lightenup2016 Member

Quest bars--cookies n cream and cookie dough flavors--one of the few times I've actually taken a bite of something and thrown the rest away. They should have just had the same flavor name: Chemical Cookie But some people swear by them...funny how we're different!!

If we're talking about frozen entrees like Lean Cuisine and the like, then no, we don't buy them, but mostly because we're a family of 5, and it's not cost effective. If I was on my own, then sure, I'd just look for the ones with the least ingredients, sodium, etc. I do enjoy the occasional frozen burrito from Trader Joe's…

With regular running shoes, I find it very difficult to not heel strike. I have to really think about it, and it feels awkward, to try anything else. Now, if you try running barefoot, or with minimalist shoes, you'll find it much more natural to land on the ball of the foot. Most of us are not used to that, so it's…

Taco Bell bean burrito and a crunchy taco with bean instead of meat (but meat would be ok too, calorie-wise). McDonald's McChicken sandwich and small fries. Or a sausage mcmuffin with small fries or hash browns. Chick-fil-a chicken sandwich (or spicy chicken, even better), and eat a few of my kids' fries. Or get the fruit…

You can also weigh the whole pot of drained noodles, subtract the weight of the pot alone, and calculate calories per gram that way. I think there might be a little variation depending on how long you cook it (and therefore how much water is absorbed by the pasta), but I haven't figured out a better way yet. For other…

I never tried the 1200 calories mfp gave me (even for 1lb per week loss). I upped it to 1450, and generally felt pretty weak and not like myself. I then decided to incorporate two days per week where I eat 1850 calories, for an avg 1550 per day. Ever since adding those two higher days, I've felt much better, with more…

I'm also 44 and just started Strong Lifts a couple of weeks ago. I feel like a wimp, though--still at 25-40lbs :blush:

I do log them, but for most I estimate, for instance, with frozen broccoli. Avocado I'm meticulous about weighing and logging. I do try to weigh potatoes, too.

I second the magnesium (Natural Calm), and have the smooth move tea, but have only used that a couple of times. I'm generally really regular, but I do find that when I'm eating less, I go less often. Makes sense though if you have less food in your system.

I use butter for eggs, pancakes, etc, coconut oil for quesadillas (tastes good this way, but haven't tried with a lot of other foods due to the flavor), and olive oil for most everything else. We do try to steam our vegetables first, and then add olive oil right at the end of cooking. We don't really do much cooking of…

This is one of my family's favorites--shredded chicken tacos!

Right, I realized this after I posted it. Still funny, though, to think that my family is breathing in my breath that contains the carbon dioxide from the pounds I lost. We only have one house plant, but it doesn't seem to be benefiting much!

So if I'm breathing out my weight that I'm losing, does that mean my kids are breathing me in as they're growing? :lol:

At home, barefoot for DVD workouts, lifting, yoga, etc. I have a running treadmill on which I wear shoes for running, and I also have a treadmill desk for walking while I work from home. Walking on my treadmill desk I do barefoot, but I did have to work up to it slowly, since sometimes it's for hours at a time. I feel that…

This for me as well! But not too light...it's a balance.

I tried the various alternative milks as well. I'd say I liked cashew milk the most, because it had the least nutty flavor. Just a little splash of regular milk or cream is ok, too, and should have fewer calories than that creamer, but won't have the sweet. Whatever you try, be sure to measure it out at first to get an…

I switched to black coffee with about 1/3 tsp of sugar. If it's decent coffee, I don't miss the creamer. Sometimes I'll add a dash of cinnamon. I've also added unsweetened cocoa powder (about 7 calories/tsp). My husband has added vanilla extract to his, but never used creamer to begin with. If you're not one to go…

That's hilarious, and so cute! And apparently it works! There was a time when I received a certain treat as a gift (can't recall what it was now) that was so tempting at the time, that I had my husband hide it from me, and dole out small portions when I asked. I haven't done that since, but it was effective!

Anyone tried this? https://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Cookie-Dough-Caf-Chocolate-Chip-Edible-Cookie-Dough-16-oz/185840088

I second that the TJs stir fried cauliflower rice is very good! Has garlic and ginger, and is great on its own, or with chicken added.

Something else I've recently discovered helps me, is to divide my food into smaller portions, having the 2nd portion as "seconds", even if I eat all of it. For instance, Friday night is often homemade pizza night at our house. I usually plan to eat two slices at 350 cal each, but often go back for another half slice or…

To add to this, I've recently begun asking for the to-go box with the meal, and I'll put half of the meal into the to-go box right away. That way I feel like what's left on my plate is my full meal, but I'm really only eating half. Otherwise, I sit there and pick and pick and end up only taking a very small portion home.…

I didn't read the link, but I do 1450 cal five days a week, and 1850 cal on Fridays and Tuesdays. That's been working great for me. I can splurge a little on those two higher days, or even switch the Tuesday high allowance to another day, such as if we have plans for dinner out. No, I won't lose quite as much as I would at…

As others have said, my husband does this (or more like 18/6), but I get hangry and obsessive about food. I do better just skipping breakfast and waiting until 1pm to eat. Not sure if hormones have something to do with it, since OMAD seems to be easier for men, anecdotally.

OP, I saw your post regarding eating 20% fat. I think that sounds really low, and difficult to pull off. I would recommend eating in a way that you'll want to continue even after weight loss. Just stick to your calorie goal--the added fat can keep you feeling fuller longer, anyway. Good luck!

I'm like this, too. My breakdown is generally like this for 1450 calories: "Breakfast "--120 calories, just coffee, sugar, and a square of dark chocolate Lunch--350 calories, often an egg and cheese burrito or a bean burrito, or maybe a veg soup with chicken added in Snack--130 calories, usually Fage 2% Greek yogurt, or a…

Have you tried skipping breakfast altogether? I find I have more energy and less appetite if I just wait to eat. I do have decaf coffee with a square of dark chocolate, but other than that I don't eat until 1pm. It's not for everyone, but just a suggestion you could try.

Staples for myself: Fage yogurt Eggs Butter 85% dark chocolate Decaf coffee Broccoli Cauliflower Carrots Hummus Avocado Frozen vegetables Cheese (mozzarella, Mexican blend, pepper jack) Crackers Tortillas Clif bars (choc chip peanut butter) Larabars (choc chip peanut butter) Apples Bananas Salsa Beer Wine For hubby and/or…

I need to do this!

I have them, but not during workouts. Sometimes they kick in when I've run up the stairs and then laid down. But overall mine are usually stress related, and I have a prescription beta blocker for when they really bother me.