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Counting calories
I know you need a balanced diet and you need to stay away from bad fats and sugar etc. I'll give you an idea as far as my daily menu and then I'll ask my question. Fiber one,skimmilk, sliced banana@ breakfast, an orange morning snack, light whole grain bread roasted tukey romaine and tomato with Progresso light soup, @lunch special K bar for snack and lean cuisine for supper total 1100cal. Now my question is if your counting calories as far as weight loss, does it matter where the calories come from? I need to be realistic I can't spend the rest of my life cutting this food and that food and going to extremes I need to be able to eat "normal" can I go to family picnic and eat whats there just smaller portions and stay a relitively normal weight We live in the country my family eats meatloaf and macaroni salad if you know what I mean. I don't mind eating fiber one or lean cuisine but realisticly no one going to serve that at our family reunion.
COMMUNITY LEADER
I'm a firm believer that most foods can be fit into a weight loss program, so long as your eliminate the really "bad" ones, like refined sugar, white flour, etc. I don't believe that it should take a lot of discipline to lose weight. It take wise choices...... I have a good friend who says "I can't afford to waste calories on something I don't really like"...... if it's not one of your favorite foods, eliminate it from your diet....... don't waste the calories on something you don't totally enjoy.
If you go to a family picnic and there's macaroni salad, a small portion isn't going to derail you, but maybe you could get them to use whole grain macaroni? ...... again, though, don't waste calories on something you don't totally enjoy. Sure, it might look good, but check out the food table - there may be better choices that you will enjoy a whole lot more.
A weight loss plan must include foods that you can stick with over the long haul, or it's not going to succeed....... you're right - fiber one and lean cuisine are not foods that you will stay with for any length of time, nor will they be served at the family picnic.
If you go to a family picnic and there's macaroni salad, a small portion isn't going to derail you, but maybe you could get them to use whole grain macaroni? ...... again, though, don't waste calories on something you don't totally enjoy. Sure, it might look good, but check out the food table - there may be better choices that you will enjoy a whole lot more.
A weight loss plan must include foods that you can stick with over the long haul, or it's not going to succeed....... you're right - fiber one and lean cuisine are not foods that you will stay with for any length of time, nor will they be served at the family picnic.
Hey Nicky,
It's definitely challenging to keep up with a specific diet while the rest of the family goes along their merry way, eating whatever they please. But you're right, with a little creativity and portion control, you can modify your meals to suit your needs.
Your calorie range is good. So are your diet choices. But you might find yourself more satisfied having adequate protein at every meal, especially breakfast. Fibre is important, yes, but it is something that can be easily snuck into any meal. You'll probably feel more energetic starting your day out with a scrambled egg and a couple eggwhites instead. Throw in some of your favourite veggies for flavour and fibre. If you choose to have a slice of toast with it, skip having bread with your lunch and go for a turkey or chicken salad instead.
It does matter where your calories come from when it comes to optimal health. You've probably noticed how some people can live on McDonalds and candy and still stay slender, but this doesn't mean that they are healthy. In a week's time, they may not be eating more calories or gaining weight, but this type of diet won't serve them in the long run. It IS possible to be a slim fat person.
What you are doing is a great start. Be sure that there are no other hidden calories that may be hindering your results because honestly, a little here and a little there does add up quickly. It takes discipline to be stingy with your calorie intake, but it is 100% worth it.
For weight loss, a disciplined diet's best friend is exercise. Put the two together and that's when you'll really notice an improvement. If you don't already, make time for 30-60 minute walks or jogs daily, increasing your speed as you get more in shape. Muscle eats fat and will speed your metabolism so you are burning more calories each day. You'll have more energy and sleep better as well.
And finally keep your focus on the prize. Try no to dwell on what your family and friends are doing in comparison to you. Everyone has to deal with weight control at some point in their lives, and it definitely helps to have support. If you can't get that from your family, look elsewhere. Stay strong and you will reach your goals!
All the best,
Brittany
It's definitely challenging to keep up with a specific diet while the rest of the family goes along their merry way, eating whatever they please. But you're right, with a little creativity and portion control, you can modify your meals to suit your needs.
Your calorie range is good. So are your diet choices. But you might find yourself more satisfied having adequate protein at every meal, especially breakfast. Fibre is important, yes, but it is something that can be easily snuck into any meal. You'll probably feel more energetic starting your day out with a scrambled egg and a couple eggwhites instead. Throw in some of your favourite veggies for flavour and fibre. If you choose to have a slice of toast with it, skip having bread with your lunch and go for a turkey or chicken salad instead.
It does matter where your calories come from when it comes to optimal health. You've probably noticed how some people can live on McDonalds and candy and still stay slender, but this doesn't mean that they are healthy. In a week's time, they may not be eating more calories or gaining weight, but this type of diet won't serve them in the long run. It IS possible to be a slim fat person.
What you are doing is a great start. Be sure that there are no other hidden calories that may be hindering your results because honestly, a little here and a little there does add up quickly. It takes discipline to be stingy with your calorie intake, but it is 100% worth it.
For weight loss, a disciplined diet's best friend is exercise. Put the two together and that's when you'll really notice an improvement. If you don't already, make time for 30-60 minute walks or jogs daily, increasing your speed as you get more in shape. Muscle eats fat and will speed your metabolism so you are burning more calories each day. You'll have more energy and sleep better as well.
And finally keep your focus on the prize. Try no to dwell on what your family and friends are doing in comparison to you. Everyone has to deal with weight control at some point in their lives, and it definitely helps to have support. If you can't get that from your family, look elsewhere. Stay strong and you will reach your goals!
All the best,
Brittany
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