I fight the urge to be an all or nothing girl, I really do.
Everyday a new fad, or a new diet, or a new “challenge” comes out. It’s hard not to fall for the claims. But honestly, do you think they’ve come out with anything mold breaking in weight loss? Do you not think the 60% of us that are overweight would be winning our battles?
Early on in my weight loss, I lived on Lean Cuisines, 100 calorie packs and diet Pepsi. I had a high calorie deficit and eventually I burned out. The problem with eating like this is that it isn’t sustainable. You fill your body with high sodium crap. And usually end up eating a few of those “100 calorie” packs, because after all, they’re “only 100 calories”. And so tempting and easy to eat too much of.
I have a family member who is a prime example of this. She generally doesn’t eat much, however it isn’t unheard of for her to eat 7-8 of those packs a day. That’s 700-800 calories! Add your meals in and you will see where the problem lies.
I have found that protein is my ticket. I can have a 6oz steak, 2 cups or veggies and a baked potato for about 500 calories. That will keep me full for hours! 5 of those 100 calorie packs will not, and will probably spike my blood sugar enough to crave more of them.
Eat in moderation. Control portion sizes. Restaurant meals are often 4 times a normal serving! You can eat cheese, milk, real bacon, sour cream, potatoes, rice etc while “dieting”. Just count your calories. Fill up on fibrous and protein filled foods. Stay hydrated.
Cutting food groups out isn’t the answer. This is a lifestyle change, you have to learn how to eat for life. This is why I see SO many people who have had bariatric surgery not meet their goals, or gain it all back. They never learned how to make it a lifestyle. Subsisting on a 900-1100 calorie a day liquid diet is not how we are supposed to live.
We’re in this for the long haul – and that means changing habits. You have to change your mindset to change your life.
“Actually, I just woke up one day and decided I didn’t want to feel like that anymore, or ever again. So I changed. Just like that.”
