I've lost count of my "starts"

maplesyrup10
maplesyrup10 Posts: 52 Member
edited December 2024 in Getting Started
I've tried WW, Whole30, no sugar only, no carbs only, and I've tried giving up. I am unhappy when I cut a certain food group. I am unhappy when I eat as much of whatever I want. There seems to be no happy medium for me. I'm restarting MFP for probably the 4th time. I've never consistently lost weight using it, but at least I don't get anxiety from cutting out a certain food group. Has anyone else felt anxiety when they think of not being "allowed" to eat something? I'm trying to find a healthy lifestyle for myself, both physically and emotionally.

Replies

  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    The first step to success is realizing nothing is off limits. It's how you keep it going after the weight is off. Set your goal on here to lose half a pound per week to start. If you have less than 50 pounds to lose I wouldn't try to lose faster than a pound per week. Fill most of your day with lean meats, fruits, vegetables, but make sure they are things you enjoy. Try to include some treats in your calories as well because it can help you stick to it. Pick exercise you enjoy, you'll be more likely to do it.
  • T0M_K
    T0M_K Posts: 7,526 Member
    maplesyrup10 wrote: »
    I've tried WW, Whole30, no sugar only, no carbs only, and I've tried giving up. I am unhappy when I cut a certain food group. I am unhappy when I eat as much of whatever I want. There seems to be no happy medium for me. I'm restarting MFP for probably the 4th time. I've never consistently lost weight using it, but at least I don't get anxiety from cutting out a certain food group. Has anyone else felt anxiety when they think of not being "allowed" to eat something? I'm trying to find a healthy lifestyle for myself, both physically and emotionally.

    i would say actually DO use it. clearly you don't understand how it works if you can't lose using it.

    this time buckle down, and learn it and use it. it will work.
  • lizahogan12
    lizahogan12 Posts: 4 Member
    I am right there with you. I have done this probably a dozen times. I've also done paleo, whole 30, weight watchers, low carb, high carb, no carb, vegetarian, you name it. I think for me it needs to be less of a focus on what I eat and more of a focus on how I eat. I feel anxiety around every aspect of eating. I don't trust myself to do whats right, or to even know whats right. It sounds like thats where you are coming from too. My goal is to use this as a framework for building a healthier relationship with food. I have an accountability partner who is on it too. We keep each other in check so that we don't give up. Best of luck to you. I hope you find what you are looking for. <3
  • StaciMarie1974
    StaciMarie1974 Posts: 4,138 Member
    Once upon a time I tried low carb, got results (pounds lost) in my first 3 weeks of trying it. Then was in a bad car accident and broke my legs. True story. I'm not saying the low carb resulted in the car accident, but the car accident stopped the low carb diet so I can't say what I would have thought/felt if I'd tried to keep it up.

    I had many restarts, off & on losing 5-10 pounds and then giving up, over the years. I think each of us has to come to an aha! moment of sorts. What worked for me might help you, it might not. My aha! was to start to think of food/calories as a budget of sorts.

    Compare calories to your finances. You have a certain amount of income each month, yes? With that you must meet needs (rent, food, transportation, utilities, etc.). With whatever remains - you can choose to spend (wants) or save.

    Calories are the same. The amount of calories our body needs to maintain the current weight is like our total income. From that you spend calories in a variety of ways. First take care of needs. That is, nutrients to take care of our health & wellbeing. We need protein, fruits, veggies and such things to feel satiated, energetic. The calories that remain can be spent on wants (portion controlled things that we don't really but do enjoy) or savings (deficit). The deficit leads to weight loss. Spending some calories here and there on wants helps us to do this long term. And taking care of the needs is very important, so that we are healthy, energetic.

    Of course if you're using MFP then the calorie goal given to you is what you use to cover needs and wants. Last, keep in mind that this times time, patience and determination. You have to want it.
  • carakit
    carakit Posts: 126 Member
    Girl I think you are my diet twin! I have done the same exact things, WW, I'm currently reading Whole30 right now! The idea of having to eat low carb or nothing but salads the rest of my life so that I can lose weight and keep it off terrifies me!! I have recently started taking baby steps, I cut out soda on an everyday basis but allow myself to have a soda every now and then. Its tough, I never thought I would be in this situation. Its hard to wrap my head around it. Do you best to start making small changes because they will add up.
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