Does eating less get easier?

Yes, especially if you take time to really savor what you are eating vs. just sitting in front of the TV shoveling it in. Before I grab a snack now, I stop and say "do I really need or want to eat this?" Sometimes the answer is yes, other times no. Previously I would just eat mindlessly for no real reason. It does get easier!

keharty wrote: »

You must have a caloric deficit to lose weight. What you eat is important but you could still lose on 1000 calories of cake a day. The foods listed total 1010 calories, way too low for a man.

Thank you for the input. I know 1000 cals a day is low and while I had days like that most were 1200-1300. I wasn't starving and was having no other issues I was biking 20 mph for and hour and doing 1hr of weight circuit with it. No fatigue or problems other then going from 240-170.. Clothes shopping got expensive.

Find another emotionally coping strategy. For me I get into obsessive cleaning and organizing when I am stressed and that burns calories. You could get out of the house and go for a walk or take up a hobby and immerse yourself in that when you are stressed. Also try adding clear fiber to your drinking water. That will help give you a feeling of fullness and make you regular Also it might help to fill the 1700 calories with more fiber rich foods and with protein and healthy fats like avocado and coconut oil and cut back on sugary and starchy carbs that spike insulin and trigger hunger. A little healthy fat, protein and fiber will give you a better feeling of fullness and you want protein to preserve your muscle mass while losing weight so make sure to calculate the macros that you need for that.

One more thing: if you can, get to a psychologist. What you described tells me that something's hurting you, though I don't know what; once you find out how to master your feelings, healthier eating should follow naturally. If your insurance doesn't cover one-on-one therapy, try to find a group of people who are dealing with the same thing. Psychology Today's website has a list of therapists you can sort through, by zip code, issues, and what insurance they accept if applicable. Frankly, it doesn't matter if you're 240 lbs or 120 lbs if you're not happy.

Yes, it does get easier, but you'll have "speed bump" days, too. You've had a lot of great advice; I'll share what helps me.

1) Don't skip breakfast & lunch; be sure to include protein - when I miss this, I find I'm more likely to start snacking in the evening and lose control.

2) Plan all meals, not just dinner - I hate doing this! But it works!

3) Plan treats. If I let myself feel too deprived, I'll eventually "cheat" - then think "what the heck" and overdo. For treats, I like Luigi's Italian Ices, Wholly Guacamole mini's, the mini bag of cookies or SunChips (not too often - trying to avoid that kind of stuff!).

4) Make sure the food you eat tastes good! Salsa, spices, balsamic vinegar & sesame seeds on veggies, whatever. If it tastes bland, you'll feel deprived - etc, etc, etc.

Don't push yourself too hard at first - set achievable goals, then once those behaviors become routine you can start looking for things you can tweak to reduce calories.

Good luck! You can do this!

Yes it gets easier. I also find that avoiding certain trigger foods (for me that's treats with sugar in it) helps a LOT.

I remember reading somewhere that after about two years of maintaining at your target weight you've at that point got your brain reset. The first couple years, though, they may be a rough ride.