Will you ever get used to healthy eating?
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UmaMageswarymfp
Posts: 280 Member
Hi, I’ve been having intense junk food cravings lately and it’s scaring me because this is my last attempt to lose weight and it’s only been 15 days and I’m already thinking of eating back the unhealthy foods. I want healthy eating to be the only thing I talk about or I want it as my habit . I wonder how long will it take for me to sustain the healthy eating . I hope something triggers me into not giving up until I shed atleast 30kg (my ideal weight loss will be 60kg)
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Replies
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I eat what I want. I just eat it within my calorie target. I have chocolate or ice cream every night. You do not have to cut out the foods you love. That's a recipe for bingeing in my case.38
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Are you eating some randomly chosen "healthy" foods or are you eating an actual, healthy, balanced diet with a reasonable calorie goal?
I enjoy vegetables and nuts and fruits and all kinds of protein, but there isn't anything that I have said "you can't have that until you reach your goal." And I only set my goals to lose five pounds at a time, so the time frame is quite reasonable. I mean, I probably won't have french fries before I hit my next goal, but that is just because they aren't in the plan this week and I only have a pound and a half to go.5 -
what is a healthy food?
you can loose weight (and I have) eating all kinds of food. i eat chocolate daily. and a little mini bag of cheetos.
dieting doesn't mean living in misery and white knuckling it daily. you can enjoy foods you like in moderation. sure some foods i avoid cuz they trigger endless mindless eating but those are very specific foods not categories.18 -
if you deny yourself binging is almost a certainty.
make room in your calories for the things you want and enjoy
ive lost 120 pounds and eat all kinds of crap/junk food. I just make it fit.19 -
Yeah, what worked for me was eating "junk food" once I have laid a foundation of good nutrition into my day. I prelog my meals, make sure I'm hitting my protein and fiber goals (or close enough) factor in a healthy amount of veggies and fruit, then I have a bowl of icecream or a couple of cookies. I eat one or two Dove Promises pretty much every day. I have 2 slices of pizza once a week. I get Wendy's or Taco Bell a couple of times a month.
Is it perfect? Probably not. But it's a heck of a lot closer than I used to be, I successfully lost my extra 20 lbs, and now I'm focusing on getting fitter. Don't let "perfect" be the enemy of progress. Good luck :drinker:26 -
What foods are you thinking of that are "unhealthy"?. Is it something you can purchase a single serving of? I often buy one candy bar, a single scoop of ice cream, a cupcake, a donut, etc. and take it home. No foods are unhealthy. Eating so much that you either go over your calorie allotment or don't get enough nutrition in is where we get into trouble. Having a single serving to stop thinking about it is actually a healthy way to eat. Just because you want ice cream doesn't mean you need to go out and buy a half gallon and eat it all. If you can buy a half gallon and eat it 1/2 cup at a time, great. If you can't, then buy it in a manageable serving size.
In other words, have some of whatever you enjoy. If you have a problem with portion control (my biggest issue) then control the portion you purchase.14 -
You can't keep attempting something the same way and expecting different results... in your case it sounds like you've cut out what you view as "junk" food and that has caused your efforts to falter in the past. It's important to realize that food in and of itself isn't bad and therefore shouldn't be off limits. Instead, allow yourself to have the foods you enjoy but fit them into your calorie allotment. If you can't fit it in, then find lower calorie alternatives which are extremely easy to find or make yourself. You don't need to eat "healthy" 100% of the time, most people go with about 80/20.12
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UmaMageswarymfp wrote: »Hi, I’ve been having intense junk food cravings lately and it’s scaring me because this is my last attempt to lose weight and it’s only been 15 days and I’m already thinking of eating back the unhealthy foods. I want healthy eating to be the only thing I talk about or I want it as my habit . I wonder how long will it take for me to sustain the healthy eating . I hope something triggers me into not giving up until I shed atleast 30kg (my ideal weight loss will be 60kg)
Why is it your last attempt?
Why do you think food can only be 'healthy' or 'junk'?12 -
My view on “healthy foods “ are anything that’s involve less calories aka vegetables and unseasoned steamed this and that kinda food . What I consider unhealthy is that pizza , mcd , Kfc and lots of carbs. Before I jumped into this diet I could eat 2 box of regular dominos pizza in one seating . I’m really afraid of going back to even trying pizza cause I know it’s going to be hard for me to control .25
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UmaMageswarymfp wrote: »My view on “healthy foods “ are anything that’s involve less calories aka vegetables and unseasoned steamed this and that kinda food . What I consider unhealthy is that pizza , mcd , Kfc and lots of carbs. Before I jumped into this diet I could eat 2 box of regular dominos pizza in one seating . I’m really afraid of going back to even trying pizza cause I know it’s going to be hard for me to control .
There are so many seasonings you can use that have a reasonable amount of calories and so many cooking methods that are more flavorful that steaming. If you limit yourself to unseasoned and steamed food, you'll be miserable (unless that is actually what you prefer).21 -
UmaMageswarymfp wrote: »My view on “healthy foods “ are anything that’s involve less calories aka vegetables and unseasoned steamed this and that kinda food . What I consider unhealthy is that pizza , mcd , Kfc and lots of carbs. Before I jumped into this diet I could eat 2 box of regular dominos pizza in one seating . I’m really afraid of going back to even trying pizza cause I know it’s going to be hard for me to control .
Then go to the pizzeria and buy one slice or go to the grocery and buy a frozen personal pizza. Or go to KFC and get one chicken breast.10 -
TavistockToad wrote: »UmaMageswarymfp wrote: »Hi, I’ve been having intense junk food cravings lately and it’s scaring me because this is my last attempt to lose weight and it’s only been 15 days and I’m already thinking of eating back the unhealthy foods. I want healthy eating to be the only thing I talk about or I want it as my habit . I wonder how long will it take for me to sustain the healthy eating . I hope something triggers me into not giving up until I shed atleast 30kg (my ideal weight loss will be 60kg)
Why is it your last attempt?
Why do you think food can only be 'healthy' or 'junk'?
This is my 10th time trying to lose weight and each time I tried to lose weight I’ll lose about 10 kg max and then go back to old habits of eating pizza , mcd and really bad foods . My kinda junk foods are crazy . The calories are insane and now I’m drastically limiting myself from all kind of junk foods . Like normal people I don’t think I can eat a slice or pizza and stop. It’s going to make me eat more and I’ll eventually give up (speaking from experience). I’m in severe depression due to my obesity, this time I’m really trying to sustain and lose a lot of kgs to build some self esteem and I know for a fact that this will be my last attempt.
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What everyone else said. + my 2 cents. Denying myself what I'm craving causes me to obsess about it and then binge/overeat on it later. If I make room for a smaller amount now, I won't eat a huge amount later. For things I have difficulty moderating such as potato chips and snack crackers, I buy a single serving packet. That way I can get that craving "out of my system" but I am prevented from mindlessly reaching into the bag and munching. If it is something I can't fit into my day, I at least try to make sure it fits into my weekly average. Or, I just accept the hit, and get back on track the next day. Sometimes a girl just needs a 1500 calorie burger and fries.
On that note, At restaurants I usually only eat 1/2-2/3 of my plate, and take the rest home to eat the next day. Then, it usually fits my calories AND I get to enjoy it twice! 10 -
UmaMageswarymfp wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »UmaMageswarymfp wrote: »Hi, I’ve been having intense junk food cravings lately and it’s scaring me because this is my last attempt to lose weight and it’s only been 15 days and I’m already thinking of eating back the unhealthy foods. I want healthy eating to be the only thing I talk about or I want it as my habit . I wonder how long will it take for me to sustain the healthy eating . I hope something triggers me into not giving up until I shed atleast 30kg (my ideal weight loss will be 60kg)
Why is it your last attempt?
Why do you think food can only be 'healthy' or 'junk'?
This is my 10th time trying to lose weight and each time I tried to lose weight I’ll lose about 10 kg max and then go back to old habits of eating pizza , mcd and really bad foods . My kinda junk foods are crazy . The calories are insane and now I’m drastically limiting myself from all kind of junk foods . Like normal people I don’t think I can eat a slice or pizza and stop. It’s going to make me eat more and I’ll eventually give up (speaking from experience). I’m in severe depression due to my obesity, this time I’m really trying to sustain and lose a lot of kgs to build some self esteem and I know for a fact that this will be my last attempt.
Is it possible the problem is that you keep swinging from one extreme to the other? There is a world of foods in between "Vegetables and steamed food" and an entire pizza. Maybe try looking for "Quick, easy recipes" or add in some sauces and other cooking methods.21 -
UmaMageswarymfp wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »UmaMageswarymfp wrote: »Hi, I’ve been having intense junk food cravings lately and it’s scaring me because this is my last attempt to lose weight and it’s only been 15 days and I’m already thinking of eating back the unhealthy foods. I want healthy eating to be the only thing I talk about or I want it as my habit . I wonder how long will it take for me to sustain the healthy eating . I hope something triggers me into not giving up until I shed atleast 30kg (my ideal weight loss will be 60kg)
Why is it your last attempt?
Why do you think food can only be 'healthy' or 'junk'?
This is my 10th time trying to lose weight and each time I tried to lose weight I’ll lose about 10 kg max and then go back to old habits of eating pizza , mcd and really bad foods . My kinda junk foods are crazy . The calories are insane and now I’m drastically limiting myself from all kind of junk foods . Like normal people I don’t think I can eat a slice or pizza and stop. It’s going to make me eat more and I’ll eventually give up (speaking from experience). I’m in severe depression due to my obesity, this time I’m really trying to sustain and lose a lot of kgs to build some self esteem and I know for a fact that this will be my last attempt.
I really understand. I am kind of an all-or-nothing kind of person too. Denying yourself entire groups of food really is self-defeating. I know it is hard, but you do need to figure out how to enjoy your food. Do you cook? Make flavors you enjoy. I do a lot of stews because they are easy but filling and I can make them with Tex-mex, Asian, savory, Italian, etc. flavors.
Is it a time thing? Do you need to eat as soon as you get home instead of spending time making dinner? Making things in bulk so you have things you can just heat in the microwave helps.15 -
UmaMageswarymfp wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »UmaMageswarymfp wrote: »Hi, I’ve been having intense junk food cravings lately and it’s scaring me because this is my last attempt to lose weight and it’s only been 15 days and I’m already thinking of eating back the unhealthy foods. I want healthy eating to be the only thing I talk about or I want it as my habit . I wonder how long will it take for me to sustain the healthy eating . I hope something triggers me into not giving up until I shed atleast 30kg (my ideal weight loss will be 60kg)
Why is it your last attempt?
Why do you think food can only be 'healthy' or 'junk'?
This is my 10th time trying to lose weight and each time I tried to lose weight I’ll lose about 10 kg max and then go back to old habits of eating pizza , mcd and really bad foods . My kinda junk foods are crazy . The calories are insane and now I’m drastically limiting myself from all kind of junk foods . Like normal people I don’t think I can eat a slice or pizza and stop. It’s going to make me eat more and I’ll eventually give up (speaking from experience). I’m in severe depression due to my obesity, this time I’m really trying to sustain and lose a lot of kgs to build some self esteem and I know for a fact that this will be my last attempt.
Is it possible the problem is that you keep swinging from one extreme to the other? There is a world of foods in between "Vegetables and steamed food" and an entire pizza. Maybe try looking for "Quick, easy recipes" or add in some sauces and other cooking methods.
This. 2 slices of pizza and a big salad with vinaigrette, for example.6 -
UmaMageswarymfp wrote: »My view on “healthy foods “ are anything that’s involve less calories aka vegetables and unseasoned steamed this and that kinda food . What I consider unhealthy is that pizza , mcd , Kfc and lots of carbs. Before I jumped into this diet I could eat 2 box of regular dominos pizza in one seating . I’m really afraid of going back to even trying pizza cause I know it’s going to be hard for me to control .
Low calorie =/= healthy. You can have low calorie foods that lack nutritional value and high calorie foods that do not. It seems like what you perceive as healthy and unhealthy is what's setting you up for failure. Healthy isn't just unseasoned, steamed food and carbs aren't the devil they're made out to be. Instead of going out and buying dominoes, get a single serve pizza from the freezer section of the grocery store and when you have a craving eat that. When you want carbs, eat them, but try to focus on sources of complex carbs.3 -
UmaMageswarymfp wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »UmaMageswarymfp wrote: »Hi, I’ve been having intense junk food cravings lately and it’s scaring me because this is my last attempt to lose weight and it’s only been 15 days and I’m already thinking of eating back the unhealthy foods. I want healthy eating to be the only thing I talk about or I want it as my habit . I wonder how long will it take for me to sustain the healthy eating . I hope something triggers me into not giving up until I shed atleast 30kg (my ideal weight loss will be 60kg)
Why is it your last attempt?
Why do you think food can only be 'healthy' or 'junk'?
This is my 10th time trying to lose weight and each time I tried to lose weight I’ll lose about 10 kg max and then go back to old habits of eating pizza , mcd and really bad foods . My kinda junk foods are crazy . The calories are insane and now I’m drastically limiting myself from all kind of junk foods . Like normal people I don’t think I can eat a slice or pizza and stop. It’s going to make me eat more and I’ll eventually give up (speaking from experience). I’m in severe depression due to my obesity, this time I’m really trying to sustain and lose a lot of kgs to build some self esteem and I know for a fact that this will be my last attempt.
Is it possible the problem is that you keep swinging from one extreme to the other? There is a world of foods in between "Vegetables and steamed food" and an entire pizza. Maybe try looking for "Quick, easy recipes" or add in some sauces and other cooking methods.
Yeah everytime , my coach once told me to eat broccoli and steamed chicken breast everyday and for every meal . I ate that *kitten* for 6 months and lost 10kg and I eventually gave up cause imagine eating same damn jail food for 6 months I was like 15 back then so I was pretty dumb on health and fitness so I went and believed my stupid “coach” . I hate unseasoned foods now. I’m trying to eat less and I asked my mom to add less oils and you know basic stuffs5 -
UmaMageswarymfp wrote: »My view on “healthy foods “ are anything that’s involve less calories aka vegetables and unseasoned steamed this and that kinda food . What I consider unhealthy is that pizza , mcd , Kfc and lots of carbs. Before I jumped into this diet I could eat 2 box of regular dominos pizza in one seating . I’m really afraid of going back to even trying pizza cause I know it’s going to be hard for me to control .
I'd work on changing your mindset. Even though I eat a very 'healthy' diet, I don't consider pizza, fast food etc 'bad'. Labeling food leads to frustration, guilt and failure. There's nothing wrong with eating the foods you like, you just need to learn how to fit them into your calorie targets.
Also, as you progress you may become interested in slowly adding nutrient dense foods but don't force it. I've been at this whole thing for around 7 years now and how I started out eating is completely different than how I eat today. But it's been a slow, natural progression. If I had tried making a bunch of drastic changes at the beginning I would have failed.
Interesting sidenote-during my active weight loss phase I ate fast food several times a week, ate no fruit, very few veggies, all sorts of packaged 'diet' foods etc. Lost 50lbs and improved all my health markers.8 -
UmaMageswarymfp wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »UmaMageswarymfp wrote: »Hi, I’ve been having intense junk food cravings lately and it’s scaring me because this is my last attempt to lose weight and it’s only been 15 days and I’m already thinking of eating back the unhealthy foods. I want healthy eating to be the only thing I talk about or I want it as my habit . I wonder how long will it take for me to sustain the healthy eating . I hope something triggers me into not giving up until I shed atleast 30kg (my ideal weight loss will be 60kg)
Why is it your last attempt?
Why do you think food can only be 'healthy' or 'junk'?
This is my 10th time trying to lose weight and each time I tried to lose weight I’ll lose about 10 kg max and then go back to old habits of eating pizza , mcd and really bad foods . My kinda junk foods are crazy . The calories are insane and now I’m drastically limiting myself from all kind of junk foods . Like normal people I don’t think I can eat a slice or pizza and stop. It’s going to make me eat more and I’ll eventually give up (speaking from experience). I’m in severe depression due to my obesity, this time I’m really trying to sustain and lose a lot of kgs to build some self esteem and I know for a fact that this will be my last attempt.
I can understand avoiding what a lot of people call "trigger foods". However, you have to think about if your chosen way of eating is something you can sustain for life. If your answer is no, then I would think it's prudent to learn to incorporate the foods you love into your new lifestyle. Perhaps you could make these foods at home. This way, they are controlled and you can take steps to reduce the calories. Craving a pizza? Buy a frozen pizza, or make your own. Craving Mcdonalds? Buy your own lean beef or ground turkey and make your own. Craving fried chicken? Oven bake your own breaded chicken. Also, expiriment with seasoning and ways of cooking. Healthy eating doesnt have to be bland. Oven roasting creates a flavor profile on its own. And most seasonings are so low calorie that they don't really count in the grand scheme of things. So go nuts with seasonings! Pan frying or sauteeing also take very little oil to get a proper flavor without going crazy with calories.13
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