Diet tips.

[wildeyed]

Several regular posters are trying to lose weight, so I thought it might be interesting for everyone to post the little tricks they use to lose/maintain weight.

Here are mine:

Don't eat late at night. Gotta be hungry some of the time to lose weight, better to do that while asleep. Less irritating that way.

Increase fruit and vegetable consumption.

Decrease meat consumption, substitute tofu and beans for meat and cheese.

Watch the bread and pasta consumption.

Don't keep sweets/junk in the house. Eliminates temptation.

Cardio, cardio, cardio- especially running.

I have noticed that my jeans are getting a tad tighter, so I probably should start these things soon.

[MissMillie]

1. Eat smaller portions more often--keeps your metabolism working.

drink plenty of water

get in plenty of protein

from time to time, indulge in a bite or two of a sweet. (keeps you feeling less deprived)

FIBER! whole grains (in reasonable portions) are you FRIENDS

exercise EVERY day

recognize the things that trigger you to eat (besides hunger) and plan on how to deal with these triggers.

[flvegan]

2. Good idea.

A couple of mine when trying to lose weight:

1. Tell everyone. Mentally, you can defeat your defeatist self if you think others are watching you, thinking that you will either succeed or fail. Your desire to prove them right (or wrong) can be strong;

2. Write it down. Write down everything you eat and drink each day, and what exercise you do. Leave the book out where others could pick it up. Don't lie to yourself...it all needs to go in there. Review past successful periods when needed.

3. Exercise fund. This is the tip I gave Skinner. Set a goal and link it to something you want to buy (within reason). Budget your goal and your success to crossroad. Every time you exercise, make a deposit. When you reach your goal, reward yourself.

4. BUDGET THE TIME. Everone is busy. Most folks go to work at the same time each day, for the same amount of time. Many parents have kids that get up, get ready and go to school on a schedule. Exercise on a schedule. Budget the time.

5. Eat vegan. Not promoting my own agenda, just pointing out...ever seen a fat vegan? Maybe, but how many?

[wildeyed]

3. #3 is one of the ways I quit smoking.

I took the money I would have spent on cigs and spent it on a treat instead. These days cigs are so expensive, if I was quiting now, I probably could have bought a car or something.

#4 is really the crux of the matter for a lot of people. Exercise takes time. Put it on a schedule and honor it like any other commitment you make and it will happen.

[vikegirl]

4. Take a multi-vitamin.

Especially if you're cutting calories; you may be missing some essential vitamins and minerals.

Keep moving! Take the stairs, park further away from your destination, stop by your co-workers office instead of shooting off an email.

Great ideas, folks. I'm going to print this thread out when everyone's contributed.

[Ilsa]

5. I ate some beans today with my lunch.

Man, the gas they created made me feel full all afternoon. (Sorry to be so blatant.)

I think checking the sizes of portions is important when getting started as well.

ITA about late night eating. It can really do you in unless you have a very specific, low (cal or carb or fat) snack to help get you through the night.

[emulatorloo]

6. "decrease meat consumption?" How about "eat lean meats such

as fish, chicken and turkey breasts, rather than pork or red meat"

I get nervous about any diet that reduces protein consumption, as it reminds me way too much of the old USDA food pyramid -- lots of grain and bread, a little protein. How do you think I got fat? By reducing meat consumption.

Also, I feel like my night snack gives my body the fuel it needs to repair muscle etc etc while I rest. Agreed that it should be small and clean food.

In addition I'm doing the Zone -- and you're advised to never be hungry - hunger is symption your body is not working at maximum efficiency. And yet I have lost a lot of body fat and built lean muscle.

Just My Very Humble Opinion.

COOL THREAD!!!!

[wildeyed]

7. I did the Zone years ago.

Not to lose weight, but to help with hypoglycemia problems. It worked. Also, when I was pregnant, I ate a high protein snack every night before bed. Kept my blood sugar even which help me sleep better, and gave me the extra protein I needed to grow a whole other person.

When I was climbing seriously, I ate much more protein than I do now. But now with my more sedentary lifestyle, I really don't need as much. Eating two or three vegetarian meals a week really seems to help me maintain my weight and feel good while I do it. I think it is the additional veggies that get added to the mix that does it. And I eat beans or tofu with the meal, which provide some protein and additional fiber. Last night I made Cuban Black Bean and Sweet Potato Soup (also contained tomatoes, green beans, carrots and onions) and spooned it over a little brown rice. Delicious, nutritious and yummy, too!

I think everyone's body is different at different times in their life. One-size-fits-all diet advice is probably not a good idea. I try to listen to my body and use common sense.

[emulatorloo]

9. Interesting about yr hypoglycemia experiences -- I am diabetic

and I have done so well w managing my diabetes since I started the Zone. My doctor can hardly believe the turnaround in my test results.

I must say your dinner last night sounds delicious!!!!

Now that I think about it you are probably right that most people eat too much protein. And agreed, listening to your body is the best -- and some people's diets are so messed up they can't tell what their body is saying.

:toast:

[wildeyed]

11. I also took a supplement call Glycemic Factors.

http://www.iherb.com/glycemicfac.html

It really helped stabilize my blood sugar. Don't know if it would be appropriate for a diabetic, but it was great for me. :hi:

[MemphisTiger]

17. Very good advice

common sense is something alot of diets are lacking these days

[flamingyouth]

8. These are all great tips

I noticed that my pants were getting tighter too. I think I've been "treating" myself a bit too much lately. I had wine, ice cream and cookies in the house on a regular basis. Not good.

One thing I would add is that I always try to get in some protein for breakfast, which makes me feel fuller all day. :hi:

[wildeyed]

10. I got a bread machine.

Fresh, hot bread all the time. Yum! But I am begining to feel it in my jeans. :o

[flamingyouth]

12. Oh no!

Bread! :9

I started making biscuits after dating my boyfriend, who is from the South. How can something so tasty be so evil? :D

[wildeyed]

13. And it is not just the biscuits and bread,

it is the evil stuff you can put on them. I blame my current predicament primarily on a substance called Nutella. It is chocolate hazelnut spread. The evil ones over and Cooking and Baking turned me on to it. On hot bread in the afternoon, pure heaven. Bet ya can't have just one slice, either :9

[flamingyouth]

14. I LOVE Nutella!

I also adore jellies and jams. MMMM, sugar! :9

[MissMillie]

15. Nutella rocks!

I haven't had it in a long time, but I love it!!!

[MemphisTiger]

16. Don't forget high fiber foods

especially unprocessed carbs like non-instant oatmeal. This stuff is cheap as chips and is very good for you. Add some splenda and cinnamon to it for taste. Also, brown rice is excellent for you. Meat is okay, but eat chicken and fish, and DON'T discount dairy. My diet starts next week.