New Here. Looking for long term help

read all of the labels on the food you buy. compare like items to find the most healthy.

Welcome! Feel free to add me. I suggest you find a form of exercise you will love. mine is zumba!

Keep lots of fresh fruits and veggies in the fridge! I've started keeping washed and cut veggies in a bowl in the fridge for those times when I am too lazy to wash and cut them and am tempted to go to an easier, less healthy snack. This way I can just open the fridge and grab some celery or carrots or cauliflower.

Here is some of the things that worked for me... of course, what works for me may not work for everyone, but maybe they will give you some ideas.


I switched to WHOLE GRAIN bread, crackers, etc.

Initially, I switched to whole wheat Pasta, but my daughter did not like that (has a nuttier taste and firmer than regular) and my husband was diagnosed with Diabetes so I ended up switching to Dreamfield's Pasta which has only 5g digestible carbs per serving. Taste and looks much more like regular pasta.

I switched to using Olive Oil instead of the other oils and shortening/lard

I increased my fresh fruits and vegetables, decreased my carbs, sugars, sodium, fatty meats.

I tracked all my meals, snacks, and drinks. Portion Control is a MUST. A good rule of thumb: Use a smaller dinner plate than what the average dinner plate now-a-days is. Divide the plate so that 1/2 the plate is fresh or steamed veggies, 1/4 of plate is lean protein, 1/4 plate is healthy carbs.

Cut out or eliminate Pop... even diet leaves you feeling bloated and craving sweets.

I switched to baking with apple sauce instead of oils...

I switched to Splenda rather than Sugar... Splenda even makes a Brown Sugar which is 1/2 Splenda, 1/2 brown sugar.

I used reduced/low fat dairy products...

Pack your lunch with Healthy foods, pre-measured to correct portions. Pack healthy snacks also to fight the urge of hitting the vending machines.

Drink LOTS of water....drink a glass or two before every meals to help you feel fuller and less likely to overeat.

I started every dinner with a Salad and low fat dressings... add fruits and nuts to your salads.

I read the nutrition labels on EVERYTHING....choose the healthiest options.

When I was craving a bowl of ice cream or a sweet of some sort, I gave in and treated myself. The last thing I wanted to do was over eat healthy foods trying to satisfy my craving. It's better to take care of the craving than to overeat trying to satisfy it. Keep the portion in control/moderation and count the calories.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise. I found creative ways to just get moving. I have been known to do standing "crunches", Squats, side bends, even belly dance moves with my waist while doing my hair and getting ready for work. You can do stretches and strength training while watching tv (sit on a fitness ball, good ab workout)... while doing dishes, you can do calf exercises just by going up onto your tippy toes and back down... put a bit of speed into your housecleaning, plant a garden and tend to it... anything to get the heart pumping.

Well, off the top of my head, that's a few things that worked for me...

Good Luck!