How to be Successful

martintanz

try having diet drinks/water instead of full fat soda... and as has been said. try and get out of the habit of eating out so much

regular soda does not have fat.

it has sugar. a lot of sugar

I have done really good at drinking mostly water. When I do have a soda, it is only one. I have honestly tried hard to switch to diet soda for that "fix" but it gives me headaches.

Maybe you just need to give up soda. Even just 4 cans a week is 600 or 800 completely empty calories. There are better options that will actually help you meet your macros (protein, vitamins, fiber, etc) and keep you fuller for that same 600 to 800 calories.

The other thing is, you really need to think twice before eating calorie dense foods like takeout pizza, deep fried chicken sandwiches, and french fries. Maybe allow yourself one of these indulgences a week, not every day or even 4 or 5 times a week.

Finally, when it comes to eating fast food, you really need to pick very carefully. I can relate, as I love that sort of food, and eating too much of it contributed to my weight gain. Here are a few things I do.

Get the lowest calorie option you can.
Pizza places - Thin crust plain cheese, or with vegetable toppings. Avoid deep dish or pan pizza like the plague.
Burger places - single burger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, but not cheese, special sauce, bacon, or mayonaise.
Chicken - Grilled chicken rather than fried, consider skipping the bun
Burrito places - Go naked (no giant tortilla) , chicken, beans, and salsa, but skip cheese, sour cream, and even rice.

wibutterflymagic

I can totally understand how you would be frustrated. Everything I've read from the other posters is good advice. I never thought I would be able to feel satisfied not eating whatever I want but I have been totally wrong. I just changed my eating habits within the last 2 weeks. I was a soda drinker and I have nearly cut that out. I don't do diet because I don't eat artificial sweetners(horrible for us) so if I want a soda now its a treat, if I have extra calories left for the day. Try using Mio in your water. It add the sweetness without the empty calories.

As most everyone has said, you can't eat out as often or if you do you have to make conscience efforts to pick out healthier selections. If you go for subs, get the light mayo and mustard and load it with extra veggies. Get just a sandwich not combo meals. I wanted pizza a couple weeks ago, but I'm single and I couldn't order a whole one because it takes me days to eat it so I went to the store. You'll find that you can get single serve ones that are at good calorie points then have a salad with it with low fat salad dressing. That was one of my hardest parts. I didn't think I would find any low-fat dressings that tasted good, but I was wrong. I love Marie's yogurt based ranch dressing. I don't see a difference.

You also need to start adjusting your portions. If you have chicken or steak keep it to about 4-6 oz. I lean towards 6, but it all depends on what your calorie goal is. Less carbs more veggies and protein. I've noticed rice is better then pasta. I log everything including the oils or butter I use for sauteing.

This should be a lifestyle change not a diet. It's not what you eat but how much you eat. You can have anything you want, but it needs to be in true portion sizes and healthier for you. And plan, plan, plan. I also try to plan a day ahead. That way I stick to what is written down and have less change for temptations. I then adjust as I add in my exercise and see what extra foods I can eat. I still have my chocolate, soda and other sweets but just much less often and in smaller amounts.

Take is slowly and make the adjustments at the pace that is comfortable for you. Changing everything too fast will probably be too overwhelming and cause you to quit. Friend me if you'd like.

dalildevil

I have done really good at drinking mostly water. When I do have a soda, it is only one. I have honestly tried hard to switch to diet soda for that "fix" but it gives me headaches.

You probably have an intolerance to Aspertame. damn stuff is in everything. I am allergic to it. it gives me hives. The only two diet sodas that I've found that do not have Aspertame is Schwepps diet ginger ale, and Diet Orange Crush. They are both made with Sucralose. I know that it cuts down in your selection but maybe if you get that craving for Soda and don't want to end up with a head ache you can try one of those and see if it helps.

V.

prokomds

I'm not one for making things off limits - I mean, I eat out all the time and still fit it in my calories. You just have to figure out what you want most and make room for that. For instance, when you went to chick-fil-a, did you have to have both the fries and the lemonade? If you had swapped either of those for a better option, you would have barely been over for the day.

And I've started realizing that having a (non-diet) soda is basically the same as having a dessert. If I crave the soda, sure, I'll have it, but it basically counts as dessert -- i.e., something that adds calories but zero nutritional value to your day. Maybe you could consider figuring out how many calories per day you want to spend on treats (200-300ish?), and dole them out that way. If you have the lemonade, maybe you get fruit instead of fries. Whatever, you can make it work. Eventually see if you can have less calories dedicated to junk and still be happy

Mainly, don't make yourself miserable, or the changes will fail. Good luck!

GauchoMark

Burrito places - Go naked (no giant tortilla) , chicken, beans, and salsa, but skip cheese, sour cream, and even rice.

I've tried this, but they usually call the police. Although... can't do anything about the giant tortilla...

TdaniT

I have done really good at drinking mostly water. When I do have a soda, it is only one. I have honestly tried hard to switch to diet soda for that "fix" but it gives me headaches.

You probably have an intolerance to Aspertame. damn stuff is in everything. I am allergic to it. it gives me hives. The only two diet sodas that I've found that do not have Aspertame is Schwepps diet ginger ale, and Diet Orange Crush. They are both made with Sucralose. I know that it cuts down in your selection but maybe if you get that craving for Soda and don't want to end up with a head ache you can try one of those and see if it helps.

V.

My goal is to not have sodas at all. I am doing excellent in regards to quitting them. I drink so much water I slosh! LOL Every now and again I want one, but I am not craving them as I once was.

TdaniT

I'm not one for making things off limits - I mean, I eat out all the time and still fit it in my calories. You just have to figure out what you want most and make room for that. For instance, when you went to chick-fil-a, did you have to have both the fries and the lemonade? If you had swapped either of those for a better option, you would have barely been over for the day.

And I've started realizing that having a (non-diet) soda is basically the same as having a dessert. If I crave the soda, sure, I'll have it, but it basically counts as dessert -- i.e., something that adds calories but zero nutritional value to your day. Maybe you could consider figuring out how many calories per day you want to spend on treats (200-300ish?), and dole them out that way. If you have the lemonade, maybe you get fruit instead of fries. Whatever, you can make it work. Eventually see if you can have less calories dedicated to junk and still be happy

Mainly, don't make yourself miserable, or the changes will fail. Good luck!

Thank you! I have failed miserably before if I make certain foods off limits to my diet. I find figuring out how to eat better is probably how I am going to be successful. Thanks!

missferoux

I honestly believe you shouldn't go without - just set yourself limits. For example, once a week I will eat breakfast out, one day I with have an unhealthy tea, and one day I will allow something sweet, like a cake or chocolate.

The one thing I do is earn myself the treats, and now, I just cannot have the treat if I haven't burned the calories. 10 mins on a jump rope whilst watching tv if you don't want to go to the gym etc. There are ways around it and if you feel you've earned it, you'll enjoy it sooooo much more!!!

pwnderosa

My goal is to not have sodas at all. I am doing excellent in regards to quitting them. I drink so much water I slosh! LOL Every now and again I want one, but I am not craving them as I once was.

Don't forget about those new mini soda cans that are 100 calories each, I have quite a few friends who have those as a treat now and then and it doesn't hurt as much calorie-wise. Also you could try Hansen diet sodas, they don't have Aspartame and might agree with you better? I personally am totally hooked on sparkling lime flavored water. I LOVE something fizzy.

red_road

try having diet drinks/water instead of full fat soda... and as has been said. try and get out of the habit of eating out so much

Where do I find the full fat sodas?

Smartass lol that made me chuckle

martintanz

Burrito places - Go naked (no giant tortilla) , chicken, beans, and salsa, but skip cheese, sour cream, and even rice.

I've tried this, but they usually call the police. Although... can't do anything about the giant tortilla...

:laugh:

martintanz

I'm not one for making things off limits - I mean, I eat out all the time and still fit it in my calories. You just have to figure out what you want most and make room for that. For instance, when you went to chick-fil-a, did you have to have both the fries and the lemonade? If you had swapped either of those for a better option, you would have barely been over for the day.

And I've started realizing that having a (non-diet) soda is basically the same as having a dessert. If I crave the soda, sure, I'll have it, but it basically counts as dessert -- i.e., something that adds calories but zero nutritional value to your day. Maybe you could consider figuring out how many calories per day you want to spend on treats (200-300ish?), and dole them out that way. If you have the lemonade, maybe you get fruit instead of fries. Whatever, you can make it work. Eventually see if you can have less calories dedicated to junk and still be happy

Mainly, don't make yourself miserable, or the changes will fail. Good luck!

Thank you! I have failed miserably before if I make certain foods off limits to my diet. I find figuring out how to eat better is probably how I am going to be successful. Thanks!

Maybe not making certain foods off limits, but, perhaps, off limits for awhile. Sort of like a drinker trying to stay sober. Just tell yourself, I won't drink that sugary drink or eat those large fries today. I agree with the person who said you need to "earn" those calories. Of course, if you exercise for half hour or 45 minutes, you might decide it isn't worth it to drink or eat it back in 5 minutes.

yoovie

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2012/10/22/3-reasons-people-succeed/

kimtober

I agree with the previous poster who said baby steps! This has worked for me and I'm hoping it will help me make lifestyle changes and not gain weight back. I've given up some things but nothing completely. Just be realistic. The first thing I did was cut out pop but only at home. When I eat our, I get it because it's so good from the fountain!! But I only go out on weekends so I save lots of calories during the week just drinking water. From there, I gradually cut out other things or added more activity and I've slowly but steadily lost weight.

Liftng4Lis

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