Day one and struggling!

chrisjagt

feel free to add me as a friend. And be totally honest with yourself. If you screw up a meal or give into a craving just track it and move on.. Having a pal or 2 to keep you honest is a great way to be on top of your cravings.

wannagofast27

I try to remind myself that I didn't get this way overnight and I'm not going to undo it overnight. I also recommend drinking water to excess, this will create a full feeling. Clean out your kitchen, replace the leftover Christmas cookies with carrots and Triscuits. Starting is the hardest part for me, after about a week and a half I start feeling better and its not as much of a challenge.

kardowling

First days are toughest. Lots of water and keep busy. Hang in there!

crazyellybean

When you're hungry you need to eat. It's not about starving yourself, it's about eating healthy.
Make a healthy choice in a snack and eat it.
Make sure you drink some water too. A lot of times we confuse hunger for thirst. Make sure you're well hydrated.

You got this!

Agree!!

The first days are the hardest as your body adjusts and learns to get rid of the things your used to eating... eating carbs makes you crave carbs its a horrible cycle. Once you start flushing your body of all these bad foods it will get easier.

kmbrooks15

Hi everyone,

This is not my first time trying to eat healthily and lose a few kgs (notice my avoidance of the word diet!), but it's my first time using MFP.

Today is first day and I am desperately craving food of any stodgy variety. I can no longer tell whether I'm really hungry or not. I know it will pass as I have lost weight before (only to put it all back on) but don't remember it being this hard right at the beginning.

I don't want to eat any more as I need to make sure I have enough left for dinner.
Thanks for listening

Make sure your settings are fixed for a half a pound - yes 1/2 pound of weight loss per week.
Do this for 1 month to help you over this hump.

Too often people get all hot and bothered come Jan 1st, set unreasonable goals, then starve themselves before failing totally by March. Slow down.

Go to a half a pound and just hold that pattern for a few weeks, then go to 1 for a month, then 1 and a half, then 2, then back down to a half. The key is always to trend down without starving yourself and messing up your metabolism.

And make sure you're eating back your exercise calories.

This is really good advice. If you try to do too much at once, you'll be biting off more than you can chew (no pun intended!) and will be more likely to give up. Just start making small changes and see where that takes you.

I'd suggest getting a good heartrate monitor or a Bodybugg/BodyMedia armband (I have the BodyMedia armband). These will help you see how many calories you are burning when you work out so you know if the exercise calories you are eating back are the right amount or not. The Bodybugg/BodyMedia armbands are worn all day and night so you know how much you burn in the full 24 hour period, while a heartrate monitor is worn solely during workouts (on my BodyMedia, I zero the trip meter on the display when I start my workout, then check it when I finish my workout so I know my burn for just the workout).

Good luck!

SkinnyGirlFatBody

I found when I was just starting that it was very helpful to have tons of veggies and fruits on hand. When I felt like I really want to walk down the street and grab a bag of chips(chips are my weakness), I would walk to the kitchen pour myself a glass of water, sit down and drink if slowly. If then I decided that I was actually hungry and it wasn't just a craving, I would pick a piece of fruit and tell myself this is all I get for a snack.

I don't know if that is helpful to you, but it helped me get through a good chunk of the cravings.

staceyseeger

Don't think of it as a DIET...It's a lifestyle change! :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

Br00zR

A lot of it is about finding the right foods for you.

I too am the kind of person who needs to feel like I've eaten. Salads etc leave me wanting more and lunch has always been a nightmare.

I found teh best low calorie lunch was to have a wrap (instead of bread) with either tuna or chicken, light mayo and loads of peppers, tomatoes etc accompanied by a pack of snackajacks. It's low calorie food but it actually feels like you've eaten and helped keep the hunger away.

PaPenguin

Eat a good breakfast. Lots of protein and don't be afraid of fat. Cut way back on carbs, but increase substantially your fiber intake. Shoot for 30 grams daily at first and try to get it up over 40 grams eventually. For instance, oatmeal, eggs, bacon, ham, etc. will carry you from breakfast to lunch without feeling like you are starving. Lunch is a good time to get your fiber from vegetables, fruit, grains. Get some high fiber wraps or bread that have maybe 15 total carbs and 7 fiber resulting in net carbs of only 8. Forget cakes, cookies, donuts, candy and other high sugar junk.

pmissyUK

I have a heartrate monitor which I do find really useful! Thanks for the tips.

rockchalkgrove

If you starve yourself, your metabolism will come to halt! If you are hungry...EAT! Just make the right choices. Avoid sugary foods. Make sure every meal contains a lean protein!! By fueling your body with 5 meals a day, you keep your body burning and feel satisfied all day. Do you mind sharing what you have been eating so we can help you out??

H_Factor

Thanks everyone!
I know that part of my problem is carbs so I am trying to reduce the amount I eat particularly in the second half of the day. And I know that these feelings are just withdrawals but it is SO hard! I'm also the only one in the office today which doesn't help - even though I'm busy I'm still thinking about my tummy!

Am trying to drink lots of water and will fill up at dinner on protein. I MUST stick with it.

Thanks again

first, carbs are not the enemy...but certain carbs are better than other ones. When you eat carbs that have a high glycemic index value, an insulin release is triggered and this creates cravings for more sugary foods. Generally, any processed foods have carbs with high glycemic index values. so, if you limit processed foods and other refined sugars, you will help yourself as far as cravings go. sugar cravings and sugar withdrawals can go away quickly if you remove/limit the carbs with high glycemic index values from your diet.

second, I strongly recommend eating protein throughout the day. protein helps keep you fuller longer because it takes longer to digest. why wait until dinner to consume your protein? adding fiber helps as well. eggs and berries in the morning gives me a power packed combo of protein (eggs), healthy fat (eggs), carbs with low glycemic index value that are high in fiber (raspberries or blackberries). I get more protein at lunch, usually eating some leftovers that I cooked for myself. I mix some protein powder with water either during my morning or afternoon snack for more protein. then I have protein with dinner.

JamieSK

and drink tons of water!

Agree...sometimes we think we are hungry and we are actually dehydrated...need lots of water!

gigiwaterloo

I totally feel you! The 1st week I came BACK to MFP I went thru the wanting to eat everything in sight! I couldn't tell if it was from quitting smoking or just dieting or what it was from but I had a really hard time getting started. I'm doing better b/c I recorded EVERY thing I put in my mouth that 1st 2 weeks and when I saw the calories racking up I was like ok TWO things need to happen (b/c I LOVE FOOD) I need to start eating HEALTHIER & I need to start exercising and FAST... SO now almost 2 weeks later I have started exercising & I have stayed under my calories every day for a week! YAY ME! One day at a time is all you need to remember!!! Good luck to you! Feel free to add me if you need support!!!

gailashton

Mind over matter. Don't obsess. If you're hungry eat, but choose something healthy. Once you've eaten a portion size stop there, wait a while and ask yourself why you really want more. WAter, water, water, hot tea. etc.also curb hunger. Goodluck!

animalover22

I think most of us at this site can relate to what you are saying. Food, which should be an ally, has become my nemesis because of choices I've made. Like many, I've made a resolution for a healthier me in 2012. The difference this year is that I have a plan and a support group that I can count upon when needed. You are the only one who can change your behavior and you do it by planning and utilizing the tools at your disposal. The first days/weeks are the most difficult, but just approach it a day at a time. :happy:

beautybloom

It's hard. It's my second day and I'll probably have chinese for lunch Just make the best decisions you can and DON'T keep candy or sodas around.

TNGURL

When you're hungry you need to eat. It's not about starving yourself, it's about eating healthy.
Make a healthy choice in a snack and eat it.
Make sure you drink some water too. A lot of times we confuse hunger for thirst. Make sure you're well hydrated.

You got this!

He's right... listen to him & me! LOL... hey, it's all good, we're in this together!

deedee1508

Hi -you're right not to call it a diet, it's just healthy eating. Perhaps you've overdone it a bit over the last couple of weeks and your body is craving more of the same. It will feel easier as you get into it. Leafy salads don't really do it for me, I prefer higher fibre foods as they are more filling - jacket potato with tuna & sweetcorn or with beans; wholewheat pasta with a tomato-based/vegetable sauce. Stick with it, you will get loads of support from these boards, and good luck.

chwfit

hi! It's my first day too. I am feeling a little unhappy and a bit overwhelmed, not to mention shaky, tired and anxious.

But everyone is right - this is starvation, this is a life change. So if you are hungry or feeling a compulsion to eat, you should. Be mindful of your body, and choose something healthy. Remember that our eyes are usually bigger than our stomachs.

You can totally do this. We're first day buddies!

Jewels211

When you're hungry you need to eat. It's not about starving yourself, it's about eating healthy.
Make a healthy choice in a snack and eat it.
Make sure you drink some water too. A lot of times we confuse hunger for thirst. Make sure you're well hydrated.

You got this!

What he said! If you choose things with fiber to keep your tummy busy, like raw veggies or a little bit of beans/legumes, or a small amount of protein like string cheese, or even just a slice of the shaved lean deli meats, it can help fight off the hunger pangs, even if they're really just chemical cravings for crud.

And it is amazing how drinking can help (fluids, not booze! lol) Hang in there; it gets easier if you just totally stay away from the sugar and processed stuff and let it get flushed out of your system.

morganadk2_deleted

Hi everyone,

This is not my first time trying to eat healthily and lose a few kgs (notice my avoidance of the word diet!), but it's my first time using MFP.

Today is first day and I am desperately craving food of any stodgy variety. I can no longer tell whether I'm really hungry or not. I know it will pass as I have lost weight before (only to put it all back on) but don't remember it being this hard right at the beginning.

I don't want to eat any more as I need to make sure I have enough left for dinner.
Thanks for listening

Make sure your settings are fixed for a half a pound - yes 1/2 pound of weight loss per week.
Do this for 1 month to help you over this hump.

Too often people get all hot and bothered come Jan 1st, set unreasonable goals, then starve themselves before failing totally by March. Slow down.

Go to a half a pound and just hold that pattern for a few weeks, then go to 1 for a month, then 1 and a half, then 2, then back down to a half. The key is always to trend down without starving yourself and messing up your metabolism.

And make sure you're eating back your exercise calories.

^ totaly agree its not a race its a life style change

dakitten2

If you starve yourself, your metabolism will come to halt! If you are hungry...EAT! Just make the right choices. Avoid sugary foods. Make sure every meal contains a lean protein!! By fueling your body with 5 meals a day, you keep your body burning and feel satisfied all day. Do you mind sharing what you have been eating so we can help you out??

This ^^^^^

When I started in October I started with small meals and having maybe 6 per day. I would have part of my breakfast around 8 and then the fruit around 10, partial lunch around 12 (usually my protein) with veggies around 2-3, then dinner I would eat my whole dinner and save calories for a snack before bedtime. You've been given a lot of great advice. Hook up with good friends on here to help out when you need it.

DRJJ2004

Listen to this person!! They know what they're talking about. It's a perfect plan!!! And definitely drink lots of water!! At least 8 - 8oz glasses daily..at least! You can do it!!

Hi everyone,

This is not my first time trying to eat healthily and lose a few kgs (notice my avoidance of the word diet!), but it's my first time using MFP.

Today is first day and I am desperately craving food of any stodgy variety. I can no longer tell whether I'm really hungry or not. I know it will pass as I have lost weight before (only to put it all back on) but don't remember it being this hard right at the beginning.

I don't want to eat any more as I need to make sure I have enough left for dinner.
Thanks for listening

Make sure your settings are fixed for a half a pound - yes 1/2 pound of weight loss per week.
Do this for 1 month to help you over this hump.

Too often people get all hot and bothered come Jan 1st, set unreasonable goals, then starve themselves before failing totally by March. Slow down.

Go to a half a pound and just hold that pattern for a few weeks, then go to 1 for a month, then 1 and a half, then 2, then back down to a half. The key is always to trend down without starving yourself and messing up your metabolism.

And make sure you're eating back your exercise calories.

Diggy2011

I'm a mother of 3 I plan my meals and walk plenty never go shopping hungry and log what you eat add me if you like

Diggy2011

Listen to this person!! They know what they're talking about. It's a perfect plan!!! And definitely drink lots of water!! At least 8 - 8oz glasses daily..at least! You can do it!!

Hi everyone,

This is not my first time trying to eat healthily and lose a few kgs (notice my avoidance of the word diet!), but it's my first time using MFP.

Today is first day and I am desperately craving food of any stodgy variety. I can no longer tell whether I'm really hungry or not. I know it will pass as I have lost weight before (only to put it all back on) but don't remember it being this hard right at the beginning.

I don't want to eat any more as I need to make sure I have enough left for dinner.
Thanks for listening

Make sure your settings are fixed for a half a pound - yes 1/2 pound of weight loss per week.
Do this for 1 month to help you over this hump.

Too often people get all hot and bothered come Jan 1st, set unreasonable goals, then starve themselves before failing totally by March. Slow down.

Go to a half a pound and just hold that pattern for a few weeks, then go to 1 for a month, then 1 and a half, then 2, then back down to a half. The key is always to trend down without starving yourself and messing up your metabolism.

And make sure you're eating back your exercise calories.

I got mine set at a pound its all about seeing what works for you I don't eat all my exercise cals but I only walk anyway

loupoulain

Hi and welcome. I so understand the struggle you talk about. You are not alone! I read a very good book this past year that has helped me; "An End to Overeating" by David Kessler. He KNOWS what he's talking about, and the book helped me understand why I feel so powerless about certain foods and situations. Hang in there!

all4me20012

My first day back to I just found a bunch of 300 calorie meals Hungry Girl has a million That way I get to eat 4 meals a day AND 200 calories left for snacks im eating all day lol