It's So Hard!!

[Illaia]

I'm new to the FitBit community and so far I'm loving my Flex!  When I first got it, it was extremely gung-ho... and now that it's been almost a month, I'm less "ho".  I just find it discouraging when I'm counting calories and looking at numbers.  I finally downloaded MFP and I'm even more discouraged.  I had no idea that I was eating THAT much!  I guess it's true when they say that ignorance is bliss.

In the middle of April, I got the stomach flu, and though I hate to admit it, I lost more weight from those few days I was ill than the time I've had my tracker.  Granted, I hadn't really taken long walks like I have been this past week...  I can say that my average (non-lunchtime walk) steps were in the 5k area.  Now that I take lunchtime walks, it's bumped up to over 10k since I hit 10k by the time I have to leave work to go home.  I've played with the idea of upping my step goals and I may just do that starting next week to maybe 12k a day instead of the usual 10k.

Another thing that I've noticed is that it's hard for me to give up certain foods.  I am a carboholic.  I love rice and pasta and bread.  Moreso rice than anything else.  I am trying to limit my rice to one bowl a night at dinner, but sometimes I make excuses to eat a little more.  I was good last night, but I'm wondering how long that will last.  I had given up fast food for the longest time, as well, but lately I find myself at the local McD's now and then. 

I did make myself veggie packs over the weekend, which I can toss into the microwave for my own "steamers" -- broc, cauliflower, carrots, and waterchestnuts....  We'll see how long this lasts... the good eating, I mean.  I like the walking.  I feel a lot better when I do it...  and my pants are getting a little loose that I have to wear a belt or else they'll fall down.  So, I suppose I'm making progress.  It just seems so hard.

I know I won't see instant results and I'd rather not... because those tend to have a sneaky way of coming back when you least expect it.  I guess I just needed a place to vent.  🙂

[Trooper]

The first few weeks are a nightmare. I gave up Diet Sodas, Sweets, Chips, and limited my portion sizes. The hunger pangs were hard to deal with. In some of my other posts I suggessted a couple of things to help you with your cravings. Try the Mini Turkey Sticks. They are a good healthy snack and you can eat up to 3 and only eat 60 calories. Keep a couple of Special K snacks on hand with you too!!. My weight is dropping to point that I am having to get rid of pants that are just too big! But I had to make sacrifices. good luck!

[WendyB]

Its always hard in the begining. But once you get the hang of it you will do fine.

Make sure to weigh and measure at first. Most of us do not know what a serving size is.

[SuperStephSteph]

Maybe consider a more gradual lifestyle change instead of cutting out all the foods you love at once. Sure you're over consuming most of the time, and that sucks, but it's great that you know now. 

For me the way I was successful in changing my eating habits was to give up one thing at a time. First I gave up soda (diet AND regular because even though diet doesn't have calories it's crap for your body), after that I gave up other snack foods, I eventually progressed to giving up all the "bad" foods most of the time. The key is most of the time. There is nothing wrong with indulging in a snack you love once in a while. Personally having a snack or soda here or there (every week or two) helps to keep me on track because instead of thinking "man I wish I could eat that but it's forbidden to me" I think "hey I'm really craving a coke, I'll have on on Friday as a reward for being good all week". Even when I have a cheat day I make sure to log my calories in MFP so that I can really see how much I'm having. By knowing exactly you can help to change your state of mind, it was hard at first, but now when I eat somethingn I shouldn't I look at the calories and I think how hard I worked to earn it: i.e. when I eat a Reece's Egg it's 320 calories, and I think about how I'd have to be on the eliptical for 45 minutes to "earn" it. 

I also take the same approach as alcoholics to in AA: One day at a time! If I want junk and I know I shouldn't have it I don't tell myself I can't, I just say "not today". Celebrating those small victories adds up in the end, and makes you go less crazy trying to stay on track. Lastly when you're about to eat think of why you're eating. I eat out of boredom personally, so if I ask myself the "why" of eating and the answer is "I'm bored" I'll pour myself a glass of water instead. If the answer isn't "because I'm hungry", try to divert your attention elsewhere. 

Good luck to you! 

[dancefoxtrot]

Hi IIIiai

Carboholic is an addiction and you break the habit. You are doing great on the walking so keep it up.

The food choices will determine your health for the rest of your life. Most all chronic disease is triggered by unhealthy eating the nutrition scientists now are discovering. Diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol etc.. I remind myself that I'm more important than rice or pasta or bread.  I fill up with veggies, beans, salmon, salad and don't make the other stuff.

Best of your journey. It is hard but becomes easier as the new way of eating becomes a habit for life.

Barb 

[HelenaFitbit]

It feels like we have the same story @Illaia! I sabotaged myself with yo-yo diets and food I wasn't supposed to eat to the point of having a gallbladder removal. 

I know it's hard, but you need to remember the reasons why you are doing this; you are already walking so much! You're only missing the push for the food situation. 

Have you considered meal planning? Setting up your meals ahead of time (including treats) will prevent overeating and guesstimating portions. 

Hang in there, we can do this!