Staying motivated

welcome to MFP.

I kept a list of snacks I felt I could control hung on the fridge when I started.

I did not allow sweets in the house.

Go to the grocery store with a list of just what you need. Stick to it.

Eating a filling meal before going to the grocery store will help curtail impulse purchases

Even now, six years in, if I have chocolate in the house, I freeze it. Chocolate loses its flavor when frozen, and waiting for it to thaw? By then, I’m usually over it.

I make a really good low cal homemade chocolate peanut butter ice cream out of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and a few other ingredients.

Hagel slag. A little goes a long way. It will rock your ice cream or dessert world.

Make sure you have fruit available in the house. Find reasons to eat it On pancakes or oatmeal, in salads, on cottage cheese or yogurt

Flavored hot teas. Someone gave me a few bags of mango tea to try. Even the smell is intoxicating.

Flavor infused dark balsamic vinegars. I use them for everything. I used to call mine my Weight Loss Secret. Super sweet, low calorie, and so tart you don’t need (can’t use!) much. I use it for salad dressing, on top of ice creams or cottage cheese, in lieu of stir fry sauces, a spoonful before baking a halved apple, pear, or even squash. They’re super versatile. Blueberry is my favorite, honey-ginger is another great one. There’s dozens of flavors. Even the chocolate ones are good. I’ve even added a few drops to soda water for an interesting drink. Oli+Ve will ship, but you’ve probably got a local gourmet shop selling it under their own label.

I honestly just don’t buy it. I don’t do moderation well especially while starting a new habit. But increasing water intake, increasing my healthy fats/proteins/fiber intake help. Moving after meals can help too. Even a 10 minute walk after each meal can help.