Questions

[ladyumbra]

So it's not quite a week into my renewed attempt to get healthy and I've already hit a stumbling block.

I've had various success in the past with 1 1/2 months to lose 6 pounds and basically one weekend to gain it back ( I'm are that most of the regain was likely water weight but I was so disheartened I just couldn't get back in my groove and made it all the way back to 248 as of last week. I'm 5'5 and every lb of fat shows a lot.

I've no access to a gym so I workout at home with 2 and 3lb weights one of those yoga balls and some resistance bands that came with the ball and weights ( ty internet for showing me what to do with them). I'm as of last sunday also getting in about an hour of cardio a day playing dance dance revolution. i can play on a high enough level where my feet never stop moving and I'm dripping sweat at the end of each three song set. It may not be as effective as other more traditional cardio but it works for me and i can stick to it.

Anyways that's the background onto the questions.

Going from basically sitting infront of the computer all day to moderate exercise and a strict diet of 1700-1800 calories a day ( from god only knows how many but a full small- medium sized frozen pizza was usually included in my food every other day or so) I know I'm going to lose weight my question is if the weight loss is highly effected by what I eat. Currently I'm eating less but the mini sausages rolls and chicken burgers and breaded veal I eat now still have a lot of salt and fat in them.

Can I still lose weight by eating less even if the food I'm eating less of still isn't the most healthy? ( though I've got slimfast shakes and hardboiled eggs normally for breakfast so it's not a complete nutritional disaster).

Since I'm not the main breadwinner of the house I don't get the biggest say in what food gets bought for groceries and such but I do control what's gotten so I can make lunch while she's at work.

If I can alter even one major meal I'm eating does that help overall or does whatever I eat at dinner overshadow it?

I'm not going to make excuses anymore. I can't control everything but I can make better changes in what I do control. I just need a little guidance as to what I need to do.

Edit: How long does it take your body to adjust to eating less cravings wise. I know I'm getting enough to eat now but at all the times I used to snack my body starts demanding food.

 

[tiredaussiemum]

Hi,

you can still eat delicious food! Its just a matter of how you prepare it.

I make wholemeal pita breads topped with salsa, light mozzarella, green pepper, mushrooms, olives, jalapeno, red onion, anchovies. Absolutely sensational and VERY low in fat.

I make my own schnitzels with wholegrain breadcrumbs and olive oil spray - yummy if baked in the oven. add a huge salad and bake some wedges if youre extra hungry...delicious and healthy.

you can mince your own meat for burgers, adding wholegrain breadcrumbs too. Add onions, sauces, whatever you like then fry using olive oil spray.

Your body actually requires a small amount of fat to function well. You can have a dressing with oil in it, or shallow fry at a very high temp, and still be healthy. One of my favorite snacks is italian bread with an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip. I also chop tomatoes, red onion, garlic (raw - superfood!) basil, olive oil, balsamic and seasonings together and eat it on pasta, bruschetta...

the list is endless!

 

[ladyumbra]

I think I see what you're getting at. I can still eat a lot of what I like but it helps if I make it instead of letting it come to me frozen.Looks like it's time for me to learn to cook, though the pita and Italian bread both sound pretty easy. Mind you I would live on bread of I could so I'll probably try those first.

I do believe we're doing groceries Saturday so I can ask my fiancee to pick those things up for me.

 

[MarkC]

Hi ladyumbra firstly you say that when it comes to snack time your body starts to demand food thats fine but it's a matter of what you eat at that time.

If you eat something that knocks the craving on the head thats great a apple say or some fruit, you'll probably find that you may be not getting the right balance of vitamins and or minerals say for instance do you eat 25g of fiber per day that can make a huge difference. You need to get rid of the sausage rolls and foods that have a lot of salt and fat in them.

Your body will hold onto water if you have to much salt in your eating habits, also don't starve yourself that's a mistake a lot of people make, try and eat six small meals a day.

 

[Omega]

I love to snack - but try and eat healthily. I know that if ever I get to my goal weight I will want to snack then too - so I might as well learn healthy habits that I have a chance of sticking with into the future.

I often have fruit or a handful of cereal on a plate. Raw salad veg can be great to nibble too.

If you cook your own meals like I do you can really pile your plate high with vegetables. I eat more now than I did before I started losing weight. Like a lot of people I list what I eat each day. Feel free to look in my diary and see what I eat. If you want to know how to cook anything - just ask. I am sure that a lot of people that list their food will be only too happy to give you pointers on how things can be cooked.

Best wishes
Margaret

 

[tiredaussiemum]

Your meals should get smaller as the day goes on.

Make your breakfast and lunch the major meals (split them in half so you can eat them at 2 hourly intervals, eg 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches). Then dinner can be just a snack.

Some nights I just have a poached egg on wholegrain toast - another super snack, high in fibre and protein but very low in fat.

Above all you must stop eating frozen/preprepared food....its dietary suicide and will undo all your hard work during the day while leaving you feeling unsatisfied and wanting more.

As a general rule of thumb, you should wake up starving every morning - if you dont, you have overeaten the night before.