Will it ever happen naturally?

AloyMomNwife

This time around losing weight I'm trying to make it a lifestyle change instead of a limited time diet. I've only been here close to 2 months and haven't reached the 10 lbs mark yet but I still think about food a lot and I have to put a lot of energy to avoid overeating. I don't deprive myself of anything because I have proved that doesn't work in the long run. I do feel uncomfortable when I eat unhealthy foods or if I eat more than I have gotten used to recently. But, will I ever avoid or repel from within the foods and eating behaviors that got me fat? I don't want to live obsessing about calorie counting all my life. I wonder if someday my body or my subconscious will let me consume just what I need to stay fit. Will that degree of self control ever happen naturally for a person who looooves to eat?

CityOnAHill

Bump

Shweedog

I think everyone is different hun. I know for me it is still a daily effort to not over indulge. I love food and can easily consume 4000 cals per day. Most days I eat between 1800-2500. Maintenance for me is 1800 but I just love food so much. Self control is a huge factor for your success. I hope it comes easier for you!!

mynameiscarrie

no. it's not going to come naturally if overeating is what your used to. you have to work at it. if losing weight came naturally everyone would be skinny...you have to go above and beyond in order to see results that will last.

forme2310

For me personally even before I joined mfp I could lose weight and gain it back I knew how to eat and how to exercise but each time there was something missing at the time I did not know that. I tried different diets even had the lap band surgery and lost a 100 pounds with it. What was missing each time is I did not address why I compulsively overate or what issues were casuing me to it. Since August I have joined OA which has helped me tremendoulsy. Not its not a diet club it does not tell me how to eat, but it help me to address the issues why I ate and yes it is a spirtual program too. Yes I am weighing and measuring food and counting calories but that is my choice because it helps to eat without overeating. Some days are better than others there are days when I don't think about food. But the other thing that helps me is I plan my meals out the night before what I am going to eat. I stay within my calories usually I am not perfect.

I think with time it gets more natural but until I work through my issues I will have to work on it. Just my take on it wish you much success

auticus

We are programmed to overeat. And if you've spent years doing it, you're not going to suddenly reverse the programming after two months. Much like smoking and drinking, if you want to quit you are going to have to monitor it for the rest of your life. This is why exercise is so key. Those that are physically active can eat a bit and not get fat because they are working it off.

Problem is exercise is not easy or fun for a lot of people If it was, we'd all be in shape. Staying thin for some people is as easy as being born wtih the proper chromosomes. For others it is a struggle. It all depends on how much you want it.

snookumss

It really all depends on the person. Already I don't even think about having nonfat milk in my coffee or cutting the cheese or mayo from my sandwiches... this was something I did when I "fell off the wagon" as well! Its become something I've already simply started doing. I don't have to think about it. I've learned to not buy boxes of cookies... because we all know you can't have just one! I know that when my daily intake is upped 500 more calories.... these are things I will continue to do without really meaning to!

LorinaLynn

I know everyone says it's 80% diet and 20% exercise, but for me, exercise was the missing link. I'm not eating that much different than I was a year ago, but I'm moving so much more that the same amount of food doesn't leave me in a caloric surplus. In fact, now that I'm in maintenance, some days I log my food just as much to make sure I eat enough, rather than too much.

GETTING to the point where I felt good burning an extra 300-500 calories a day wasn't easy, but now, that part feels natural. I feel tightly wound and edgy if I don't exercise.