Something you've learned..

Apryl546

What is something you learned about food that you never knew before you started your journey?

I just found out today that 3lbs of ground beef and 3 lbs of lean turkey meat are the same exact price.

When I move out, I will start using turkey!

ilikejam33

I learned the importnace of a kitchen scale. What I thought was 3oz of meat was nowhere close. No wonder i cant loose weight.

foodforfuel

How much more I could eat by eating the right things (fresh and healthy) as opposed to processed junk and fast food!

Marcieb21

How quickly the calories add up.

makemetinyplz

I Learned that a calorie is a calorie. you can have 500 calories of fruit, or 500 calories of brownies and still weigh the same.

achbarrow

To always read the nutrition label especially the portion size. Healthy portions are not what I was brought up with.

christyjoyjr

How much more I could eat by eating the right things (fresh and healthy) as opposed to processed junk and fast food!

Same here! It's amazing how much you can eat if you eat healthy foods. My first week on MFP I was wasting 300 calories every morning on coffee!

mem50

How about several somethings?

I learned how to use the kitchen scale.
I learned new ways to cook the foods I love, but in a healthier way so they are better for me.
I learned that veggies are NOT the enemy.:laugh:
And the most important lesson....I don't have to starve myself to lose weight!!!!

JenBrown0210

Do NOT eat two fiber bars in the same day. In fact, if you start eating fiber bars start out with half. Also do not have fiber cereal and then a fiber bar. That was a long day!

brendalyne

That food from restaurants or you make out of a box are typcially sky-high in sodium. Even the supposedly "healthy" ones!

jamielise2

I have learned that portion size matters, even with healthy food.
And I have learned that I can have treats if I'm willing to "earn" them at the gym.

Kat0310

I've learned plenty but one would be how to pick things that don't have so much sodium. Not eating processed foods and eating more fresh vegetables, lean meats, etc.

leynak

Do NOT eat two fiber bars in the same day. In fact, if you start eating fiber bars start out with half. Also do not have fiber cereal and then a fiber bar. That was a long day!

:laugh: Yeah, I had to quit my fiber bars. I gave a half to one of my daughter's and I couldn't stand to be close to her for the rest of the day :laugh: maybe a different brand would have a different effect

Jazzyjules71

I learned about insulin resistance, and the effects of over eating carbs and it's horrible effects on weight gain. High carbs = HIgh insulin= high tendency to store fat. Lower carbs (no more than 30 gm a meal), linked with proteins balance blood sugar spikes and prevent high insulin surges, and the "Sugar crash." I've never felt better when I limit my carbs to 30 mg a meal and always balance one protein with carbs.

ALso not every carb is created equal- simple sugars (cookies, juice, white flor) spike blood sugars quicker, and complex carbs are released over alonger period of time- thus causing less insulin spikes.

philosohoe

I would say my biggest surprise was portion sizes. I always knew that I was eating way too much, but I didn't ever measure anything out, so I had no idea about what quantities I was eating. Even when I was eating something relatively healthy (like low fat cottage cheese) I was actually eating about twice as much as I should have, so no wonder I kept putting on weight! As a new mfp member, I'm trying to measure everything, track everything, and figure out where I'm wasting the most calories. This site is awesome for helping with all of that.

NancyAnne1960

I've learned that Whole Wheat Pasta tastes better than regular and I eat less because it's more filling. Never would have dreamed that in a million years!!
Also, healthy fats are really good for you!! I can have avacados and nuts!!!

Newkell

I learned to combine complex carb with a protein
that certain foods and fruit turn to sugar in my system and is in my best interest to avoid
I learned that I feel so much better not eating processed and fast foods.
I am amazed at my progress

NancyAnne1960

I learned about insulin resistance, and the effects of over eating carbs and it's horrible effects on weight gain. High carbs = HIgh insulin= high tendency to store fat. Lower carbs (no more than 30 gm a meal), linked with proteins balance blood sugar spikes and prevent high insulin surges, and the "Sugar crash." I've never felt better when I limit my carbs to 30 mg a meal and always balance one protein with carbs.

ALso not every carb is created equal- simple sugars (cookies, juice, white flor) spike blood sugars quicker, and complex carbs are released over alonger period of time- thus causing less insulin spikes.

I've learned that also!!! Kudos to you!!

paradog

There are good days and bad days, just like before the journey began!

DTRTinAZ

That I can eat a lot of food when it is clean and healthy.

MoonIite

I learned how to use a food scale.
I learned that I get mood swings when I eat processed food. Had a hamburger yesterday, and felt depressed the whole day. I couldn't link the two together, until I looked back at what I ate.

TexasNurseMom78

I have learned to recognize what hungry is vs what bored is. And I try very hard to make that determination about how I really feel before eating something. I have also learned the difference between full (uncomfortable, as in Thanksgiving dinner full) and satisfied (as in No longer hungry). And I learned that I can survive without soda! (none since Jan 2011)!

kitinboots

How much good stuff I should be eating. My diets previously involved my attempting to survive on fruit and veg alone. Switching to basing my meals around protein has been an eye opener. It's also given me tons more energy and I've a new love for exercise.

jillwaller

To always read the nutrition label especially the portion size. Healthy portions are not what I was brought up with.

This is so me...

liza001

With eating clean and healthy, how much my energy levels have increased and happiness has returned/grown in me.

How much I NOW like the taste of fruit and veggies since removing all packet foods from my life. very surprised on the great tastes, celery is sweet and creamy... My taste buds have changed. Packet food tastes like cleaning chemicals has been sprayed over my food.

How quick, easy and tasty healthy foods are. I'm hungry, I'll grab a punnet of strawberries or yoghurt or some cheese, veggies sticks etc.

How cheap eating healthy is... I grabbed smoked salmon, strawberries and yoghurt while out on weekend from supermarket, cheaper than take away..

I also love eating 6 x 200cal snacks instead of stressing and time consuming meals.

How I just graze all day mostly between 6am and noon .. Previously I would be so hungry I would break my diet in the first hours of the day and reassure myself that I can try again tomorrow, lol that went on for years! Tomorrow, tomorrow hahaha ...

How I've also found out the I can run! Couldn't run I minute in February and did the C25K program graduated at Easter and now run 6klm several times a week... Eating healthy is the best happy pills out! Lol

liza001

Do NOT eat two fiber bars in the same day. In fact, if you start eating fiber bars start out with half. Also do not have fiber cereal and then a fiber bar. That was a long day!

:laugh: Yeah, I had to quit my fiber bars. I gave a half to one of my daughter's and I couldn't stand to be close to her for the rest of the day :laugh: maybe a different brand would have a different effect

Gosh I would take that as a warning that there is some cleansing needed, starting small but gradually increase my fibre consumtion... Big concern...

QueenHanifa

Bravo!! My biggest lesson learned:drinker:

littlemount

Learned that Dreamfields angel hair pasta if good enough for diabetics is good enough for me on my weightloss journey.

calliope_music

for me: i can't just have ONE cookie, so i should stay away from them.

gwenmf

I have learned that I can do this. I can balance my food and exercise and create a healthy lifestyle for myself - without depriving myself. I can exercise to earn the treat I'm wanting.

I can be inspirational to others. I can find fun ways to "move" for exercise....walking, 5Ks, biking, dancing, gardening.....and even the formerly dreaded mowing which I actually look forward to the calorie burn now....lol

DancinSMartiPants

You gain weight eating healthy food if you eat too much.