Oh, I use to eat like this! I worked in the restaurants and would eat when I was hungry which was once a day really, I then quit got pregnant and learned to eat. I did not put on a ton of weight but it has slowly creeped in and now I am 20 lbs from my goal. I started 15 lbs back so I am close, LOL!
I still can not bring myself to eat breakfast but I do eat healthily, I drink my water and try to live a healthier life in my world, LOL! I could never eat three meals a day, not sure why, I am just not programmed that way. The biggest this is to know that you can be happy and healthy! I found for met hat the big thing as the water, I had to give up allot to get the water but since I have found it, I have been able to lose and maintain my weight.
Joanna
FABMAMA 8/19/04 3:16 P
What a novel idea to act as Jackie O. You have a point there. So many times I have eaten mindlessly stuffing myself w/ inferior foods and became very apparent on my hips thighs and tummy. If the eating once a day of quality foods is working for you, then go for it. I admire your discipline.
MIMI33 8/19/04 2:41 P
I love that Martini diet. That is so cute. Are you using that philosphy?
FOUNDSEEI 7/23/04 2:10 P
I like the Craving Jar idea a lot. To be fair, the "eat once a day" thing works better in theory than in practice--I started off today with two servings of fruit yogurt (because I'd dropped them on my way into work and they were already open! Laugh). But I've lost a couple of pounds already, so wish me luck.
I was browsing in a Barnes & Noble the other day and stumbled across something called "The Martini Diet," which I opened because it looked funny. It IS funny, but it also seemed to advocate a great approach to eating that I can really groove with:
Eat As Though You're Jackie O.
Example: Would Jackie Ever, EVER be seen at a McDonald's Drive-through, or driving down the road snarfing french fries? HECK no. Would Jackie be seen on the street sucking on a latte in public? HECK no. Jackie, a pillar of sophistication and elegance, knew that she deserved to eat nothing but the best. She would eat only GOOD food served on the nicest china, seated and concentrating on the meal.
If I can eat as though I'm Jackie O., I think I'll be fine! No more inelegant fast food or vulgar "eating on the run." From now on, I'm only having food I really WANT.
SPECIALK1 7/23/04 12:53 P
You have to start a plan that will work for you. Don't focus on the time of day you eat. Focus on when you are really hungry (not just being able to drink some water and be full hungry). I've been eating a lot of fruit when I crave something sweet, and replacing "bad" starchy foods with veggies. Eat when you are hungry, and if you crave something bad find a way to forget. For example: Once you crave something set a timer for ten minutes (or 20...) and say to yourself "I can have it in 10 minutes." After waiting you probably won't want it anymore. OR start a jar of cravings. Everytime you want something that is not good for you write it down and put it in a jar. At the end of the week, pick something out of the jar and reward yourself for waiting. :)
FOUNDSEEI 7/21/04 12:26 P
Yeah, I know. It doesn't sound balanced at all. But it's the only thing that's ever worked for me. Thing is, when I eat early in the day (breakfast or lunch), it actually awakens this screaming, uncontrollable hunger monster that then demands to be fed and fed and fed, and it won't be satisfied with tiny amounts, either. But if I delay my eating until dinnertime, I'm good. Can only eat so much at one time.
I've tried everything through the years (have struggled with my weight my entire adult life). Five small meals is simply beyond my willpower--doesn't work for me the way it does for others. All it does is get me ravenously hungry and flip the "F*** It, I Must Eat Now!" switch.
I know nutritionists would have my head, but the only time in my life I've ever really loved the way I looked was when I was probably technically starving--in an alcoholic relationship, worried constantly, eating infrequently, and basically not hungry, ever. It wasn't a plan I'd care to duplicate, though.
:-S
CRISWITHNOH 7/21/04 10:42 A
wait...you only eat once a day? um...that doesn't sound to balanced. how does that work?
FOUNDSEEI 7/20/04 2:41 P
Hi, gang. Glad there's a 20 lb. club, cuz that's what I need. I've laid them on alarmingly fast--17 in the past 8 months. Ouch. Before that, I was maintaining a weight I was happy with for 3 years by eating once a day, but darn it, then I got happy, I started eating lunch again, and here I am back at the old "setpoint."
No gym membership--but a lovely San Diego neighborhood to walk around in the evenings. Did 60 very brisk minutes last night and got the heart rate up to 140 for at least 45 of them. Probably covered 4 - 5 miles, but haven't driven the circuit so am not sure. Also have a bike that hasn't been ridden in two and a half years, two swimsuits that might like to dip into the ocean for a swim once in a while, and a ravenous appetite. :-(
Are there specific tactics some of you have used to kickstart the effort?
