People don't really eat like that...

MightyMae1
MightyMae1 Posts: 208
edited September 29 in Food and Nutrition
So, I've been looking around at people's open food diaries, particularly people who have posted in the "Success" threads and seen great progress. Most of the diaries I've looked at are pretty empty...a lot of chicken (yuck) and vitamins, a few protein shakes and egg whites (yuck). I'm not knocking anyone because I'm certainly not seeing the success that others are, but I have to ask: Who eats like that in real life? And, can you really expect to maintain the weight loss if you lose it by eating only 3 oz of chicken and some baby carrots every day?

Any OTHER suggestions for success, or am I just wishful thinking? :ohwell:
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Replies

  • Heatherbledsoe
    Heatherbledsoe Posts: 106 Member
    LOL you should take a look at mine! Ive lost 45 pounds and I eat whatever I want for the most part, im in a weight loss competition which ends tomorrow, so after tomorrow im adding in a few things ive missed the past 7 months (i did two 12 week comps.)


    EDIT: I work out a lot, did tons of cardio, and now tons of both cardio and strength training. but i used to only eat 1200 cals, 3 weeks ago i had to bump it up to 1400 because all the stuff i was doing!
  • Dahamac
    Dahamac Posts: 213 Member
    I don't eat like that. I think my diary is open.
  • seasonalvoodoo
    seasonalvoodoo Posts: 380 Member
    Ha, you should take a look at my diary. Yes, I try to eat healthy and eat a heck of a lot better than I used to but, to me, no food is really off limits.
  • rocky282
    rocky282 Posts: 47 Member
    I havent lost a lot of weight yet, but I did just start. And NOOO most days I don't eat like that, heck I even had spaghetti and Pizza today. In moderation of course and My list is open to friends, you are welcome to become one :)
  • serabee5
    serabee5 Posts: 89
    LOL you should take a look at mine! Ive lost 45 pounds and I eat whatever I want for the most part, im in a weight loss competition which ends tomorrow, so after tomorrow im adding in a few things ive missed the past 7 months (i did two 12 week comps.)


    EDIT: I work out a lot, did tons of cardio, and now tons of both cardio and strength training. but i used to only eat 1200 cals, 3 weeks ago i had to bump it up to 1400 because all the stuff i was doing!


    ditto
  • MarieNevada
    MarieNevada Posts: 395 Member
    i eat like that and i eat way more than 3 oz of chicken and baby carrots. in fact, i dont eat carrots cause of the high sugar content. i don't eat enough veggies, granted, cause i don't like them. but i eat good and i feel great.
  • Bellyroll
    Bellyroll Posts: 316
    I totally agree with you. But they are brave for showing it.
  • Schwiggity
    Schwiggity Posts: 1,449 Member
    3 oz. of chicken and a cup of carrots? No probably not. A large plate of chicken and veggies? Yes, that is maintainable. I eat egg whites, I eat fruit, I eat vegetables, and I eat lean meats. How is that not maintainable?
  • asilmegan34
    asilmegan34 Posts: 256 Member
    Lol I used to see that all the time when I was a member of bodybuilding.com . It was unrealistic and intimidating. I just try to plan things accordingly. I dont got out to eat, and when I do, I look up the nutrition facts before we go so I'm making an informed decision. I exercise frequently too. I eat dessert almost every night :)

    If the scale isnt going where you think it is, I wrote an article on this today... www.all-fit.happy.blogspot.com
  • Penguinita
    Penguinita Posts: 159 Member
    I pretty much eat what I want, however I have incorporated a lot of healthy foods in my diet. For one I eat breakfast! Lol I didn't do that before, so come lunch time and I'd eat the table if it was edible. I <3 baby carrots, I don't eat them as much as I'd like because I have 2 crowns on the back of my teeth that I'm afraid of popping out (I also avoid all things chewy). I would love to eat more veggies, I do when I eat out in restaurants, at home not really because I find the food spoils so quickly---especially since I'm the only in my home who will eat it. Also when I go to a sandwich shop I take out cheese and tell them to load all the veggies the sandwich can possible hold.
  • bjohs
    bjohs Posts: 1,225 Member
    I don't keep my diary open to the public unless you are an MFP friend, but I am just ounces from my goal and I don't eat like that. I like real food too much to waste the calories on shakes, vitamins and supplements. :)
  • bjohs
    bjohs Posts: 1,225 Member
    Double post
  • TexasNurseMom78
    TexasNurseMom78 Posts: 897 Member
    Maybe not everyone is honset in their diary? I know that I try to put everything, good and bad in mine. Some days I am over and some days I am under. I think it is all about moderatioin and making a permanent change in your life to be healthy. My diary is open, so please feel free!
  • ejmcam
    ejmcam Posts: 533 Member
    Take a look at mine. The trick is to eat a healthy amount if chicken/pasta/beef whatever, and fill up with other things as well. I used to never be able to eat just a 2 oz serving of pasta, it was like nothing. Now I throw in double the amount of veggies to literally fill up my plate and I'm full. It takes a while to get used to it, but your body doesnt really need more than 3 or so ounces....you are just used to eating way more than that. It's become the american way....supersize it!
  • TexasNurseMom78
    TexasNurseMom78 Posts: 897 Member
    Maybe not everyone is honset in their diary? I know that I try to put everything, good and bad in mine. Some days I am over and some days I am under. I think it is all about moderatioin and making a permanent change in your life to be healthy. My diary is open, so please feel free!
  • moriaht
    moriaht Posts: 251 Member
    I love chicken and veggies! I was eating them before I was trying to lose weight just in much larger portions and lots of sauces. I think its the MOST sustainable way to lose it and keep it off actually. If all you eat is 1200 calories in junk you will be hungry and miserable all the time and then you crave junk all the time. I don't eat crazy healthy, as in I eat the whole damn egg not just the whites. But I think I eat well and it's very sustainable for me.
  • ejmcam
    ejmcam Posts: 533 Member
    and I eat whole real food, not shakes, vitamins, supplements, etc.....and I've lost almost 25 lbs since january!
  • Schwiggity
    Schwiggity Posts: 1,449 Member
    I love chicken and veggies! I was eating them before I was trying to lose weight just in much larger portions and lots of sauces. I think its the MOST sustainable way to lose it and keep it off actually. If all you eat is 1200 calories in junk you will be hungry and miserable all the time and then you crave junk all the time. I don't eat crazy healthy, as in I eat the whole damn egg not just the whites. But I think I eat well and it's very sustainable for me.

    I know it's off topic, but there's nothing unhealthy about eggs. That's an old myth.
  • hstallings13
    hstallings13 Posts: 306
    I eat normally, but I now do it in smaller amounts and with more healthy stuff involved. I plan to keep adding more healthy stuff to my diet, but at the same time I still want to be able to plan to have pizza when I want it :) I want to be healthy, but at the same time, I want to be able to enjoy some of the stuff that I truely love or I'll never make it in this journey :) So here's to eating healthier, but still enjoying the stuff you love :)
  • hfva
    hfva Posts: 2
    I try to exercise like crazy so I can eat more!
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,422 Member
    OP- I agree. Last time I asked this question I lived to regret it.....lots of people seem to think that is something that will work for them long term. Maybe they're right. I'm not trying it to find out. I can't stand egg whites and protein shakes.
  • LJCannon
    LJCannon Posts: 3,636 Member
    I see just about as many people who post "Real Food" as who do not. Because of my work schedule and the fact that I am expected to eat with my Clients and I want to eat with my Family, sometimes my Lunch and Dinner combinations look sort of weird.
    I do worry a bit when people post that they only drink 2--3 cups of water. I hope that they are drinking other beverages and just not counting it as water.
  • KaylaShianne
    KaylaShianne Posts: 24
    3 oz. of chicken and a cup of carrots? No probably not. A large plate of chicken and veggies? Yes, that is maintainable. I eat egg whites, I eat fruit, I eat vegetables, and I eat lean meats. How is that not maintainable?

    ditto.
    Chicken and fish can be quite yummy with proper seasoning! I also make yummy chili thats great for you!
    Your welcome to look at my diary- I think the way I eat daily is very manageable, but I did cut out most carbs so I can eat a mostly paleo diet. (Cutting carbs can really speed up fat loss, but after a bit you need to add them back in through fruits and whole grains).
    I even allow myself a treat most days! Today I had dark chocolate covered almonds. they were delicious!
  • lissypriss
    lissypriss Posts: 157 Member
    The only reason I don't eat a lot is because I'm not doing so well exercise-wise due to pain in my knees at the moment. If you aren't doing the work, you have to sacrifice some favorite foods. I don't see it as an issue right now, simply because I know soon I can get back on the elliptical. Plus, I'm taking full advantage of not being hungry! I'm not going to force myself to eat junk if I'm not craving it. I really AM eating like that! Lol! I'm anxious to get back to cardio, but I'm letting myself heal first. :)
  • Huskeryogi
    Huskeryogi Posts: 578 Member
    I'm down 12 lbs total (I lost 5 before I started on this site). And I don't have any off limit foods. I just try to eat them in moderation. You can add me as a friend if you want to see my food diary.

    I do try to eat more fruits and vegatables, but my dinner is generally the same stuff I ate before - maybe just a little modified and a little smaller portions.

    FYI - I am an intermittent faster so I only consume calories during 8 hours of the day which allows my meals to be a little larger.
  • greylady3
    greylady3 Posts: 7 Member
    I'm just starting, but I wouldn't even think of trying that at my age. When I was a youngster I did those diets, but starving all the time sucks. I'm not get enough exercise yet, but I loathe exercise except walking and I either have to be up at the shriek of dawn to walk now or use my treadmill, where I can at least read a book while exercising. I usually eat at least 8 ounces of chicken, some fruit and veggies. I also eat ground sirloin and and use real salad dressing on my salad and real blue cheese. I may not lose fast, but the chances I will keep this up are a lot better than if I were eating egg whites (yukko) and 4 ounces of chicken. Excuse me now, but it's time for my 2 squares of dark chocolate.:happy:
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I eat a lot of chicken because it's delicious, but usually 6-8 oz at a time. Typically with some sort of veggies and some form of carbs (bread, rice, pasta, potato).

    I adore pizza and eat it a least once a week, and not some thin crust thing with a ton of veggies and no cheese. That's not a pizza. That's a cracker with veggies on top! :laugh:
  • cheeksv
    cheeksv Posts: 521 Member
    A lot of people don't give up the foods they like. I personally have and have had zero regrets or hard times about it. I love chicken haha so no problems there but I eat fish and sometimes beef even go veggie once in a while. I stopped drinking my calories the only liquid that enters my body is water, tea, or Fat free milk. That will give you more calories to play with. Just find what works for you and take a look around at more diaries to see whats up.
  • WifeMomDVM
    WifeMomDVM Posts: 1,025 Member
    i eat like that and i eat way more than 3 oz of chicken and baby carrots. in fact, i dont eat carrots cause of the high sugar content. i don't eat enough veggies, granted, cause i don't like them. but i eat good and i feel great.

    Yup me too. I eat like this 99% of the time. I also don't eat carrots because of the sugar.

    So how do I eat? Well, my diary IS public (caveat -yesterday I went to Six Flags that was the old me - all other days are the new me).

    I find eating clean completely maintainable because it makes me feel awesome. And as someone once told me - eating boring food will give you a very exciting body.

    Of course, if you just take the time to learn and get creative with herbs and spices you can make boring fish, turkey, and chicken and veggies and whole grain VERY exciting.

    So, if you want to know if REAL PEOPLE really do eat the way you suggest, then yes they do. It's a complete 180 from how I used to eat but now I'm nearly 50 lbs lighter, more muscular and more energetic and I won't ever have it any other way.

    You can do it too, but like all things in life. It's a choice. And it's COMPLETELY up to... you. :flowerforyou:

    Edited to add: PS - there's nothing wrong with supplements and protein shakes. If you don't like them - you can maintain and lose weight without them, but for some people (yours truly) they are exactly what they are called, a SUPPLEMENT. I enjoy the benefits I get from supplementing my health with a multivitamin, fish oil and a protein shake every day. To me the protein shake is a delicious treat (like a milkshake)

    Sorry - had to throw that in. :)
  • JoyK76
    JoyK76 Posts: 26 Member
    I am of the opinion that I do best when I lose weight slowly, eat balanced meals and add activity. I have done a couple diet programs. One I lost like 45 lbs in 5 months and had to cut out SO much "real" food. I bounced back all my weight and then some. The other program I could eat what I wanted and had to keep my points within a range and I still lost 40 lbs in like 6 months. Now I'm not on a specific "program" but I make myself track my food as much as I can to keep myself accountable. I'm not always the best at it but I do notice a difference when I try to incorporate 4-5 servings of fruits and veggies in my day. Eat lean meats. Portion control, portion control, PORTION CONTROL! That was always my hardest hurdle to overcome but I am slowly learning how to enjoy those foods that I love in more appropriate portions. I have hated exercising with a passion in the past but now I am slowly gaining an appreciation for it. These are the habits that I feel best benefit my body overall and for long term goals to be achieved. I believe one must keep in mind...its not a race, its a lifestyle. And there is NO way I could sacrifice mexican food on a weekly basis so I have to try and keep it real! :)
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