HELP! all I want is French fries and ice cream!!

I have let go of all the foods that I love.I am 230 pounds and have been for a long time. I never eat fruits I never eat vegetables so I'm making a healthcare life choice.when does this get easier? Does it get easier?I swear to God I had a dream of chili cheese fries last night.I have let go of sodas fast food and junk food. I am eating a lot of fruits and vegetables now.and I'm frustrated because even though I'm eating nothing but fruits and vegetables my calorie intake is still over a thousand.so every night I get aggravated when I review, I feel like fruits and vegetables should be free calories but they're not. Any input on on this. I'm having a hard time dealing.
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Replies

  • mymodernbabylon
    mymodernbabylon Posts: 1,038 Member
    Healthy does not equal low calorie. And many of us find that giving up everything you love is the road to quitting and giving up. I have never given up foods/drinks I love, but I'm eating/drinking less of them. I just fit them into my calorie needs. I watch portion sizes. And I try to fulfil my protein needs above everything else (sometimes I don't get there, most days I'm close).

    I think it's great that you are trying to eat more veg & fruit, but it shouldn't be your entire diet.

    And you might want to check out the TDEE method of eating/losing weight so you can have as many calories as possible, which means you'll learn to how to eat for life versus for just the short-term.

    http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/
  • weebo45
    weebo45 Posts: 3 Member
    Hey I know that feeling when you start out you feel deprived when not eating ice cream or french fries, the first few days (or weeks as it was for me) can be tough. Honestly I didn't think i would be reaching for an apple and passing up the chocolate bar... but you will get there! Its hard to break bad habits I would say stick through it as much as you can, for me personally I avoid buying those foods so I am not tempted to eat them! In the end its a lifestyle change, like the user said above its portion control so you don't feel deprived!
  • kgeyser
    kgeyser Posts: 22,505 Member
    I am eating a lot of fruits and vegetables now.and I'm frustrated because even though I'm eating nothing but fruits and vegetables my calorie intake is still over a thousand.so every night I get aggravated when I review, I feel like fruits and vegetables should be free calories but they're not. Any input on on this. I'm having a hard time dealing.

    Do you mean you are upset because you are 1000 calories above your calorie goal, or you are upset because you an unable to keep your total calories below 1000? If it's the latter, you're not supposed to be doing that anyway. Your logging is virtually nonexistent, so I'm not sure if you are eating everything in sight and not logging or just don't understand how MFP works.
  • it's because I just started logging in today I didn't log in yesterday cuz I had just downloaded it and I was busy. I wanted to keep it 1000 calories or less and it seems like I keep it at 1200I'm not happy with that considering all I'm eating as healthy food
  • I have been very hard on myself exercising a lotthe only thing not healthy the time consuming at the moment is my coffee creamer but I refuse to let that go I let everything else go.. I was using the lose it out before I like this one a lot betterhowever I just went on the scale I have lost 4 pounds in 2 daysso happy maybe I am doing something right
  • pineapple_jojo
    pineapple_jojo Posts: 440 Member
    It's kind of hard to see what's going on for you because there aren't any entries in your diary. I think that your calorie allowance is probably too low (1000 kcals at 230 lbs is very low indeed) what has mfp set for you? Seriously eat more calories and check your macros - if you are just eating fruits and veggies it might be that you aren't having enough protein.

    I can understand wanting to cut out junk foods but if you are craving something so badly that you are dreaming about it then eat it, log it and move on. Don't let your craving push you to a full on binge! I do think that more cals and balancing your macros will help with your cravings tho :)
  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    1200 is the minimum you should be eating, and even in your case is probably too low. At 230 I was eating ~1800 net calories and I was losing easily.

    You don't have to give up fries or ice cream. I eat ice cream at least three times a week. Learn how to eat the things you love in moderation, that way you'll get the satisfaction from them and not feel deprived/tempted to binge.
  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    I have let go of all the foods that I love.I am 230 pounds and have been for a long time. I never eat fruits I never eat vegetables so I'm making a healthcare life choice.when does this get easier? Does it get easier?I swear to God I had a dream of chili cheese fries last night.I have let go of sodas fast food and junk food. I am eating a lot of fruits and vegetables now.and I'm frustrated because even though I'm eating nothing but fruits and vegetables my calorie intake is still over a thousand.so every night I get aggravated when I review, I feel like fruits and vegetables should be free calories but they're not. Any input on on this. I'm having a hard time dealing.
    How about eating some of the foods you love? No food is bad or good they all offer something. How about going for a balanced diet with a reasonable calorie goal. You really don't need to make yourself suffer
  • pineapple_jojo
    pineapple_jojo Posts: 440 Member
    1200 is the minimum you should be eating, and even in your case is probably too low. At 230 I was eating ~1800 net calories and I was losing easily.

    You don't have to give up fries or ice cream. I eat ice cream at least three times a week. Learn how to eat the things you love in moderation, that way you'll get the satisfaction from them and not feel deprived/tempted to binge.

    A fine point Malibu - I've just been through a phase of eating ice cream *every* night!!
  • It is no wonder you are craving french fries and ice cream because I am pretty sure your body is craving more nutrients. I am currently at 226. I eat a lot every day. I eat a breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 3 snacks. I am never hungry and I eat fruit or veggies and some protein at every meal. It helps keep me full and energized. My goal on MFP is 1490. I eat probably 1250 to 1350 of those plus I eat my exercise calories. The numbers are designed to take into account the deficit you need to lose weight. Fruit and vegetables and fabulous and very healthy for you but those alone will not sustain you through the day. You need protein and complex carbohydrates and good fats. You should never be eating under 1000 total, it will do more harm than good. Your body will slow down and it will hold onto the weight/fat.

    Good luck on your journey and keep making healthy choices.
  • stackhsc
    stackhsc Posts: 439 Member
    As others have said, if you deprive yourself you will find it harder and really for no reason.
    You could lose weight eating nothing but chocolates and cheese cake if you wanted ( not that it would be healthy)

    If you can afford it get yourself an actifry, best fries ever and not much worse calorie wise than a baked potatoe.

    Ice cream, in moderation, or frozen yogurt is not horrible either. I have ice cream almost daily,atleast 4 times a week but normally nightly and I'm down over 100 pounds.

    It's all about how much you eat, not so much what you eat
  • Ninkyou
    Ninkyou Posts: 6,666 Member
    You're eating too little calories, being too aggressive with your goal and your food choices. It's no wonder you are fantasizing about food.

    I strongly urge you to rethink your calorie goal. 1200 calories should be the absolute MINIMUM (without exercise), and I would hazard to guess that even that is too little for you, considering your current weight. If you're exercising as well, then you need more calories on top of that too.

    Like another posted already stated, you don't need to give up any foods. There are no good or bad foods... just food. Eat the food(s) you love, in moderation, within an appropriate calorie goal. You'll feel much better, stop fantasizing, you'll be less likely to binge, and you'll lose weight.

    Remember, the goal isn't to eat as little as possible or be miserable. You can be 100% happy with the foods you eat and still lose weight. You don't have to be scared of calories. Calories are good for you, just not in excess.
  • ZBuffBod
    ZBuffBod Posts: 297 Member
    Eat what you LOVE...in moderation. Many people give up on their weight loss goals because they deprive themselves then go back to gorging. This journey is not about deprivation. It is about portion control...we eat much much more than our body needs with all the super size this and that we do. So now you have to scale back on your portions. Why can't you eat ice cream? Instead of a pint, maybe eat the portion the ice cream maker recommends. Make your own cheese fries, etc.

    I haven't given up on the things I love, I just eat them in smaller portions and balance out my calories per day accordingly. Plus, you can always find ways to make the things you love healthier. I made some chicken parmesan and instead of frying the chicken breast, I baked it.

    Take it one day at a time and good luck.

    Here are some good MFP posts that can help you get started on your weight loss journey.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819925-the-basics-don-t-complicate-it

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/872212-you-re-probably-eating-more-than-you-think

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/931670-bmr-and-tdee-explained-for-those-needing-a-guide
  • ksy1969
    ksy1969 Posts: 700 Member
    I have let go of all the foods that I love.I am 230 pounds and have been for a long time. I never eat fruits I never eat vegetables so I'm making a healthcare life choice.when does this get easier? Does it get easier?I swear to God I had a dream of chili cheese fries last night.I have let go of sodas fast food and junk food. I am eating a lot of fruits and vegetables now.and I'm frustrated because even though I'm eating nothing but fruits and vegetables my calorie intake is still over a thousand.so every night I get aggravated when I review, I feel like fruits and vegetables should be free calories but they're not. Any input on on this. I'm having a hard time dealing.

    OK, what everyone else has said. Also, why do you need to deprive yourself of chili cheese fries. Instead of going out to have them, make them at home in a healthier fashion that is just as good. Cut up a potato into fries. Bake them till golden brown, throw serving of chili on them with a serving of cheese and you are good to go. The key is serving, not a plate full.
  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member
    what the sloth said about going at it too hard, not a good strategy. Read the forums and see how people answer others questions.

    You can see people prefer the strategy of deny yourself nothing if its important, but alter the portion size and regularity you eat it.
    If you want your diet to succeed, then it has to be more of a lifestyle change that you can maintain.
    There are ways to spend your calorie allowance on food that is more nutritious and perhaps moe flavoursome than what you are eating at the moment.

    I think 1000 calories a day is way too little. Going too hardcore will be too hard and you will be unable to sustain it, so take soem advice off more experienced members and get a plan that will work better for you.
  • Snip8241
    Snip8241 Posts: 767 Member

    Read these links...they have a tremendous amount of information in them. Don't go all out. Figure out a decent calorie amount daily and then make sure you are at a deficit. You don't have to eliminate foods. You can have the foods you love occasionally as long as you account for them.
    Good luck to you.
  • thank you all I really appreciate the input.I do eat protein I eat grilled chicken and grilled steak but chicken more than steak steak is a lot higher in fat and calories I will start using things that I like but only a little bit once a day that way I still get something but I like every day I'm starting to get used to it lettuce is actually one of my favorite things to munch on them apples I now love them.. I drink nothing but water I do drink two cups of coffee every morningI will take everybody's a bite and it a little bit of something I likeeveryday and I will make sure I'm at 1200 caloriesI exercise a lot but I refuse to eat my exercisein my mind that's why we exercise
  • Ninkyou
    Ninkyou Posts: 6,666 Member
    thank you all I really appreciate the input.I do eat protein I eat grilled chicken and grilled steak but chicken more than steak steak is a lot higher in fat and calories I will start using things that I like but only a little bit once a day that way I still get something but I like every day I'm starting to get used to it lettuce is actually one of my favorite things to munch on them apples I now love them.. I drink nothing but water I do drink two cups of coffee every morningI will take everybody's a bite and it a little bit of something I likeeveryday and I will make sure I'm at 1200 caloriesI exercise a lot but I refuse to eat my exercisein my mind that's why we exercise

    Just so you know, your calorie deficit is already built into your calorie goal. That's why you are meant to eat your exercise calories. Because you are giving your body extra work, your body needs the calories/energy. You're only short-changing yourself by not eating at least a portion of them back. And you may even end up in the same position you're currently in, because your body WILL send out signals that it's not getting enough calories. It's not about negating your exercise calories. It's about providing your body with sufficient energy (calories) and nutrition while being able to keep up a moderate deficit. Too aggressive of a deficit can lead to problems you really don't want to touch (think weakness, tiredness, loss of hair, loss of bone density, loss of muscle mass, etc.).

    I strongly encourage you to read the sexypants link provided and really really think hard on this. You don't want to go balls to the wall only to give up because you're feeling run-down, ragged, and deprived. Figure out how many calories your body truly needs, do some research, invest in a food scale, eat the food you love, live your life to the fullest and lose weight while doing it.
  • ksy1969
    ksy1969 Posts: 700 Member
    @mandy, please listen to those that have had success. You are setting yourself up for major challenges down the road by not paying attention to what people are saying that have been in your shoes. You really don't want to be one of those that comes back six months, a year or maybe even five years from now and say you were wrong.

    Please read the links above and as @Ninkyou said, think long and hard about the path you are taking. I am now 45 years old and have been up and down a lot since high school. In just in the last two years I have finally stopped trying to do it my own way or follows the latest fad. This is the longest I have kept the weight off. I have had some bumps, but nothing I knew I wouldn't be able to wworking through. I really wish I would have kept it simple 20 - 25 years ago and maybe I wouldn't have as many aches and pains today.

    ETA: exercise is about health and fitness, NOT weightless. That happens in the kitchen. You can lose all the weight you want without exercise. Exercise just makes you a better you.
  • pineapple_jojo
    pineapple_jojo Posts: 440 Member
    thank you all I really appreciate the input.I do eat protein I eat grilled chicken and grilled steak but chicken more than steak steak is a lot higher in fat and calories I will start using things that I like but only a little bit once a day that way I still get something but I like every day I'm starting to get used to it lettuce is actually one of my favorite things to munch on them apples I now love them.. I drink nothing but water I do drink two cups of coffee every morningI will take everybody's a bite and it a little bit of something I likeeveryday and I will make sure I'm at 1200 caloriesI exercise a lot but I refuse to eat my exercisein my mind that's why we exercise

    Just so you know, your calorie deficit is already built into your calorie goal. That's why you are meant to eat your exercise calories. Because you are giving your body extra work, your body needs the calories/energy. You're only short-changing yourself by not eating at least a portion of them back. And you may even end up in the same position you're currently in, because your body WILL send out signals that it's not getting enough calories. It's not about negating your exercise calories. It's about providing your body with sufficient energy (calories) and nutrition while being able to keep up a moderate deficit. Too aggressive of a deficit can lead to problems you really don't want to touch (think weakness, tiredness, loss of hair, loss of bone density, loss of muscle mass, etc.).

    I strongly encourage you to read the sexypants link provided and really really think hard on this. You don't want to go balls to the wall only to give up because you're feeling run-down, ragged, and deprived. Figure out how many calories your body truly needs, do some research, invest in a food scale, eat the food you love, live your life to the fullest and lose weight while doing it.

    ^^^ great advice!! I always eat back my exercise cals and I still lose, no problem!
  • kgeyser
    kgeyser Posts: 22,505 Member
    thank you all I really appreciate the input.I do eat protein I eat grilled chicken and grilled steak but chicken more than steak steak is a lot higher in fat and calories I will start using things that I like but only a little bit once a day that way I still get something but I like every day I'm starting to get used to it lettuce is actually one of my favorite things to munch on them apples I now love them.. I drink nothing but water I do drink two cups of coffee every morningI will take everybody's a bite and it a little bit of something I likeeveryday and I will make sure I'm at 1200 caloriesI exercise a lot but I refuse to eat my exercisein my mind that's why we exercise

    Ok, but just so you know, by eating so little and exercising without eating calories back, you are creating a huge calorie deficit which has serious repercussions. Fatigue, impaired mental function, hair loss, and particularly muscle loss. You're losing a lot of muscle with the fat, which means the scale number is going to go down but you're still going to look flabby. Also, your body is not particular about where that muscle loss comes from and will take it from your heart. Is your health really worth a few numbers on a scale?
  • Graelwyn75
    Graelwyn75 Posts: 4,404 Member
    If you want longterm success, you need to make longterm changes that you can stick to, without being miserable. Diets do not work. Lifestyle changes do. 1200 is far too little and is most likely unnecessary for you. You do not want to be losing a load of muscle as well as fat, as what you will end up with then is a smaller, but still flabby body. The most successful people on this site, are those who did their research, ate the most they could while still losing weight and made little changes over time that they could sustain. Cutting out the foods you enjoy, is not the answer.

    Slow and steady is infinitely preferable, in my opinion, to rapid and extreme weight loss. I am much lighter than you and lose weight eating a net of 1600 calories, and eating back what I use up with exercise. Please read the links others have provided in this thread, and find a more appropriate calorie level for yourself. It is great to get the majority of your food from healthy and natural sources, but it is also great to continue to include less nutrient dense foods, if you enjoy them. Plenty on here have a serving of ice cream on a daily basis, and fit it in, because they have found a level of intake at which they can eat a reasonable amount, while still losing weight consistently.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    I have let go of all the foods that I love.I am 230 pounds and have been for a long time. I never eat fruits I never eat vegetables so I'm making a healthcare life choice.when does this get easier? Does it get easier?I swear to God I had a dream of chili cheese fries last night.I have let go of sodas fast food and junk food. I am eating a lot of fruits and vegetables now.and I'm frustrated because even though I'm eating nothing but fruits and vegetables my calorie intake is still over a thousand.so every night I get aggravated when I review, I feel like fruits and vegetables should be free calories but they're not. Any input on on this. I'm having a hard time dealing.

    Why are you trying to eat under 1000 calories? That's not healthy. At 230 you can certainly aim for 2 lbs/week, and I personally did 1250 for a while and found it worked for me, but lower is not always better. If you are craving foods, it's not going to be sustainable.

    Eating fruits and veggies is great, but you shouldn't eat just that. You need protein and good fats. Think in terms of putting together balanced meals and snacks (depending on how often you like to eat and whether you like snacks) that are filling and include some of your favorites. Sometimes it's easier to modify your old diet to be healthier (and absolutely to include lots of fruits and vegetables) than start over, and you absolutely don't need some kind of special diet menu. Think about this in terms of what you can imagine eating forever, just maybe a little less overall food.

    You can also fit in favorites like fries and ice cream in moderation. Just figure out how to fit them in your calories and what moderation means for you. For example, I plan out what I'm going to eat to meet my nutrition goals and then if I have leftover calories I work in a treat, like a half cup of ice cream. This is easier for me when I have exercise calories, but it was possible on occasion even before I could count on that. That works for me because knowing I can have a half cup when I want keeps me from wanting more or overeating or going to the carton in the freezer when I don't have the calories. If you have an issue with those things, you'd want to limit the treat to times when you could get a single serving, like maybe walking to an ice cream place or buying single servings from the store.

    Similarly, fries are another of my weaknesses, and I am not good at eating them in moderation, so when I first started I'd have one day a week when I had a more indulgent restaurant meal and plan for that (eating lighter the rest of the day, adding in some extra exercise) and sometimes--not always--that would include fries. Knowing there was one dinner a week I'd eat some more indulgent foods made it easier for me, although now I tend more to just budget them in when I want them (I have more calories now, although I still eat fries maybe just once a month). Also, if there are foods that are satisfying with less calories, consider them. I really love roasted potatoes, so eat them quite often. They are easy to fit in my day; I just watch serving size.

    It does get easier when you get used to what you are eating, but you have to make sure you are eating stuff that's appealing. If you want you can check out my diary--back in March through early summer I was doing the 1250 thing (plus exercise calories, although I didn't have that many and didn't trust Fitbit yet at first) and at some point in the summer I switched to 1400 plus exercise calories. I've increasingly had more exercise calories (which I eat back in part, depending on hunger and how much I trust them) as time has gone on.
  • libbydoodle11
    libbydoodle11 Posts: 1,351 Member
    I have let go of all the foods that I love.I am 230 pounds and have been for a long time. I never eat fruits I never eat vegetables so I'm making a healthcare life choice.when does this get easier? Does it get easier?I swear to God I had a dream of chili cheese fries last night.I have let go of sodas fast food and junk food. I am eating a lot of fruits and vegetables now.and I'm frustrated because even though I'm eating nothing but fruits and vegetables my calorie intake is still over a thousand.so every night I get aggravated when I review, I feel like fruits and vegetables should be free calories but they're not. Any input on on this. I'm having a hard time dealing.

    I haven't read the other posts in this thread. My solutions may be duplicates.


    Do you mean 1000 calories per day for all food? That doesn't sound right. I bet you could eat 1800 to 2000 and still lose.

    Are french fries and ice cream trigger foods for you? If not, then measure out a serving of each and add that to your food diary.

    If you want healthier options for the fries, try baking your own in the oven.

    If you want ice cream, try measuring out a serving into a small dish so it looks like more and eating it slowly with a tiny baby spoon.
  • Since ev erybody is saying the same thing let me ask this question.if what I'm doing is so Wrongby not eating my exercisewhy did the people on The Biggest Loser do so well? on The Biggest Loser they worked off as many calories as they ate I'm not Just I'm just trying to just lose wieght im also trying to be healthy. not eating those foods is what I want. I want natural sugars in my bodythat I have always put in my body.I'm on day foUr now and I feel amazing..I know I should probably do with the majority saying especially those of you who have been in my shoes.. but Againmy whole point for this isto not want these bad foods and my bodyI want natural sugarsI want my body to crave fruits and vegetablesnot ice cream and french fries.
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  • libbydoodle11
    libbydoodle11 Posts: 1,351 Member
    Since ev erybody is saying the same thing let me ask this question.if what I'm doing is so Wrongby not eating my exercisewhy did the people on The Biggest Loser do so well? on The Biggest Loser they worked off as many calories as they ate I'm not Just I'm just trying to just lose wieght im also trying to be healthy. not eating those foods is what I want. I want natural sugars in my bodythat I have always put in my body.I'm on day foUr now and I feel amazing..I know I should probably do with the majority saying especially those of you who have been in my shoes.. but Againmy whole point for this isto not want these bad foods and my bodyI want natural sugarsI want my body to crave fruits and vegetablesnot ice cream and french fries.


    I see what you are saying now. You were just having a major craving rant! :) You no longer want to consume those foods. You are trying to break away from those habits.
    Keep us posted on how you are doing with this positive change you are making. Updates are fun to read.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,223 Member
    Well if your going to have fries use russet or yukons......I tried fingerlings and trust me when I say they were not good tasting.:wink:
  • Samstan101
    Samstan101 Posts: 699 Member
    :flowerforyou: OP, look at the weight lost by people advising you in this thread. They've lost this using the methods they're advising here. Its real life not a TV show. The method you're using I can pretty much predict what will happen because it was me years ago. This is tough love because you are setting yourself up to fail.

    1) You feel great, motivated and on track but have cravings that you tell yourself will go away.
    2) You work out like a demon but don't eat back those cals as it all helps with the weight loss you think
    3) The cravings get worse
    4) You find yourself tired at the gym and your workouts suffer or you can't get up the energy to go as much or work out as long
    5) You may pick up a niggling injury that takes ages to heal, further inmpacting your workouts
    6) THOSE CRAVINGS!!!!!
    7) Cravings get too much and you binge. Then you feel bad so comfort eat telling yourself you'll get back on it tomorrow
    8) Your willpower wains and you put the weight you lost back on and then you put more on top on as you can't get motivated to struggle again.
    9) Repeat on and off for 10+ years of your life getting bigger each time.

    Welcome to the world of yo-yo dieting!

    What has worked for many of us here with big weight losses is detialed in the links you've been given already but I can summarise the key points.

    -Its a lifestyle change and not a diet - what you eat now should be pretty much what you intend eating forever. That includes treats and high calorie foods occasionally and in moderation.
    -Moderation is what we need to learn.
    -Losing lots of weight takes time if you can average 1-2lbs a week max (with that reducing as you get near target) then you've doing well.
    -There are no quick fixes or short cuts
    -Exercise for health, reduce calories for weight loss (exercise can help create a bigger deficit but that shouldn't be the prime reason for exercising).
    -Why starve when you can lose weight without doing so and minimising loss of muscle mass (I lift twice a week, cross train 3 times a week and run 30miles a week. I eat an average of 2100cals a day and burn an average of 2800).

    It would be great to see you as a success story but your mindset at the moment seems all wrong. Please listen to the good advise people have given you and read the links so that you are a success.

    Best of luck