Rant of a food lover!

CocoNuttie
CocoNuttie Posts: 40
edited October 2 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi,

I'm really passionate about all food things, I work in the food industry and absolutely love my job. I enjoy cooking, experimenting and trying new, good food.

All of this making it REALLY hard to control my diet. I have successfully lost the weight and currently trying to maintain. I have always believe in balance diet and exercise. And I can't stand the idea of counting the calories for the rest of my life. So, when I reached my goal I decided that I'm going to try NOT counting my calories anymore and live the life I believe is healthy, sustainable but yet enjoyable. So in the passed 3 weeks this is what i've been doing

During the weekdays (Mon-Fri) - I eat the same way I did when i was losing weight
BF - 2 Whole meal toasts, no butter, a bit of jam
Lunch - Lean meat+Veg+50g of brown rice/bread
Dinner - Lean meat+Veg + 50g of brown rice/bread
Snacking on fruits as usual (eql to 2 apples a day)

Then I let go during the weekends.. I normally still have healthy breakfasts but I would be eating out at least 2 meals during the weekend (main+dessert), good restaurant that make things on premises (no chain basically). I also hate processed food so i don't eat choc/biscuit/crisp...

I kept up my excercise 3 times a week, 60 min pure cardio. Last week I did even more...I ran 6miles 4 times.

Guess what...I've gained some pounds. Not much...but still very annoyed. I assume if I kept up with what i did above, my weight would keep creeping up.... Is 2 days a week of pleasure really too much to ask?? ...really want to just go back to enjoying life and not having to worry about food anymore....It's really killing my passion. I thought I know all about healthy living/diet..but guess not.

Thank you for listening, please share your experience if you are in a similar boat :D Any advices are welcome too!!

Cheers

Replies

  • mashanda
    mashanda Posts: 120 Member
    I am just getting back to my fitness but I know sometimes you have to change up what you eat. I know it seems weird but it has worked for me i the past. Also, changing up my workouts helped me and water, water, water!
  • CocoNuttie
    CocoNuttie Posts: 40
    I am just getting back to my fitness but I know sometimes you have to change up what you eat. I know it seems weird but it has worked for me i the past. Also, changing up my workouts helped me and water, water, water!

    Thank you :D

    I'm really considering changing my exercise, I've been running so much I think the body is getting too efficient now...may b I should add lifting weight too..
  • Onesnap
    Onesnap Posts: 2,819 Member
    I find this diet way too restrictive (and also the same thing day after day after day would drive me insane--variety is the spice of life and having a variety of healthy whole foods, veggies, and fruit provides the maximum health benefits for your body).

    In order to lose the 1-2 lbs week on MFP you have to log every bite and every workout. If you're following a restrictive diet during the week and going nuts on weekends it is not going to work. My thought is, how is that different than what you did before MFP?

    In order to lose 1 lb/week you need to have a total deficit of 3,500 calories in those 7 days (did the research earlier this week). If you are following the plan for 5 days and not for the last two it is not going to work because you will not have that 3,500 deficit.

    If you're looking for healthy recipes that are easy to log (nutrition content included in the magazine) check out Everyday Food magazine. If you are looking for healthy snacks check out www.snackgirl.com

    In my opinion, having a restrictive diet like that during the week (without variety) is doing more harm than good. You're not getting a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals from natural whole food sources. For example, the Special K diet requires Special K products for breakfast and lunch each day. That is considered a restrictive diet because you cannot eat any other foods during those two meals. Typically the minute someone stops a diet like that they gain the weight back. They might lose it fast, but that diet is not sustainable long term.

    You have the right idea to eat healthy during the week. Just add variety and healthy recipes to your diet.
  • rrrbecca11
    rrrbecca11 Posts: 477
    Maintaining your weight is a lifetime commitment. I'm sorry to say, but two days of 'pleasure' CAN and will pile the pounds back on, especially two consecutive days like the weekends. You mentioned eating out more then, too, and you cannot be sure of the caloric or nutritive content of foods you haven't prepared for yourself. Small amounts of calories add up quickly and translate into weight gain. Also, the exercise: I do 45 minutes of cardio 6 times a week, and strength training almost every day. My weight is not an issue because I am religious about everything I eat, though I do eat well, and often. I am 54 years old. Trust me, get in the habit now, because it does not get easier as you get older. I quit smoking cigarettes 10 years ago and began my journey to health, and I expect to be on the same - or an even better - routine for every one of the rest of my days.

    Good luck to you. :)
  • tararocks
    tararocks Posts: 287 Member
    If you have been doing no strength training prior then you certainly should add then to your workouts, it will help. also is this week the first time you noticed a gain, did you continue to flush your system out, eating out even non processed foods could still be affecting your sodium level and you need that water. I had a similar instance where i had two bad days but the week had been great and i gained, i was amazed that after being under calories for 5 days that two days over could have that affect, i upped my water intake and three days later my weight was back to what it had been.
  • CocoNuttie
    CocoNuttie Posts: 40
    I find this diet way too restrictive (and also the same thing day after day after day would drive me insane--variety is the spice of life and having a variety of healthy whole foods, veggies, and fruit provides the maximum health benefits for your body).

    In order to lose the 1-2 lbs week on MFP you have to log every bite and every workout. If you're following a restrictive diet during the week and going nuts on weekends it is not going to work. My thought is, how is that different than what you did before MFP?

    In order to lose 1 lb/week you need to have a total deficit of 3,500 calories in those 7 days (did the research earlier this week). If you are following the plan for 5 days and not for the last two it is not going to work because you will not have that 3,500 deficit.

    If you're looking for healthy recipes that are easy to log (nutrition content included in the magazine) check out Everyday Food magazine. If you are looking for healthy snacks check out www.snackgirl.com

    In my opinion, having a restrictive diet like that during the week (without variety) is doing more harm than good. You're not getting a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals from natural whole food sources. For example, the Special K diet requires Special K products for breakfast and lunch each day. That is considered a restrictive diet because you cannot eat any other foods during those two meals. Typically the minute someone stops a diet like that they gain the weight back. They might lose it fast, but that diet is not sustainable long term.

    You have the right idea to eat healthy during the week. Just add variety and healthy recipes to your diet.

    Thank you so much for the info, def going to check out healthy snack...as im running out of ideas. Regarding my food during the week thou, sorry i was being vague. I cook my lunch and dinner in many many varieties of ways as i love cooking! I make thai, italian, chinese, spanish etc...just that each meal always consist of lean protein, some veg and some whole carb. So during the week for me is easy, I've never feel very deprived. I actually quite enjoy the challenge actually

    Its the eating out that gets me....i LOVE going to new restaurant :D and i know that even good natural food can be full of calories!!! like home made cake -_-"
  • CocoNuttie
    CocoNuttie Posts: 40
    If you have been doing no strength training prior then you certainly should add then to your workouts, it will help. also is this week the first time you noticed a gain, did you continue to flush your system out, eating out even non processed foods could still be affecting your sodium level and you need that water. I had a similar instance where i had two bad days but the week had been great and i gained, i was amazed that after being under calories for 5 days that two days over could have that affect, i upped my water intake and three days later my weight was back to what it had been.

    No i havent done any strength training yet...think i'm ging to start this week. Yes I'm sure my sodium level is through the roof lately! and i havent been watching my water at all (i drink very little water as a person..always have to force it down) will try drinking extra water this week and see how it goes :D Thanks
  • jazzy020106
    jazzy020106 Posts: 485 Member
    I know how you feel. I lost about 35 lbs in 2010 and when I started trying to live "normally" again I started to gain it back. Then I got completely frustrated and ended up gaining it ALL back plus more! I later found out that I also have a medical condition helping the weight gain, but anyway. I was just talking to my mom last night about how I dont want to have to workout every single day and count calories for the rest of my life! I really DONT want to do that! I want to be able to enjoy going out and having a drink and going out to eat like other normal people do. Unfortunately, it seems like my body type and genetics arent going to allow that. I am going to have to only allow 1 day a week where I can enjoy myself and I am going to have to hit the gym 5 days a week and count my calories everyday just like I do now. Just to maintain! I have no idea how to maintain and after gaining all the weight I worked so hard to lose before.. I am terrified about whats going to happen when I lose what I want this time.. =[ I hope someone has some good ideas!!! =]
  • jazzy020106
    jazzy020106 Posts: 485 Member
    If you have been doing no strength training prior then you certainly should add then to your workouts, it will help. also is this week the first time you noticed a gain, did you continue to flush your system out, eating out even non processed foods could still be affecting your sodium level and you need that water. I had a similar instance where i had two bad days but the week had been great and i gained, i was amazed that after being under calories for 5 days that two days over could have that affect, i upped my water intake and three days later my weight was back to what it had been.

    No i havent done any strength training yet...think i'm ging to start this week. Yes I'm sure my sodium level is through the roof lately! and i havent been watching my water at all (i drink very little water as a person..always have to force it down) will try drinking extra water this week and see how it goes :D Thanks

    Does strength training help with maintaining?! I barely do strength training.. I hate it! lol.. I did it a little bit before but it was after I already lost like 30 lbs. If its going to help with maintenance then I am definitely going to start doing more of it!
  • Howbouto
    Howbouto Posts: 2,121 Member
    I've always heard eat right 80% of the time and 20% enjoy. 20% of for a week would be 2.1 meals, so I think 2 meal and one snack to enjoy. Maybe try only indulging on dinners on the weekends and see if that balances things out.
  • Onesnap
    Onesnap Posts: 2,819 Member

    Thank you so much for the info, def going to check out healthy snack...as im running out of ideas. Regarding my food during the week thou, sorry i was being vague. I cook my lunch and dinner in many many varieties of ways as i love cooking! I make thai, italian, chinese, spanish etc...just that each meal always consist of lean protein, some veg and some whole carb. So during the week for me is easy, I've never feel very deprived. I actually quite enjoy the challenge actually

    Its the eating out that gets me....i LOVE going to new restaurant :D and i know that even good natural food can be full of calories!!! like home made cake -_-"

    You're welcome. Since you are a food lover and you enjoy real whole foods I figured your diet was more varied...glad to hear it is! I would suggest tracking all 7 days of the week (and breakdown one ingredient at a time for those meals out to the best of your ability). I would also suggest trying something new in your fitness routine. Perhaps 1-2 classes per week of Martial Arts, kickboxing, power yoga...something different. This way you're not getting bored doing the same thing week after week (and it will help you maintain that healthy weight!).

    I have found that if the teacher is good the class is good. I also prefer classes with men and women of all ages. I often tell myself that if a guy is in there for an hour than the class is worth my time (not to sound sexist, but in my gym it's true!)
  • Onesnap
    Onesnap Posts: 2,819 Member

    Does strength training help with maintaining?! I barely do strength training.. I hate it! lol.. I did it a little bit before but it was after I already lost like 30 lbs. If its going to help with maintenance then I am definitely going to start doing more of it!

    It does help. Also, as a woman strength training is so important as we begin to lose muscle mass and bone mass in our 30s & 40s. Plus, if you are toning and building muscle you are able to burn fat while doing nothing. Muscle helps you to maintain. If you don't like training with standard weights I suggest body weight training. To quote Jillian Michaels: "Body weight training, it's where it's at") Power Yoga is an amazing full body workout and provides strength training without weights! Also, yoga is the only exercise that rids your body of toxins. :)
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,990 Member
    I eat out 4 times a week. I just split the entree's with my wife. I've done this for over 20 years and have stayed close to the same weight.

    Cardio alone doesn't increase resting metabolic rate and can burn up lean muscle tissue thereby lowering your metabolic rate even more.
    Lift heavy and hard. It seldoms fails.
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