Don't Starve Yourself!

I know we're all here to change our weight, whether to gain or to lose, but one of my biggest worries is when others start skipping meals or go to bed hungry because of their desperation to lose weight. This is not the answer. Sure, I'm new here, but quickly after starting my diet i realized that after cutting out the junk food that I ate, I had no calories. I've always had generally medium eating habits, some healthy foods here some potato chips there, but the increase in sodium and convenience foods has killed me.

After cutting back and starting to make and prep my own meals, I've noticed that I'm actively eating twice, and some days three times as much as I did while I was gaining weight in the first place. I have to add peanut butter to my snacks just so I can hit 1200 calories. Sometimes you don't gain weight because you're eating too many calories - sometimes it's simply because you're eating too much sodium and sugar! It's in so many different foods right now, and you need to break the addiction to these foods, but cold turkey is not the answer.

Start off by allowing yourself a "naughty snack" every day, just make it a little bit smaller than you usually eat. I really like chocolate, so I'm going to buy some sugar free chocolates. This won't work for everyone, I just happen to have a type 1 diabetic fiance and a type 2 diabetic mother, so I'm used to most sugar free treats.

Cut out items that have strange ingredients, high sodium, or added sugars. The simpler the food, the better it is for you. Google "list of added sugars" for a comprehensive list. I use "Label Watch" to find those manufactured ingredients in my food.

Try to find tasty alternatives to your favorite meals. I LOVE Chinese food. I took a box of Green Giant Teriyaki Veggies, some pre-cut frozen raw chicken breasts from my local grocery market (Meijers,) and some long grain brown rice. Mixed it all together, poured some crushed red pepper on them, and voila - an awesome and quick Chinese meal. Cost me maybe a dollar for each serving, and it made two (if you just used one box of veggies. Still plenty of leftover rice and chicken.)

Anyways, I just wanted to let everyone know that dieting doesn't have to be so painful. If you want more guidance, make a personal food pyramid at that MyPyramid site, and follow it along with your food diary here. I'm a hypoglycemic and I time my 3 meals and 3 snacks. I'm already feeling so much more energized after starting this diet, and I've never eaten so much in my life! Check out my diary for examples, or feel free to add me if you want some advice or support!

Eat well and work hard!

~Mai