That's a tough question. I'd probably get rid of things that are temptations for me because I have trouble with self-control. I can't just eat one of something sweet in particular! However, if you can manage to control yourself and only eat 1 serving of tempting foods, and they fit in your calorie goal, there's nothing wrong with keeping them.

I am so excited to find this group!! I was beginning to feel alone looking at all the groups posting that they had 10-20 pounds to lose. While we can definitely encourage one another, I was feeling super intimidated by how much I have to lose to become healthy again. But I am committed, and it will happen!!

I posted in the original thread. I am nearing my goal weight after 2 years and 110 lbs lost. I hope you dont mind me joining as a motivator and also to help encourage or answer questions about my journey to help othera along who are trying to accomplish the same thing. If I can do it, you can too!

I was doing well with my weight loss, but then Hurricane Michael happened (I live in Panama City, Florida). For some time after the storm I had zero choice in what I ate. I was eating red cross meals and MREs and stuff like that, with zero choices. Then the stores opened up again, but it was hard to find much that wasn't junk because by the time we got through the long lines to get into the stores that days supply of fresh meats and vegetables was gone. I started adding stress eating junk food to the meals from volunteers and MREs. It was like that for weeks after the storm. Once I had a little choice back I let myself say well, it's holiday time anyway. I even went back to drinking tons of soda, and not even diet. I have dug out a scale and finally weighed myself this morning. I have gained nearly 40 pounds since my last weigh in before the storm. That is insanely ridiculous. I am a single mom with an autistic son and he needs me. I can't die, so I have to do this. It is going to be difficult. We still have debris in the roads that prevents safely going for a walk, my home still only has half the rooms usable so there isn't much space for me to exercise indoors, there are no gyms open near me even if I could get away from my son to go to one, and our grocery stores are still running strange hours. However, the stores do have normal groceries back and hulu has some workout stuff on it. I am 110 pounds above my goal weight. It is a lot and it will be hard, I can use all the support and motivation I can get.

jan4jesus2 wrote: »

Bison pitcher, I don’t mind at all. Please feel free to share any tips or advice with us along along our journeys. I’m sure we’d all be quite grateful. In fact, maybe you could post one helpful tip every week or however often you want to. I would love to know for example, how did you handle when you started the food you might’ve already had in your house. Did you get rid of everything you knew would be tempting or unhealthy?

I never cut out any food. Just ate it in moderation. I still eat ice cream, pizza, Mexican on more than a weekly basis. I knew I couldnt restrict foods i love and be successful. I just make them fit into my calorie goals. I eat more healthy foods, but still eat everything in moderation. My diary is open, so feel free to check it out.

kpresto86 wrote: »

That's awesome I'm glad you can still fit the yummy stuff in, I tease my husband that carbs are my true soul mate lol I have really struggled with not having as many carbs as I'm used to

I love the carbs! When I have a day where I go way over my goal....its almost always a big carb day (like 300-500g). Cant wait until I get to bulking phase where I can do 300+ carbs per day, every day.

I didn't do a clean sweep of my house and get rid of everything, but I stopped buying junk. Fortunately I have 2 kids that are helping get rid of the snacky foods that I shouldn't be eating!

I've been on this journey since 7 January of this year and before I began, I went through the fridge and cupboards and got rid of as many "less" healthy things as I could and restocked with healthier things as a way to set myself up for success. The odd treat still makes its way into the house for my family to enjoy and once in a while I will have a little treat myself but having mostly healthier food around forces us all to eat a little healthier and that's a good thing!