jdramage

Congrats on your upcoming graduation! It looks like there are lots of great suggestions here. What I'd like to add that it seems that life in general makes it difficult to be on a diet... whether you're in high school, at work, on holidays, out with friends, etc. There are always going to be obstacles to your healthy…

Have you ever read "He's Just Not That Into You"? I'm not talking about the movie (which was a big disappointment for me). Seriously though, the book is fantastic. It's an easy read, hilarious, and very uplifting. I'm recently out of a 3 1/2 year relationship and it is ridiculously hard. I think I've experienced every…

I've learned that temptation is EVERYWHERE! No wonder so many people struggle with their weight... It's almost like society sets us up to fail. Sedentary lifestyles, eating with every social occasion, extra large portion sizes, etc. It can be really disheartening... but... it is possible! And man do you feel good about…

Hi! I am like you and my daily allowance is 1200 calories. I've been at this for a while and I've figured it all out. Yes, the key is to get in exercise each day and then I usually eat back everything that I have burned. On days where I don't exercise, it can be tough. You just need to find foods that fill you up for less…

I love everything about what you said here! I feel so strongly about the millions of "diets" that are out there after what I have learned using MFP. The name of the game is LEARNING how to eat and exercise and live a normal life. Understanding the nutritional value of what you're putting in your mouth and also the…

I was just going to say that this is my favorite combo! I like the tartness of the granny smith apples. I've been eating this snack since I was a kid and I often get weird looks from people... Glad to hear others enjoy it as well.

I heard that on the news this morning too! They didn't mention anything about eating so I imagine that's for people who just eat whatever they want. If that was the case for me I'd have to exercise an hour a day to lose weight for sure. Personally I like to monitor my caloric intake and I also enjoy exercising. Some days…

I agree with this. I definitely felt concerned when I read your introduction. You seem like a lovely young girl and it worries me that 13 year olds are concerned about a fat roll or big thighs. This is the time your body will be going through a lot of changes and it will definitely be a learning curve. I think…

What are you eating for dinner? Try to include protein and fiber which will help fill you up. I also allow myself something small and sweet after dinner and a cup of herbal tea. It's my way of concluding the day and telling myself that that's it!

These are my go-to foods: Take two regular potatoes (I read up on these and there are SO many health benefits), pierce with a fork and microwave for 5 minutes. Cut them up into bite-size pieces and topped with steamed broccoli and some melted, low-fat cheese. It's delicious. For dessert I take a half cup of plain yogurt,…

This is very exciting for you. Congratulations. I would just caution that the general rule seems to be no one should ever be under 1200 calories a day. That is the minimum. It doesn't sound like you're eating a heck of a lot but you seem to be ok with your meal plan. The best success seems to come from an eating and…

Absolutely! I've always enjoyed watching the Biggest Loser but often I end up thinking "I don't have nearly as much weight to lose as these folks do, it's probably ok if I have that <insert junk food item here>"!

I made this on the weekend with stuff in my fridge. Perfect smoothie! I banana 4 strawberries 1/8 cup 100% cranberry juice 1/4 cup plain yogurt Yum.

So I'm a little biased responding to this although I fully support your commitment. I don't believe the "no carb" way of thinking to be a lifestyle change at all. It is a diet and diets are difficult to maintain. I'm no scientist or nutritionist but your body needs a balance of foods which includes healthy carbs. This…

I live in Canada and the problem for me has been that the same product will vary a lot from what is posted, which I imagine is the American version. So when I put new food entries into the database I will always put (Canada) in the title. It has helped me manage a lot better and hopefully will not confuse anyone.

This morning I tried two pieces of whole grain toast, topped with 1/4 cup no-salt-added cottage cheese, 1/2 cup sliced strawberries, and a sprinkling of cinnamon. It was so delicious and kept me full longer than usual. The cheese has tons of protein, fiber in the toast, and sweetness from the fruit. It sounds like you…

My stomach has always been my concern area. Since using MFP and following the calories I have noticed a small but sure difference on the scale and general weight/fat loss from all over. My favorite workout is power yoga. We actually have hot yoga where you're in a heated room which is fantastic but I'm not sure if it's…

Personally I wouldn't say it's bad. If anything, it's definitely good that you're trying to make better choices than getting a full fat and full sugar drink. I would just make sure that you consider it a treat and not necessarily a daily occurance. There's very little nutritional value if any at all in that type of drink.…

I don't have an answer here but I fully support your question! I love lean cuisines. They are cheap, contain veggies, are portion-controlled, and super convenient. I don't eat them everyday but they sure help me get through the work week. I also wondered about the sodium content based on what I've heard about frozen,…

Definitely inspirational! You brought a little tear to my eye :) Congratulations on your new outlook. I hope everyone can experience what you are experiencing now.

Steamed and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and tossed with oregano and some feta :)

This may not help you at all and I'm not trying to belittle your problems, but whenever I feel that way I try to remind myself of what I'm grateful for in my life. I'll read some articles and look at pictures of the devastation in Haiti for example or other things going on in the world that truly are horrific. I also read…

I mix some balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, cracked black pepper, and dried oregano. It's great for you and goes with any salad :)

I believe you're talking about Goodlife Fitness, right? I'm guessing you're Canadian because I don't think they have them in the States :) Anyway, I definitely like those classes. BodyJam is my favorite because it's like a dance class. I've also done BodyStep although I felt uncoordinated trying to learn the steps, and…

My favorite is Kraft Greek with Feta and Oregano. Only 60 calories for a tablespoon. It's made with olive oil so it has the good fats: heart-healthy omega 3s :) A little bit goes a long way.

I agree with Arienna. I also love nutella on a rice cake.

I definitely allow myself to snack because if I don't and try to resist it will just be much worse when I finally give in. I just make sure they are low calorie snacks that are satisfying. My favs are air popped popcorn with some olive oil instead of butter, rice cakes with nutella if I'm craving chocolate, or some…

Congrats Reina! Everyone here is very supportive so I'm sure you'll find success. You'll quickly learn about the foods you choose to eat and the term "moderation" will become a large part of your vocabulary. MFP has been a big eye-opener for me when I started examing what I was putting in my mouth. Now, I've learned a lot…

It sounds like a lot of us can feel your pain. I think it's totally true that these people react negatively to your actions towards eating and working out because it only reminds them that they are not doing that and probably not happy deep down with the state that they are in, and of course other people just don't care…

What I've done wrong in the past is completely refuse to eat whatever it is that I'm craving, only to eventually cave and go overboard. I love bakery sweets and they are often around my office too. What I will do is cut a danish or muffin or whatever in half and eat it slowly. I tell myself that's all I'm allowed to have…