Dieting when I like nothing healthy!!!

2

Replies

  • jwdieter
    jwdieter Posts: 2,582 Member
    Biggest issue is eating too much. But sorry, you just eat too much. It's the way you are.

    Seem like a bad approach?

    So is giving up on food with nutrients because you're "picky". You don't have to be.

    Trust me I don't want to be!!! I hate that I don't like more than I do. I try stuff over and over. I try it cooked different ways/raw etc. I get frustrated with myself a lot because its harder for me to eat healthy. I wish I liked more...

    Keep trying and good luck.
    Without seeing how you're preparing the food, I can't say for sure it's a cooking issue. But it might be. One of my grandmothers couldn't cook worth a damn, and her vegetables were like tasting death.
  • murphy612
    murphy612 Posts: 734 Member
    Are you wanting to eat vegetables to help you lose weight? If so, others have already mentioned IIFYM. But are you wanting to eat vegetables for nutrition? This is for kids, but any adult who refuses to eat vegetables probably eats like a kid anyway so maybe try some of these recipes? http://www.thesneakychef.com/

    I have a hard time being too sympathetic to adults who won’t eat vegetables because they don’t “like them”. Unless you have some disordered eating issue or like my step son who is autistic and it’s more of a texture issue than taste, as an adult you just learn to eat it. I’m not a huge clean eating fanatic, I eat more junk then I should, but I eat my veggies. You don’t have to eat vegetables to lose weight, but it’s important to have a healthy balanced diet and if yours doesn’t consist of any vegetables and since I can’t see your diary I’m going to have to assume you don’t have a healthy diet.

    I do wish you luck in finding something you like, just keep trying different things over and over and maybe you will get used to it.
  • Danielle_Duke
    Danielle_Duke Posts: 12 Member
    I don't like tomatoes so pasta sauce is kinda a no go...

    What about alfredo sauce? you can "hide veggies" in that.

    I do like alfredo sauce... I will look into that... Thanks :)
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    I don't like tomatoes so pasta sauce is kinda a no go...
    OK, here is where you lose me.

    Eating a tomato off the vine is a whole different taste, texture EVERYTHING from eating tomato sauce. There is barely even a remote connection to the tastes of each.

    Is the issue that you don't like certain foods or that you've never had them prepared correctly?

    I eat spinach a lot. I do not like just plain old spinach -- cooked or not. If it's cooked, it has to be mixed in something -- olive oil and goat or feta cheese, in a casserole, whatever. As a salad, it's all about the dressing (my favorite is Newman's Own Olive Oil and Vinegar).

    I would eat an onion like I would eat an apple, but on salad or cooked in something else, it's a wonderful food.

    So based on your "I don't like tomatoes so I won't eat spaghetti sauce" comment, my conclusion is you are not a picky eater so much as you are afraid to branch out and actually TRY things.
  • srostad2006
    srostad2006 Posts: 13 Member
    Unfortunately, this is kind of a situation of "you can't have your cake and eat it too". Sure, if you simply reduce your caloric intake by sticking with only the foods you currently like you will probably lose weight, and likewise if you "only ate McDonald's" every day, as long as your calories burned is greater than what you consume. But chances are you won't be healthy. That is assuming that being healthy is your ultimate goal, not just the fact of losing weight. You can't expect to eat crappy food and be healthy. Just doesn't work that way. Try being more open minded. If you have texture issues, try mixing purred veggies and fruits in with items you do like (cauliflower with mashed potatoes) or cutting them up in really small pieces and adding them to something. You have to put on the big girl panties though and let go of preconceived notions about food from childhood. By all means, start slow, this has to be a lifestyle change, so it has to be something you can stick with. Try preparing all different ways and with different seasonings. Good Luck!
  • seltzermint555
    seltzermint555 Posts: 10,740 Member
    It DOES sound like you are much pickier than what is probably "typical", but I think you can still work that into a healthy lifestyle.

    I don't like a lot of very common vegetables and fruits. I'll eat them, but they are just meh to me. This includes lettuce & apples. So many of my healthy eating friends eat a huge lettuce salad daily, and apples for snacks. Both things just kind of gag me and eating them day in and day out seems horrible to me.

    However, I have discovered in the past few years that I love spinach greens (the leafy ones) and making a salad with spinach greens, chopped cucumbers, red onion, and a few nuts on top is awesome. Meanwhile if someone gave me a big salad of iceberg lettuce with raw tomato and crunchy croutons I couldn't gag that down.

    I have also discovered that some of the time it's a texture thing. I don't like regular yogurt but Greek yogurt I love. I will eat lettuce much more if it's shredded. HATE cooked carrots and overcooked broccoli, but love both raw or steamed. Could it be possible that you're just eating the "wrong" veggies or have typically eaten them prepared in a way you dislike?

    Vegetables are SO good for you...I'm sure you realize that already. But perhaps you could eat fairly healthy and lose weight by sticking with lean protein sources and whole grains. Do you like eggs? Fruit? Nuts? Oatmeal, couscous, brown rice?
  • I don't like a lot of vegetables, but since I want to eat them, the easiest thing for me to do is juicing. I juice veggies like celery, carrots, spinach + kale (which I do like!), grapefruit, and mix in some grapes, apples or kiwi (whatever hits your fancy). I have never ever tasted the "yucky" stuff, only the "good" stuff! It's not thick or mushy, either, it's consistency is exactly like an apple juice.

    The more you try to cook the things you don't like in different ways, you may be surprised! Start with finding food items that you know you like and incorporate it with the foods you don't like.

    Now if you don't want to like these foods, then as everyone else has said, stay within your calories.
  • If your goal is "weight loss" then just eat whatever you want as long as you stay within your allotted calories. You'll learn to like more things as time goes on.
  • Danielle, I have the same problem. I have found that counting my calories is the easiest thing instead of "dieting". I still eat the stuff I like, I just make sure it's smaller portions and I try to work out (just get my heart rate up) at least 15-20 minutes a day. I have found that the 100 cal snack bags are nice for when you're craving something special (chocolate, salty, etc) and it's only 100 calories added to my day. I hate most veggies but I like fruit (which speeds up your metabolism) so if I need something sweet, I usually go for sweet grapes, an apple, etc. I buy the weight watchers cheese sticks because I love cheese but don't want too many calories and the Smart Ones thin crust pizza is great. Plus it's only like 300 calories. Baked cheetos are good too and have less calories. Good luck!!
  • TribeHokie
    TribeHokie Posts: 711 Member
    I don't like tomatoes so pasta sauce is kinda a no go...

    What about alfredo sauce? you can "hide veggies" in that.

    I do like alfredo sauce... I will look into that... Thanks :)

    What's not to like about butter, cream, and cheese?

    I'm not a big veggie fan but easily half of what I eat every day is veggies because I know that's what will work for me. I don't eat them for the flavor, I eat them for the nutrition and because they will fill me up with fewer calories than something super delicious like Wendy's.
  • Danielle_Duke
    Danielle_Duke Posts: 12 Member
    I notice the picky eaters always post what they don't like, but never post what they like or what they currently eat now.............it kind of makes it hard to help

    I like:

    meats: Chicken, beef (with the exception of hamburger meat), shrimp, pork

    fruits: kiwi, banana, apple, strawberry, flavor of blueberry (not the actual whole fruit), Coconut, Lemon, Orange, Pineapple, Lime, Cantaloupe, Grapes

    Vegetables: Carrots, Potatoes, Corn, Pinto beans, Cucumber, Garlic

    Nuts and Seeds: Almond, Cashew, Peanut, Pecan, Walnut, Sunflower Seeds

    Pasta
    Rice
    Bread
  • TR0berts
    TR0berts Posts: 7,739 Member
    If you don't like something - veggies, in this case - eat that first. A serving of veggies is typically what - 1/2 cup? That's really not much. Then finish off your meal with the food(s) you do like.
  • jenifr818
    jenifr818 Posts: 805 Member
    If you don't like something - veggies, in this case - eat that first. A serving of veggies is typically what - 1/2 cup? That's really not much. Then finish off your meal with the food(s) you do like.

    I've used this trick with things I haven't liked before, and it honestly does help get it down. If I'm eating a salad, I'll eat the tomatoes and broccoli first, and quick, and then take my time savoring the chicken, ham, egg, croutons, carrots, peas (hey, don't judge) and lettuce :smile: The stuff I take my time with makes it so I don't begrudge the other stuff nearly as much
  • Danielle_Duke
    Danielle_Duke Posts: 12 Member
    I don't like tomatoes so pasta sauce is kinda a no go...
    OK, here is where you lose me.

    Eating a tomato off the vine is a whole different taste, texture EVERYTHING from eating tomato sauce. There is barely even a remote connection to the tastes of each.

    Is the issue that you don't like certain foods or that you've never had them prepared correctly?

    I eat spinach a lot. I do not like just plain old spinach -- cooked or not. If it's cooked, it has to be mixed in something -- olive oil and goat or feta cheese, in a casserole, whatever. As a salad, it's all about the dressing (my favorite is Newman's Own Olive Oil and Vinegar).

    I would eat an onion like I would eat an apple, but on salad or cooked in something else, it's a wonderful food.

    So based on your "I don't like tomatoes so I won't eat spaghetti sauce" comment, my conclusion is you are not a picky eater so much as you are afraid to branch out and actually TRY things.

    In my case I don't like tomatoes raw or cooked in anything... same goes for onions... I do and have "TRIED" things...
  • jwdieter
    jwdieter Posts: 2,582 Member
    If you don't like something - veggies, in this case - eat that first. A serving of veggies is typically what - 1/2 cup? That's really not much. Then finish off your meal with the food(s) you do like.

    Hehe I learned this in preschool and it's served me well. I have to eat food from a variety of cultures, so there's no "picky eating" option. Find the nastiest-looking thing, down it, and carry on.
  • nomeejerome
    nomeejerome Posts: 2,616 Member
    I notice the picky eaters always post what they don't like, but never post what they like or what they currently eat now.............it kind of makes it hard to help

    I like:

    meats: Chicken, beef (with the exception of hamburger meat), shrimp, pork

    fruits: kiwi, banana, apple, strawberry, flavor of blueberry (not the actual whole fruit), Coconut, Lemon, Orange, Pineapple, Lime, Cantaloupe, Grapes

    Vegetables: Carrots, Potatoes, Corn, Pinto beans, Cucumber, Garlic

    Nuts and Seeds: Almond, Cashew, Peanut, Pecan, Walnut, Sunflower Seeds

    Pasta
    Rice
    Bread

    OP: start with this list and move forward from there. Experiment. There are a ton of different foods out there.
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    I notice the picky eaters always post what they don't like, but never post what they like or what they currently eat now.............it kind of makes it hard to help

    I like:

    meats: Chicken, beef (with the exception of hamburger meat), shrimp, pork

    fruits: kiwi, banana, apple, strawberry, flavor of blueberry (not the actual whole fruit), Coconut, Lemon, Orange, Pineapple, Lime, Cantaloupe, Grapes

    Vegetables: Carrots, Potatoes, Corn, Pinto beans, Cucumber, Garlic

    Nuts and Seeds: Almond, Cashew, Peanut, Pecan, Walnut, Sunflower Seeds

    Pasta
    Rice
    Bread

    All of these things are healthy and can be turned into delicious, diet friendly meals. I'm not sure I see the problem here?
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I don't care what anyone says.....I won't eat parsnips (everything else is ok though)
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    If weight loss is your only goal, it is about how many calories you eat, not what you eat.

    Of course, you can eat a whole lot more "healthy" foods for the same amount of calories as a little bit of "junk" food. And of course you should be concerned about getting enough nutrients.

    Have you logged regularly? Are you seeing patterns where some things you eat put you over your calorie goals? You have to eat less of those things. Eat more of the things that are lower calories. Make substitutions where necessary.

    Of the things you do like, look for healthier recipes. Google is your friend. You can also omit or substitute things in recipes that you don't like. So, if a recipe calls for tomatoes, you can substitute something else, or leave out the tomato, depending on what kind of recipe it is, of course.
  • eric_sg61
    eric_sg61 Posts: 2,925 Member
    I notice the picky eaters always post what they don't like, but never post what they like or what they currently eat now.............it kind of makes it hard to help

    I like:

    meats: Chicken, beef (with the exception of hamburger meat), shrimp, pork

    fruits: kiwi, banana, apple, strawberry, flavor of blueberry (not the actual whole fruit), Coconut, Lemon, Orange, Pineapple, Lime, Cantaloupe, Grapes

    Vegetables: Carrots, Potatoes, Corn, Pinto beans, Cucumber, Garlic

    Nuts and Seeds: Almond, Cashew, Peanut, Pecan, Walnut, Sunflower Seeds

    Pasta
    Rice
    Bread

    All of these things are healthy and can be turned into delicious, diet friendly meals. I'm not sure I see the problem here?
    This. I don't see a problem at all.
  • LAW_714
    LAW_714 Posts: 258
    I think it's sad that someone denies themselves many healthy, delicious foods because there's a world of tasty vegetables and cuisines out there that they're missing.

    That said, you can lose weight without having a wide range of food. Just track your macros and eat accordingly at a calorie deficit.
  • MSeel1984
    MSeel1984 Posts: 2,297 Member
    What many people have said is true...all you truly need is a deficit. That being said, it's much more difficult to have a deficit when you only eat foods that are higher in calories (veggies and fruits are lower in calories and higher in nutrients).

    I agree with what some others have suggested...find a new fruit/veggie to try each week and find a way to prepare it that you enjoy it.

    Try this site-she's got fantastic recipes and she uses the weight watcher point system...has nutrition information for all of her recipes too.

    skinnytaste.com
  • MelsAuntie
    MelsAuntie Posts: 2,833 Member
    Yes...GROW UP, you're not a two year old! Try ethnic cuisines such as Indian, Lebanese, Chinese, Thai. Make food an adventure. Get fresh locally grown produce from your local farmers' market if you don't care for supermarket produce. ( I'm a gardener and daughter of a gardener, and I cannot even imagine not liking vegetables! Oven roasted root vegetables and potatoes with garlic chive butter, OMG!!) Maybe you should get a good cookbook like "Vegetables Everyday", which has fantastic recipes, and learn to cook veggies properly....( Don't eat canned vegetables at all, they are disgusting. ) Try to avoid processed food, fast food, canned food, crap out of boxes, and learn to cook healthy meats, greens for salads, fresh produce... there is such an indescribable world of healthy, absolutely delicious food!!
  • MelsAuntie
    MelsAuntie Posts: 2,833 Member
    I don't care what anyone says.....I won't eat parsnips (everything else is ok though)
    [/quote



    Obviously you've never had my sweet, buttery, velvety, curried parsnip soup. I have friends clamoring for me to make that for them.]
  • verptwerp
    verptwerp Posts: 3,659 Member
    If you only eat 25 things & apparently those things made you heavier than you'd like to be ...... then eat LESS of them ......

    Good luck :drinker:
  • MelsAuntie
    MelsAuntie Posts: 2,833 Member
    I am just like you, I suffer from Selective Eating Disorder. I literally only eat less than 25 things. I'm extremely picky, no seafood, no mexican, no asian food, no spaghetti or pasta, no turkey, i'm literally probably the most pickiest eater ever.

    Calorie deficit is how you do it. I literally just watch what i eat, maintain calories for my daily goal, fat, sodium, sugar etc.

    It can be done. You could literally eat mcdonalds every day, all you have to do is stay within you MFP boundaries.

    You saying "no mexican" makes me want to cry, then go get a massive enchilada with refried beans and spanish rice. I blame you :tongue:
    [/quote



    I LOVE most ethnic cuisine, but I have to admit, I HATE Mexican food. I've never had anything Mexican that I would order twice, or even finish. Worst offenders; burritos, tacos, enchiladas, refried beans, spanish rice, and the most horrid of all, nachos with that nasty orange plastic-like cheese. ]
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    no asian food

    NO Asian food? It's all so incredibly different. How can you lump it all into one group?
  • kmash32
    kmash32 Posts: 275 Member
    I don't like tomatoes so pasta sauce is kinda a no go...
    [/quote

    I hate tomatoes but love pasta sauce and ketchup.

    Though I agree that weight loss is all about calorie deficit if you don't learn to eat some of the things you like you are going to be hungry a lot because these are the things that keep you full longer.

    As somone else send blend your veggies into other things using puree. Jerry Seinfield's wife has a great cookbook on how to get your kids to eat vegetables by disguising them. You might want to try it instead of just saying I don't eat it. And don't write something off because you didn't like it the first time it really does depend on how it's cooked.
  • megsmom2
    megsmom2 Posts: 2,362 Member
    Biggest issue is eating too much. But sorry, you just eat too much. It's the way you are.

    Seem like a bad approach?

    So is giving up on food with nutrients because you're "picky". You don't have to be.

    while this is a little roughly said...agree. its not what you're eating , it is how much. Now, if we are talking about nutrition, that's a different subject, and one that maybe you need to look at.