Sugar is keeping me from my goal weight. Sugar and booze.

superhippiechik

I am so close!
Seriously.
I am 12 pounds away from being the same weight I was before I got pregnant with my 1st. daughter 17 1/2 years ago. I know my addiction to Sugar,(Ice Cream,Chocolate and every fruit known to man)Latte's:drinker: and my love of Beer are the reason but I just can not seem to find the will power to give them up. Which makes no sense considering I have given up Smoking,fast food and my gallon a day Pepsi habit:sad: I have stopped tracking my sugar because my morning smoothie puts me over and I eat fruit all day long.
8 months ago I had lost 60 pounds and was transitioning to maintenance. Then my computer crashed,I lost my job and issues with my teenager sent me into depression and I gained back 12 pounds. Now I am back on track but the sugar thing is killing me!
Any and all kindhearted suggestions and criticism are welcome.

smokinjackd

Its only 12 pounds, if you are maintaining then enjoy your beer and sugar. When you start gaining, cut back.

nxd10

With me, the more sugar I eat, the more sugar I want.

So what I do is portion control. I eat my ice cream, but just a quarter cup. I have one little square of dark chocolate, not 3. I left sugar out of my morning coffee entirely.

I started munching tomatoes and apples instead of bananas, which I only have at breakfast. If I don't buy them, I can't eat them.

I went from granola to muesli.

Now things that I used to like taste funny because they're too sweet. And my kids say the same thing, which is even better.

(P.S. You can do the same thing with beer.)

Captain_Spatchcock

Focus on getting sufficient protein & fat. Sugar (and carbs) will fall into place. You can stand to raise your protein, significantly. But honestly this is unlikely to be the issue. As long as you're in calorie deficit (but not extremely so) you should be losing weight. Could it be possibe that your exercise calories are overestimated?

sunshine3021

I have a love of beer too...but since I can see what it does to the gut...I swiched to rum and diet.
I know, I know, I should just stop all together and this may not be anybetter, but its found helpful in my situation. Step your exercise up a notch, have a lite mixed drink, and slow the carbs. You should be fine!

keegannati

Bud Select 55!

Eleisabelle

Don't try to give them up completely. That's self-torture if you enjoy them so much. But try to limit them more.

For example, I love wine, and I know it gets in my way. I try to limit my wine drinking to just weekends, and on Thursday nights when we have a regular evening out with friends. And even then, it's only one glass on Thursday night, and maybe two glasses on a weekend night. I can't always limit it that well, as my willpower not always there, but setting that goal has helped a lot!

For sugar, the fact that most of what you're getting is from fruit shouldn't be a problem. But for those desserts (yummy) aim to have just one real dessert a day, and make sure it's a small portion. Share it with your hubby, or, if it's something you've baked, cut it into small pieces as soon as you cut into it, so you'll only have small servings.

And if you love these things, instead of cutting them, try adding an activity that makes up for them. If you have a beer, make sure you spend 10 to 20 minutes extra doing something active that will help you build muscle and/or burn calories.

I've discovered that if I'm too restrictive with myself, I set myself up for failure. By giving myself a little leeway, I've become more successful and happier with who I am.

scooterwd

Decide on just one change rather than overwhelming yourself with several changes and then taking away everything you enjoy. Pick one thing to change or eliminate.. say change your morning smoothie to a veggie/fruit smoothie (I do carrots, spinach, blueberries, orange juice and greek yogurt), or if you are having a sugar-y dessert more than once a week, limit yourself to just one time per week (I would eat ice cream or frozen yogurt for every meal every day if I could, but I limit it to once a week). Those "last" few pounds (your 12, my 15) are so stubborn. I've tried losing them many times before, and it really isn't until you identify the smallest ways you can improve your diet that they start to shed.. as much as that does stink! Good luck

Cms5227

Booze is one of my biggest problems with weight loss. I love beer and I love GOOD beer. Unfortunately, it seems, that the better the beer, the more calories it contains. If I really want a FEW beers (instead of just one) I drink Budweiser Select 55. A regular beer has between 100 and 150 calories. These have 55 each. If you're drinking a couple, it can REALLY save calories. Now, the thing is, Bud 55 isn't the best tasting in the world. I find it becomes tolerably tasty when given a lime and salt, Corona style.
If you're worried about your sugar intake, you might want to concentrate on eating fruits that are a little lower in sugar like apples and blueberries.

Swissmiss

I am about 10 pounds from my goal. I have had to completely stop drinking alcohol. One glass of wine a day and I wouldn't be able to lose any weight. It has to do with the liver processing the alcohol before food so the food goes more to fat.

peuglow

I am so close!
Seriously.
I am 12 pounds away from being the same weight I was before I got pregnant with my 1st. daughter 17 1/2 years ago. I know my addiction to Sugar,(Ice Cream,Chocolate and every fruit known to man)Latte's:drinker: and my love of Beer are the reason but I just can not seem to find the will power to give them up. Which makes no sense considering I have given up Smoking,fast food and my gallon a day Pepsi habit:sad: I have stopped tracking my sugar because my morning smoothie puts me over and I eat fruit all day long.
8 months ago I had lost 60 pounds and was transitioning to maintenance. Then my computer crashed,I lost my job and issues with my teenager sent me into depression and I gained back 12 pounds. Now I am back on track but the sugar thing is killing me!
Any and all kindhearted suggestions and criticism are welcome.

Not to state the obvious, but if you know what your problems are, and you choose not to do anything about those problems, you will not see change.

mercymarque

You have come so far and know ur weaknesses... U don't have to cut them out completely... Do it in moderation. Dove ice cream is low in calories... Skinny and low cal beer should be fine in moderation. Keep up ur hard work. U can do it!!!

mikeyboy

When I read the title, I wondered why you would put sugar in your booze? Rum & diet, bourbon & diet, vodka & lime juice! Carry on! :drinker:

maroonmango211

Pick and choose. I love my glass of wine after supper and to me I'd rather have that then a serving of ice cream. I love having a piece of fruit for lunch much more than adding sugar to my coffee. You don't have to cut it out completely just chose one or two servings of sugar or alcohol a day.

oldsalty1

Don't forget a good share of sugars are in alcohol...maybe vodka would be another solution to booze.

My body is a sugar hound....I kinda have the carb cravings under control...the sugar is another story...Free Cool Whip and Greek Yogurt are my best friends at night...

fitmom2000

This post just came up while I was contemplating hte fact that I really want wine and dessert at the event I'm going to tonight, and if I could just give up sugar and alcohol all together I'd probably already be at goal weight, so know you aren't alone!

The one thing I will say that has helped me through all of the challenges is to cut down on refined sugar but letting myself eat fruit. What kind of smoothy are you getting? You can make one yourself at home, either with just fresh fruit and ice or with non-fat plain greek yogurt and fruit (the greek yogurt is great for you as long as you stay away from the flavors --- then suddenly you're adding 14g+ of refined sugar!). I keep bags of frozen fruit in the freezer.

I also try to let myself eat some sugar but in small amounts. For example, I'll have one or two hershey kisses, or a mini york peppermint patty. You can still get a lot of satisfaction after a small amount.

I have found sugar is just as addicting as nicotene was ---- and just like you have to detox your body when you quick smoking, you have to detox it from the sugar. I think the more you have it the more you crave it, but once you can cut a lot of it out you will find small amounts are more than satisfying and you don't crave it nearly as much.

I'm also a big ice cream fan, I keep a half gallon of mint chocolate chip low fat ice cream in the freezer and have a half a cup almost every night. Knowing I'm getting that at the end of the day also makes it so I don't feel deprived when there's other stuff lying around the office --- I know i'm getting ice cream later, so I don't care that I'm not having something else now.

as for alcohol: I'm not a beer drinker, but I love cosmos, which are really high in calories. Friday nights are my night, I just don't drink the rest of the week, because I can't ever have just one! And if I'm going ot a cocktail reception after work, I usually plan a workout or run for later in the evening (and tell my husband about it to be accountable), because I can't run or workout after a glass or two of wine, so I'll stick to water at the party.

Just focus on how good you feel now vs. where you were when you were heavier, and how much better you'll feel in another 12 pounds!

acpgee

Sugar makes your glucose yo-yo, so you end up craving more later on. Try to postpone sugary treats until later in the day.

superhippiechik

Focus on getting sufficient protein & fat. Sugar (and carbs) will fall into place. You can stand to raise your protein, significantly. But honestly this is unlikely to be the issue. As long as you're in calorie deficit (but not extremely so) you should be losing weight. Could it be possibe that your exercise calories are overestimated?

I do need a HRM...I ride my bike to work every day and I knock 10 minutes off my total time to allow for downhill and coasting. Think I should knock off more time?

Tarin626

One note though and I have to admit I'm not a big drinker but its not just the empty calories in the beer - the alcohol slows down your metabolism for up to A WEEK as it works through your system (not just digestive but liver and kidneys).

Remeber alcohol is a poison as far as your bady is concerned :-(

I don't think there's anything wrong with your fruit intake - its a good source of calories and contains fibre and lots of other vitamins essential to good health! :-)

The chocolate and ice cream - I'm with ya there! But I agree with others posts - moderation...just a little ice cream, not half the tub!

Good luck with losing the last 12lbs

Faintgreeneyes

"Sugar" itself does not make you fat. If your macros are in check,(protein, carbs, fat) and you are consuming less calories than you are burning, you will continue to lose weight.

I've lost almost 20 lbs, and I do not track my sugar intake at all. I make sure whatever treat I want ( be it ice cream, cake, cookies, etc) fits into my allotted calories for the day, and then I eat it, enjoy it.

I believe that when we "limit" ourselves and what we can eat- is when we want the "bad" things that much more and then over indulge. Having a sweet something everyday is not going to kill you or your healthy eating plan.

Captain_Spatchcock

Focus on getting sufficient protein & fat. Sugar (and carbs) will fall into place. You can stand to raise your protein, significantly. But honestly this is unlikely to be the issue. As long as you're in calorie deficit (but not extremely so) you should be losing weight. Could it be possibe that your exercise calories are overestimated?

I do need a HRM...I ride my bike to work every day and I knock 10 minutes off my total time to allow for downhill and coasting. Think I should knock off more time?

It's hard to say. One way to guesstimate calories is to take your percieved intensity level on a scale of 1 to 10 and multiply by minutes. So for example, if your bike ride is on average a "7", and it lasts 30 minutes, I would use 210 calories (7 * 30). Obviously this is just a rule of thumb, not a solid scientific approach. But my HRM gives me numbers in the same ballpark as this sort of estimate does....

autumnk921

All I have to say is IIFIYM go for it....Just make sure to log EVERYTHING. I am a sugarholic too & I have weaned myself to use Stevia in my morning coffee now but with my chocolate or sweets, I just eat a little at a time b/c once I get a bite or two then wait a few minutes I feel that I satisfied my sweet tooth...With alcohol (for me margaritas...YUM) I just make sure to log them & if it fits, I drink 1 or 2 (or more at times...lol)

Don't stress too much b/c you know that causes belly fat too...

Best of luck to you....You CAN do it!! The last 10lbs or so are ALWAYS the hardest...Just have patience & you will get there!! :flowerforyou:

Ambie213

I am a HUGE sweets fanatic (ice cream, cake, cookies, etc). I have found some really easy recipes that use a cake mix and either applesauce, canned pumpkin, diet soda, etc instead of oil and egg. I usually use applesauce or pumpkin and I throw in shredded carrots, zucchini, whatever to make them more healthy. And instead of making a cake, I'll make muffinx/cupcakes so they are pre-portioned. Sometimes I'll make mini ones and they're even smaller. Good luck!

PetulantOne

I really don't have any advice. I'm just replying because I have the same exact problem!! Only mine was dr pepper lol. I have cut back to one a day, but have no desire to cut it out completely. I just work it in. I also drink a lot of beer. It cuts into my calories, but I make it all work, for now. I know when I get close to my goal weight I will have the same issues you are having now. I'm not looking forward to that.

joejccva71

"Sugar" itself does not make you fat. If your macros are in check,(protein, carbs, fat) and you are consuming less calories than you are burning, you will continue to lose weight.

I've lost almost 20 lbs, and I do not track my sugar intake at all. I make sure whatever treat I want ( be it ice cream, cake, cookies, etc) fits into my allotted calories for the day, and then I eat it, enjoy it.

I believe that when we "limit" ourselves and what we can eat- is when we want the "bad" things that much more and then over indulge. Having a sweet something everyday is not going to kill you or your healthy eating plan.

Perfectly stated Sarah.

superhippiechik

I am a HUGE sweets fanatic (ice cream, cake, cookies, etc). I have found some really easy recipes that use a cake mix and either applesauce, canned pumpkin, diet soda, etc instead of oil and egg. I usually use applesauce or pumpkin and I throw in shredded carrots, zucchini, whatever to make them more healthy. And instead of making a cake, I'll make muffinx/cupcakes so they are pre-portioned. Sometimes I'll make mini ones and they're even smaller. Good luck!

Have you had the brownies that use black beans instead of egg and oil? Delicious!

superhippiechik

"Sugar" itself does not make you fat. If your macros are in check,(protein, carbs, fat) and you are consuming less calories than you are burning, you will continue to lose weight.

I've lost almost 20 lbs, and I do not track my sugar intake at all. I make sure whatever treat I want ( be it ice cream, cake, cookies, etc) fits into my allotted calories for the day, and then I eat it, enjoy it.

I believe that when we "limit" ourselves and what we can eat- is when we want the "bad" things that much more and then over indulge. Having a sweet something everyday is not going to kill you or your healthy eating plan.

Perfectly stated Sarah.

I totally agree. I lost the first 60 eating just like I do now. But that is not working for me anymore. : ( I need more willpower or to just love my bod the way it is now.

superhippiechik

One note though and I have to admit I'm not a big drinker but its not just the empty calories in the beer - the alcohol slows down your metabolism for up to A WEEK as it works through your system (not just digestive but liver and kidneys).

Remeber alcohol is a poison as far as your bady is concerned :-(

I don't think there's anything wrong with your fruit intake - its a good source of calories and contains fibre and lots of other vitamins essential to good health! :-)

The chocolate and ice cream - I'm with ya there! But I agree with others posts - moderation...just a little ice cream, not half the tub!

Good luck with losing the last 12lbs

I did not know it slowed my metabolism down like that!!!! I only drink on the weekends but that info SUCKS!!!! Thank you for filling me in.

redheaddee

I switched my sugar out of my coffee for Domino Light (stevia + care sugar). Less sugar but just as yummy. I use less now because stevia is sweeter than sugar.

I have the same problem with morning smoothies/juice. Maybe reduce the fruit a bit and add a carrot/tomato (NEVER broccolli. Gross.)

Liquour is lower calorie and suger than beer :drinker:

redheaddee

One note though and I have to admit I'm not a big drinker but its not just the empty calories in the beer - the alcohol slows down your metabolism for up to A WEEK as it works through your system (not just digestive but liver and kidneys).

Remeber alcohol is a poison as far as your bady is concerned :-(

I did not know it slowed my metabolism down like that!!!! I only drink on the weekends but that info SUCKS!!!! Thank you for filling me in.

Good news, not true...
http://www.livestrong.com/article/459176-does-drinking-alcohol-slow-your-metabolism/

Just stick with moderation and you will do fine.

Tarin626

One note though and I have to admit I'm not a big drinker but its not just the empty calories in the beer - the alcohol slows down your metabolism for up to A WEEK as it works through your system (not just digestive but liver and kidneys).

Remeber alcohol is a poison as far as your bady is concerned :-(

I did not know it slowed my metabolism down like that!!!! I only drink on the weekends but that info SUCKS!!!! Thank you for filling me in.

Good news, not true...
http://www.livestrong.com/article/459176-does-drinking-alcohol-slow-your-metabolism/

Just stick with moderation and you will do fine.

So if the article is accurate in its information then the question (and the article does not specifically address this) does the process increase of thermogenesis burning calories offset the liver's process of converting alcohol to a substance it can use and the resulting impairment of the body's ability to burn fat as a source of energy???

Also as people trying to lose weight - we are not a control group drinking a certain amount of glasses of white wine vs our fruit intake...many overweight people need to boost their metabolism to lose the weight as unhealthy eating and inactivity has made it not as effecient as it could be.

The article is too short and non-specific to properly inform on the issue.