Wanting to lose weight

[ready2enjoylife]

I need to lose weight. I am an emotional eater, and my portions are way off. I am trying to find ways to keep myself full without consuming too many calories. Also, would like to know what is recommened to rid of belly fat. Most of my weight is in the belly area. I have had two kids, and am afraid that I may not ever have a flat tummy.

[pirilla]

Hi dear, while I do hope you manage to take care of the emotional side of your current eating patterns, may I just say that even if you do overeat things like: radish, carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, green leaves, etc etc etc, your weight problem will most likely resolve.
I'm yet to meet some1 who's putting on weight because they overeat veggies and fruits.
Forget about dressings, sauces and stuff like that. Drop that chocolate, ice cream, cake... (and I mean not ONE bite for at least several months, your brain will slowly de-program those cravings)
If you don't have a particular knack for veggies and leafs and fruits, take my grannies advice: "hunger is the best spice" :D
As months pass by, you will go from emotional cravings to REAL cravings (your body is ready to tell you which nutrients you need) and you will slowly understand that it's not about feeling "full" but feeling "replenished".
It's a long road, I've been there. It's very very hard but you can do it too :)))

[Jaquta]

Some say that drinking water before a meal dilutes stomach acid.  Is that a good thing?

The rest sounds like great advice.

[James G Beckerman, M.D.]

Here are some ideas to help with portions:

1) Drink at least six glasses of water a day - with three of them before each of your meals.
2) Eat breakfast every day.
3) Try to eat a broth-based soup or have a salad (with fat free dressing) before every dinner.
4) Focus on fiber - only buy breakfast cereals and breads that are high in fiber, and avoid white bread and white rice.
5) Limit your alcohol intake.

This should get your started!!!  Stay tuned for publication of The Flex Diet in December for more ideas!  Take care!

[Jaquta]

Because you're an emotional eater it is most likely the problem isn't about food.  Perhaps fulfilling your own emotional needs is what will help you feel full.
There is an emotional eating expert forum which I find useful.  You might try posting there (although I think the expert is currently away).  He also has a website (shrinkyourself.com).

Dr Beckerman also has some useful tips in his earliest blog.  You could check those out as well.

Good luck.