OMG I'm eating twice the amount of calories I should be

ByteLily wrote: »

I lost 40lbs with MFP and (although I gained back 10 in the last two years, I am here again)
I learned so much I eventually was able to stop using it. I faithfully logged everything and began to make better choices. For example I don't put the same amount of food on my plate as my husband does. I dont get seconds, I gave up my daily dessert for home made fruit salad. MFP was instrumental in teaching me portion control and after I got the hang of it, I really started eating new and different foods and wasn't hungry. In the beginning I just restricted the foods I already ate to match the calorie goal and failed. I had to learn how to eat and what to eat. For example I now only eat half a cup of pasta or rice. Even though the serving size says 1 cup, the half a cup really satisfies me if I add in some extra protien and fresh veggies. Salad dressing was a real eye opener, too. MFP will help you learn all the better food choices. It was overwhelming at first but within a few days I got the hang of it and within a few weeks it becomes really easy.

This is a great example of what so many of us are hoping for in the end. It is one of the things my HR director says all the time when I talk about my "diet". She tells me it is not a "diet" it is a lifestyle change (she is also a Life Coach so it has a different sound when she says it). It isn't about simply changing what you have to eat but changing how you want to eat.

I am a long ways from that point but in time I hope it all falls into place like it did with you .

When I finally knew I was ready, I started by adding to my food choices. I needed to eat more vegetables, fiber, fruits, etc. I didn't start out eliminating foods or changing my "usual" menu, but I made sure to add things...two vegetable sides rather than one, fruit with breakfast, spinach in a smoothie, etc. Then I gradually reduced the starchy carbs (rice, pasta, potato) and fats. I started collecting ideas for lower-carb meals. I made sure to include protein with all meals to keep satiated. I have been amazed at how easily I've moved away from sugar and starch...bread maybe once every two weeks, same with rice or pasta. (I really worried about that!) I definitely will enjoy sweets when there is an occasion but not regularly any more. The practice of counting and logging calories is becoming habit, as is the weighing and measuring of everything. I'm still working on increasing my water intake. I've just begun working out, but like the change in eating, I'm taking a gradual approach. I've lost over 30 lbs since Feb. It really feels so good! This is a life choice, and I'm in it for the long run!