Jewels211 wrote: »

Congratulations! How closely do you have to monitor your diet? I mean, is it a very regimented every gram determined, or do you just have a general way of eating? I know it varies from person to person, but I'm trying to wrap my mind around all of this, and your success is a real encouragement!

The carbs are regimented. I have a daily maximum given me by my doctor of 180 grams. My current MFP target is 164 grams (35% of my calorie total of 1870) and if I earn exercise calories I can go up to 180 but not over. Otherwise I eat to fit my macros (35% each protein and carbs and 30% fat). Breakfast is usually a bowl of oatmeal; lunch will be a sandwich with one slice of whole grain bread and lean meat plus 1/2 c Greek yogurt and some protein powder and maybe fruit if I have extra carbs to play with. Dinner could be anything from a stew served over rice or a piece of meat and veggies and almost always starts with a big veggie only salad. My snacks are typically a protein bar (I prefer Quest because of the fiber) mid day and some cheese and hard cooked eggs at night. If I have extra carbs, I may put the cheese on a slice of whole grain bread. I also eat nuts, especially almonds, and if I have lots of carbs to play with I may have a beer or glass of wine.

I pre-plan my day with some expectation that I may change up the snacks. I live alone and many of my dinners are made with 4-6 servings so I already know what I will have for dinner because it is leftovers. That solves one of my big issues. I love to cook, but not everyday. If I don't have a good meal in the house, I will eat whatever is around and don't make good choices then. That is how I gained so much weight. I have lost 79 lb. so far since the first of the year with 72 more to go.