SparkPoints: (67,777)
Fitness Minutes: (53,729)
Posts: 5,903
1/14/12 11:59 A

Planning is definitely key. I found I really had to make ETL one of my top priorities for the first couple of weeks. Once I got into a routine it became much easier but I still have to set aside a couple of hours a week for food prep.

current weight: 233.0

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150

Posts: 6
1/14/12 12:13 A

Thanks for the tips! I have some cauliflower that I haven't used yet. I might have to try mashing some up tomorrow. I also have some lentils I have to break out and do something with.

I think the thing I really have to do is plan better. I keep getting home from work starving and throwing lettuce on a plate with some balsamic. Not bad every once in awhile, but you know what I'm getting at...

SparkPoints: (22,800)
Fitness Minutes: (16,152)
Posts: 1,454
1/13/12 10:26 P

Welcome! I like mashed cauliflower too (never tried it as rice but that sounds good too) - I had it years ago at a Ruby Tuesday's as part of their South Beach friendly diet and I loved it and have been making it at home. I also find that lentils and beans fill me up, as do the green smoothies - so I'm not really craving heavy carbs. I do have a small portion of wild and brown rice once in awhile, and this week, I bought some whole wheat pasta and am going to give it a try.

SparkPoints: (67,777)
Fitness Minutes: (53,729)
Posts: 5,903
1/13/12 8:11 P

Welcome! My strategy is to find and make new recipes fairly regularly. I am shooting for once a week. This definitely helps to keep me from getting bored. There are so many salad and soup combinations out there. I also like trying new fruits and veggies when I see them. I shop at an organic market and every so often there is something new there. I thought I had tried everything- boy was I wrong. Look for new types of fruits and veggies online and then try to track some of them down. Beans, especially lentils, helped curb my carb cravings. If you finely chop cauliflower, it can look a lot like rice. If you season it or mix in some beans you might even fool yourself!

current weight: 233.0

254 228 202 176

150

Posts: 6
1/13/12 7:37 P

I've been lurking for a couple of days and thought I should introduce myself. :) I started ETL on Monday, so today is day 5. It's been a rough few days, but I weighed myself this morning and I'm down 5 pounds! This is very challenging though, even for someone who likes fruits/veggies. No desire for meat, but I'm dying for some carbs.

Any tips to keep from getting bored with what we're eating?