feeling unsustainable

rubystar07

Good morning~ I'm hoping some guidance & suggestions will come my way with this post. I have realized how unsustainable logging is for me. It works while I'm doing it, but often I avoid logging because it is just so much freaking work. I had great success in Spring 2010 with logging on caloriecount.about.com and lost 15lbs, but became obsessed to the point where my family had an intervention. I stopped logging in August 2010 after I started a new full time, and more demanding (time and emotionally), job. I gained 10 lbs back. I logged for most of September 2011 and lost almost 5lbs, but as October got more stressful, I gained 3 back. I know I gained because I am eating everything in sight, it's not water weight or natural fluxations. That damn candy bucket.

I know logging works, but I need a long term solution, something I can do for the rest of my life . My body seems to naturally sustain 170lbs with a little effort on my part (not logging, lots of activity). Food is my issue. When I log, I aim for 1600, but hit at least 1800 every day, and it is so stressful to me. I have trouble with food. I need a different solution. Does anyone have some easier solutions? Something sustainable, reasonable, manageable, natural?

bmorejo

I feel logging is the only thing that works for me, but I log on only once a day. That way I am not constantly looking at the phone ap. The only exception to this is when I know for sure I am having a BIG meal sometime during the day. I will actually log in the rmorning what I plan to eat . It gives me an idea what is avaiable to me for the rest of the day. Then that is it. I also don't want to become diet obsessed. I have lost 23 lbs through this program. I have 27 more to go to attain my goal.

mea9

The key is planning. If you plan your meals for the day you are logging in the morning with a "clean up" at night. You can then divide up your meals properly and plan portions so you have the right amount of calories for that day.

AlsDonkBoxSquat

I'm not sure how this is so time consuming, I get on, put in food and exercise, takes maybe a minute (minute and a half if I have to search for a food or exercise).

KLo924

I know logging works, but I need a long term solution, something I can do for the rest of my life.

I agree with bmorejo that logging on less often will be helpful. Also, if you can create a routine that includes this it may be helpful. Alternatively, maybe sticking to types of food (e.g. whole foods, no refined sugars or flours, etc.) and not counting calories works better for you. It may take some tweaking.

I quoted the part above, though, because this is something I've struggled with. I always feel like I need to be able to do one thing for the rest of my life, but that's completely unrealistic. We change, and different things will work at different times for us. Be flexible, but healthy

Espressocycle

I don't think it's hard at all, especially if you save your meals and recipes.

lilchino4af

The key is planning. If you plan your meals for the day you are logging in the morning with a "clean up" at night. You can then divide up your meals properly and plan portions so you have the right amount of calories for that day.

I was going to suggest this same thing. When I plan out my whole day in the morning, or better yet the night before, it's MUCH easier for me to keep on track with what I'm eating and doesn't take too much out of my time to log. I have a cousin who plans her families meals for an entire week and buys only those items to make the meals; similar concept to planning out your meals on MFP and eating only what you plan for, 1-2 days at a time, ahead of time. Try this and see if it helps.

PhilipByrne

Lets be honest here. If you cannot commit to the few minutes it takes to log your food and exercise then maybe you're not ready for a lifestyle change. It takes dedication and effort, just wanting to be healthier and lose weight does not make it happen. Logging and recording what you are consuming and deducting what you expend in exercise is how this site works. If you can't do that it won't work.

Sorry if that sounds heartless.

Phil

PBJunky

Set mealplans works best for me dead accurate and consistent throughout until I make alterations when my weight have changed

ajbeans

I'm not sure how this is so time consuming, I get on, put in food and exercise, takes maybe a minute (minute and a half if I have to search for a food or exercise).

This. And because I'm too lazy to multi-quote, I also agree with the person who said planning is key.

If you plan your meals ahead of time, it takes like 5 minutes and you can do it whenever. Then you know what you're going to eat, and you don't have to worry about going over cals. In the evening, fill out your diary for the next day, and then you're good to go. Then you only need to log on if you forget what you have planned for your food. It will actually SAVE you time in the long run anyway, because you won't be standing around looking in the fridge saying, "What am I going to eat?" You already know.

rubystar07

Lets be honest here. If you cannot commit to the few minutes it takes to log your food and exercise then maybe you're not ready for a lifestyle change. It takes dedication and effort, just wanting to be healthier and lose weight does not make it happen. Logging and recording what you are consuming and deducting what you expend in exercise is how this site works. If you can't do that it won't work.

Sorry if that sounds heartless.

Phil

I think you're misunderstanding what I am saying, maybe I wasn't clear. I can do the counting, I can take the few minutes, etc., it's not the actual process of logging...it is how obsessed I become that is the problem. I've sought professional help with the compulsive disorder without success yet. I know this site is not to get mental health advice, I was simply asking if anyone knew of ways that might be easier than this process, that does not work well for me mentally.

jlemoore

I know exactly what you are talking about. I get obsessed with the logging and checking, too... Look at what you are eating? Are you eating clean? When I get rid of the sugar and processed foods out of my diet, the weight starts to come off. For me, I have to log to keep myself "clean"...

If you are eating little processed, what about number of carbs in the form of wheat and fruits. Perhaps a Paleo Diet plan would work for you. Of course no matter what you do with your diet, you can easily become obsessed...