Don't understand something??

LeanLioness

I have been reading on this board and a couple of other weight loss boards I belong to.

We are here to support each other. When members post things like eating a sandwich on white bread (which has absolutely no nutritional value), you can see the mind set of that person and how much success they will have.

Losing weight is not about getting the weight off while still eating the junk that made you gain weight in the first place. It is about changing your mindset and exchanging the bad stuff for good for you stuff.

I have never seen anyone that didn't make lifestyle changes that has kept weight off.

Examples:

White bread, exchange for whole grain (seedy and nutty) bread
white rice, exchange for brown rice
White Potato, exchange for sweet potato
Leave all white flour and white sugar and processed stuff alone all together.


Maybe it is because I am following a lower carb plan, not a calorie based plan that I see the difference of saying yeah, I can still have "XXX" in moderation.......................

Let's have some friendly diaglogue on your opinions.

LeanLioness

I have been reading on this board and a couple of other weight loss boards I belong to.

We are here to support each other. When members post things like eating a sandwich on white bread (which has absolutely no nutritional value), you can see the mind set of that person and how much success they will have.

Losing weight is not about getting the weight off while still eating the junk that made you gain weight in the first place. It is about changing your mindset and exchanging the bad stuff for good for you stuff.

I have never seen anyone that didn't make lifestyle changes that has kept weight off.

Examples:

White bread, exchange for whole grain (seedy and nutty) bread
white rice, exchange for brown rice
White Potato, exchange for sweet potato
Leave all white flour and white sugar and processed stuff alone all together.


Maybe it is because I am following a lower carb plan, not a calorie based plan that I see the difference of saying yeah, I can still have "XXX" in moderation.......................

Let's have some friendly diaglogue on your opinions.

yanicka

I understand what you are saying.... but I know, for myself, if I try to change too much at one time, I will set myself for faliure. I hate brown rice, would rather not eat rice than eat brown rice. For now, I am just counting my calories, one small step at the time. It is just less discouraging like that.

janiebeth

I have been reading on this board and a couple of other weight loss boards I belong to.

We are here to support each other. When members post things like eating a sandwich on white bread (which has absolutely no nutritional value), you can see the mind set of that person and how much success they will have.

Losing weight is not about getting the weight off while still eating the junk that made you gain weight in the first place. It is about changing your mindset and exchanging the bad stuff for good for you stuff.

I have never seen anyone that didn't make lifestyle changes that has kept weight off.

Examples:

White bread, exchange for whole grain (seedy and nutty) bread
white rice, exchange for brown rice
White Potato, exchange for sweet potato
Leave all white flour and white sugar and processed stuff alone all together.


Maybe it is because I am following a lower carb plan, not a calorie based plan that I see the difference of saying yeah, I can still have "XXX" in moderation.......................

Let's have some friendly diaglogue on your opinions.

Hi LeanLioness,

Great topic -

I think what we all need to realize is that what works for some doesn't work for all. We each come to MFP with our own unique challenges, but with one common goal - to lose weight.

I think we all need to be very open-minded and encouraging to each other as we progress along this journey. None of us has all the answers.

janiebeth

lessertess

In the end, I think it's about what works for you. The lifestyle change has to be one that you can support for a lifetime. For example: I had no trouble subbing whole grain breads for white. They taste better and are healthier. However, I hate brown rice and love white rice. I'm not going to be able to sustain that change. So I allow myself white rice but I eat it in moderation. I might have a serving every couple of weeks rather than eating it two or three times a week.

If you can sustain and maintain your weight loss by eating fast food...good for you. If it works for you, why change it. I don't agree with your choice but it's your body.

I see a lot of people talking about complete organic, or whole foods, no processed foods. Again, good for them. I admire the people who can do it. I've had to take a mixed approach due to personal taste, cost, and time elements. I've tried to reduce the amount of processed foods I eat, eat more whole, fresh foods and get organic when I can afford it or where it makes sense to me. But, like most of us, I'm busy and I don't always have access to some of these choices. So I choose to be more balanced.

In the end, a calorie is a calorie, is a calorie. Nutrition plays a key role in a healthy lifestyle but the only constant in weight loss is a calorie deficit.

Also, I've noticed on these boards that there's a huge difference in values and in motivation. Many want to loose weight but don't want it badly enough yet to really make the necessary changes.

I think we need to support each other in our choices and try to educate each other on what those choices are.

DBranchaud

I know that I'm here for the healthier lifestyle.. weightloss is just a plus.

My family sometime amazes me. Mom can say " Deanne, I wish I was slim like you" She says so after she ate an entire bag of chips and a chocolate bar, while staying in bed for an entire weekend.

PS: i'm not that slim:blushing:

petunia

In the end, I think it's about what works for you. The lifestyle change has to be one that you can support for a lifetime. For example: I had no trouble subbing whole grain breads for white. They taste better and are healthier. However, I hate brown rice and love white rice. I'm not going to be able to sustain that change. So I allow myself white rice but I eat it in moderation. I might have a serving every couple of weeks rather than eating it two or three times a week.

If you can sustain and maintain your weight loss by eating fast food...good for you. If it works for you, why change it. I don't agree with your choice but it's your body.

I see a lot of people talking about complete organic, or whole foods, no processed foods. Again, good for them. I admire the people who can do it. I've had to take a mixed approach due to personal taste, cost, and time elements. I've tried to reduce the amount of processed foods I eat, eat more whole, fresh foods and get organic when I can afford it or where it makes sense to me. But, like most of us, I'm busy and I don't always have access to some of these choices. So I choose to be more balanced.

In the end, a calorie is a calorie, is a calorie. Nutrition plays a key role in a healthy lifestyle but the only constant in weight loss is a calorie deficit.

Also, I've noticed on these boards that there's a huge difference in values and in motivation. Many want to loose weight but don't want it badly enough yet to really make the necessary changes.

I think we need to support each other in our choices and try to educate each other on what those choices are.

Very Well Said. :bigsmile:

schoonmp

I think it's all about portion control, no matter what you are eating. I don't think anyone can deprive themselves of everything forever.:noway: At least not for me.

DjBliss05

I learned years ago that if I try to give up my favorites, it will end in a binge.

My brother and his girlfriend try to eat clean. I have watched the changes they have made in order to change their lives and have listened to why they do it. In the end, I knew it wouldn't work for me. I take in what I can and make the changes I can.

I have recently decided to make some changes. I gave up white bagels in the name of whole grain bagels. I bagels and have them for lunch often. I choose to eat vegeterian meals occasionally and have even tried cooking vegan meals! I am mixing it up in the name of finding things I like and want to eat again.

For me, it is all about balance. I don't give up anything, because if I did then I wouldn't be here anymore next week! My priority is to live as healthy of a lifestyle as I possibly can, without losing my mind. So I eat chocolate, ice cream, white bread, white rice, and all the other foods that people cross of their lists.... I have my cake and eat it too! I try to do all of this in moderation so that in the end the weight comes off and I feel healthier.

My priority right now is to lose weight. It isn't necessarily to eat totally nutritious foods all the time, but I do see the value in that. One step at a time. It is more important for me to worry about going to the gym and exercising than it is to worry about making some of the changes you mentioned at this time in my journey.

I hope everyone finds their own path on this journey. I agree that changes have to be made, we didn't get overweight by accident. In the end, everyone has to choose what those changes will be for them.

Good topic. :flowerforyou:

sacman_old

I respect you for your very healthy choices. You will be better off than I. I am all about making reasonable healthy choices but have known many people who do that but yet still have major health problems. I believe that genetics is a great factor. I love my daily bologna sandwich and a lot of bacon with my eggs.

AugustBaby1973

I'm going to agree with Lessertess! :happy: I tried eating brown rice and it just wasn't as tasty as white rice. I've tried various food changes to eat more healthy varieties, but some of the options just don't please my southern palette! What I've tried to do is control portion sizes, and cut out buying fast food. I've found that as I cook more at home I'm not only eating better, but saving money, too! And my kids are happier now that I cook and we eat at the table together. Weight loss can change not only your life, but the lives of those around you! That's motivation enough for me!

Good topic!!!

astridfeline

I understand what you are saying.... but I know, for myself, if I try to change too much at one time, I will set myself for faliure. I hate brown rice, would rather not eat rice than eat brown rice. For now, I am just counting my calories, one small step at the time. It is just less discouraging like that.

You might like Jade pearl rice--it's a white pearl rice supplemented with fiber.

kerrilucko

for some people it is a money issue. Wholegrain brown rice costs a lot more than white minute rice. And if you have kids or a spouse that wont eat brown bread, sometimes white bread is all you have. My guy and i spend a fortune on Milk because he won't drink soy or skim and I won't drink 2%. I can definitely see why some people can't afford it.

Tiddle

I think it's all about portion control, no matter what you are eating. I don't think anyone can deprive themselves of everything forever.:noway: At least not for me.

I agree!

I still eat my pasta, chocolate, drink my wine but I do it in moderation. I measure my portions now instead of eating a 'huge bowl of spaghetti' like I used to (which would equal atleast 3 or 4 portions) now I only have one.

and as far as white rice vs. brown rice. I have said it before, I will never give up white rice. after living overseas, that is a staple of my diet, and brown rice does NOT compair!!!!

genabug

I make the best choices I can given what situation i'm in. If I ahve to chose a sandwich with white bread,cause thats whats avail, or fast food, I go for the sandwich. When I am at the grocery store, I buy whole grains, reduced fat cheeses, etc. and I eat in moderation.I measure portions when possible, I count out serving sizes, but On occasion I will allow myself a slice of pizza. I am losing weight,I am healthy, and thats what matters to me.

Hannah_Banana

I think it's all about portion control, no matter what you are eating. I don't think anyone can deprive themselves of everything forever.:noway: At least not for me.

I agree!

I still eat my pasta, chocolate, drink my wine but I do it in moderation. I measure my portions now instead of eating a 'huge bowl of spaghetti' like I used to (which would equal atleast 3 or 4 portions) now I only have one.

and as far as white rice vs. brown rice. I have said it before, I will never give up white rice. after living overseas, that is a staple of my diet, and brown rice does NOT compair!!!!

Agreed as well. :bigsmile:

I would prefer to eat less than eat stuff I don't like. I am the pickiest eater I've ever met (or anyone whos met me has ever met.. hehe) and if I had to eat bread with crunchy stuff in it, I just wouldn't eat bread. :ohwell: Food shouldn't be torture. There are lots of ways to get your nutrution. I don't care for msot veggies, so I drink Green Goodness.

Like everyone else has said - yes it is what works for you. :flowerforyou: I'm not even going to try 'clean eating' (at least not in any forseeable future) because I like what I eat now. I don't have any history of health problems - we live to be 102 with our minds and body's intact (cept for our knees, but that isn't because of what we eat...) so its not like I will die if I eat regular wheat bread as opposed to bread with twigs in it. :bigsmile: :laugh:

jenifergotti

I think it's all about portion control, no matter what you are eating. I don't think anyone can deprive themselves of everything forever.:noway: At least not for me.

I completely agree with portion control! If I want a snickers, I'm going to have one - but now instead of eating a king size, I will have a mini. I don't think there is anything wrong with eating fun food, as long as it's under control.

nickybr38

I think if a person restricts all the foods they used to love they'll set themselves up for failure.

goochinator

I have been reading on this board and a couple of other weight loss boards I belong to.

We are here to support each other. When members post things like eating a sandwich on white bread (which has absolutely no nutritional value), you can see the mind set of that person and how much success they will have.

Losing weight is not about getting the weight off while still eating the junk that made you gain weight in the first place. It is about changing your mindset and exchanging the bad stuff for good for you stuff.

I have never seen anyone that didn't make lifestyle changes that has kept weight off.

Examples:

White bread, exchange for whole grain (seedy and nutty) bread
white rice, exchange for brown rice
White Potato, exchange for sweet potato
Leave all white flour and white sugar and processed stuff alone all together.


Maybe it is because I am following a lower carb plan, not a calorie based plan that I see the difference of saying yeah, I can still have "XXX" in moderation.......................

Let's have some friendly diaglogue on your opinions.

One thing to keep in mind too, is that some folks are just beginning and just learning. I've been on this roller coaster for years, literally...but once in a great while,I find myself in the presence of someone who doesnt know what I know-- I sometimes forget that not everyone has been in the game as long as I have, so I have to factor that in. No, people are not necessarily going to 'get it' right away...often times this is a learning process, learning about nutrition,learning about ourselves, our habits, etc. I believe there's a lot of self discovery involved as well.
For the first timers,/newbies,sure, maybe the difference between white bread and wheat bread is something they have never thought of and have to figure out for themselves. Either they will get it eventually or they wont, its up to them. This is all kind of a personal journey and the individual choices people make is either going to work for them or its not. I know people who have lost weight and never drank a single ounce of water, or never excercised...does that mean its wrong? Nope- definitly wrong for me, but it works for them.

Its a learning and adjusting lifestyle that is going to have its ups and downs. Fidning what's realistic for some is the key- I've tried Atkins before, it was okay, but I know now ( the hard way) that if I tell myself I CANT HAVE XXX or YYY that's all I want. You tell me I cant have water??? Oh, where's the hose?! So while I can make healthier choices, to completely ban something from my diet spells D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R. seriously.

I've been in many many groups, chat rooms, support groups, online buddy systems, I've never known anyone who can start a 'diet'/lifestyle, whatever you call it and stick to it 100% perfectly, lose the weight and never go back- whether they have 300 lbs to lose or 3 lbs to lose...

pettmybunny

I think it's all about portion control, no matter what you are eating. I don't think anyone can deprive themselves of everything forever.:noway: At least not for me.

I completely agree with portion control! If I want a snickers, I'm going to have one - but now instead of eating a king size, I will have a mini. I don't think there is anything wrong with eating fun food, as long as it's under control.

I find it interesting that you term it "fun food" instead of junk food... lol

genabug

I have been reading on this board and a couple of other weight loss boards I belong to.

We are here to support each other. When members post things like eating a sandwich on white bread (which has absolutely no nutritional value), you can see the mind set of that person and how much success they will have.

Losing weight is not about getting the weight off while still eating the junk that made you gain weight in the first place. It is about changing your mindset and exchanging the bad stuff for good for you stuff.

I have never seen anyone that didn't make lifestyle changes that has kept weight off.

Examples:

White bread, exchange for whole grain (seedy and nutty) bread
white rice, exchange for brown rice
White Potato, exchange for sweet potato
Leave all white flour and white sugar and processed stuff alone all together.


Maybe it is because I am following a lower carb plan, not a calorie based plan that I see the difference of saying yeah, I can still have "XXX" in moderation.......................

Let's have some friendly diaglogue on your opinions.

One thing to keep in mind too, is that some folks are just beginning and just learning. I've been on this roller coaster for years, literally...but once in a great while,I find myself in the presence of someone who doesnt know what I know-- I sometimes forget that not everyone has been in the game as long as I have, so I have to factor that in. No, people are not necessarily going to 'get it' right away...often times this is a learning process, learning about nutrition,learning about ourselves, our habits, etc. I believe there's a lot of self discovery involved as well.
For the first timers,/newbies,sure, maybe the difference between white bread and wheat bread is something they have never thought of and have to figure out for themselves. Either they will get it eventually or they wont, its up to them. This is all kind of a personal journey and the individual choices people make is either going to work for them or its not. I know people who have lost weight and never drank a single ounce of water, or never excercised...does that mean its wrong? Nope- definitly wrong for me, but it works for them.

Its a learning and adjusting lifestyle that is going to have its ups and downs. Fidning what's realistic for some is the key- I've tried Atkins before, it was okay, but I know now ( the hard way) that if I tell myself I CANT HAVE XXX or YYY that's all I want. You tell me I cant have water??? Oh, where's the hose?! So while I can make healthier choices, to completely ban something from my diet spells D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R. seriously.

I've been in many many groups, chat rooms, support groups, online buddy systems, I've never known anyone who can start a 'diet'/lifestyle, whatever you call it and stick to it 100% perfectly, lose the weight and never go back- whether they have 300 lbs to lose or 3 lbs to lose...

Very well said!!!:flowerforyou:

ChubbyBunny

I agree about portion control!

I eat fruits, veggies (not as many as I should), whole grain bread (LOVE IT!), etc....

However, there are somethings I like that aren't overly healthy. Sure some stuff you can MAKE healthier but at times it's not the same. So, those are my splurges which I on occasion indulge in.

I have decided that this is a choice for a healthier lifestyle. I am not going to completely eliminate things that I love (at this time) and run the risk of binging on them and losing total control. So, that may mean that I eat pizza froma shop now and then.... just not EVERY day.

ivykivy

I learned years ago that if I try to give up my favorites, it will end in a binge.

My brother and his girlfriend try to eat clean. I have watched the changes they have made in order to change their lives and have listened to why they do it. In the end, I knew it wouldn't work for me. I take in what I can and make the changes I can.

I have recently decided to make some changes. I gave up white bagels in the name of whole grain bagels. I bagels and have them for lunch often. I choose to eat vegeterian meals occasionally and have even tried cooking vegan meals! I am mixing it up in the name of finding things I like and want to eat again.

For me, it is all about balance. I don't give up anything, because if I did then I wouldn't be here anymore next week! My priority is to live as healthy of a lifestyle as I possibly can, without losing my mind. So I eat chocolate, ice cream, white bread, white rice, and all the other foods that people cross of their lists.... I have my cake and eat it too! I try to do all of this in moderation so that in the end the weight comes off and I feel healthier.

My priority right now is to lose weight. It isn't necessarily to eat totally nutritious foods all the time, but I do see the value in that. One step at a time. It is more important for me to worry about going to the gym and exercising than it is to worry about making some of the changes you mentioned at this time in my journey.

I hope everyone finds their own path on this journey. I agree that changes have to be made, we didn't get overweight by accident. In the end, everyone has to choose what those changes will be for them.

Good topic. :flowerforyou:

:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: I so am with you on that. For me it is about how I can change my unhealthy habits into healthier ones until I can get to a point where I can eat clean. That mean leaving the mayo off my cheeseburger, water instead of soda and an apple instead of fries. :happy: I ate totally clean for the majority of 1 week and lost 2 lbs. When I don't I lose 1.25lbs. Is 2 better? Yes. My goal is to always make good choices. But I know even when I don't make good choices I can still lose weight and that is what keeps me in the game.

LeanLioness

Thanks for the friendly dialogue!!

It is greatly appreciated. I understand that people have to do it at their own pace and some backslide, as I have done in the past, but my health and my family is too important to me. I owe it to myself first of all and to my family secondly to be in the best shape and health!!!

I have plunged head first into the abyss to eat as natural and organic as I possibly can to adhere to the low carb lifestyle my Dr has prescribed me. I am looking at it as medication and has to be done.

I read a couple of posts where people were asking, should I eat the pot pie or canned ravioli.....

Both, highly processed, little nutritional value, high in sodium, bad for you carbs).......................

I am not saying that the total lifestyle change is easy for me, because it is not.

I was told by my diabetic endocrinologist that I HAVE to stay on a low carb diet for the rest of my life and to make the necessary changes because I was heading to the point of having to start taking shots every day.

I don't want to end up like my grandma who took pills and shots and still "ate in moderation" which damaged her body to the point of having amputations and such.

My goal is to get off the diabetes meds all together and control my disease with a low carb lifestyle and exercise...............My Dr has had over 1,000 people that he has gotten off meds coaching them on low carbing and exercise.

LeanLioness

I also wanted to say Good Luck to everyone in their journey and finding their own way............

WillPillageYourVillageForFood

I am also on the side of the fence that believes in not depriving one of certain foods. Now if I have a specific medical condition that would preclude me from eating that food, then I would cut it out of my diet but other than that I firmly believe in portion control.

Personally for myself, I didn't gain the weight by eating "bad" foods, I gained because I was severely uneducated in portion sizes. I have not taken any specific foods out of my diet and have managed to lose and best of all maintain my loss for a year now, while even being unable to work out for 3 months straight due to surgery.

I feel that had I been eliminating certain foods I would have not been able to maintain my weight loss. This is just my own personal experience.