Attitude adjustment..

Well, I don't, anymore. But there have been times I have. I figured lots of people did. But maybe I'm wrong about that. I thought that's what held me back from doing this sooner, not wanting that deprivation. If it was so simple, and easy, I would have done it a long time ago. But I guess I had to progress to the point that you already are at.

that's great that you are there now...I think lots do actually, we all did at one point...

It's always my first piece of advice when people ask me how I did it....answer..."I didn't give up anything just ate smaller portions of it"...

I don't think your passion for food is a negative thing at all. Maybe you could actually use it to help you make the changes you want. For example, you could use your interest and knowledge of recipes to source, test and make new recipes and share them on a healthy food blog. There are a lot of food bloggers who, for example, found out they were intolerant to something. After feeling crappy for a while they then turned their experiences of having to eat differently into a blog, and some of them now have book deals, for example this girl (I have her book and it's great):

http://www.theintolerantgourmet.com/

I think it's important you don't see any lifestyle changes as going from 'having' to 'lack.' You can still eat foods you enjoy, but just in moderation. And you'll probably find the healthier you get the more you crave healthy food. Also, what you might 'lose' in terms of eating unhealthy food you'll gain much more in other ways - your body, your mind, confidence, clothes will fit better etc.

I just had to share, since I'm sure I'm not alone in these thoughts. I know that a big reason I have a weight problem, is that I love to eat. I love food and everything related to it, cooking shows, recipes, even shopping for We know that perspective is such a big part of successful lifestyle change. Typically I wallow in the deprivation aspect of counting calories etc, and I often walk around feeling annoyed and/or anxious about what I can't have (or can't have as much as I'd like of..). However, if I dwell in the gratitude zone, I can be happy that I am back in a place of being healthy and more in control. My weight is going down, and I actually really enjoyed the measured, but still "enough" portion of (life-changing-ly delicious) lobster ravioli I had for lunch...even MORE than I would have, had I eaten without restraint ) Yay! Grateful!

Great attitude shift!

Well, I don't, anymore. But there have been times I have. I figured lots of people did. But maybe I'm wrong about that. I thought that's what held me back from doing this sooner, not wanting that deprivation. If it was so simple, and easy, I would have done it a long time ago. But I guess I had to progress to the point that you already are at.

You are not wrong - I have been here also. I am a food lover too and even the idea of restricting/limiting what I enjoyed made me anxious. I am better now, but still have my moments. What some of these responders don't seem to understand is that some people have a hard time with limiting food. Food addiction is a very real thing, and will-power is not everyone's strong point.

I appreciate that you have found a way to be grateful for finding self-control and enjoying the food you love in smaller portions. Changing your attitude about calorie counting and portion size has ultimately allowed you to succeed at this weight loss thing! But you should know it is OK to over-indulge from time to time. It won't hurt you or ruin your success as long as it is not a daily thing.

I used to fall for all that BS too ..no carbs after 7pm, sugar is bad for you, six small meals a day for metabolism, make sure you eat breakfast or you will go into starvation mode…bla bla bla bla …

now, I just eat the foods that I like, do my heavy lifting routine, adhere to macros, and stay in calorie deficit….

Oh snap! Me too, me too, me too