Diets suck

[Droopy]

Here's what I've been doing. I've been keeping my calories between 1600 and 2000 a day. I eat pretty much what I want to fulfill those calories with just a few of exceptions. I stay away from fast food, sweets, and sugar laden pop. I do have an emergency pint of ice cream in the freezer, but I only eat that when I'm having a tough craving for sweets or cigarettes. And I don't eat the whole pint in one sitting. I'll just have one serving which is about 300 calories so I really don't blow my "diet" too bad.

It's not high protein or low fat, although I do buy some low fat stuff when I'm at the grocery and I've been known to eat a meal of steak and beans.

This strategy along with taking a multi-vitamin and exercising every day has made me 14 pounds lighter since 7/20/05. And it's a diet that I can live with for a long time.

[Systematic Chaos]

1. You are doing great!

If you can stay away from the worst dietary offenders, there is absolutely nothing wrong with "living a little" now and then, as long as you can keep your focus and you don't stop exercising.

Congratulations on the weight loss, and all the other positive changes you have made!

[Droopy]

4. Thanks

I just decided that I could not live with a strict diet like the protein diets or the low fat diets. I need food that tastes good and I need variety. Counting calories is the way to go I think.

[Langis]

2. I'm doing about the same thing

I'm trying to stay anywhere from 1500 to 2000. But I am concentrating on having low fat foods. As well as plenty of fruits and vegetables and a lot of protein. I also cut down my portion size and eat about 6 or 7 times a day. This seems to keep me from being to hungry. Also I let myself break my diet only once a week, to eat out or get pizza or something like that.

For exercise I am working out 5 days a week with a 1-1.5 mile run each day. Then on my two days off I either play basketball, or do a 2-3 mile run.

I started about 4 weeks ago and I'm down 10 lbs and I haven't felt this good in a long time. This is also the first time I have been on a workout program when I was not smoking and it makes a huge difference. I have so much more energy then I did when I was smoking.

[DemExpat]

3. Congrats to you, too, Langis.

It is so hard to make lasting positive changes in diet/exercise/breaking bad habits, but the reward of feeling so much better and having higher energy is the grand prize.

:toast: :hug:

DemEx

[Droopy]

5. Excellent

I quit smoking as well about 5 weeks ago. Like you I've noticed an incredible increase in my energy levels. I think working out will also help increase your energy. If you want to talk to people about working out then check out the exercise and fitness group if you haven't already. I really like that group. It helps keep me motivated.

[auntAgonist]

6. 14 lbs! is awesome

You're doing the RIGHT thing for your health. It sounds like you've got a handle on it and are making some positive lifestyle changes. I'm so pleased for you.

keep up the good work.

gotta luv a loser :yourock: (one who is losing weight)


aA.

[Droopy]

7. Thanks

I feel much better now that I'm doing healthy things to my body instead of abusing it. About 2 hours after I exercise I get a boost of energy that lasts me all night at work. We're talking serious energy. I almost feel manic.

[u4ic]

8. Congrats, Droopy!

:bounce: :toast: :bounce:

Keep up the good work!

[Droopy]

9. Thanks

I'm going to definitely keep going. I'm hooked now.