy if I eat under 1400 calories a day!
Time to realise that you can just do it. Not only that, you can start now... do you want to? :bigsmile:
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