i don't understand what i can and can't eat!!

what do you normally eat for dinner? Do you like fruit and veg/salad - do you drink sugary drinks etc?

It works best if you don't make it a diet, but a lifestyle change. I eat whatever I want, IN MODERATION. No diet foods, etc...
But of course it's best to eat mostly healthy proteins, veggies, a few carbs and even fewer sweet treats. Are you keeping track of calories in and out? Weight training helps you gain muscle, which burns off more calories even while at rest, and make sure you are getting in some cardio to burn off the fat.

you breakfast and lunch sound fine. For dinner try just making healthy meals for the family, or if your eating by yourself try making grilled chicken or something. Look for things that will keep you full so you don't wake up in the middle of the night hungry and binge. I made lasagna and garlic bread last night and it was only 500 calories which is not bad. I make fish a lot which is good for you i prefer tilapia and salmon. I like to make salads as a side, veggies, and baked potatoes. If i have the salad i make (ceaser), a loaded baked potato, veggies, and fish it is about a 600 calorie dinner and very filling.

If that is truly what you eat for breakfast and lunch, I would suggest this: Lean protein like chicken, turkey, fish, leaner cuts of pork and beef but less often. Try to grill or broil so you don't have to use extra fats (although a little is fine and use a good one like olive oil). You also need to get some vegetables and fruits going. I would add a couple fruits to your day and lots more veggies, even at lunch.
Are you exercising? If so, you may just be not eating enough. Just a sandwich for lunch is very little. Add a salad, a piece of fruit, something. And make sure you drink lots of water!
Hope that helps. I know it's really confusing but keep plugging away and don't quit! It will work once you get your food figured out.

I lose pretty well on this kind of diet:

Breakfast- Wholegrain english muffin with PB, Oatmeal or Special K with skim milk. I usually have my one caffienated drink, either a Diet Coke or Coffee, the rest of the day is water.

10 am- Yogurt or piece of fruit

Lunch- Healthy Choice Steamer, Salad, Light Soup, Leftover Dinner

3 pm- Whole Grain crackers, cottage chesse or raw veggies

Dinner- Lots of Grilled Chicken, sometimes fish and always steamed veggies (my favorite!). Also, if I'm making Spaghetti or Tacos or Chili I always use ground Turkey and whole grain noodles.

I do the occaionsal bad meal but I always work around it with exercise and better meals the rest of the day.

I eat everything i ate before i started this 'program'. The difference is, I eat the bad stuff way less often, and in much smaller portions. I love food, and to make this work for me, im not willing to eat dust, cardboard, and just rabbit food. Track your calorie. If you eat a big Mac, fine, but then have veggies for dinner, or burn it off.

For me it works best to not have things that i CANT eat. Just watch how much of it i do eat or how often. I've really been losing weight the past two weeks and have still had some bad stuff here and there. Of course i have pretty much cut out soda, except for an occasional diet or an iced tea. I'm mainly drinking water or milk, i think that has helped alot. I dont know if it is possible for you, but eating dinner earlier in the evening, the earlier the better for me, has helped alot also. Hopefully this helped you some. Also make sure you're tracking everything!!!!

When someone says "This is what you should and shouldn't eat!" they are really saying "This is what I have found works for me!"

Yes, there's a confusing range of opinions out there - but not one right or wrong way. You'll have to experiement a bit (have fun!) and see what gets the results for you while being a managable way of eating.

Hi! I've noticed when I have meals that are pretty small for the first two of the day I'm *dying* by the time I get home for dinner. Try having a little protein at breakfast with your cereal (I actually make my own "mcmuffins" with egg whites, multigrain english muffins and veggie sausage), then a little snack around 10am when I start feeling hungry again (V8 or a small handful of nuts for me (about 10-15), then lunch (try to have something with a little fat in it, avocado, piece of cheese, maybe throw in a nice piece of fruit or a small salad (the fat, water and fiber will help keep you satisfied), snack around 3-4pm when I feel snackish again (this keeps me from attacking whatevers quick and easy when I get home), have dinner, just try to watch your portions here again have a little protein (I've always been surprise how small a serving of it really is), some veggies, a little carbohydrate and make sure you've drunk enough water throughout the day. Try to get in some "gym time" (that could just be walking outside or jogging in place for a bit--doesn't have to be fancy!). Good luck hon! And remember when you get discouraged to whip out the old measuring tape about once a month, even if numbers aren't going down on the scale the measuring tape will tell you if you're losing inches.

whatever you decide just portion conrol!!!!! good luck!!! have a Great day!!!!!

* Eat some protein at every meal
* Strive to eat 5-6 small meals/snacks during the day (200 calories) to keep your metabolism up
* Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables - green leafy stuff
* Eat the bulk of your calorie-heavy foods in the morning through lunch time so you can burn it off and don't go to bed with a load of calories your body must still process
* Measure everything to maintain portion control and accurate calorie records
* Choose fresh, whole foods over processed whenever possible.
* Drink plenty of water - 8 glasses minimum -- more now that it's summer - even more if you're working out.

It's not so much "what" you're eating but "how".

I completely understand how you feel. Look up what a portion size should be. Try to make your plate 1/2 veggies. Drink plenty of water. If you still want to drink soda, switch to diet until you can ween yourself off of them. And, try to stay active throughout the day!! It is hard and difficult, but, just modifying some things will work. Instead of frying, trying grilling and baking. And, try to stay away for lunch meat, it can contain a lot of sodium, which can cause you to hold onto water. If you want sweets, eat in moderation... Just one serving. Most of all, DON"T GIVE UP!!!

I have tried to lose weight for over a year. Finally I am able to and I eat whatever I want. As long as I stay under my daily calorie goal it's been working. I usually eat between 1200 - 1400 calories a day. So far I've lost 20 pounds and that's incredible since it's only been 3 months. It's all about portion control and the amount of calories I consume in one day. Also don't forget, exercise is very important. I wish you the best of luck.

Eat whatever you want but in moderation and within calorie range BUT FOCUS more on eating the "clean" foods such as fruits and veggies as your snacks, healthy fats & whole grains! Everyone is different. I have found for me I need to try to stay within a decent carb range because I won't lose weight otherwise no matter how much I workout or how great I eat. I still indulge here and there, on vacas, once in a while on weekends. If you don't allow yourself a lil bit, you'll feel overwhelmed and restricted and that only makes it worse because a lot of times from that, like myself, it could lead to binging. I've struggled with food for years andI still struggle but I am understanding food a lot more now, what the right choices are--the better choices. I'm here for support if you need it. Good luck to you!

Try to eat vegetables and fruits with every meal, but no more than 3 servings of fruit a day, what are your ratios for carbs protein fat?