Is it really all or nothing?

I've lost 24 pounds since September and I eat everything that I love (aka, what I used to eat), except that I eat it in moderation and I exercise. I know I can't give up soda, potatoes, chocolate, bread, whatever for the rest of my life, so I've taught myself how to control portion sizes and stay within a calorie budget even with the foods I enjoy.

I've noticed when I complain or whatever just to get it out of my system, people look at my diary and are like "stop eating out, lower your sodium...blah blah blah" Well the whole reason I started this was so I could eat what I wanted to! Of course that means, you will lose the weight slower. In my opinion, no, it doesn't have to be all or nothing. You just have to make up for what you are going over with exercise. So you have to find YOUR balance of food and exercise. No matter what kind of food you like. Look at my diary. I friggin' love food. And it's really hard for me to eat healthy. But if I am eating bad food. I eat less of it. If I want more. I workout and get more calories to eat . I hope this helps!

This is a lifestyle change, you can't do it all in one go. It's a step by step, meal by meal, day by day process that gets easier every day

I've noticed when I complain or whatever just to get it out of my system, people look at my diary and are like "stop eating out, lower your sodium...blah blah blah" Well the whole reason I started this was so I could eat what I wanted to! Of course that means, you will lose the weight slower.

You can't have it both ways. You can't eat fast food all the time and then complain that your weight loss is happening slower than you'd like. People aren't going to be sympathetic when you aren't putting out more effort to live healthier.

I've hardly made any changes to my diet...only portion size.

So no, its not all or nothing, very few people can stick to an all or nothing diet so why set yourself up for a fall

I will echo the comments above and say that I think you have to remember to live your life and enjoy the things that make you happy - in moderation - and consciously. Be aware of portions, and balance them with healthy options when you can and active living or working out.

While I want to lose weight, I have been told by many medical (and physical) professionals that you cannot deny yourself the things you love, or else you will remain on the roller coaster ride of denial & binging. If you don't deny yourself, you are less likely to binge. Besides, being healthy isn't only about our physical body...yes, there are benefits that come with losing weight, but if you are miserable all the way through, you are denying your mental health which can be just as damaging to your overall self. In the end, you have to love the path you are taking for it to last (in my opinion).

Personally, I try to eat well most of the time, make my own food (might seem fattier, but it's less artificial, and I'll take that any day) and when I know I want to have a few drinks, I workout and eat well to compensate.

Good luck on everything!

I like my foods too. Having said that, I recognize that a lot of the ones I love are not the best for me. I have not cut anything out, but I do make it a treat and not an everyday thing. I still eat fast food, but choose a chicken wrap (snack size) instead of a full chicken burger. I snack on a couple of fries rather than have a full box myself. I have a donut, but choose one with lower calories or no icing. I still have sugar in my coffee, but only 1 tsp now instead of 2 or 3. I cook hamburgers at home, but have a portion wise one rather than a full size 1/4 pounder.

It is all about balance. I have failed so many times before because of trying to restrict and forbid foods. This time, I am successful, because "can't" isn't part of my new plan. Portion control, earning treats through exercise and calorie knowledge are how I will live the rest of my life. I will eventually be eating 2000 or 2200 calories a day when I switch back to maintenance. Remember, the calories we are eating now are to LOSE weight, not maintain. The numbers will not always be this low.

i'm yet another person who hasn't cut much out of my diet (except for fast food and soda, which wasn't too difficult because i hate the way that stuff makes me feel now). i do watch portions and eat mostly whole grains, beans,veggies, lean meats, fish, eggs, fruit, nuts, and lowfat dairy (i can't do nonfat! :noway:).

i also don't crave sweet things as much as i crave buttery, greasy, salty, cheesy, starchy things. here are some yummy swaps:
- mashed sweet potatoes (less carbs, more nutrients!) with earth balance margarine instead of mashed potatoes with two tablespoons of butter!
- frozen or fresh veggies instead of canned (too much sodium).
- laughing cow light cheese instead of cream cheese.
- homemade tacos with corn tortillas, very lean ground beef or ground turkey or grilled chicken, taco seasoning, lowfat sour cream, lowfat cheese sprinkles and all the lettuce, tomato, onions and peppers i want instead of taco bell.
- half of a whole grain, low carb english muffin with melted cheese and tomato instead of a buttery grilled cheese sandwich with tomato bisque... etc.
- black beans instead of refried.
- non fat french vanilla half and half (only nonfat thing i like!) instead of half and half.
- sashimi instead of tempura rolls when we go out for japanese.
- eggplant instead of pasta for lasagna.

but sometimes you gotta just have the damn mashed potatoes or the grilled cheese or the refried beans! and for those *occasions*, be careful of how much, enjoy those few bites (really savor them and take your time), put down the fork and move on!

i hope this is helpful!

-evan

It's mainly portion control. If you want something, plan ahead. Make ROOM for it. That's why you need a food diary. I fill in what I am eating the night before so I know. I LOVE food too. Heck, I look forward to my next meal and snack all the time! Sure, sometimes I wish I could have a gigantic piece of chocolate cake. Yes, I can have that gigantic piece of chocolate cake one day. Just not often. I am fine with my lifestyle change now. You become used to it. I love vegetables now and used to NEVER eat them. I went to a buffet and ate 3 plates of vegetables and salad and was completely stuffed.