Am i being too strict on myself?

Azuleelan

I allow myself small portions of things I like. I can not ask from myself to exercise so much more than before, eat less than before, eat healthier than before, and on top of that, not eat ANYTHING I truly enjoy?? Forget it. I have my caloric space for cookies and damn it I'm going to use it. This keeps me focused on my goals instead of dreaming about cookies...

Sezmo83

The question to ask yourself is : is this something I'm willing to deny myself for the rest of my life?

Learning moderation in our favorite foods is probably one of the hardest - but most valuable - of lessons. That's what I'd do anyway.

So agree with this. Eating something that's not really good for you but you really enjoy once in a while isn't the end of the world. I'm not willing to go without pizza or sausages or cake for the rest of my life so I will eat them in moderation. If I'd really wanted something that much and had the calories to spare I'd have eaten it and not felt guilty. I know that if I deny myself something I really want I'm only going to keep on and on wanting it and when I eventually give in I won't just stop at a small portion and will probably eat more junk to go with it. If I eat it when I first start wanting it though I can stick to a small portion no problem.

MsRubio

I also feel the same way, but I'm starting to shed the pounds so it's worth it. You would of been mad at yourself later and probably of wanted more, and that's where it gets ya. Just remember healthy eating vs the word dieting, because it's a lifestyle change. And soon you can have what you want if you choose to eat then, you probaly will get turned of f with the caloric intake anyway.

ReneeOfTheFae

They just don't get it! He should know that that's teaching his kids to do the same when they grow up. I should know, I'm living proof of that mess! :P
I'm the same way with sweets, too! I once had a craving for sour gummi worms that was so bad! I went to the store at 6 in the evening, bought a pound of them (and some other candies, including chocolate)! When I got home, I ate that entire pound of worms! I was so ill afterwards, but I didn't seem to care because I'd gotten my fix. Luckily, I've since learned my lesson. But, really, for those of us that have a hard time turning things down when they're right in front of us? Our loved ones should know better. Hang in there, girl! You can do it! You've got the right attitude and outlook.

thedons

wow you have incredible will power. you should be proud. and good for you for telling your husband not to bring tempting foods into the house. (sorry everyone but i agree here) i find thats its just easier for me to say no than to take a bite of something knowing the temptation for another bite will be too great. my husband is bad for doing stuff like that & it drives me nuts because i feel he obviously doesnt support how important this is to me. cravings are extremely difficult to control without having them waved under your nose. it was hard for me to not give in but i just stuck to my guns, left the room or did whatever it would take to get away from the temptation. in time the cravings didnt bother me as much. it took alot of work & convincing myself but it is well worth the effort. my husband is bad for chips while watcing tv. he will almost insist that i have some & egg me on. just one, just one. but i cant just have one. if i did, then we'd be fighting over the bag. i know that, so i just dont bother having that one. it was really hard to do but now he doesnt even bother asking me.

suzooz

I agree with the people who say moderation is the key. I have lost 15lbs in 2 months and I have allowed myself to eat all my favorites. The food scale is my friend, as is the walk around the block! I am much more thoughtful about what I eat and I plan for my splurges. I am developing better eating habits, not going on a diet. However, at the end of the day, you have to do what works best for YOU. I think you are being to strict and fear you will burn out, but if you need to be stronger than your cravings, then rock on!

I agree -- moderation is the key for long-term lifestyle changes.

MFP has helped me understand that I have a "budget" and what things "cost".

Most days, I am able to eat the "good" things and not even miss my indulgences.
Some days, I can work with a substitute, and I am just as satisfied (the "knockoff")
Occasionally, I just want the real thing, which I save for and then enjoy it. (I am having cake on Sunday! )

You should be proud of yourself for having the will power to say "no", and good for you for being concerned that you are depriving yourself too much. Remember that you are in this for the long haul, and sometimes you can indulge, and then get right back to eating the good stuff.

togden

I agree with the people who say moderation is the key. I have lost 15lbs in 2 months and I have allowed myself to eat all my favorites. The food scale is my friend, as is the walk around the block! I am much more thoughtful about what I eat and I plan for my splurges. I am developing better eating habits, not going on a diet. However, at the end of the day, you have to do what works best for YOU. I think you are being to strict and fear you will burn out, but if you need to be stronger than your cravings, then rock on!

I agree ... I didnt put on all of this weight in a day and I wont lose it in a day either .... I eat within my goals, I exercise, and rarely ever go over on anything except that darn sodium number ... slow and steady wins the race I like the consistency that I have gained with a pound or two a week coming off