Do you have any "rules"?

I have to have 72oz of water before I can have a soda. (I suck at drinking water, lol)

Vitamin Water might as well be Kool-Aid. Some people think it's healthy just because it says "vitamin" in the name.

I don't have any rules, I think that's unhealthy.

Word.

Personally, hard and fast "rules" don't work very well for me....from past experience, I know that they I will end up breaking them BIG TIME. For instance, no fast food at all leads to going on a fast food kick and getting out of the swing of generally eating pretty well. I always try to do cardio at least 3 days a week, strength training at least once or twice ( I have a hard time meeting that goals) and stick to my calorie goals even if that means compensating for a "bad" meal once or twice a week....usually on the weekends. It also helps that I generally don't plan on eating back my calories I work off from exercise. Over all, I just try to do everything in moderation. It might not work for people trying to lose quickly ( I only aim for about a pound to a pound and a half per week).

I have a framework, I don't like rules:

Dietary: Avoid grains, sugar, processed food, limit dairy, limit the starch, eat leafy veggies, eat naturally-occurring fat with impunity, Just Eat Real Food ferchristsakes.

Exercise: Walk regularly, lift some heavy stuff occasionally, don't do it to 'burn calories', do it because it is enjoyable.

Lest I been seen as some food Nazi, I had a Snickers bar for *breakfast* yesterday because:

a) I fancied one

b) I've been low-carb for a while and thought I could use one before a day on the cricket pitch.

The 80/20 rule applies and keeps me sane(ish).

I only have one rule, DO NOT EAT ANYTHING THAT HAS NOT ALREADY BEEN LOGGED. this rule has kept me from going over many times, once i log it, if i do not like how it looks, i will not eat it.

Measure everything out don't guess
1 LARGE GREEN SALAD A DAY
log as I go
I buying extra food while at work unless you are stuck in Overtime.
1 cheat hour every three weeks when hanging out with the best friend.

I don't really have any "rules" per say because to me it's not a diet, it's a lifestyle change. And I don't want too many rules because then I feel like it's not about lifestyle and I will end up bingeing.
The only really "rule" that I have is to have one cheat day a week, a day where I allow myself to eat what I please, whether it goes over my calories or not. The rest of the week, I make the best choices possible. And when I do have my down days, I'm not too hard on myself. I just keep telling myself that tomorrow will be better and it usually is. As long as I keep trying and never give up, then I know I will change into a better person. I feel if you mix what you like with what's good for you, that's a lifestyle change in my opinion.

I also portion my food and make sure I get plenty of exercise in. (:

I am trying to write down, no matter what. Sometimes I do, but sometimes I don't. I am also trying to reach out to people and not try and do this alone. Good luck

Rules? Choices?

MUST have an apple a day even if I keep "low carb"
I concentrate when Im eating and eat slow so I have a chance to notice Im near full (I hate "over full")

Vegies---lotsa vegies
keeps food to a minimum during the work day so I can enjoy a NICE size meal with the fiance' in the evening (he cooks)

MUST have a salad before but as part of Supper

PICKLES!!!! LOTS and LOTS of pickles ALL day

MUST have coffee on rising each day and on the drive to work

NO more than 1 Diet Root Beer a day (may be less but never more)

If I eat popcorn, I must have an apple with it

NO "pure sweet junk" aka candy / cake / pie etc

NO white sugar or flour or bread buns etc

No dreading or dwelling or fear or regret

Remain positive