Personal honesty
hollyla9905
Posts: 508
So, this morning I did a pre weigh in weigh in (yup I do about 3-4 a week) and just wanted to smack my head into the wall I'm
Losing like 1 lbs a month... I am being careful I didn't over indulge at Christmas I am still walking as often and as much as my knee will allow me too.... I am even working on my blessed water! Each day my diary says I'm below my calorie goal. I think maybe I'm not as honest with myself as I think I am! I didn't measure that stab of butter last night what if it was 2 tsp not 1? I embarrassed to measure at work Infront of 50 other people, but I'm more embarrassed to have to ask to switch from a booth to a table because I didn't fit! How do you guys handle the measuring do you guess? Do you carry measuring spoons?
The stress of my house guests the lack of sleep and the weight is making my head spin!
Losing like 1 lbs a month... I am being careful I didn't over indulge at Christmas I am still walking as often and as much as my knee will allow me too.... I am even working on my blessed water! Each day my diary says I'm below my calorie goal. I think maybe I'm not as honest with myself as I think I am! I didn't measure that stab of butter last night what if it was 2 tsp not 1? I embarrassed to measure at work Infront of 50 other people, but I'm more embarrassed to have to ask to switch from a booth to a table because I didn't fit! How do you guys handle the measuring do you guess? Do you carry measuring spoons?
The stress of my house guests the lack of sleep and the weight is making my head spin!
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Replies
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I wish I could say that I measure every time properly but I don't. Also I cook for a living so my guesstimates are freakishly accurate. However I always weigh or measure my meat or starch. They're big counters in my book. I also try to over guess my mayo and butter... so I'll take the hit the other way. Don't feel to concerned if you are measuring... a lot of people are paying more attention to what they eat. I had a table of 10 women come into the restaurant last night. They almost all ordered the salads dressing on the side. The surefire way to control dressing calories.
If eating out, I'll also quiz the waiter on the size of the portions to oz and what not. You should be proud of yourself for being of aware of your eating and what you're eating. We're trying to steer away from mindless eating. :flowerforyou: The weight will come off... keep going! 0 -
Holly, how much do you trust us?
Open your diary for us and we can give you suggestions or maybe catch items that might be problem areas. This is really up to you. Opening up can be difficult, but it can also be a strong incentive for being total honest in journalling, or you can go the other way with it because you are afraid of being judged. Be honest with yourself first and foremost, then make the decision, or open it up now, have us look at a few days if you like, then close it again.
If you don't want to do that, can you cut your calories by 500 per day? That would be a lb a week. Dropping 200 calories a day would at least get you an extra couple of pounds a month.
Weighing and measuring is the only sure way to be certain you don't have portion distortion. Instead of weighing and measuring in front of others, do it at home, pack what you are going to eat and take it with you.
If you are a person who is a volume eater, you have to be certain most of that volume comes from green veggies and lean proteins, if adding carbs, make it whole grains. Not whole grain bread, but actual quinoa, bulgar, etc. Cook those in some low fat chicken stock and they can be quite tasty, especially mixed with some fresh, lightly steamed veggies.
P1xy has excellent suggestions when dining out. Dipping your fork in the salad dressing instead of pouring over the salad is a guaranteed way to minimize those calories. Skip the crackers, ask for no croutons and little or no cheese.
Please don't think I'm preaching or nagging. Just want to help. I hear the hurt in your post. Hang in there friend and let us know how we can help. PM one of us if you need too chat a bit more privately.0 -
What are your daily calorie goals, and how close are you getting to your goal on a regular basis? I stalled out recently because I was trying to eat to few calories (1200 a day) and it stressed me out so much I ended up over eating all the time. So once I upped it to 1800 cals I am way less stressed out about it and seem to be way under a lot of the time. But Like Pixy said, I always try to over-guess my salad dressings and creamers and such so I know I'm under Hope this helps! 0
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I try to eat out no more than once or twice a week. When I do so, i usually order meat (restaurants normally put the amount of meat they serve) and grilled veggies. To that's the best option. When it's cheat meal day, then there's a different stories.
Butter and Mayo... they add a lot of calories per serving. i don't eat mayo anymore and measure my butter. I basically stopped eating everything that adds excessive amounts of calories, meaning that I don't wait any dressing other than balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
I bring my meals to work, they are all measured so I don't have to do it in front of everyone.
And I agree with dward59, let us take a look at your diary. You know this group is a judgment-free area and all you will get is great advice and encouragement. 0 -
Okay I came here 3 times to respond and than abandoned my post, since the chance of me doing any work in the next 20 minutes is slim I'm slacking off for a few minutes!
Okay I did open my diary up to anyone on my friends list... I think I'm friends with a good bunch of you!
You all have great advice! I do blow my sodium almost every day! I am working on those small long term changes that will make a big difference in a year... It's so slow and I feel like I need a boost.
Prior to Christmas I had taken some good steps like only cooking the same amount of servings of carbs as there are people! That way we each get one and it's gone! But now I'm feeding extra people and I can't afford it so I'm cooking lots of the cheap food and halving things like meat! It's not working well! On top of being tired and frustrated, thankfully my husband is home tonight so he can get our son to school tomorrow and I can sleep for 10 extra minutes!
So I look forward to some snooping in my diary and some advice! I am going to keep on my water adventure and I will beat this!
(I watched my 600 lbs life on tv and that scares the crap out of me)
Ignaura: I switched from low calorie margarines to butter as butter is a cleaner food but it is way higher in calories! I do have a thing for mayo too! I eat at work cause my work offers meals when we work so I have my lunch every day here! I should start bringing a lunch at least try and start to
Malia: MFP has me at 1760 and I try to be below that before exercise (which has been lacking since my knee injury)! I think if I log more carefully though I may find I'm above that... I am not overly active so hitting lower won't hurt me! If I am guessing cream, butter and what not I will start over estimating it or just actually measuring!
Dan: you all have good tips Thanks! I think dropping a few hundred calories would be good for me especially since I can't seem to get my knee to heal... I will look for some whole grain alternatives while I'm shopping tonight. I like veggies I can eat veggies
So I do think my frustration partly comes from being so exhausted! I allowed some negative stuff into my life and I now have to fix it before it drags me down to far!!! Thankfully tomorrow is a new day and today is almost over0 -
I do measure and weigh just about everything, but I tend to do so at home and take it with me. Perhaps invest in some of those little disposable 2 oz. cups so you can measure out items to take with you? And I think people should be impressed at your control. If they aren't, then they are not going to be very supportive and that is something you'll need to decide how to handle. Right now I think the most important thing is what you need to get where you need to go.So, this morning I did a pre weigh in weigh in (yup I do about 3-4 a week) and just wanted to smack my head into the wall I'm
Losing like 1 lbs a month... I am being careful I didn't over indulge at Christmas I am still walking as often and as much as my knee will allow me too.... I am even working on my blessed water! Each day my diary says I'm below my calorie goal. I think maybe I'm not as honest with myself as I think I am! I didn't measure that stab of butter last night what if it was 2 tsp not 1? I embarrassed to measure at work Infront of 50 other people, but I'm more embarrassed to have to ask to switch from a booth to a table because I didn't fit! How do you guys handle the measuring do you guess? Do you carry measuring spoons?
The stress of my house guests the lack of sleep and the weight is making my head spin!0 -
I wish I could say that I measure every time properly but I don't. Also I cook for a living so my guesstimates are freakishly accurate. However I always weigh or measure my meat or starch. They're big counters in my book. I also try to over guess my mayo and butter... so I'll take the hit the other way. Don't feel to concerned if you are measuring... a lot of people are paying more attention to what they eat. I had a table of 10 women come into the restaurant last night. They almost all ordered the salads dressing on the side. The surefire way to control dressing calories. If eating out, I'll also quiz the waiter on the size of the portions to oz and what not. You should be proud of yourself for being of aware of your eating and what you're eating. We're trying to steer away from mindless eating. :flowerforyou: The weight will come off... keep going!
Excellent answer! What she said! 0 -
Holly, I'm going to write up and PM you some more specific thoughts that you can share if you choose.
I didn't know lunch was offered on site. Are you managing to save a few bucks you are putting toward your treadmill based on those savings? That IS a savings of at least a couple bucks a day...
The first thing I saw in your diary was a lot of processed based meals and on those days your sodium levels can be astronomical. I'm not diabetic and I'm not sure about diet requirements for dealing with that so you will have to balance my answers to you with what your doctor or nutritionist tells you.
My first thought was you need a crockpot or slow cooker. Start buying bulk beans, lentils, grains you might like and rice, bags of frozen vegetables (I'm assuming you have places to store bulk goods. If not, I think you will still save just buying the one to three pound bags of dried goods.) Use soups or stews as a basis for your meals, especially this time of year. You should be able to feed your family well while saving some money and quite possibly some calories and sodium too.
If there is a favorite Hamburger Helper recipe your family has, see if you can recreate it yourself using your own ingredients. Sneak in some veggies to extend it and make it a bit friendlier for yourself.
The PM is not yet on it's way, but I'll get it today. I hope you get some helpful ideas.0 -
Holly, I looked around your diary and, again, I agree with dward59 and have the same advice. I would cut on the processed foods and get more veggies. I personally don't pay much attention to calories (but that just me) and focus on eating as healthy stuff as I can: whole grains, veggies, lean meats, good carbs (sweet potatoes, ripe plantains, fruits, etc). Nutrient dense foods make you feel full for longer time and you get everything you need to nourish your body, stuff you don't get from processed foods.
Where I work there's lunch for us too, and I rather bring my lunch and snacks. It's tastier (:p) and I have total control of what I'm putting in my mouth, from condiments to quantities. Maybe you want to give that a try.
And keep it up with your water!!! Have you tried infusing it with fruit? My partner suggested to do so with some of our water. We will try with grapefruit. I though about cucumber too, but he doesn't really like it :P That's an option for having water with the extra sugar. 0 -
I am yes very actively saving for my treadmill and walking in circles
It is very hard for me to be this opened but I really appreciate the efforts from you all!! I don't think I thought of my foods as overly processed! I think wow I'm cooking this not microwaving it must be better for me! But even when I make things like my own Chili I really just open up a bunch of cans of beans... I never cooked them myself!
As a diabetic... I'm a lousy at it! I don't check my sugars and I'm supposed to be carb restricted half the daily recommended value (I don't do this often enough) I also should have higher proteins as they help your body deal with sugars. And fruit is actually not so great for diabetics especially things like banana. I'm allowed 2 per day... And it's like a small apple or half a banana!
Dan I do have a slow cooker... It holds down the back shelf of my cupboard so it doesn't get up and run away on me! I guess I should risk moving it! I actually don't know why I don't use it at all!
Ignaura: I can bring a lunch to work but I prefer spending the money on the kids lunches... I can be more cautious though and I will start bringing my own snacks to avoid the options here! The water is my work in progress, I used to use crystal light to flavour my water but it is also filled with chemicals which I'm trying to avoid! I am drinking 1 unflavoured bottle a day! I need to avoid sweeter fruits but I can use lemons, limes, cucumbers (I don't like it with cucumber) which I have on my list to try out!
I really am serious about me and I really appreciate all the advice! 0 -
The good thing is you know you are serious about it and that you are not quitting... Doing it is the only way to not fail. You can do this. 0
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Dan I do have a slow cooker... It holds down the back shelf of my cupboard so it doesn't get up and run away on me! I guess I should risk moving it! I actually don't know why I don't use it at all!
HHmmm. I hadn't considered the problem of the bolting back shelf. I'm thinking either a shaman or nail and hammer... :noway:
lol0 -
Holly,
One other thing about measuring... I had the same concern so I took a Saturday afternoon and measured a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of butter etc... so I know more accurately about what is actually going in my body. The other option as someone mentioned above is to guess high so you always ok. Good luck and keep us posted.0 -
Holly,
I haven't peeped into your journals. But the canned beans can be fine, my suggestion is just to rinse them before putting them in the pot. You can get rid of a lot of extra salt that way. And the slow cooker is pretty great. I don't normally use one, but lately am trying it out. You throw all your stuff in there in the morning or the night before, takes maybe ten minutes to prepare, cook on low and then its ready when you are. I've been making a lot of stews and chilis with the change of weather. Plus it can be used for lunches for a couple of days. Its lower calorie too... my husband LOVES this. Really helps me keep my numbers under control.
You are doing great! Remember to take from our advice what you can use and fit into your lifestyle. If it doesn't work try something else. 0 -
I am working the changes over in my head it took a few days to get through my already scheduled stuff like lunch out yesterday! But this morning I was late getting out the door and instead of picking up breakfast on the way I grabbed a Greek yogurt and a fruit cup for breakfast and a pear for lunch... That's my fruit for the day and a good start to protein that little thing of Greek yogurt has 8g of protein! Not bad!
I have a lot more to think about for how I can make these changes every day not just today! I need to go grocery shopping tomorrow so it is planning time!0 -
My favorite part of the week is planning my meals LOL0
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I am going to sit down tonight and work through my meals for the week! I also have to re-work my budget for the week too! I can't believe how hard this week kicked my *kitten* and how much it made me think about me!
I am emotionally exhausted today but my house is a mess and I am not going to let my scale beat me! I want more....
I wish I could type out everything! One of my biggest weight loss struggles is adjusting my hand mouth reaction to my emotions! I think this weekend showed that I changes are being made! I did a little prescale check this morning and I only have those 2 lbs still I could have done worse! Now to get to my house work spending the day moving and thinking and planning for my future! No sad stuff today!!0 -
It could have been a lot worse, but because of your dedication to yourself it wasn't. You have dug down deep and become more aware of things that are going on with your body and diet. You have the power to make any changes you feel are necessary. "If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you."0
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Before MFP I kept my meal plans in a notebook. I used a steno pad...you know, with the two columns on a page. I could plan the meal on one side and total the calories or make notes on the other. I saved those books, and after a while I could pick out a menu from my "collection".
I've thought of organizing them on notecards in single meals....arranged by type of meal and calories....then, I could mix and match. Sort of like the Garanimals of Nutrition! Turns out I'm not that organized. 0 -
I need to do some nutrition and recipe stuff!!
I didn't plan my whole week but I am planning ahead! I have scoped out the menu for work this week and I will have to bring a full lunch tomorrow and than some lunch add ons for the rest of the week!
I also made some effort to think ahead at home and I plan to make a lot of chicken... But tomorrow I am going to make homemade chicken strips for the kids, baked not fried and some roasted potato and carrots!
On the water front I bought lemons and limes cut some up dropped it in my water and waited! It got better over time... This morning it was prime and I added a splash of lemon juice and a packet of equal and enjoyed my lemonade!
Next shopping I am going to try to buy a few berries as well!0 -
Alrighty my friends... I listened to your suggestions put some in play... Had a 1.4 lbs down this week and I feel good about it!
Now hits the fun part of this... I need to keep it up for another week, another shopping trip and another weigh in (small goals)! I only have one challenging day time wise! On Sunday I won't be home at all from 8 am till about 6 pm! I have to work and than go to a cheerleading competition!
This week I also need to get more serious about walking again it's been such a cold mean winter I just have not been as committed and that's my fault for giving in! So off for another week, I would love to see another 1-1.5 lbs on the scale and than for the love of me in February I really need to see my goal of 289!0 -
:happy: Crock pot, crock pot, crock pot!!!!
Three chicken breasts (weigh them- I use about 12 oz), 2 cans of bean (rinsed) or 3 depends on how many you're feeding, 1 can of diced tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning. Put on low before you leave and come back to chicken chili, the calories are great. Very tasty. And takes only 5-10 min to throw together if you have the ingredients.
(I finish the recipe with a bit of lemonjuice, a tblsp of sugar, salt and pepper too taste and use a fork to "shred" the chicken (it just falls apart)). I love this and I can eat any leftovers for lunch on the next couple of days!
:drinker: Oh and congrats about the 1.4 lbs!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have days like this all week.:grumble: If I don't have something going or left over, my husband feeds them breaded chicken cutlets, peanutbutter and jelly or takeout. Which is fine just not all the time, :explode:
Do you know what I made this week for the first time. Cilantro Lime Chicken... YUM! 2 thawed chicken breasts, cilantro, onions, frozen corn, can of rinsed blackbeans and limejuice. In the crockpot 4 hours on high or 8-10 on low. So good...made it into taco filling.
Anyway happy planning!0 -
Sunday: below on sodium, below on carb, way up on protein only 3 over on fat.... I think I call this success!!!0
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Yees!1!!0
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Holly,
When you're done each day do you click on the button at the bottom of the page that says: "When you're finished logging all your calories and exercise, Click Here"? If you do, it will post on your time line "Hollyla completed her calorie and exercise diary and was under her calorie goal".
When we see this, we look at your diary and comment on what we see. It gives you daily feedback.
I looked at your diary to see how your proteins are, and you are fantastic. Before surgery, my doctor put me on a 1200 calorie per day limit to lose weight; and it worked really well. So I agree with all to just reduce your daily goal.
You're doing really well!
Paula0 -
I used to skip the button but I have been trying to remember it! I do love my proteins and i noticed yesterday I had less and I just craved food of any kind all night till I finally got some bread and ham!
I found a Greek yogurt that I like with lots of protein and work on my protein carb balance which is important for my diabetes! I mam paying attention and I am seeing a difference in the last two weeks on the scale now! I am pleased and hope that I can keep It up!
I really appreciate the feedback from everyone you guys gave me incentive to re- look at what I was eating! 0 -
How exciting!I mam paying attention and I am seeing a difference in the last two weeks on the scale now! I am pleased and hope that I can keep It up!0 -
I've added chia berries and ground flaxseed to a lot of my food...cereals and yogurt and soups. It adds protein, calcium and fiber.
With the greek yogurt, I started with a plain non-fat version and added a tablespoon of chia berries and a tablespoon of honey. Let it sit in the fridge about half an hour. It's good and it's adding some "umph" to your food.0
