New, Need a little guidance

JenniferLgsdn

Hello everyone. I am new here, I am almost at the end of week one and I have already lost 5lbs (Yes, I am sure it's water weight). I would like some guidance on what I should and shouldn't eat. For instance, this week for dinner I have been eating what the rest of the family has been I have just measured everything out and ate the correct portions. I have come in under my calorie goal every day, so that's a good thing right? Is it ok that I am eating what everyone else is? Breakfast is usually Special K or english muffin and cottage cheese or fruit. I try t change it up. Lunch I usually have a Healthy Choice meal or a wrap (chicken r turkey). My snacks are 100 calorie packs.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much, Jennifer

laddyboy

Hi Jennifer, Congrats on taking control of your life.

I would 1st start by eliminating all the white posions. White flour, sugar, breads, salt and such.

Next get rid of all junk foods and sodas (all, even diet and such), and processed foods.

Now concentrate on lean meats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Exercise doing cardio and strength training. Strength training builds muscle and muscle burns fat.

This is an outline of a successful plan for a leaner healthier you. This is what's I've been doing for the past 2 years and I've lost 92 lbs of fat and built about 20 lbs of lean muscle. I'm about 95% to my goal.
Heck, I got up everyday for the last 2 years and I figured I might as well make them healthy days.

Good Luck.

tasoconnor

I still eat what my family eats and like you I just portion it out correctly. I have started doing this for the entire family and husband is loosing with me while kids are toning. I think as long as you at leas reach 1200 you should be okay. Not sure what your calorie goal is but if goal is above 1200 try to at least get half way between 1200 and your goal.

sister_bear

As for what not to eat... well, that depends on what you like, what you tend to overeat with, and what health concerns you have. You can use this website to see where you're lacking with your nutrition.

A quick google search can help you be more informed on what food selections are optimal if you're trying to watch your blood pressure, cholesterol, overall heart health, or if you're trying to reduce your risk for cancer, diabetes, etc.

Welcome

adfranks

Sounds like you have this down, so do what feels right with WHAT you eat. As long as you are tracking it and coming in at or below your cals per day... you are rocking it!

lisabel87

Hello everyone. I am new here, I am almost at the end of week one and I have already lost 5lbs (Yes, I am sure it's water weight). I would like some guidance on what I should and shouldn't eat. For instance, this week for dinner I have been eating what the rest of the family has been I have just measured everything out and ate the correct portions. I have come in under my calorie goal every day, so that's a good thing right? Is it ok that I am eating what everyone else is? Breakfast is usually Special K or english muffin and cottage cheese or fruit. I try t change it up. Lunch I usually have a Healthy Choice meal or a wrap (chicken r turkey). My snacks are 100 calorie packs.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much, Jennifer

Is this all you are eating the entire day? If so, its not enough.
Lose the 100 calorie pack snacks, seriously. They have zero nutritional value that I've seen. The only reason why they are beneficial is because they are portion control. Trade the packs for fruit. Fresh strawberries and string cheese for one snack, almonds and an apple for another, celery with peanut butter or carrot sticks. Two or 3 snacks a day plus meals keeps your metabolism on its toes!
Also for breakfast introduce eggs! I try to eat 1 hardboiled egg a day. I've read studies that found that 1 egg a day does not elevate cholesterol.
If you are in a hurry keep a box of luna bars or lara bars in the house for on the go. They are more than 100 calories but keep you fuller longer and they have several vitamins in them. Make sure you are getting enough protein, fiber and CALCIUM! Essential nutrition is so important!
good luck!

lisabel87

lisabel87

Hello everyone. I am new here, I am almost at the end of week one and I have already lost 5lbs (Yes, I am sure it's water weight). I would like some guidance on what I should and shouldn't eat. For instance, this week for dinner I have been eating what the rest of the family has been I have just measured everything out and ate the correct portions. I have come in under my calorie goal every day, so that's a good thing right? Is it ok that I am eating what everyone else is? Breakfast is usually Special K or english muffin and cottage cheese or fruit. I try t change it up. Lunch I usually have a Healthy Choice meal or a wrap (chicken r turkey). My snacks are 100 calorie packs.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much, Jennifer

Is this all you are eating the entire day? If so, its not enough.
Lose the 100 calorie pack snacks, seriously. They have zero nutritional value that I've seen. The only reason why they are beneficial is because they are portion control. Trade the packs for fruit. Fresh strawberries and string cheese for one snack, almonds and an apple for another, celery with peanut butter or carrot sticks. Two or 3 snacks a day plus meals keeps your metabolism on its toes!
Also for breakfast introduce eggs! I try to eat 1 hardboiled egg a day. I've read studies that found that 1 egg a day does not elevate cholesterol.
If you are in a hurry keep a box of luna bars or lara bars in the house for on the go. They are more than 100 calories but keep you fuller longer and they have several vitamins in them. Make sure you are getting enough protein, fiber and CALCIUM! Essential nutrition is so important!
good luck!

sdirbder

I eat regular food as well. One thing that I have noticed someone suggested is the protien bar snacks. I did that for a while but they are really expensive plus contain alot of sugar. I have begun making my own protein bar/ granola bar snack. Way cheaper and you can cut back on sugar alot.

MinnieInMaine

I think you're doing great! You need to do what works for you and what you know you'll be able to do long term.
From the start, I refused to be one of those folks that made a separate dinner for myself or give up some of my favorite recipes.

You've already gotten responses from the other side of the fence and I'm glad that works for them but it doesn't work for everyone...

For recipes that I've always enjoyed making, I just mixed things up a bit. Bulked up with veggies instead of rice/pasta/potatoes and used leaner meats. Or if I did use pasta, I used yolk free egg noodles or SmartTaste pasta or whole wheat pasta.
And, like you, I went to the trouble of actually figuring out what a normal portion was and tried to limit myself to that amount instead of eating until I was stuffed.

I've lost 60 pounds doing this... It might not be the cleanest uber-healthy way to live but I'm happy and never feel deprived.